Farmers in certain Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi counties can now apply for the “Conjunctive Water Use Protects Mid-South Aquifers” Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
This USA Rice – Ducks Unlimited Rice Stewardship Partnership project will focus on reversing source water depletion of the Mississippi Alluvial, Spart, and Chicot aquifers.
Natural rivers, bayous, oxbow lakes, and drainage canals, along with constructed tailwater storage, all provide an ample source of irrigation waters that can be used first and foremost each growing season. Turning to available surface-water irrigation offers significant relief for groundwater resources which could reverse Mid-South aquifer declines.
“We are thrilled to continue expanding the conservation opportunities the Rice Stewardship Partnership brings to working ricelands”, said Josh Hankins, Director of Grower Relations and Rice Stewardship Partnership for USA Rice.
State-specific information is listed below.
Arkansas deadline: May 26th
Eligible Arkansas counties: Ashley, Chicot, Desha, and Drew
Rice Stewardship Contact: Jessica Allen, Rice Stewardship Coordinator, (870) 222-7770
Louisiana deadline: May 19th
Eligible Louisiana parishes: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, Concordia, Morehouse, East Carroll, Evangeline, Franklin, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Madison, Ouachita, Rapides, Richland, St Landry, St Martin, Tensas, West Carroll, and Vermilion
Rice Stewardship Contact: Kyle G. Soileau, Rice Stewardship Coordinator, (337) 322-4565 or (337) 408-3288
Mississippi deadline: May 1st
Eligible Mississippi counties: Bolivar, Carroll, Coahoma, Desoto, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Panola, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, Warren, Washington, and Yazoo.
Rice Stewardship Contact: Ethan Adkins, Conservation Specialist, (601) 499-6254
Applicants can sign up for the 2023 program year by contacting their local USDA Service Center.