The Lower Sand Creek Watershed project includes the Jennings County portion of the watershed of Sand Creek, a major tributary of the East Fork of White River. The project is sponsored by the Jennings County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and funded by a Section 319 Clean Water grant from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The watershed includes about 34,500 acres and is mostly agricultural land.

Funding for the grant was obtained in October, 2005 and Bob Steiner was hired as Watershed Coordinator in January, 2006. Approximately half of the grant funds will be used for a cost-share program which will emphasize water quality improvement practices such as conservation tillage, cover crops, filter strips, nutrient management, and livestock exclusion from streams. A steering committee made up of watershed residents helps set priorities for the cost-share program and other activities.

In addition to the Section 319 cost-share funds, the SWCD has applied for and received funds through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program. LARE will provide cost-share assistance for many conservation practices and may also provide incentive payments which can be used in conjunction with the 319 and various federal conservation programs. 

Education is also a big part of the grant. Both adult and school groups will be targeted with educational activities. Adults will be offered opportunities to attend various field days, pasture walks, and workshops. Agricultural and urban issues will be addressed. Youth education will be offered in the classroom and at school field days, as well as with 4-H and other interested groups.

This project will complement other work done in the Sand Creek watershed. The Decatur County portion of the watershed has had a similar project for several years. For more information or to assist with the project, contact the Jennings County SWCD at 812-346-3411 Extension 3.