The Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) announces a cost share program available for landowners in the Nevils Creek Watershed located near the Bulloch/Screven county line.

            GSWCC will be working with local agricultural producers during the next year to implement this program.

            Participating producers will receive cost share funding for the purpose of installing best management practices (BMPs) in the Nevils Creek Watershed.  

            These management practices will be available to landowners at a base cost share of 80%.  Some of the eligible BMPs that can be funded through this project include: Watering Ramps, Stream Crossing, Heavy Use Areas, Buffers and Crossing Fencing.

            The local soil and water conservation districts assisting in the project include the Coastal Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Ogeechee River Soil and Water Conservation District.

            According to Bob Fulmer, GSWCC Rural Water Program Manager:

            "The Nevils Creek 319 Project is an excellent tool for farmers to implement conservation practices through this cost-share program that will protect and improve water quality within the project area."

            The federally funded project is made possible by an agreement with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division using Section 319(h) funding from the Clean Water Act with the purpose to reduce pollutant loading from nonpoint sources within the watershed, specifically the Nevils Creek Watershed for this program.

            Agricultural producers interested in the project may contact Rahn Milligan at the GSWCC office in Statesboro (912) 681-5241.