Best Management Practices Mini Grant
Let’s support agriculture and water quality!
The Illinois River BMP Mini Grant will support landowners and managers with restoration on rural and/or agricultural lands within the Illinois River Watershed in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
The BMP Mini Grant will provide technical assistance and fund up to $500 for the cost of implementing BMPs on private and public land.
Project Priorities for a BMP Mini Grant can include:
Project sites on agricultural land.
Project sites within a high priority subwatershed.
Project sites adjacent to streams, creeks, lakes and waterbodies.
Projects that includes Livestock Management Practices.
Projects that includes Pasture Management Practices.
Projects that includes Forestry Management Practices.
Review the BMP Mini Grant Overview to learn more about project eligibility, how projects are prioritized, the participation process, and program requirements.
Eligible Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Funding:
Watering Sources for Livestock
To expand rotational grazing abilities across large pastures.
Rotational Grazing Plans
To improve livestock gains, forage production, and soil health.
Heavy Use Areas for Livestock
To stabilize the ground where livestock frequent (water sources, pond access, stream crossings)
Low-Tech Erosion Control Structures
To reduce erosion impact using natural materials.
Native Plantings
To reinforce riparian buffers, reduce erosion, and boost biodiversity on your operation.
Invasive Plant Removal
To improve the plant community and make room for native vegetation.
Forestry Management Practices
To restore forests through prescribed burns, Timber Stand Improvement, thinning, removal of invasive plants, and habitat improvement.
Pasture Management Practices
To improve soil fertility with management practices that increase soil infiltration, increase native vegetation, or reduce water runoff.
Filter Strips on Agricultural Land
To intercept and/or slow down water runoff to reduce pollutants from entering waterways.
What are the requirements to apply?
The property must be located within the Illinois River Watershed. You can verify your property is in the Illinois River Watershed by looking it up on our web portal at IRWP GIS Portal.
IRWP staff must visit the property and develop a conservation plan. Our team will learn about your land management goals and natural resource concerns to find cost-effective and practical solutions.
We are available to help you meet your agriculture goals and improve water quality!
