Landowners in five southwest Missouri counties will be able to apply for money to implement conservation practices on their property.
Governor Jay Nixon announced today that $750,000 will be made available for the projects to improve stream corridors and habitat in those counties as well as five counties in southeast Missouri.
The money comes from a settlement with the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) and the Newton County Wells Site. The settlement compensates for natural resources damaged by the historical mining activities of ASARCO, according to the governor’s office, and by the release of hazardous substances at the Newton County Wells Site.
Soil and water conservation districts in Barry, Barton, Jasper, Lawrence and Newton Counties will have $500,000 available for projects.
Funds will be available to help with planting trees, shrubs and grasses; fencing livestock away from stream corridors and providing an alternative water supply; stabilizing eroding stream banks and, in southwest Missouri, improving and protecting karst habitats.
Landowners should contact the soil and water conservation district offices in the eligible counties to find out more about participating. A map of district offices is available at swcd.mo.gov.
