Our IDEM Section 319 Implementation Grant continues to fund practices to improve water quality in Otter Creek. This year, we began our second implementation grant, providing funds for three years.

In 2024, the Otter Creek project implemented the following:

677 acres of cover crop including two equipment modifications
295 acres of no-till via one equipment modification
1,001 acres of nutrient management via four equipment modifications
4,768 acres of heavy use area protection.

These improvements resulted in 3,063 tons less sediment, 20,723 lb less phosphorus, and 43,492 lb less nitrogen entering Otter Creek. Over the three-year grant period, the project withheld 11,078 tons sediment, 37211 lb phosphorus and 59,150 lb nitrogen from Otter Creek.

One strength of our grant has been regional collaboration, and we thank our Steering Committee members for their dedication and time. Looking ahead, please mark your calendar for Experience Otter Creek on May 17th, 2025 from 9 am to noon. Planning is underway for this fun-filled day with the aim to educate our community about water quality, watersheds, river ecosystems, and more. The event will be hands-on and interesting for all ages!