2023 Spring Farm Outlook

Page 18 2023 Logan County Spring Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 2023 artificially, the removal of stream vegetation, and the altering of stream beds with man-made construction. Stream bank erosion can also decrease the capacity of waterways and potentially lead to an increased likelihood of flooding. Excessive flooding reduces water quality, damages wildlife habitats, and poses a danger to people, too. The soil and water conservation district grants program helps Illinois’ soil and water conservation districts with expenses. These groups in turn provide technical assistance to landowners with regards to “soil conservation, water quality protection, wetlands management, flood control, soil erosion control at urban construction sites, stream bank stabilization, recycling, soil interpretation, land use and site suitability, and conservation education.” All of these topics are important when it comes to protecting our waterways. These are just a few of the ways that the state government is working to protect Illinois waterways. The IEC report has several others listed among a wide range of priorities. Protecting water is often a team effort, and it’s not just the responsibility of one level of government. Sources “Cover Crops Premium Discount Program,” https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Resources/ LandWater/Pages/Cover-Crops-Premium- Discount-Program.aspx. “IEC Policy Platform,” https://ilenviro.org/iec- policy-platform/. “Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy,” https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Resources/ NutrientLoss/Pages/default.aspx. “Sustainable Agriculture,” https://www2. illinois.gov/sites/agr/Resources/Conservation/ Pages/default.aspx.