What is a Watershed Project?

Watershed projects are locally implemented conservation initiatives, the funding for which originate from different federal or state sources. Regardless of the funding sources, all our projects are governed by boards made up of locally elected or appointed landowners and farm operators.

What is a SALT Project?

The Special Area Land Treatment (SALT) program is administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation Program (SWCP). It has been supporting watershed projects in Missouri since 1985 with funding from the 1/10th of 1% Parks and Soils Sales Tax. Originally created to address soil erosion on agricultural land within targeted watersheds, the SALT program has since been expanded to address water quality. The SALT program now funds projects that reduce or prevent agricultural nonpoint source pollution (AgNPS) in targeted watersheds. Types of agricultural nonpoint source pollution that can impair the quality of water body include: soil erosion which results in sedimentation in the water body, excessive nutrient and chemical loading from runoff in cropped areas, and possible increases in pathogenic organisms in water supplies caused by improper animal waste management. The overall goal of the AgNPS SALT program is to “Improve, protect, and maintain the water quality of the state of Missouri through the prevention and reduction of agricultural nonpoint source pollution using a watershed-based approach.”

To accomplish this goal, local soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) identify watersheds with existing or potential water quality problems and apply for AgNPS SALT projects from the Soil and Water Districts Commission. By applying for an AgNPS SALT project, the SWCD has determined that the specified watershed has a strong need for extra incentives to address agricultural nonpoint source pollution. Applying for a project is a locally led process where the SWCD works closely with a project steering committee made up of stakeholders in the watershed to develop a plan of action for the watershed This plan of action, called the “Watershed Plan,” is a detailed strategy of how the SWCD and steering Committee intends to abate or prevent nonpoint source pollution associated with production agriculture in the watershed.

AgNPS SALT Projects Expand by 15

The Soil and Water Districts Commission approved 15 new Agricultural Nonpoint Source (AgNPS) Special Area Land Treatment (SALT) projects at the May 24, 2005 meeting. The 15 districts that received approval for new projects are as follows: Barton, Bates, Caldwell, Carroll, Dallas, Grundy, Maries, McDonald, Mercer, Montgomery, St. Francois, Scott, Stoddard, Vernon, and Wright. This brings the total number of projects throughout the state to 57. Seven projects have been completed as of June 30, 2004. AgNPS SALT projects help reduce or prevent agricultural nonpoint source pollution in targeted watersheds. The overall goal of the AgNPS SALT program is to improve, protect and maintain the water quality of the state through the prevention and reduction of agricultural nonpoint source pollution.

For Specific Information:

Click on a link below for more information about a specific project:

Bear Creek SALT Project

Lindley Creek SALT Project

Hominy Creek SALT Project

Greasy Creek SALT Project