Ottawa Conservation District - Bass River & Deer Creek Restoration Project

The Bass River Deer Creek Restoration Project is dedicated to reducing E.coli levels in these two watersheds by voluntary means.

The grant tackles this problem in several different ways including education/outreach to the surrounding communities, and directly cost-sharing certain practices(with grant funds) that will reduce E.coli and other pollution from entering the waterways.

Grant funding is focused in two specific areas.

1. Septic repair or replacement: Many of the septic systems in these two watersheds are failing or in need of repair. When they do not work properly, septic systems can leach E.coli bacteria into nearby waterways.

This grant can offer up to a 75% reimbursement for property owners within the watershed to have their systems repaired or replaced...potentially saving thousands of dollars.

2. Stopping agricultural pollution/runoff with Best Management Practices (BMPS):

Similar to NRCS farm bill programs, the Bass/Deer Grant can fund the installation of agricultural BMP's including cover cropping, grassed waterways, filter strips, manure storage, animal crossing, etc.

The goal is to reduce soil erosion/sedimentation/manure runoff, etc.

Grant funds are limited. Please contact the Ottawa Conservation District today to inquire!