The Indiana Conservation Partnership works together on many key programs.
Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative
Through a Farmer-focused and Farmer-driven process, the program works with Local Level Partnerships and others to promote the adoption of practices and cropping systems that can lead to improved soil health. CCSI continues to promote the adoption of science-based, farmer-proven practices through grassroots leadership.
Conservation Transect
The state of Indiana has conducted periodic surveys of agricultural land since 1989. These surveys are primarily designed to gather information on various agricultural practices, including tillage and cover crops. Currently the various partners from the Indiana Conservation Partnership (ICP), led by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) conduct an annual survey in each county in the state to estimate the adoption of cover crops, and post-harvest tillage.
Indiana Invasives Initiative
In late 2017, Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) entered into a contribution agreement for the purpose of developing local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) throughout Indiana. Both SICIM and the NRCS have been working for many years to combat invasive plants and raise public awareness of the devastation being caused by these non-native pests, and both have come to the realization that we will not begin to make much headway until the problem is addressed at the local level by local people using local resources.
Pathway to Water Quality
Pathway to Water Quality (see map), managed by the ICP, is a model watershed that shows how land “sheds” excess water and what that means to you. The PWQ exhibit contains practical displays and information for anyone who uses the land. The Pathway to Water Quality Exhibit has been a popular fixture at the Indiana State Fairgrounds since 1993.
Urban Soil Heath
The Urban Soil Health Program works with conservation partners and farmers across Indiana to form local Soil Health Working Groups that provide soil health education and address the needs of small-scale vegetable growers. The Urban Soil Health Specialists and working group members train local conservation staff, growers and the general public at field days, workshops, one-on-one meetings, and via site visits and technical assistance.