(Spencer)– A regional consortium that works to create jobs, protect the environment and improve the quality of life in rural communities is expanding its service area.
The Iowa Lakes R C & D currently consists of Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet and Palo Alto counties. Now, the agency based out of Spencer is expanding to include O’Brien and Osceola counties.
The Iowa Lakes R C & D is one of 17 such councils in the state.
The R C & D program started in 1962 and received permanent authorization in the 2002 Farm Bill. The R C & D program is administered by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Service projects of the Iowa Lakes R C & D include items such as a rain garden demonstration area in Storm Lake; provided assistance to the Little Sioux Prairie Company in designing a small scale native seed planter along with help in business start-up; and provided a cost-share for producers to assist with the installation of solar-powered watering systems to better utilize pasture lands.
Only Lyon and Sioux counties remain outside an R C & D service area.
