To keep Fish Creek free of sediments and pollutants that might imperil its rare aquatic species, the Conservancy is helping local farmers reduce soil erosion, prevent water pollution, and reforest the riparian corridor. With such diverse partners as government agencies, businesses, research institutions, and the farmers themselves, the Conservancy is working across state and county lines to protect the sensitive creek system while strengthening the local economy. The Conservancy encourages farmers to consider conservation tillage, an economically viable method of growing crops that reduces erosion by as much as 70 percent. With Conservancy cost-sharing assistance, local farmers have purchased 20 pieces of conservation tillage equipment. This new equipment has kept an estimated 31,000 tons per year of topsoil on the ground and out of the creek.
Pollution prevention is also a priority.
Because nutrients from fertilizers threaten the creek's plants and animals, the Conservancy is working with local agribusiness and state universities to develop prescription farming methods. Instead of applying far more fertilizer than is needed, they are tailoring fertilizer applications to suit varying soil requirements. The Conservancy also purchased and helped install an ultraviolet light system for wastewater disinfection, ending the discharge of chlorine-treated wastewater into the creek. To counter the threat of oil spills from two underground pipelines, the Conservancy won an EPA grant to provide the local fire department with training and equipment to prepare for potential accidents. The Fish Creek partnership is also helping to cover costs for a reforestation program aimed at providing a buffer, food, and important habitat for the creek's aquatic life.