PRINCETON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Owners and operators of farmland within the Big Bureau Creek watershed may qualify for a special pot of funding that has been set aside to improve the health of Big Bureau Creek and its tributaries.

According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Big Bureau Creek watershed is considered polluted by too much nitrogen and phosphorus. Subsequently, NRCS has set aside funding for eligible farmers who adopt certain practices that reduce nutrient loss from their fields. Farmers in the Upper Big Bureau, Pike Creek and East Bureau Creek subwatersheds may compete for this funding at the local level, instead of statewide.