The Pembina Valley Watershed District (PVWD) is now accepting applications for the $204 million Growing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) program.

Funded through the province's Grow Trust, the initiative is to encourage producers to adopt management practices that can help the farm’s bottom line and sustainability while also providing watershed benefits. Funding is available to help producers maintain wetlands, improve riparian zones, retain water for livestock and the environment, plant and maintain shelterbelts, keep natural landscapes on steep slopes, and improve soil health, as well as build more water retention structures in the district.

Clint Cavers is the coordinator of the program in PVWD. He says priority projects for the region include shelterbelts for aquifer replenishment, water retention, soil health and riparian health along the rivers and river valleys.

He is ready to start walking producers through the application process.

"I'd like to be able to get out see farmers now basically. I am ready to go, the watershed district is ready to go."

Because it's a small group that vets all of the applications, according to Cavers, he says the turn-around time to getting project funding is quite quick.

Producers interested in the program can contact Cavers by phoning 204-245-0636 or email pvwdgrow@gmail.com.