LAPWAI, ID – The Nez Perce Tribe’s Water Resources Division has launched a new incentive program for producers on the Nez Perce Reservation to help improve water quality and ecosystem health. The program encourages the creation of vegetated buffer strips along streams, intermittent waterways, or wetlands on parcels of at least five acres.

Two tiers of participation are available. Tier 1 requires establishing a buffer of at least 30 feet and planting a mix of native grasses and forbs to support pollinators. Tier 2 includes the same practices, plus planting native woody species in the spring or fall. While the Water Resources Division will purchase and plant woody species, producers are responsible for planting the seed mix, with reimbursement provided for both tiers.

The program is open to both Tribal and non-Tribal producers across all land ownership types, including allotments, trust lands, fee lands, and private lands.

For more information or to sign up, visit nptwaterresources.org/nonpoint-source, email Ryan Dunbeck at ryand@nezperce.org or Kylie Ball at kyliew@nezperce.org, or call 208-843-7368.