NRCS Texas is accepting applications for the Petronila Creek Watershed Nutrient Reduction Project in Nueces County

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas is accepting applications for the for the Petronila Creek Watershed Nutrient Reduction Project in Nueces County, Texas. Although applications for this project are accepted year-round, to be considered for the first round of funding, applications must be received by April 1, 2026.

Through funding provided by the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA), the Texas Trustee Implementation Group (TIG) is targeting the Petronila Creek watershed for the implementation of conservation practices to manage nutrient and sediment runoff from working lands. This watershed drains into Baffin Bay which is a prime sportfishing area.

To be eligible you must own or operate agricultural lands in Nueces County, Texas, within three 12-digit HUCs in the Petronilla Creek watershed identified as being of Tier 1 concern by the Texas Coastal Waters: Nutrient Reduction Strategies Report 2019 (the report). These sub-watersheds are identified as follows:

• City of Concordia-Petronila Creek HUC #121102050605
• Gertrude Lubby Lake-Petronila Creek HUC #121102050606
• Chapman Ranch Lake-Petronila Creek HUC #121102050607

Technical and financial assistance will be provided through this voluntary program. Agricultural producers will implement conservation practices that reduce nutrient and sediment runoff. Eligible conservation practices include such practices as conservation crop rotation, reduced tillage, no till, filter strips, nutrient management, and cover crops.

Conservation practices will address the concept for Avoiding, Controlling, and Trapping sediment and nutrients in runoff. The NRCS "Avoid, Control, Trap" (ACT) system is a framework for managing agricultural runoff (sediment, nutrients) using strategies to Avoid loss at the source, Control flow across the land, and Trap pollutants before they leave the field. This holistic approach helps farmers improve water quality by integrating multiple conservation practices tailored to their land.

Applying for Assistance

NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round. Applications received by April 1, 2026, will be considered for the first round of funding. Applications received after that will be deferred and considered in additional funding rounds, until all funds are obligated.

To apply, contact NRCS staff at the Robstown Service Center, 548 S. Highway 77, Suite B, Robstown, Texas, or by phone at 361-387-2533, ext. 3.

More Information

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don't have an account, sign up today.

For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.