Illinois NLRS Program and Project Narratives

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup (DRSCW), formed in 2005, works to improve water quality in the DuPage River and Salt Creek watersheds through cost-effective restoration projects and nutrient management. Recent efforts include stream restorations at Spring Brook, Klein Creek, and the Fullersburg Woods Dam removal, which have improved habitat, fish passage, and ecosystem health. In 2023, DRSCW submitted a Nutrient Implementation Plan recommending phosphorus limits for wastewater treatment plants and targeted projects to address dissolved oxygen impairments, supporting long-term aquatic life and water quality improvements.

The Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower Des Plaines River and its 19 tributaries. The workgroup also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org.

For 20 years, the Fox River Study Group has worked to improve the health of the Fox River for the benefit of the nearly 1 million citizens in the Fox River Valley and the over 300,000 people whose drinking water comes from the river. In 2022, the group updated its 2015 Fox River Implementation Plan and successfully advocated for a relaunch of a multi-dam removal feasibility study. To reduce algae and improve oxygen conditions in the river, the 2022 Fox River Implementation Plan recommends combining further phosphorus reductions from wastewater inputs with dam removals. For more information, see foxriverstudygroup.org.

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s Local Technical Assistance Program supports communities in northeastern Illinois and aligns with the region’s current long-range plan — ON TO 2050 — and its principles of regional resilience, inclusive growth, and prioritized investment. Since 2012, the program has assisted communities in developing more than 200 projects with local governments, nonprofits, and intergovernmental organizations to address local issues at the intersection of transportation, land use, and housing, including the natural environment, economic growth, and community development. The program helps communities plan projects that build local capacity, engage marginalized groups, and connect local partners with implementing agencies and capital funding for infrastructure investments, including stormwater management. For more information, see www.cmap.illinois.gov/programs/lta. 

Developed by The Conservation Foundation, Conservation@Home is an educational program that recognizes and certifies properties that demonstrate environmentally sound landscape practices. Through the Conservation@Home certification program’s guidance and education, residents can shape their private and community landscapes in an environmentally-minded way. Conservation@Home is a northeastern Illinois regional program. A map of participants is available at tcfwatersheds.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/ index.html. In Cook County, this program is a partnership between University of Illinois Extension and The Forest Preserves of Cook County. For more information, see extension.illinois.edu/cook/ConservationHome and theconservationfoundation.org/conservation-home

DuPage County Stormwater Management recognizes the financial burden a property owner may face when undertaking a project that improves regional water quality. The county’s Water Quality Improvement Program, WQIP, offers financial assistance to projects providing a regional water quality benefit to local waterways. The grant funds up to 25% of eligible construction costs for water quality improvement projects. DuPage County initiated the grant program in 2000 and has awarded nearly $6.3 million across 108 projects. DuPage County government agencies, organizations, and individuals are eligible to receive funds under the WQIP. The WQIP story map provides information on the grant and application process and gives examples of eligible projects, such as rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavers, and streambank stabilization. The story map also includes animated infographics, photos, project descriptions, and an interactive map of previously awarded projects.

For more information, see dupagecounty.gov/government/departments/stormwater_management/grants/water_quality_ improvement_program.php.

The Greater Chicago Watershed Alliance, led by Friends of the Chicago River, is a coalition of 42 organizations working to advance nature-based stormwater solutions across the Chicago-Calumet River watershed. Since 2020, the alliance has secured $8 million in grants to support regional projects and collaboration. In 2024, the group facilitated the transition of the Calumet Stormwater Collaborative, advanced funding opportunities, contributed to regional stormwater policies, and hosted the 20th Anniversary Chicago River Summit, bringing together more than 150 experts to promote watershed-based stormwater management. 

The Illinois Department of Transportation, IDOT, maintains a chartered Stormwater Committee composed of members from a variety of backgrounds and agencies to inform and guide policy creation, advise IDOT staff on relevant stormwater issues, and oversee erosion control training for staff and consultants. The committee also coordinates with other stormwater groups and initiates research through the Illinois Center for Transportation to study aspects of the stormwater management program and determine whether improvements can be made to best management practices.

IDOT continues to research alternatives to erosion control blankets that use plastic mesh, which is known to entangle wildlife and contribute to microplastics in waterways. The literature review is completed, and field trials are planned, with a report expected at the end of 2023. When applicable, IDOT will utilize research and practices generated through other state departments of transportation, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, and the Illinois Urban Manual. IDOT also continues to revise Specifications and Standards based on implementable research or when otherwise warranted.

 For more information, see idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-management/planning/other-plans/storm- water-management-plan.html.

From 2021-23, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant developed a website, Illinois Groundwork, based on multidisciplinary green infrastructure research and an extension process piloted in the Chicago Calumet region. By improving access to data, research, and other resources, Illinois Groundwork increases the effective use of green infrastructure to address stormwater management challenges. For more information, see IllinoisGroundwork.org. 

The Illinois-Indiana Master Watershed Steward Program empowers residents to protect and improve water resources through science-based education on watershed health, water quality, climate change, invasive species, and agriculture. Participants complete eight interactive sessions and gain skills to support restoration, community science, and educational initiatives. An optional Watershed Game uses a team-based simulation to demonstrate how cooperation and land-use decisions affect water quality. Offered statewide through Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, University of Illinois Extension, and Purdue Extension, the program trained participants and educators across Illinois and Indiana in 2024, expanding local capacity for watershed stewardship and environmental education.

The North Branch Chicago River Watershed Workgroup was formed in January 2018 to identify and assess water quality issues along the three forks of the North Branch Chicago River. The watershed includes portions of Lake and Cook counties and consists of 42 separate organizations, including 24 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, MS4, communities and agencies, two of which are publicly owned treatment works. Following Illinois EPA approval of its quality assurance plan and continued water quality monitoring, they developed a NARP work plan in 2021-22 and hired a consultant to help with plan implementation, expected to run through 2025. For more information, see nbwwil.org

The Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup (DRWW), formed in 2015, brings together local governments, wastewater facilities, and other partners to improve water quality in the Des Plaines River watershed. In 2023, DRWW completed a Nutrient Assessment Reduction Plan (NARP), finding that combined phosphorus reductions from treatment plants, upstream sources, and nonpoint sources provide the greatest water quality benefits. The group continues water quality and biological monitoring, lake management efforts, nutrient reduction planning, and deicing education. In 2023, DRWW-supported workshops trained over 1,000 professionals in winter salt reduction best practices.

The Rainscaping Education Program is a collaboration between University of Illinois Extension, Purdue University Extension, and community partners to provide training to communities interested in building rain gardens. From 2021-22, Illinois Extension offered seven events with 98 participants. As part of the curriculum, four demonstration rain gardens were built or renovated, one program taught hands-on maintenance, and 11 homeowners qualified for stipends to build residential rain gardens. Illinois Extension and Purdue Extension also taught 10 additional Illinois staff members how to host and teach the Rainscaping sessions. For more information, see iiseagrant.org/work/sustainable-community-planning/ programs-initiatives/purdue-rainscaping-education.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association's Precision Conservation Management (PCM) team supports farmers in the 5-Year Soil Health Transition (5YT) program by helping them adopt and evaluate soil health practices. Conservation specialists work one-on-one with producers to compare conservation and conventional management systems, assess financial and logistical impacts, and track soil health changes through assessments, field checks, and soil sampling. The program also promotes peer-to-peer learning through grower meetings and demonstrations. Currently serving about 61 producers, 5YT aims to document and demonstrate the benefits of soil health practices using anonymous, aggregated data over a five-year period.

The Edge-of-Field Partnership for Woodchip Bioreactors is a multi-year collaboration between Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association Inc., University of Illinois, and Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service. The goal of this partnership is to install a woodchip bioreactor each year and to support research into the impact of woodchip bioreactors on water quality at each site for the five-year collaboration period, and beyond. In previous years, the partnership has installed woodchip bioreactors in Bureau and Henry counties. 

In 2021, the partners finalized the installation of the fourth woodchip bioreactor in McDonough County. Due to extended project delays throughout 2021, the partners pushed back their in-person field day to July 2022. In November 2022, the partners installed the fifth woodchip bioreactor in Sangamon County, with plans to host a field day in summer 2023.

For more information, see www.illica.net/projects or www.ilfb.org/nlrspractices.  

The Saturated Buffer Partnership is a five-year collaboration between Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association Inc., Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service. The purpose of this partnership is to support saturated buffer installation, water quality monitoring of the practice, and outreach events. For more information, see www.illica.net/projects or www.ilfb.org/nlrspractices. 

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is leading the Farmer-Led Advances in Soil Health (FLASH) program, a statewide initiative that connects farmer-led networks with local conservation professionals to promote soil health and nutrient management practices. Supported by nearly $4 million in USDA NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program funding, FLASH provides leadership training, technical assistance, and peer-to-peer outreach to encourage conservation adoption. The program aims to improve water quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and strengthen farm resilience to climate change. Conservation practice implementation begins in 2025, with a goal of reaching 24,000 acres by 2029.

Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission secured Delta Regional Authority Strategic Planning Grants to develop stormwater management plans for Carbondale and West Frankfort. The plans address recurring flash and river flooding by assessing existing infrastructure, reducing runoff, erosion, and pollution, promoting best management practices, and guiding future development and maintenance decisions. Expected outcomes include reduced flood damage, improved water quality, and a shared regulatory framework for southern Illinois communities. The projects are currently in the public outreach phase, with Carbondale gathering resident feedback through a stormwater survey. 

Greater Egypt Regional Planning Commission has an active role in the development of watershed-based plans in southern Illinois. Two watershed-based plans are currently in development: Western Crab Orchard Creek watershed, a collection of three watersheds encompassing Carbondale and Makanda, and Kinkaid Creek watershed, which includes the area surrounding Kinkaid Lake. More information is available at greateregypt.org/watershed-based-planning/.

In 2021–22, the Lawn to Lake Midwest Program used insights from the 2019 Lawn Caretaker Survey to develop five outreach tools, distribute 50,000 copies of each across the state, and create a comprehensive website to showcase them. A social media campaign raised awareness of the new resources by generating 85,000 impressions, or views, and driving 10,000 users to the new website. For more information, see LawntoLakeMidwest.org. 

For 20 years, the Fox River Study Group has worked to improve the health of the Fox River for the benefit of the nearly 1 million citizens in the Fox River Valley and the over 300,000 people whose drinking water comes from the river. In 2022, the group updated its 2015 Fox River Implementation Plan and successfully advocated for a relaunch of a multi-dam removal feasibility study. To reduce algae and improve oxygen conditions in the river, the 2022 Fox River Implementation Plan recommends combining further phosphorus reductions from wastewater inputs with dam removals. For more information, see foxriverstudygroup.org.

From 2021-23, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant developed a website, Illinois Groundwork, based on multidisciplinary green infrastructure research and an extension process piloted in the Chicago Calumet region. By improving access to data, research, and other resources, Illinois Groundwork increases the effective use of green infrastructure to address stormwater management challenges. For more information, see IllinoisGroundwork.org.

The Illinois Pork Producers Association offers a tree buffer cost-share program for swine producers who implement fresh landscaping on their farms. For more information see ilpork.com/farmers-care/ funding-opportunities/tree-buffer-grant-program

The North Branch Chicago River Watershed Workgroup was formed in January 2018 to identify and assess water quality issues along the three forks of the North Branch Chicago River. The watershed includes portions of Lake and Cook counties and consists of 42 separate organizations, including 24 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, MS4, communities and agencies, two of which are publicly owned treatment works. Following Illinois EPA approval of its quality assurance plan and continued water quality monitoring, they developed a NARP work plan in 2021-22 and hired a consultant to help with plan implementation, expected to run through 2025. For more information, see nbwwil.org

The Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition coordinates a watershed bioassessment program to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower DuPage River and its tributaries. The Coalition recently funded the removal of the Hammel Woods Dam in Shorewood, and planning is underway for a second instream habitat restoration project in Plainfield. The Coalition also provides extensive outreach materials for members and the public on issues related to water quality. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org.

The Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association’s Keep it 4R Crop program is based on principles of 4R nutrient stewardship: use the right nutrient source, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. IFCA works closely with its members, including fertilizer manufacturers, distributors, and agricultural retailers, to promote the 4Rs and uphold the IFCA 4R Code of Practice, which promotes education and adoption of specific fertilizer management practices designed to reduce nutrient losses and assure nutrient use by the crop.

The Precision Conservation Management program is an agricultural service program created to assist farmers with identifying the best management practices for their individual farming operations, conservation interests, and business goals. It is jointly managed by the Illinois Corn Growers Association and the Illinois Soybean Association. For more information, see www.precisionconservation.org.

Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association continues to work toward nutrient loss reduction to surface water supply reservoirs across central Illinois. In 2021–22, partnerships with the Sangamon County Soil and Water Conservation District and Springfield City Water, Light, and Power continued to track metrics and provide education and outreach to stakeholders in the Lake Springfield and Lake Decatur watersheds.

Illinois Corn Growers Association believes in recognizing early adopters and finding ways to support growth of cover crop acres across the state. They partner with various organizations and companies to provide financial support to growers in the form of direct cost-share dollars and incentives. For more information, see Ilcorn.org/covercrops.

New in 2021-22, the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association supports research on practices listed in the Illinois NLRS at permanent sites in Douglas County and Piatt County. This work is funded by the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council. IFCA staff helps to manage all practices at these sites, including implementing and managing nutrient applications, crop protection applications, tillage practices and cover crop seeding. Tile monitoring structures are used at both sites, enabling further insight into nitrogen and phosphorus losses from differing agricultural practices researched.

The Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association concluded its 4R Metric Survey – in reference to right source, right rate, right time, and right place nutrient management practices – in the summer of 2022. A questionnaire was sent to agricultural retail members with questions regarding varying nitrogen and phosphorus agricultural practices for fall and spring. Beginning with the fall of 2018 and concluding after the spring of 2022, the survey spanned four growing seasons. 

The Illinois River Watershed Study Group, IRWSG, held formational meetings in May and July 2022. From those meetings, a steering committee formed and the following mission and implementation steps were outlined. The study group held its first full meeting in November 2022.

The Illinois Soybean Association, in partnership with USDA-NRCS and others, offers financial incentives to producers transitioning to conservation practices that provide positive outcomes for carbon sequestration and water quality. Program expansion in 2021–22 made incentives available to producers in 17 Illinois counties.

The Illinois Department of Transportation, IDOT, maintains a chartered Stormwater Committee composed of members from a variety of backgrounds and agencies to inform and guide policy creation, advise IDOT staff on relevant stormwater issues, and oversee erosion control training for staff and consultants. The committee also coordinates with other stormwater groups and initiates research through the Illinois Center for Transportation to study aspects of the stormwater management program and determine whether improvements can be made to best management practices.

IDOT continues to research alternatives to erosion control blankets that use plastic mesh, which is known to entangle wildlife and contribute to microplastics in waterways. The literature review is completed, and field trials are planned, with a report expected at the end of 2023. When applicable, IDOT will utilize research and practices generated through other state departments of transportation, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, and the Illinois Urban Manual. IDOT also continues to revise Specifications and Standards based on implementable research or when otherwise warranted.

 For more information, see idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-management/planning/other-plans/storm- water-management-plan.html.

Working to promote awareness and education of the NLRS is key to helping ensure its goals are met. Offering a water testing initiative contest to Future Farmers of America chapters across the state not only helps build overall awareness but also helps the next generation of farmers and industry professionals examine the issues facing Illinois agriculture. This program was previously offered by the Illinois Corner Growers Association as Free Confidential Water Testing Program with Illinois Future Farmers of American and County Farm Bureaus. The program shifted focus toward this educational initiative in partnership with Illinois Soybean Association.

The National Green Infrastructure Certification Program Training Center is located at Parkland College in Champaign. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ownership transition of the certification program, the center did not hold any trainings in 2021. The center successfully held its first virtual training in spring 2022 and plans to hold two to three trainings annually. Faculty in the center are also involved in the Curriculum Committee to update the program curriculum. For more information, see www.ngicp.org.

Developed by The Conservation Foundation, Conservation@Home is an educational program that recognizes and certifies properties that demonstrate environmentally sound landscape practices. Through the Conservation@Home certification program’s guidance and education, residents can shape their private and community landscapes in an environmentally-minded way. Conservation@Home is a northeastern Illinois regional program. A map of participants is available at tcfwatersheds.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/ index.html. In Cook County, this program is a partnership between University of Illinois Extension and The Forest Preserves of Cook County. For more information, see extension.illinois.edu/cook/ConservationHome and theconservationfoundation.org/conservation-home.

DuPage County Stormwater Management recognizes the financial burden a property owner may face when undertaking a project that improves regional water quality. The county’s Water Quality Improvement Program, WQIP, offers financial assistance to projects providing a regional water quality benefit to local waterways. The grant funds up to 25% of eligible construction costs for water quality improvement projects. DuPage County initiated the grant program in 2000 and has awarded nearly $6.3 million across 108 projects. DuPage County government agencies, organizations, and individuals are eligible to receive funds under the WQIP. The WQIP story map provides information on the grant and application process and gives examples of eligible projects, such as rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavers, and streambank stabilization. The story map also includes animated infographics, photos, project descriptions, and an interactive map of previously awarded projects.

For more information, see dupagecounty.gov/government/departments/stormwater_management/grants/water_quality_ improvement_program.php.

The Nitrogen Rate Trials program is coordinated and managed by the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association in partnership with University of Illinois and the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council. Since 2014, ongoing trials have helped to provide nitrogen recommendations through the Maximum Return To Nitrogen Calculator. An expanded partnership with Precision Conservation Management, retailers, and producers throughout Illinois will implement new trial protocols and approaches to integrating weather, soil, and yield data with hopes of improving the MRTN approach to nitrogen management. For more information, see ifca.com/4R/Trials.

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup was formed in 2005 in response to concerns about total maximum daily loads, TMDLs, set for the east and west branches of the DuPage River and Salt Creek, located in portions of Cook, DuPage, and Will counties in northeastern Illinois. The workgroup seeks to implement targeted watershed activities that resolve priority waterway problems efficiently and cost-effectively. In 2015 and 2020, a special condition to the workgroup’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit was added that substantially increased financial commitments to restoration efforts focused on improving aquatic life. The condition includes 10 stream restoration projects, two studies, and the development of a Nutrient Implementation Plan. For more information, see drscw.org.

The Rainscaping Education Program is a collaboration between University of Illinois Extension, Purdue University Extension, and community partners to provide training to communities interested in building rain gardens. From 2021-22, Illinois Extension offered seven events with 98 participants. As part of the curriculum, four demonstration rain gardens were built or renovated, one program taught hands-on maintenance, and 11 homeowners qualified for stipends to build residential rain gardens. Illinois Extension and Purdue Extension also taught 10 additional Illinois staff members how to host and teach the Rainscaping sessions. For more information, see iiseagrant.org/work/sustainable-community-planning/ programs-initiatives/purdue-rainscaping-education.

Illinois’ livestock industry is dedicated to addressing environmental protection through regulatory programs, industry-led educational initiatives, and publicly funded programs. Illinois Farm Bureau continues to distribute resources that provide members with a first step toward understanding whether and how environmental rules and regulations impact their operations. For more information, see ilfb.org/FarmGate.

American Farmland Trust provided leadership for the Upper Macoupin Creek Watershed Partnership, comprised of 15 federal, state, and local government partners, agricultural trade associations, environmental groups, agricultural retailers, and a local university. The goal of the partnership is to increase the use of conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and phosphorus loss in the watershed.

The Illinois Farm Bureau is committed to highlighting the work our members are doing to reach NLRS goals and to improve soil health and water quality. To showcase these voluntary efforts, IFB video and environmental teams partnered with farmers, County Farm Bureaus, researchers, and other key stakeholders on a year-long effort to create an original documentary “Sustaining Our Future: A Farm Family Story.” For more information, see www.ilfb.org/documentary

New in 2022, the Carbon and Data Guidebook was made available at www.ilsoyadvisor.com. It provides Illinois producers with carbon and ecosystem markets and program enrollment information. The guidebook features CarbonSense information and tips for transitioning to soil health-focused management systems. For more information see www.ilsoyadvisor.com/carbon-data-guidebook.

The Nature Conservancy, TNC, in Illinois is engaged in working with partners on implementation and long-term water quality monitoring in the Mackinaw River watershed to understand how implementation of conservation practices affects water quality at multiple scales, and to gain insights related to outreach, practice delivery, and partnerships that can inform TNC and partner work on other programs and in priority watersheds. This work includes both critical edge-of-field practices – the design and efficacy of constructed wetlands to treat tile drainage water – and stacked infield and edge-of-field practices and their synergies for water quality. The TNC’s research provides hard data on practice design and efficiency of these farm bill conservation practices that address nutrients in tile drainage water. Key partners for the Mackinaw River watershed project include the McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District, McLean County Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Illinois State University. TNC has ongoing projects at the Franklin Research and Demonstration Farm in Lexington, and the Paired Watershed Study in the headwaters of the Mackinaw River. TNC also has con- ducted/hosted trainings on edge-of-field practices and, in 2021, published a roadmap for increasing the pace and scale of edge-of-field practice adoption and implementation. For more information, see www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/the-mackinaw-river-watershed.

Using funds awarded through the Illinois EPA’s Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Grant program, DuPage County Stormwater Management completed a watershed-based plan for the East Branch DuPage River watershed. The East Branch DuPage River watershed spans more than 52,000 acres and is located in central DuPage County, with a small portion extending south into Will County. It has been classified as an impaired waterway by the Illinois EPA due to several pollutants, including total phosphorus, sediment/ siltation, dissolved oxygen, and aquatic algae. The Illinois EPA is reviewing the plan.

The Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission has an active role in the development of watershed-based plans in southern Illinois. Two watershed-based plans were completed during the reporting period: Western Crab Orchard Creek watershed, a collection of three HUC 12 watersheds encompassing Carbondale and Makanda; and Kinkaid Creek watershed, a HUC 10 watershed containing Kinkaid Lake. For more information, see GreaterEgypt.org/watershed-based-planning.

• The Kinkaid Creek Watershed-based Plan was approved in 2022. Partners include US Forest Service Shawnee National Forest, Jackson County Emergency Management Agency, Kinkaid-Reed’s Creek Conservancy District, Jackson County IL League of Women Voters, Sierra Club Shawnee Chapter, and citizens of the Kinkaid Creek Watershed. Entities will use the plan to apply for funding for various water quality management grants.
• The Western Crab Orchard Creek Watershed-based Plan was approved in 2021. Partners include Green Earth, Inc. Carbondale, Carbondale NAACP, City of Carbondale, Sierra Club Shawnee Chapter, Village of Makanda, Jackson County Emergency Management Agency, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Jackson County IL League of Women Voters, and citizens of the watershed. Entities will use the plan to apply for funding for various water quality management grants.

IL Corn worked to help develop a new crop insurance product to cover a farmer’s risk from being unable to get an in-season application of nitrogen. Post Application Coverage Endorsement, PACE, protects a farmer if a planned in-season application of nitrogen (V3-V10) cannot be made due to unfavorable conditions. For more information, see pacecropinsurance.com.