On May 18, 2004, Former Ag Secretary Veneman announced the first watersheds selected for implementation of the Conservation Security Program (CSP).  NRCS administers this voluntary conservation program that provides payments for producers who have historically practiced good stewardship on their agricultural lands and offers incentives for those who want to do more. 

The Kishwaukee Watershed, located near Rockford, was the first watershed designated in Illinois.  It was followed by the Middle Wabash-Busseron and Lower Kaskaskia watersheds in 2005.