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NRCS Offers Continuous Sign-up for Farm Bill Conservation Programs

 

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers to improve and maintain the natural resources on their land, farm or ranch operation.  Available to assist private agricultural producers are 7 Farm Bill programs that can address different resource concerns and issues.   Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.   Projects are evaluated on-site with the applicant to determine practices and program best suited to address the resources concern.   All applications are screened and ranked prior to a batching or funding cycle which is usually in the fall of each year, but applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow time for on-site field visit, and complete the eligibility documentation prior to the application ranking process.

 

Below is a brief description of the Farm Bill conservation programs that offer financial incentives and technical assistance for a variety of conservation practices available to private landowners who wish to voluntarily participate.

 

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals.  EQIP provides financial incentives to install or implement structural and management conservation practices on eligible agricultural land.  Examples include installing water quality improvements, such as livestock waste management systems; enhancing grazing lands management through fencing and water developments; and increasing water conservation by improving irrigation systems.

 

The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) offers financial incentives to create high quality wildlife habitat that supports state and local priorities.  Examples include aspen regeneration, stream restoration, riparian area improvements, and restoring fish passage.

 

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a conservation program that encourages agricultural and forestry producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional ones on their operations.   The producer must include all in their operation. The offered land is inventoried and existing practices are evaluated using a conservation measure tool. The program offers credit and payment to producers that maintain a high level of conservation on their land and agree to adopt additional conservation activities for higher level of stewardship.  Potential applicants are encouraged to complete the self screening checklist to determine if the program is suitable for their operation. The checklist is available on the NRCS website at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/csp.html.

 

The Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program focuses on reducing risk to agricultural producers.  In recent years, the funds have been directed to, and have assisted, producers in restoring vegetation along water courses by removing invasive species, especially Russian Olive and Salt Cedar.

            

The Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) offers landowners assistance to restore and protect wetlands and associated uplands through permanent easements, 30-year easements, and cost-share only restoration agreements.  The program is designed to achieve maximum wetland functions and values while obtaining optimum wildlife habitat.

 

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) emphasizes support for working grazing operations, enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity, and protection of grassland under threat of conversion to other uses.  Participants voluntarily limit future development and cropping uses of the land while retaining the right to conduct common grazing practices and operations related to the production of forage and seeding.

 

The Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farm and ranchland in agricultural uses. Working through existing programs, USDA partners with State, tribal or local governments and non-governmental organizations to acquire conservation easements or other interests in land from landowners.  USDA provides up to 50 percent of the fair market easement value of the conservation easement.

 

Applications are available at Natural Resources Conservation Service field office located at 5010 Stone Road, Laramie WY.  For more information, please contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the Laramie Rivers Conservation District at 307-745-3698.   Also check your local community phone directory under United State Government for a NRCS field office near you.

For more information on Farm Bill programs and program application process, stop by the NRCS and Laramie Rivers Conservation District Field Office located at 1050 Stone Road, Laramie WY.   Program information is also available by going to  http://www.wy.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/index.html, or call Ruben Vasquez at 745-3698.