NEWS

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709
 
For More Information:
Contact:  Jody Fagan, 208.685.6978


conservation security program sign-up announced

January 31, 2006—The much-anticipated 2006 CSP sign-up begins soon! Farmers and ranchers in the Clearwater and the Lower Bear River-Malad watersheds now have the opportunity to sign-up for the Conservation Security Program (CSP) from February 13 through March 31.

CSP rewards those producers in selected watersheds who are practicing commendable levels of stewardship. The program is administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

"CSP rewards Idaho’s leading conservationists," says Richard Sims, NRCS state conservationist. "This year, NRCS is providing applicants the ability to sign-up prior to most planting decisions to encourage more conservation leaders."

Idaho NRCS has held public meetings and workshops in the selected watersheds since September to help prepare landowners for the expected sign-up.

“Many Idaho landowners are prepared to participate in CSP by the good conservation stewardship they already practice,” Sims says. “We are pleased that many producers came into our offices last fall and prepared for the sign-up in advance.”

A sign-up in the Lower North Fork of the Clearwater watershed will not be held as originally intended due to budget constraints.

USDA announced preliminary selection of 110 watersheds for fiscal year 2006 based on the President's budget request. Based on available funding, CSP will only be offered in 60 watersheds across all 50 states, the Caribbean and Guam.

Producers begin the application process by filling out a self-assessment to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for CSP. Self-assessment workbooks are available in hard copy at local NRCS offices within the watersheds, and electronically at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/ . After completing the self-assessment, producers should schedule an appointment to discuss their application with the NRCS local staff to determine if they meet specific CSP eligibility requirements.

Now in its third successful nationwide sign-up, CSP’s current enrollment is nearly 11 million acres in 220 watersheds in all 50 states and the Caribbean Area. The voluntary program’s premise of offering rewards to the millions of private landowners who practice good stewardship has taken off. The program is slated to cover all watersheds in the coming years as funding allows.

Additional information about CSP is available from your local NRCS office or on the Idaho NRCS website at www.id.nrcs.usda.gov .

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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