NEWS

May 17, 2006, TWIN FALLS, ID—Magic Valley farmers and ranchers: You could be financially rewarded for practicing good stewardship on your land.

Learn more at three workshops to be held June 20-22 in Richfield, Twin Falls and Gooding.

The workshops, called “Get Ready for CSP,” will provide a basic overview of the land eligibility requirements to enroll in the new Conservation Security Program or CSP.

CSP, part of the 2002 Farm Bill and administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), rewards farmers and ranchers for taking care of the natural resources on their land. NRCS is offering CSP in Idaho watersheds on a rotational basis.

“We hope to hold a CSP sign-up in the Big Wood, Little Wood, Camas and Upper Snake-Rock watersheds in the next one or two years,” says Richard Sims, NRCS state conservationist for Idaho. “These workshops will help producers to start preparing for the application process.”

To date, NRCS has held CSP sign-ups in 21 Idaho watersheds. Producers can receive up to $45,000 per year for ten years for practicing good stewardship.

The June workshops will provide a brief overview of land eligibility, soil and water quality, nutrient management, irrigation water management, grazing plans and wildlife habitat as they apply to CSP. The workshops also will offer participants the opportunity to visit one-on-one with resource professionals about specific conservation practices and program requirements.

The workshop schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, June 20, 1 p.m.
Richfield Senior Center
Richfield, ID

Wednesday, June 21, 1 p.m.
Old DEQ Building, 601 Poleline Rd.
Twin Falls, ID

Thursday, June 22, 1 p.m.
Basque Center
Gooding, ID

For more information, producers can contact their local NRCS Service Center:

• Shoshone NRCS, 886-2258
• Twin Falls NRCS, 733-5380
• Gooding NRCS, 934-8481