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


USDA Selects watersheds for 2006 conservation security Program
Producers in Latah, Nezperce, Lewis, Clearwater and Idaho Counties may be Eligible

Boise, Idaho — Farmers and ranchers in three Idaho watersheds can apply for the 2006 Conservation Security Program (CSP) administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  

The eligible watersheds are the Clearwater, North Fork of the Clearwater and Lower Bear River. Farmers and ranchers who operate land in Latah, Nezperce, Lewis, Clearwater, Idaho and Oneida counties may be eligible.

CSP rewards those producers already doing good conservation stewardship on their land. The criteria for acceptance into the program is strict.

 “This is a voluntary program that recognizes farmers and ranchers for taking good care of the land,” says Adolfo Perez, acting state conservationist for Idaho. “The conservation efforts these operators complete benefit us all with cleaner water, cleaner air and more wildlife habitat.”

In 2005, 337 Idaho producers in 15 watersheds qualified for CSP. They are receiving payments for their stewardship and conservation enhancements right now.

The 2006 CSP will include a renewable energy component. Eligible producers will receive compensation for converting to renewable energy fuels such as bio-diesel and ethanol; for recycling 100 percent of on-farm lubricants; and for implementing energy production, including solar, geothermal and methane.

A sign-up announcement will be published in the near future detailing specific program requirements for each watershed. The program will be offered each year on a rotational basis in as many watersheds as funding permits.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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