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

December 14, 2005
 

Workshops Scheduled for Conservation Security Program
Producers interested in applying are asked to attend a workshop

LEWISTON, ID—The new Conservation Security Program (CSP) offered by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is as varied as those who are applying.

Because of this variability, all producers applying for CSP are asked to attend a workshop session at a NRCS office. During the workshop, individual operations will be analyzed and specific questions answered.

“Each situation is different so it is impossible to address all the questions in a large meeting format,” says Rob Fredrickson, CSP program leader out of Boise.

All area NRCS offices have workshop times available. The sessions have limited seating so individual needs are met. Producers are asked to call the office and RSVP.

CSP, now in its second year, is a stewardship program rewarding agricultural producers for using good conservation practices. The first year saw over $4.6 million paid out in Idaho, with over a quarter of that going to producers in Idaho County.

“The program has been well received and we look forward to another successful sign-up,” Fredrickson says.

Qualifying producers can use a variety of agricultural techniques. It is not a program solely for direct seeders. Most conventional farmers can qualify on some level. Cattle ranchers are also eligible. All applicants must meet water and soil requirements established in the program guidelines. Producers may then expand within the program by adding enhancements, or new practices, to the operation.

All producers in the Clearwater and North Fork of the Clearwater watersheds are eligible to apply for the program. The 2006 CSP funding has been allocated and the sign-up is expected to begin soon.

Workshop times include:

• Lewiston: Dec. 20, 1 p.m.; Dec. 22, 8 a.m.; Dec 27, 1 p.m.
• Nezperce: Jan. 4, 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Jan. 6, 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Moscow: Jan. 11, 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Grangeville and Orofino—contact local field office for additional times

 For more information on CSP, visit www.id.nrcs.usda.gov or by contacting the local NRCS office.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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