NEWS

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709
 
For More Information:
Bob Bartholomew, 208-378-5703
Dastina Johnson, 208-685-6978


SiGN-UP for wildfire assistance ends august 15
Approximately $350,000 in federal funds available to help landowners affected by Idaho's wildfires

August 7, 2007, Boise, ID—Idaho ranchers with grazing lands affected by recent wildfires have until August 15 to sign up for financial assistance through a special initiative offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  NRCS State Conservationist Richard Sims announced the availability of $350,000 through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help ranchers restore approximately 32,000 acres of burned grazing lands, which equates to one-third of private lands burned to date.     

The sign-up window allows ranchers an opportunity to apply immediately for available funds.  NRCS is offering a one-time $11 per acre incentive payment to allow burned areas to naturally heal by requiring that livestock be deferred from grazing for approximately one year.  The incentive payments will provide landowners with the resources to conduct the appropriate management activities to maintain the health of their livestock.  

"I applaud the quick reaction shown today by the Natural Resources Conservation Service announcement of additional funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program," said Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.  "This is a timely emergency response to the needs of those landowners who experienced loss of grazing on private lands due to this season's wildfires."

Sims anticipates the need to have a second sign-up available this fall using fiscal year 2008 funds to provide the same opportunity to those who may suffer from current or new wildfires before the fire season ends.

To participate, producers must agree to defer grazing on the contracted acres from the fire’s start date through October 1, 2008.  Sims stressed that producers interested in remaining eligible for future wildfire contracts must not graze the lands they wish to enroll. Due to the critical need to obligate these funds by September 1, applicants who are not immediately eligible will be considered only for the 2008 program.

For information on eligibility requirements on this special initiative, contact your local USDA Service Center or Bob Bartholomew at 208-378-5703.  Information on other USDA NRCS programs and services are available at www.id.nrcs.usda.gov.
 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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