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

NRCS Announces Sign-up For the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

November 1, 2006, Boise, ID—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is expecting to offer more than $12 million to Idaho’s agricultural producers through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).  Sign-up for EQIP is now underway and will continue until November 24, 2006.

"EQIP is a voluntary program aimed at helping Idaho's farmers and ranchers install conservation practices to improve their land and enhance their natural resources," said NRCS Assistant State Conservationist Bob Bartholomew.  “Through their conservation efforts, the public also receives benefits--a cleaner environment, cleaner water, and increased wildlife habitat, to name a few.”

EQIP may pay participants up to 75 percent of installation costs on eligible conservation practices.  EQIP also offers incentive payments to encourage farmers to adopt land management practices, such as nutrient management, manure management, pasture management and wildlife habitat management. 

Idaho NRCS has set aside approximately $1.5 million for three special projects using EQIP funds in 2007.  These projects cover energy conservation, species of concern and tribal lands.

Energy conservation – $500,000 has been reserved for applicants who convert their existing sprinkler irrigation systems to one operated solely by gravity pressure. 
Species of Concern - $500,000 has been set aside for EQIP contracts that include conservation practices that will provide a direct benefit to selected wildlife species and their habitat.
Tribal Lands- $200,000 has been held for the federally recognized Tribes in Idaho.  EQIP applications on Tribal lands from Tribal member owners or operators will receive priority consideration for these funds.

NRCS has many conservation programs available to help farmers and ranchers reduce soil erosion, improve soil and water quality, increase wildlife habitat, restore and enhance wetlands and improve grazing management.  The programs are voluntary and provide incentives such as technical and cost-sharing assistance for the planning, design and implementation of conservation systems. 

For more information about EQIP and other NRCS programs, visit your local USDA service center.  They are listed on-line at http://offices.usda.gov or in the phone book under Federal Government,   U.S. Department of Agriculture.
 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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