NEWS

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709

For more information:
Joyce Swartzendruber 378-5703
 

CONSERVATION PROGRAM SIGNUPS NOW UNDERWAY

BOISE, JAN. 16--Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist Richard Sims announced today that applications are currently being accepted for four USDA programs that provide conservation assistance to the state’s landowners.

“Farmers and ranchers can receive financial assistance to voluntarily address threats to soil, water and related natural resources,” said Sims. “These programs will help them incorporate conservation into their farming operations.”

Conservation programs available include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Forestry Incentives Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.

EQIP, funded at $2,611,400 for 2002, provides technical, financial, and educational assistance to farmers and ranchers to address specific resource concerns such as soil erosion, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, animal waste and nutrient management. Applicants who have current conservation plans receive a high priority for ranking.

“Site-specific conservation plans give farmers and ranchers a better handle on managing their valuable natural resources,” said Sims. “The plans provide the foundation for preparing an offer index for EQIP and become the basis for 5- to 10-year contracts that provide incentive payments and cost sharing for conservation practices called for in the plans.”

Total cost share and incentive payments are limited to $10,000 per person per year and $50,000 for the length of the contract. Applications must be received in local NRCS offices by Feb. 19.

Under the Forestry Incentives Program, $18,500 is available for use by small private forest landowners in Adams, Benewah, Boise, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Elmore, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, Shoshone and Valley Counties.

This cost share program is designed to help landowners increase timber production through tree planting, thinning and natural regeneration of trees. Private landowners of non-industrialized forests are eligible for the program and must own no more than 1,000 acres of eligible forestland. Applications must be received before Feb. 8.

The Wetlands Reserve Program offers landowners the opportunity to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their property. NRCS provides both technical and financial assistance to develop and implement a plan for restoration and maintenance of the wetland. Participants can enter into a cost share agreement, a contract for a perpetual easement, or a 30-year easement that establishes long-term conservation and wildlife protection. Signup for the program is continuous throughout the year.

Landowners can use the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program to develop and improve fish and wildlife habitat on their private land. NRCS provides technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost share payments to establish and improve habitat. WHIP agreements generally last from 5 to 10 years. A wildlife habitat development plan is required. Program signup is continuous throughout the year.

Landowners should direct specific questions regarding any of these programs to their local NRCS offices.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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