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

MONEY FOR SPECIAL CONSERVATION PROJECTS AVAILABLE

 BOISE—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho has set aside $1.1 million of Farm Bill money for two special projects benefiting air quality and sensitive wildlife species.

The special projects are part of the federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a program offering cost share to farmers and ranchers who install conservation practices on their land.

The first special project, “Air Quality—Livestock Operations,” is aimed at reducing odors, greenhouse gases and dust from livestock operations. Applicants must apply for conservation practices that will directly reduce these resource issues on their operation.

“Air quality associated with livestock operations is a critical issue, especially with the continual urbanization of many agricultural areas,” says Rich Sims, NRCS state conservationist. “These monies can be used to demonstrate successful techniques that help reduce odors and the emissions of methane and ammonia.”

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Idaho NRCS website at www.id.nrcs.usda.gov or to contact Jenifer Beddoes, NRCS environmental engineer in Meridian, at 208-888-1890, x120.

The second special project, “Sensitive Species of Concern,” is intended for conservation practices that provide a direct benefit to wildlife species and their habitat. Sensitive species include: Snake River snails, bull and cutthroat trout, salmon, sage grouse, Columbian sharp-tail grouse, Mountain quail, and several other vertebrates and rare plants.

“We’re trying to help farmers and ranchers be proactive in getting species de-listed and preventing future species from being listed,” Sims says.

Interested applicants must work directly with staff involved in monitoring the species benefited including the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service. The application information, selected species list and staff contact information list are available on the Idaho NRCS website, www.id.nrcs.usda.gov, or at the local USDA Service Center.

The application sign-up for these special projects will be from April 5-30, 2004. EQIP contracts often provide 50 percent cost share and can run from two to ten years.

“There’s over 18 million acres of private land in Idaho, much of it containing critical habitat,” Sims says. “Private landowners can make a difference in the protection of our water and wildlife. These two projects offer a few resources to help get that done.”

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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