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

$1 MILLION SET ASIDE TO HELP PRIVATE LANDOWNERS WITH SPECIES OF CONCERN

Boise, ID, January 10, 2005— The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho has set aside $1 million to fund conservation practices benefiting wildlife species of concern.

The funding comes from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a program reauthorized in the 2002 Farm Bill, and targets habitat of wildlife and plant species that are either Threatened or Endangered, species-at-risk or species-of-concern.

“Last year, we approved over $250,000 in EQIP contracts specifically for wildlife species at risk,” says Bob Bartholomew, NRCS assistant state conservationist for programs. “This year, we’re increasing that amount significantly and we hope to spend it all helping farmers and ranchers install conservation practices that benefit these species.”

NRCS consulted with state and federal wildlife agencies to develop a list of over 40 species needing habitat improvements, from bats and sage grouse to salmon and Idaho phlox.

“This funding is very timely,” says Nate Fisher with the Governor’s Office of Species Conservation. “The State of Idaho is particularly concerned about protecting ESA species as well as others species experiencing declining populations.”

Conservation practices that help protect species of concern include native plantings, prescribed grazing, pest management and water control structures. Applicants must work closely with a representative of a state or federal wildlife agency, such as the Idaho Department of Fish & Game or the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, along with their local NRCS representative to complete the application and ranking form.

“Traditionally, money has been spent on game species both in Idaho and across the nation,” Fisher says. “Not as much attention has been paid to non-game species, which are often the ESA species. Right now, the state and federal wildlife agencies are embarking on the development of a comprehensive strategy for these species. This EQIP funding is part of a catalyst of efforts to improve the conservation of species-at-risk.”

Cost share rates for these special projects are generally 75 percent, 25 percent higher than the general EQIP program. Applications are due to the local NRCS office by February 28 and applicants should receive notice of selection by July 1, 2005.

For more information on this EQIP special projects funding, producers can contact their local NRCS office (located in the USDA Service Center) or visit http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov.

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