The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is adversely affecting the marshes and coastlands used by shorebirds, waterfowl, and other birds that will soon be traveling through the area on their annual migration south. Therefore USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has launched the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative to work with farmers and ranchers in managing portions of …
FL NRCS AWEP Deadline for Hillsborough County Farmers
Hillsborough County farmers who plan to use alternative frost-freeze protections, such as irrigation runoff ponds, have until Friday, July 23 to apply for funding through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Agricultural Water Enhancement Program. Download Audio
FL Enrolls Record Acreage in NRCS Wetlands Reserve Program
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan has announced a major wetlands project designed to restore and protect wetlands that will improve water quality and provide habitat for rare, endangered and threatened animals, birds and plants in the northern Everglades. The project is the largest contiguous easement acquisition in the history of USDA’s Wetlands Reserve Program with 26 thousand acres. Download Audio
NRCS Migratory Bird Initiative Receiving a Positive Response
With 40 to 50 million birds estimated to start their migration south in the coming weeks, the Natural Resources Conservation Service has developed the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative. And NRCS Chief Dave White says it has received a tremendous response from producers. Download Audio
NRCS Working with Producers on Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative
In response to the effects of the Gulf Oil Spill on some of the marshes and coastlands, The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with producers in eight states in order to manage portions of their land to provide additional food and habitat for the more than 50 million migratory birds that will be traveling south in the coming months. …
Project Funding Available in Florida to Improve Water Quality and Quantity
Gainesville, FL., July 12, 2010 – Hillsborough County area farmers and ranchers can help conserve water and improve water quality on agricultural working lands through the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), which leverages additional resources and services from conservation partners. The program is administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which enters into agreements …
Streamlining Operations of Conservation Programs
Each year for the past few years, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has doubled its number of customers serviced with conservation programs, and thus NRCS Chief Dave White says they have a big push on to streamline operations. Download Audio
Santa Rosa County Holds 44th Annual Farm Tour
Nearly 200 people were on hand today for the 44th annual Santa Rosa County Farm Tour which started in Milton, Florida and worked it’s way to various farms in the county. Trent Matthews, Santa Rosa County NRCS District Conservationist and Travis Kelley, Farm Service Agency County Director in Santa Rosa County, both serve on the tour committee and talks about …
FL NRCS Working with Communities in the People’s Garden Initiative
The Florida Natural Resources Conservation Service is excited to be involved in the USDA’s Peoples Garden Initiative. And George Johnson with the Florida NRCS says in particular the Flagler County Juvenile Justice Council Community Garden, a place where troubled youth spend productive time doing community service while helping to feed the hungry in Flagler County. Download Audio Click here for …
AL NRCS Gives Awards and Emphasizes the Value of Partnerships
AUBURN, Ala – Leaders of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI) in Atmore, AL, were surprised by the announcement that they had achieved three prestigious certifications for their stewardship and forest management activities on the Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve. At the June 16 United South and Eastern Tribe’s (USET) meeting in Mobile, the PBCI received certification for the Alabama …