USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants ranchers in the Southwest part of the state to know they may be able to get paid for helping the Florida panther. NRCS, through the Conservation Stewardship Program, will provide technical and financial assistance for conservation practices that improve its habitat. The signup deadline, through this Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project, is March 26.
The Florida panther lives in pinelands, tropical hardwood hammocks, and mixed freshwater swamp forests. Efforts to conserve the state’s remaining population of native panthers continues
To be eligible, a producer’s operation must be in northeastern Collier County or southwestern Hendry County, areas identified as essential for the long-term viability of the panther population.
And with this program being through CSP, NRCS reminds agricultural producers and forest landowners that you can earn payments for expanding conservation activities while maintaining agricultural production on your land. CSP also encourages adoption of new technologies and management techniques.
For more information about helping the Florida panther, contact your local NRCS office.
Collier County: Contact District Conservationist Derrick Wyle at 352-672-2630.
Hendry County: Contact District Conservationist Mitchell Aman at 863-674-5700.