(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Jan. 17, 2023) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday approved $17.8 million in land-conservation deals that include protecting two properties that are part of an envisioned wildlife corridor stretching from the Keys to the Panhandle. With support growing for the corridor, which is expected to cost billions of dollars and take decades to complete, DeSantis …
Florida NRCS State Technical Committee Meeting is January 18
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will host a State Technical Committee meeting on January 18, from 9:00am to 12:00pm (EST). The event will provide a report for natural resource and program priorities and USDA decisions and to seek recommendations from Florida agricultural leaders. Chaired by NRCS Florida State Conservationist Juan Hernandez, the committee is composed of individuals and …
Conservation Funding Opportunities Available Through EQIP
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has several fiscal year 2023 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for key programs That includes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Through EQIP, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat …
DeSantis, Cabinet Eye Land Conservation Deals
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Jan. 11,2023) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet next week will consider a series of proposed land deals that include preserving more than 12,000 acres in Northwest Florida and keeping three ranches from future development. During a meeting Tuesday, DeSantis and the Cabinet will decide whether to spend $18.09 million to buy 12,439 acres in Liberty County. …
DeSantis Outlines Second-Term Environmental Plans
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Jan. 10, 2023) — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced plans Tuesday to spend $3.5 billion in his second term on environmental projects such as restoring the Everglades and addressing water-quality problems. “This may be a bigger, more comprehensive executive order than we did four years ago. But I think that’s the right thing to do,” DeSantis, who was re-elected in …
Protect Your Ag Land with a Conservation Easement
If you are an agricultural landowner interested in protecting the integrity of your property, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) urges you to consider safeguarding your ag land with a conservation easement. The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) protects the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses which negatively affect agricultural uses and conservation values. The ACEP …
NACD Pleased with Conservation Investments in Omnibus Bill
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is pleased the fiscal year 2023 omnibus appropriations bill passed the Congress and was sent to the White House for signing. They say the agreement supports voluntary, locally-led conservation efforts across the country by providing strong funding for critical conservation programs and initiatives. The package includes no cuts to mandatory spending for USDA farm bill …
Signup Now for Conservation Incentive Contracts in Alabama
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama is offering an expanded opportunity for climate-smart agriculture in 2023. Updates include statewide availability of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Incentive Contracts. These improvements to NRCS’ working lands conservation programs, combined with continued program opportunities in Alabama, are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader effort to support climate-smart agriculture. Applications will be accepted through Friday, …
Working on Your 2023 Conservation Resolutions
With 2022 coming to an end, some are already thinking about plans for next year. And if making resolutions includes conservation, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is ready to help you do just that. And a recent article highlights some of the options to consider: To get started on your conservation plans, simply stop by your local USDA service center, to discuss your …
USDA-NRCS Offers Conservation Funding Opportunities
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has several fiscal year 2023 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for key programs. This includes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Through conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural …