NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Florida, USDA-NRCS

USDA has announced $14 million in Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to fund 45 projects in 40 states to develop and refine new technologies and approaches that will help farmers conserve and sustain natural resources on their operations. In Florida, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was awarded a grant of more than $950,000 based on paying for environmental services on Florida …

FL WHIP Signup Reminder

Randall Weiseman Florida, USDA-NRCS

Landowners in Florida still have one more week to apply for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, or WHIP, under the current batching period. The cutoff date is June 27 at the close of business at any county NRCS office. Report (:30 mp3)

AL EQIP & WHIP Signup Deadline is Friday

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cattle, Livestock, USDA-NRCS

In Alabama, this coming Friday June 20th is the deadline to signup for both the Environmental Quality Incentives and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Programs.  Report (1:00mp3)      Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office to learn more.

FL Beetles Work on TSA

Randall Weiseman Cattle, Florida, Livestock, USDA-NRCS

Tropical Soda Apple is an invasive weed that many across Florida have to deal with each year, but there has been research underway using a beetle to help destroy the plant, and a group effort in Okeechobbee is proving that this does work as others are being encouraged to try this method.  Report (1:30mp3)

Water Conservation Credits

Randall Weiseman General, USDA-NRCS

Richard Coombe, Eastern Regional Assistant Chief for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, was a panelist and participant this week at a global conference to consider the concept of market-based water conservation efforts. Report (1:00 mp3)

Deadline Coming for WHIP in Florida

Randall Weiseman Florida, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida has announced June 27 as the cutoff date for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. WHIP offers financial and technical assistance to install structural and management practices on eligible non-federal lands to address restoration of declining habitats of Florida. Report (:30 mp3)

Good Stuff for Conservation in Farm Bill

Randall Weiseman USDA-NRCS

The conservation title in the new farm bill offers some new and expanded programs for farmers, including increased funding for EQIP, expansion of the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program and a new, improved and renamed Conservation Stewardship program, formally the Conservation Security Program. Report (1:00 mp3)