USDA, Partners Unveil New Fire Mapping Tool

Dan Forestry, USDA-NRCS

Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled the new Southeast FireMap, a fire mapping tool for the Southeastern U.S. that enables resource managers to improve their regional or local approaches to managing wildfire risk and fire management needs through targeted prescribed burns and training. Fire management helps improve forest ecosystem health, increases timber values, reduces the risk of wildfire damage …

Deadline Extended for CSP Renewal on Contracts Set to Close

Dan Conservation, Environment, USDA-NRCS

Wednesday, March 31 was the deadline that USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) had set for accepting Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) renewal applications. But, that date has been extended one week, with the new deadline now being April 7. This is for participants with existing CSP contracts that close on December 31, 2021. Participants with existing CSP contracts that close at the end …

USDA Seeks Public Comment on Revised Conservation Practice Standards

Clint Thompson USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to 23 national conservation practice standards through a posting in the Federal Register. The proposed revisions were published earlier this month, and all comments are due April 8. The proposed revisions include: Stream Crossing- modification to allow vented fords as an alternative. Waste Treatment – Milk House- …

Southwest Florida Ranchers Reminded about Panther Program

Dan Florida, USDA-NRCS

Ranchers in Southwest Florida are being reminded you may be able to get paid for helping the Florida panther. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will provide technical and financial assistance for conservation practices that improve its habitat through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). But, the signup deadline is Friday, March 26. To be eligible for this Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project, a producer’s operation must …

CSP Applications are Due April 2 in Georgia

Dan Conservation, Environment, Georgia, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia reminds producers the deadline to apply for the fiscal year 2021 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) funding is April 2, 2021. While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline to ensure they are considered for 2021 funding. Through CSP, NRCS helps farmers, ranchers, …

Florida NRCS Accepting CSP Renewal Applications Set to Close

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind producers they are accepting Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) renewal applications through March 31 for contracts set to end this year. Those with existing CSP contracts that close Dec. 31, 2021, can benefit from recent program changes by renewing their contracts for an additional five years if they agree to …

Florida Timber Owner Pleased with CSP

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida, Forestry, USDA-NRCS

Florida landowners are being reminded the deadline to sign up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for the fiscal year 2021 funding is Friday, March 26. Through CSP, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida helps agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for expanding conservation activities while maintaining agricultural production on their land. CSP also encourages the adoption of new technologies and management techniques. …

USDA Seeks Innovative Partner-led Projects Delivering Sustainable Agricultural Solutions

Dan Conservation, Environment, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking proposals to fund up to $75 million in new, unique projects under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program’s (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA). Proposals need to take innovative and non-traditional approaches to conservation solutions at the local, regional, and landscape scales. 15 projects will be funded this year through AFA, where partners have more flexibility …

USDA Offers CSP Participants Renewal Options for Contracts Set to Close

Dan USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it is accepting Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) renewal applications through March 31 for contracts set to end this year. Participants with existing CSP contracts that close on December 31, 2021, can benefit from recent program changes by renewing their contracts for an additional five years if they agree to adopt additional conservation …

New Florida Farmer Pleased with NRCS Program

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for the fiscal year 2021 will be accepted through March 26. Samantha Longster with S&S Micro Farm LLC located in Bartow, Florida is a new and beginning farmer who with her husband, started farming blueberries last year. They just entered into CSP to plant cover crops …