New Initiative Promotes Voluntary, Nationwide Conservation

Dan Conservation, Environment, USDA-NRCS

The Biden-Harris administration announced their vision this week of how the U.S. can work together to conserve and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife that support and sustain the nation. It’s been titled “America the Beautiful” and the report outlines a locally led and voluntary nationwide conservation goal to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. Here’s Agriculture Secretary …

Innovative Approaches to High Tunnel Systems in Florida

Dan Florida, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will invest $300,000 for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for high tunnel systems that improve weather resiliency and improve degraded plant conditions. Grants from $5,000 to $75,000 will be awarded to applicants matching those funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-federal sources that can include cash or in-kind contributions. U.S.-based non-federal entities and individuals are eligible to apply …

Georgia Announces a Healthy Forests Reserve Program Sign Up

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

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia has announced the application cutoff for the fiscal year 2021 Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) funding. All interested Georgia landowners should apply by May 31, 2021. Through HFRP, NRCS can help landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private lands through easements and financial assistance. HFRP aids in the recovery …

USDA Seeking Proposals to Fund New, Unique RCPP Projects

Dan Conservation, Environment, USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to seek proposals to fund up to $75 million in new, unique projects under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program’s (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA). They are looking for proposals that take innovative and non-traditional approaches to conservation solutions at the local, regional and landscape scales. In making selections. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will …

USDA, RESTORE Council to Invest $31 Million in Gulf States

Dan Environment, USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $31 million in funds has been earmarked for advance restoration work and to improve water quality in the Gulf Coast states impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. To mitigate the impact of oil spills in environmentally sensitive areas, it’s essential to use oil skimming services that can efficiently remove and contain the spilled …

Financial Assistance Helps Ag Producers in Florida Improve Water Quality

Dan Economy, Environment, Florida, Irrigation, USDA-NRCS, Water

Agricultural producers in select watersheds in Florida can apply for financial assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) until May 31 to improve water quality in coastal waters. The lower Suwannee watersheds are Long Pond and Long Pond Slough in Levy County and the North Old Town Hammock watershed in Gilchrist and Dixie counties. If landowners show interest, NRCS proposes funding …

USDA Awards New Partnership Project in Florida

Dan Florida, USDA-NRCS

USDA will be investing $330 million in 85 locally driven, public-private partnerships, including the “Surface to Springs” project in Florida. Projects are awarded through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The program’s goal is to address climate change, improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. The U.S. …

USDA Awards New Partnership Project in Alabama

Dan Alabama, Conservation, Environment, USDA-NRCS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a new partnership project in Alabama designed to help mitigate climate change and protect natural resources while supporting America’s producers. Overall, USDA will be investing $330 million in 85 locally driven, public-private partnerships nationwide. This will include the “Regenerating Alabama’s Cropland” project. All projects are awarded through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation …

NRCS Thanks Earth Team Volunteers on Earth Day

Clint Thompson USDA-NRCS

Today is Earth Day. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been honoring individuals all this week from all walks of life who volunteer for Earth Team.   Earth Team volunteers help NRCS and districts carry out their conservation mission. The program allows NRCS to stretch available resources by partnering volunteers with employees to provide a wide range of services …

Earth Team Volunteers Help NRCS Accomplish its Mission

Clint Thompson USDA-NRCS

Earth day will be celebrated Thursday, April 22. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is honoring Earth Team volunteers and celebrating their many contributions to natural resource protection during National Volunteer week, which started April 18 and continues through April 24. Earth Team is a program that allows NRCS to stretch available resources by partnering volunteers with employees to …