(USDA/NRCS) — Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a native, warm-season perennial grass that occurs across most of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. It is commonly found in several ecosystems, including tallgrass prairie, savannahs, and as an understory component in southeastern pine forests across the South. In pine forests, it provides nesting habitat for game birds and songbirds, cover and …
USDA Investing to Protect Communities in Florida
The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be investing more than $46 million this year through the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership for projects that mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality, and restore healthy forest ecosystems on public and private lands. Through the projects, USDA’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are working hand-in-hand with agricultural producers, forest landowners, and …
Signup for Conservation Easements Underway in Georgia
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia reminds producers and landowners that signup for this year’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) is underway. In order to be considered for the fiscal year 2021 funding pool, applications must be submitted by Feb. 5, 2021. Georgia State Conservationist, Terrance O. Rudolph, said, “With ACEP, NRCS can help different types of landowners …
Duval Soil and Water Full Board Meeting via Zoom Coming Up
(USDA/NRCS/FL) — The Duval Soil and Water Conservation District Full Board will meet on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. at the Duval Agricultural Extension Office, 1010 N. McDuff Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32254. This meeting will be held via Zoom teleconference. At this time the Extension Office is open only at limited capacity. Public participation is encouraged, but members …
Alabama in Pilot Project to Control Feral Swine
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week they are investing $11.65 million in 14 projects to help agricultural producers and private landowners trap and control feral swine as part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. This investment expands the pilot program to new projects in various states, including Alabama. This program is a joint effort …
New Rule Improves Partner Flexibility in RCPP
(USDA/NRCS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the final rule for its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The rule updates USDA’s partner-driven program as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill and integrates feedback from agricultural producers and others. “The Regional Conservation Partnership Program is a powerful program that enables us to co-invest with partners on win-win solutions that benefit agriculture and natural …
Florida NRCS Announces 2021 Agricultural Conservation Easement Signup
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida has announced that applications to fund agricultural easements in Florida are being accepted until Feb. 12. NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to conserve working lands and wetlands through two programs: Agricultural Land Easements and Wetland Reserve Easements. Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes can apply for a Wetland Reserve Easement to restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitat and …
Development of the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework
NRCS Conservation Outcomes Webinar Series (USDA/NRCS) —This monthly webinar series highlights recent outcomes, emerging opportunities, and conservation tools and data developed to assist with conservation planning and impact and efficiency assessment. The series illustrates the scope of Farm Bill conservation efforts on privately owned croplands, forests, and rangelands; documents the conservation achievements and outcomes of those efforts; and shows the …
Florida’s First Conservation Easement Protecting Grassland of Special Environmental Significance Recorded in Columbia County
With funding support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and local and state partners, a 518-acre sandhill grassland ecosystem with over 243 native plant species has been permanently protected by Alachua Conservation Trust and North Florida Land Trust. Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT), North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) and partners are pleased to announce the finalization of one of the first …
USDA Seeks Members for Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture
(USDA/NRCS-FL) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking members for a new advisory committee on urban agriculture, part of a broader effort to focus on the needs of urban farmers. The 12-person committee will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices as well …