(USDA/NRCS) — The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the PLANTS Database provides conservation plant information to conservation planners, researchers, and others using plants in their natural resource conservation projects.  The development of Plant Guides are a cooperative effort between the NRCS National Plant Data Team and the NRCS Plant Materials Program. Plant Materials Centers and specialists contributes many of the Plant Guides to …
USDA Invites Input on Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Rule
(USDA/NRCS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks public comments on its interim rule for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). ACEP is USDA’s premier conservation easement program, helping landowners protect working agricultural lands and wetlands. The rule – now available on the Federal Register – takes effect on publication and includes changes to the …
USDA Taking Public Comments on EQIP Interim Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners they are still taking public comments on the interim rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS Chief, Matt Lohr, discusses some of the changes proposed in the interim final rule for EQIP reauthorized under the 2018 Farm Bill. (audio) USDA’s flagship program helps producers plan and …
USDA Still Taking Input on CSP Rule
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is still seeking public comments on its interim final rule for the Conservation Stewardship Program. CSP, the nation’s largest conservation program in terms of participating land, is designed to help farmers have more robust conservation activities. The program provides many benefits that include increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience …
USDA Taking Input on CSP Rule
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind producers they are still seeking public comments on its interim final rule for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The changes include Increasing payment rates for adoption of cover crop rotations, Introducing a new supplemental payment for advanced grazing management, Creating one-time payment for developing a comprehensive conservation plan and Providing specific …
Mapping Soils in the Florida Everglades
During the South Florida sweltering heat this past August, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Scientists Craig Prink and Martin Figueroa were out collecting soil samples in the Everglades in an effort to build a map that helps land managers understand resource concerns affecting the ecosystem, water quality and wildlife. Martin said, “This is the first digital soil map developed in Florida, on …
USDA Funds Conservation Innovation Across the Country
(USDA/NRCS) — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is awarding about $12.5 million in grants to support the development of innovative systems and technologies for private lands conservation. The funding is provided through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, which is funding the future of agriculture and conservation through grants to organizations and universities that are developing the next generation …
USDA Invites Input on EQIP Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comments on its interim rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The rule, which is now available on the Federal Register, will take effect upon publication and includes changes to the program prescribed by the 2018 Farm Bill. In a release, NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr said “The …
World Soil Day is December 5
World Soil Day is December 5, a day that was established to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) continues to promote healthy soil for life. Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital …
Application Period for RCPP Ends Tuesday
Potential partners interested in submitting proposals to help improve water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability and being reminded the application period for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) ends Tuesday, December 3. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) notes that RCPP eligible partners include private industry, non-government organizations, Indian tribes, state and local …