After a hurricane, or other natural disasters, the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) is there to help many landowners. A good example of that is work taking place in Monroe County, Florida. The Florida Keys took the brunt of Hurricane Irma back in 2017, filling the network of canals with debris and sediment along with widespread damage. But that debris has …
USDA Opens Signup for National Conservation Innovation Grants
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production on farms, ranches, and private forests – ultimately, they improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. Program At A Glance National and State CIG – Public and private grantees develop the tools, technologies, and …
USDA Seeks Project Proposals to Protect and Restore Critical Wetlands
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants landowners to know they are making available up to $40 million in technical and financial assistance to help eligible conservation partners voluntarily protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on agricultural lands. Funding will be provided through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Through WREP, states, local units …
NRCS White Oak Initiative Sign-Up in North Alabama
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants to remind landowners sign-up is underway for a new initiative focused on increasing the number of white oak timber stands in north Alabama. According to the United States Forest Service’s Forest Inventory, white oak regeneration is not keeping pace with the amount of white oak timber being harvested and if not reversed, could …
Florida NRCS Holding State Technical Committee Meeting
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will conduct a State Technical Committee Meeting this Tuesday, May 21 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Doyle Conner Agriculture Building Auditorium in Gainesville. The meeting is open to the public and will give an overview of the 2018 Farm Bill programs and conservation easements. NRCS will solicit recommendations …
Conservation Client Gateway Helping Alabama Farmers
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants to remind farmers about their secure online portal, Conservation Client Gateway. Alabama State Conservationist, Ben Malone, says this is a great way to take care of business without having to visit your local NRCS office. Malone notes your local NRCS office can help get you started, or learn more on their website, al.nrcs.usda.gov. …
Georgia Farmers Using Irrigator Pro
Across the country farmers are looking for innovative ways to conserve water while maintaining or boosting crop yields, and leading farmers are helping others manage water more efficiently. Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District members in Southwest Georgia have used a Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia to partner with other like-minded groups to advance …
NRCS Florida State Technical Committee Meeting is Tuesday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will conduct a State Technical Committee Meeting on Tuesday, May 21 starting at 10 a.m. in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Doyle Conner Agriculture Building Auditorium in Gainesville. The meeting is open to the public and will give an overview of the 2018 Farm Bill programs and conservation easements. Florida State Conservationist Russell …
NRCS Announces Changes to Strengthen Technical Input
Last week, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced they are expanding the technical input in program development and technical services in their program delivery. The 2018 Farm Bill made several changes expanding the membership on the State Technical Committee and expanding the avenues through which technical service providers can be certified. Other changes include the administration of the, Watershed Protection and …
Signup by Friday for CSP
The signup deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for 2019 funding is Friday, May 10. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is planning to invest up to $700 million for both new enrollments and contract extensions in fiscal year 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill did make several changes to CSP including high ranking applications are now based on …