In an issue of contention across the ag industry, and on the opposite side, environmental groups alike, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers have announced a final rule establishing a durable definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). In a news release, the EPA and Army state that it will reduce uncertainty from changing regulatory …
Court Urged to Hear Apalachicola Water Fight
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/December 20, 2022) — In the latest round of battles about the Apalachicola River, environmental groups are asking a federal appeals court to hear arguments in a challenge to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decisions that affect water flowing into the Northwest Florida river. The National Wildlife Federation, the Florida Wildlife Federation and the Apalachicola Bay and River Keeper …
USDA Extends Time to Request Emergency Watershed Protection Assistance in Florida
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) in Florida has announced it has granted a waiver to extend the time for a sponsor to request Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) assistance from 60 days to 120 days after Hurricane Ian. The deadline for a sponsor to request assistance for Hurricane Ian is January 27, 2023. A sample letter of request for EWP assistance is available for …
Florida NRCS Helping Communities through EWP
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to pass along information about the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program. After a natural disaster like Hurricane Ian, through EWP NRCS offers help to alleviate hazards to life and property. Florida NRCS State Conservationist, Juan C. Hernandez, explains who this program is designed for. Public and private landowners are eligible for assistance, but must …
Deadline Nearing for Partners to Apply for WREP Funding in Georgia
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia wants to pass along this reminder. They are investing in fiscal 2023 to help conservation partners protect and restore critical wetlands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). NRCS is prioritizing proposals that support efforts to mitigate climate change by restoring wetlands while also prioritizing assistance to underserved communities. But, proposals are due by Sept. 23, …
USDA Investing in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program in Georgia
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this month it is investing up to $5 million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP). This grant program supports the development of mitigation banks for use by agricultural producers seeking to maintain eligibility for USDA programs. Funds are available to Tribes, state and local government entities, nonprofits and other organizations. Since 2016, USDA’s Natural Resources …
USDA to Invest $5 Million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is investing up to $5 million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP). This grant program supports the development of mitigation banks for use by agricultural producers seeking to maintain eligibility for USDA programs. Funds are available to Tribes, state and local government entities, nonprofits and other organizations. “Our goal is to …
New Water Conservation System Practice Approved in Florida
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has approved a new conservation practice. It is a Water Conservation System commonly known as an Evaporative Cooling Pad that will help reduce water and energy while improving plant productivity. This conservation practice is available for Florida nursery operations and existing greenhouses, and can also be used for cooling livestock and poultry facilities. …
Financial, Technical Assistance Helps Private Landowners in St. Marks and Aucilla River Watersheds
Florida private landowners in the St. Marks and Aucilla River watersheds can apply until September 2 for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for fiscal year 2023 funding. The assistance will help landowners in portions of Leon, Jefferson, Wakulla, Madison, and Taylor counties conduct prescribed burns, remove invasive plants, plant longleaf pine trees, and …
Florida Attorney/Farmer Shares Thoughts on WOTUS
We continue our series on the Southeast Region WOTUS Roundtable, which was hosted by the North Carolina Farm Bureau. Kate English, who is a farmer and an attorney who is also a part of the Florida Farm Bureau, was one of the speakers. She said states like Florida already have similar water regulations. “In many instances, Clean Water Act regulations …