Updated November 10, 2005

Conservation Security Program

LINCOLN ---SIGN-UP UNDERWAY FOR SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION FUNDS

            Farmers and ranchers interested in soil, water and wildlife conservation or wetland restoration funds are encouraged to make an application by Nov. 30, at their Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

             “All of these programs have an on-going sign-up process for landowners or operators.  The Nov. 30, deadline is the first of several “cut-off” dates through the year where we rank the received applications and begin funding contracts,” said Doug Gahn, acting NRCS state conservationist.

             “While we don’t have specific program dollars yet, we want producers to proceed with their conservation plans before the next planting season,” he added.  USDA Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner said in October that states will receive money after Congress makes final funding decisions through the fiscal year 2006 appropriations process.

             With financial and technical assistance from NRCS, producers and other landowners can continue to address natural resource concerns on agricultural working land, address challenges in water quality and quantity, protect prime farmland and grazing lands, and protect valuable wetland ecosystems.

             Key voluntary conservation programs include:

    Environmental Quality Incentives Program:  assists farmers and ranchers with improving soil, air, and water quality on private working lands.

     Ground and Surface Water Conservation: helps producers conserve water by altering present irrigation systems to improve water efficiency and a reduction in water used.

      Wetlands Reserve Program: helps landowners restore, enhance and conserve wetlands.

     Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program:  a voluntary program that provides matching funds to state and local governments and non-governmental organizations to purchase easements to keep farm and ranch land in agricultural uses.

     Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program:  offers assistance through long-term agreements to create, restore and enhance wildlife habitat for upland wildlife, wetland wildlife, threatened, endangered species or at-risk species and fisheries.

                  Landowners and producers wanting information on these programs can go to www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs or contact their local NRCS office.

                                      For more information visit the NRCS website: www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov