News

December 19, 2003

The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

Word from Washington

Secretary Veneman Announces Proposed Rule for the Conservation Security Program
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced this week the release of a proposed rule to implement the new Conservation Security Program (CSP) designed to reward the best conservation stewards of the most environmentally sensitive areas in targeted watersheds. FULL TEXT OF PRESS RELEASE

USDA Signs Agreements with Three New Tribal Conservation Districts
During the first Annual National Tribal Conservation District Conference, held recently in Las Vegas, Nev., the U.S. Department of Agriculture commemorated the addition of three new tribal conservation districts.
FULL TEXT OF PRESS RELEASE

Focus on the Field
EQIP Helps Vermont Dairy Farmer

For 17 years, Henry and Sally Forgues managed their Alburg Springs dairy conventionally, using year-round confinement based on corn silage and alfalfa. And, like many dairy farmers, suffered the economic consequences. Then in 1992, the Forgues switched from a traditional confinement system to feeding on well-managed pasture and then recently began participating in EQIP. FULL STORY

Ag Air Quality Task Force Tackles New Rules

The USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force held its second quarterly meeting in Monterrey, California, this month to get a first hand look at California’s agricultural industry and air quality concerns. FULL STORY

NRCS Proposed Reorganization Web Page
Get the latest official information about the proposed reorganization of NRCS. PROPOSED REORG WEB PAGE

NRCS Legislative Summaries, Testimony, and Reports
Timely and accurate information from NRCS Legislative Affairs.

Tech Tip

Plant Materials and Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Partnership
The NRCS Plant Materials Program and Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) have combined their efforts to promote new plants and vegetative techniques through local educational demonstrations and tours. FULL STORY

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.