NRCS provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.
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Snow Survey Story
NRCS Longmont Field Office soil conservationist Don Graffis and NRCS Brighton Field Office soil conservationist Sylvia Hickenlooper recently took Longmont Times Call reporter Douglas Crowl and photographer Hunter McRae on a snow survey to Longs Peak (10,500 feet elevation) in Rocky Mountain National Park outside of Allenspark, Colorado.
 

EQIP and CRP Save Soil on Iowa Farm
Tony Allen concedes he's seen some erosion over the years, but over the past 18 months, the Southwest Iowa farmer has done something about it. Allen has taken advantage of at least two USDA conservation programs to make sure his land is there for his children and grandchildren.
 

Agricultural Excellence – The Colorado Farm Show
At the recent Colorado Farm Show, the West Greeley, Colorado, Conservation District and the NRCS Greeley Field Office presented their new exhibit depicting conservation district activities and farm bill programs.

Connect to NRCS' State News, Newsroom, News Releases, and New Release Archives!

New Conservation Technical Assistance Policy Released
NRCS has a new comprehensive policy for operating the Conservation Technical Assistance Program (CTA) that is the foundation for how USDA provides on-the-ground conservation assistance to customers. Through CTA, NRCS helps people voluntarily conserve, improve and sustain natural resources on their land. The new CTA policy establishes national priorities for the program that focus on helping producers comply more easily with environmental regulatory burdens.

USDA Awards More Than $22 Million to 17 States
USDA has announced that $22.2 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds would be provided to 17 states for their high levels of performance in implementing the program. These funds will help farmers and ranchers improve soil, air, and water resources on private working lands. States receiving the performance award are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

February is National Black History Month
This year's theme is “The Niagara Movement 100th Anniversary."  The Niagara Movement was a meeting held in July 1905, at Niagara Falls, New York, where African-Americans, led by W.E.B. Dubois, called for full civil liberties and an end to racial discrimination. The Niagara Movement was a forerunner to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Your support and commitment during Black History Month will help NRCS create a better workplace for all employees.

Earth Day, April 22, 2005
We are asking our NRCS public affairs specialists and others to find out about Earth Day events in their States. As this year is the 70th anniversary of NRCS, the 20th anniversary of the Earth Team, and the Excellence in Conservation Award presentation on Earth Day, April 22, it’s doubly important to be aware of Earth Day events going on in the States. As soon as possible, please get your event information to Fred Jacobs, NRCS Conservation Communications Staff, rm. 6114-S, 14th & Independence Ave. SW, Washington D.C. 20250; 202-720-6794, FAX 202-720-1564. Thanks for your help.

Conservation Issues to be Discussed at Agricultural Outlook Forum 2005
NRCS staff will participate at the upcoming Agricultural Outlook Forum scheduled for February 24-25, 2005, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

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

Increase Diversity on the Farm: Free Bulletin Shows Farmers How to Reap Economic, Environmental Benefits
With information about cover cropping, rotations, pest management, minimizing tillage, reduced water use, and water quality, the newly updated Diversifying Cropping Systems bulletin from the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) provides a useful tool for NRCS field staff and others who work with farmers.

NACD/NRCS National Earth Team Award Presented
Chief Knight helped present the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD)/NRCS Earth Team Award to the Polk County, Oregon conservation district last week at the Annual NACD meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

NRCS to Chair Panel on Traditional Cultural Properties
NRCS Washington cultural resources specialist Scott Williams will moderate a panel discussion he’s organized at the annual Northwest Anthropological Conference, March 17-19, 2005.

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.