New Kansas Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Self-Assessment Tool

Producers interested in applying for EQIP in Kansas this year can now fill out a self-assessment tool along with their application.

“We have developed a self-assessment tool to use in the EQIP application process,” explained Harold L. Klaege, State conservationist in Kansas. “After we used a self-assessment tool during the Conservation Security Program signup this past summer, it seemed only natural to develop one to use with EQIP.

The self-assessment tool is designed to be an educational, time-saving, and a money-saving tool.

“After filling out the self assessment, landowners should be provided with a clear indication of what natural resource concerns they have, what they can accomplish, and what they need to do to qualify for the EQIP,” according to Gaye Benfer, soil conservationist, who helped develop the self-assessment tool and leads the EQIP in Kansas. “Producers will answer only questions that apply to their operation in regards to grazed range/pasture, livestock waste, cropland, streambank, and forestland.”

“This self-assessment tool is not meant to determine eligibility,” said Benfer. “The self-assessment tool is designed to give the producer has a better understanding of the conservation planning process and program requirements so that the conservation planner has the information needed for conservation planning and program determinations.”

Visit the NRCS Kansas web site.

“We see this self-assessment as a time-saving and money-saving tool, also,” said Klaege. “We envision that the self-assessment will cut down on the time it takes Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to process applications for EQIP and that it will also reduce the Federal dollars required to administer the program and make more dollars available for producers. More than 3,200 applications were received in FY 2004.

“EQIP is valuable in helping our state’s agricultural producers meet the significant environmental regulations they face while continuing to be good stewards of the land. EQIP helps them implement conservation practices that improve and protect our natural resources,” said Klaege.

A copy of the self-assessment tool can be downloaded from the NRCS Kansas homepage.
Your contact is Mary Schaffer, NRCS public affairs specialist, 785-823-4571, or mary.schaffer@ks.nrcs.usda.gov.