USDA Publishes Conservation Program Rules for Public Comment

Final rules for several NRCS conservation programs under the Food, Energy and Conservation Act of 2008 have been published in the Federal Register. The USDA would appreciate public comments on these rules in order to make the programs operate more effectively. On January 15, 2009 final rules for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Wetlands Reserve Program and the Healthy Forest Reserve Program were published in the National Register.

Upper Peninsula RC&D Project Wins Two Chiefs' Partnership Award

A project to produce energy from woody biomass earned the Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council the Two Chiefs' Partnership Award, presented by the Chiefs of the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and Forest Service.
The UP RC&D's BurnUP project was one of four group projects selected for the Two Chiefs' Award in 2008. The Award recognizes exemplary employees and projects from the Forest Service, NRCS, State Forestry Agencies, and Conservation Districts who have worked collaboratively to support conservation and forest stewardship.

Comment Period Begins for State Technical Committee Final Rules

Interim Final Rules regarding NRCS State Technical Committees have been posted on the Federal Register for public comment. Public comments must be submitted by Jan. 26, 2009. These comments will be used to revise the interim final rule, which establishes policy for State Technical Committees. USDA will publish a final rule that will address the public comments.

The Michigan Technical Committee is comprised of both governmental and non-governmental leaders representing environmentally related disciplines. The committee is chaired by the State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Michigan. The MTC examines conservation issues, makes recommendations and suggest guidelines for conservation programs.  It provides a forum for public input and facilitates maximum coordination between federal, state, local and private conservation efforts.