Natural Resources Conservation Service to hold Statewide Environmental Quality Incentives Program Public Listening Sessions on the National  Priorities

Little Rock, Ark. – The Natural Resources Conservation Service will hold five public listening session throughout Arkansas to get feedback on updating the national Environmental Quality Incentives Program priorities.

Following is the schedule:

• Monday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to noon - University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, 1890 Extension Building Auditorium, Pine Bluff.
• Tuesday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to noon - Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center, Fayetteville.
• Wednesday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. to noon - Cooperative Extension Service Auditorium, Little Rock.
• Thursday, March 3, 10 a.m. to noon - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Crowley's Ridge Nature Center, Jonesboro.
• Thursday, March 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - John W. Rapert Library Complex Auditorium at the University of Arkansas Community College Hope.

“The EQIP final rule requires NRCS to periodically review and update the priorities utilizing input from the public and affected stakeholders to ensure the program continues to address national resource needs,” said Kalven L. Trice, state conservationist.

The national priorities are:

• Reductions of nonpoint source pollution, such as nutrients, sediment, pesticides, or excess salinity in impaired watersheds consistent with Total Maximum Daily Load where available, as well
• as the reduction of groundwater contamination and the conservation of ground and surface water resources;
• Reduction of emissions, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and ozone precursors and depleters that contribute to air quality impairment violations of National Ambient Air Quality Standards;
• Reduction in soil erosion and sedimentation from unacceptable levels on agricultural land; and
• Promotion of at-risk species habitat conservation.

Comments should address the following questions:

1. What emerging natural resource issues are not addressed by the current national EQIP priorities? Input should identify the nature of the concern and its extent or significance within the state.

2. What modifications, if any, are needed to the four existing national priorities? Do these existing priorities continue to reflect the critical national resource needs and concerns?

Comments can be compiled in written format and/or presented at the listening session.   Public comments at the listening sessions will be limited to five minutes per speaker. If a sign language interpreter or other special accommodations are necessary, contact Ron Brown, outreach coordinator, at (501) 301-3155. 

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