CSP Workshops Scheduled in Middle Iowa Watershed

April 8, 2008 

To help potential Conservation Security Program (CSP) participants in the Middle Iowa watershed learn more about the program and the application process, local NRCS offices are holding a series of CSP workshops beginning April 14 in Tama.

Signup for the 2008 CSP begins April18 and runs until May 16. All applicants must complete a Self Assessment Workbook as well as several other application tools. This workshop will discuss the program, benefits and application process.

• 1 p.m., April 14—Tama. Tama Civic Center, 305 Siegel St. It is located at the west end of Tama’s Main Street (or Third Street).
• 1 p.m., April 15—Brooklyn. Farm Bureau Basement, 125 Jackson St.
• 7 p.m., April 16—Belle Plaine. Belle Blaine Community Center, 1309 5th Ave.
• 7 p.m., April 17—Marshalltown. Conrad Dejardin Hall, Marshalltown Community College.
• 7 p.m., April 21—Marengo. Marengo Fair Grounds Hall.
• 10 a.m., April 23—Solon. Solon Public Library, 320 W. Main Street.

The Middle Iowa is one of 51 watersheds included in the 2008 CSP. It is located in Grundy, Story, Marshall, Tama, Benton, Linn, Jasper, Poweshiek, Iowa, and Johnson Counties in East Central Iowa. More information is available at www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp2008.html.

The purpose of CSP is to reward the best conservation farmers for their past conservation efforts and encourage them to do more. This unique program, for those who meet the basic eligibility requirements, offers five to ten year contracts. For the last three Iowa CSP signups, the annual contract payment averages $9,000. Currently there are about 900,000 acres and 2350 contracts in CSP in Iowa.  

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For more information contact:
Tom O’Connor, CSP Manager, 515-323-2224