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Healthy forest land in Iowa. The Healthy Forests Reserve Program provides a bounty of environmental, public health, and economic benefits for people, ecosystems, and communities. The public has an opportunity to comment on the latest proposed rule for this important program. The comment period closes on or before February 13, 2009.

USDA Seeks Comments on Healthy Forests Reserve Program

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is seeking public comments on the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP). A proposed rule for the program was published in the January 14, 2009, Federal Register. The period for public comments will close on or before February 13, 2009. HFRP helps landowners restore and enhance forest ecosystems to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species, improve biodiversity, reduce the risk of catastrophic fire, and enhance carbon sequestration.

 
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State Conservationist and State Technical Committee Chair J.R. Flores (right) at a recent committee meeting in North Dakota. State Technical Committees meet regularly and advise the state conservationist and other USDA officials on technical considerations related to implementation of Farm Bill conservation programs. NRCS image.

USDA's Interim Final Rule Amends Composition, Responsibilities of State Technical Committees

NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster announced the release of the interim final rule for State Technical Committees, which amended requirements regarding the composition and responsibilities of these advisory committees nationwide. The 2008 Farm Bill expands agricultural and forestry involvement in the committees, expands the committees’ authority to review local working groups’ efforts to address state program priorities, and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to standardize committee operations nationwide. Comments from the public on the interim final rule are due by Jan. 26, 2009.

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This Pennsylvania wetland buffer on pastureland removes sediment, organic matter, nutrients, pesticides, and other pollutants from surface runoff and subsurface flow. In addition to protecting water quality, marginal pastureland wetland buffers can provide valuable cover, nest sites, nectar and pollen for pollinating insects, and food for wildlife. NRCS image. Text by Pennsylvania Game Commission.

More Than 2 Million Acres Are Now Enrolled in USDA's Wetlands Reserve Program

Agriculture Under Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment Mark Rey announced landowners have enrolled more than two million acres in U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), a significant contribution toward exceeding a national goal of increasing the Nation’s wetlands. Rey announced the WRP milestone at the farm of Charles and Patricia McCain in Albion, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles southwest of Erie.

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Conservation... Our Purpose. Our Passion. Image of farm at sunset.

Conservation... Our Purpose. Our Passion

The purpose and passion for conservation is shared among many. It is shared between NRCS employees and partners who help people help the land. And it is shared by the landowners with whom we work. Our passion is manifested through the benefits derived from stewardship of private lands—benefits we all enjoy, such as cleaner water and air, improved soils and abundant wildlife habitat.
Learn about our stories, the stories of conservation made possible through a shared purpose, a shared passion and a shared commitment to conservation.
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Meet the Featured Customers!

Eight featured customers, chosen to represent diversity of geography, culture, conservation practices and products, represent a cross-section of our landowner-partners nationwide as part of our Conservation... Our Purpose. Our Passion. campaign.

 Featured Customer: Mr. Ho, Hawaii featured customer: Mr. Gwinn, Florida featured customer: Ms. Wahl, Oregon Featured Customer: Mr. Stoller, Ohio Featured Customer: Mr. Brown, North Dakota featured customer: Ms. Garcia, Washington featured customer: Mr. Austin, Oklahoma Featured Customer: Chesmer, Connecticut
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Updated 01/14/2009

   

2008 Farm Bill

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