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