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The Natural Resources Conservation Service — Helping People Help the Land.

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Alabama

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poultryAlabama Poultry Litter Project
Alabama NRCS Agronomist Ben Moore talks about how the poultry litter redistribution project and how the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) helps offset the cost of transporting poultry litter around the State for use as a high quality fertilizer. 
 

Alaska

Homer District Conservationist Mark Kenney stands next to a Sitka spruce that grew 36 inches in one year (NRCS photo by Mitch Michaud)Testing Tree Planting Provenance Standards– It’s Almost Rocket Science
“What trees can I plant?” is one of the first questions landowners ask when presented with the option of tree planting as a means for reforestation. Tree and Shrub Establishment Conservation Practice Standard 612 directs planners to select native species with a local provenance ("provenance" is a French word meaning “the local area you are from").

 
Florida

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Florida cattle ranchEQIP Initiatives in the Sunshine State
 According to Florida NRCS State Conservationist Niles Glasgow, there are many different initiatives that fall under the umbrella of EQIP.
 


 
Washington

Students across Washington raisied salmon hatchlings in their classrooms release into local riversClassrooms Become Hatcheries as Students Raise Salmon
Students across Washington are receiving the education of a salmon’s lifecycle by raising fry in their classrooms for release into local rivers.


 

Connect to NRCS' State News, Newsroom, and News Releases!

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 State Conservationist Honored
members of her leadership team help Jane celebrate at the awards ceremony (from left) Assistant State Conservationist for Programs Harold Thompson, State Resource Conservationist Shannon Zezula, Jane Hardisty, Executive Assistant Paula Mulligan, and State Administrative Officer Elana Cass (NRCS Photo)Indiana NRCS State Conservationist Jane Hardisty was recently honored as the first natural resources graduate to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award from Ball State University (BSU).  Hardisty graduated from BSU in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in natural resources, biology, and geology.


 

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NRCS American Indian Heritage Month poster (NRCS photo)November is American Indian Heritage Month
In 1986, President Reagan designated November 23-30 as "American Indian Week." Four years later, President Bush proclaimed the first National American Indian Heritage Month. Each year since, U.S. Presidents have proclaimed November as "American Indian Heritage Month."
 

 

Merlyn Carlson and Assistant Deputy Under Secretary Alex Beehler sign an agreement establishing a national partnership in conservation efforts near military basesUSDA and DOD Sign Conservation Partnership Agreement
USDA Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Under Secretary Merlyn Carlson and Department of Defense Defense of Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health Assistant Deputy Under Secretary Alex Beehler recently signed an agreement establishing a national partnership in conservation efforts near military bases around the nation. The partnership will enable greater efficiency in conservation efforts by both agencies through the sharing of technical information and services.
 

Links…
NRCS news release "USDA and DOD Sign Conservation Partnership Agreement" November 8, 2006
NRCS Conservation Programs
DOD's Environmental Use Buffers Program
DOD's Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative

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Recycling Agricultural Plastics Makes Environmental Sense
 agricultural plastics like these nursery planting pots and trays can be re-cycled (Cornell University photo)Petroleum-based plastics are used for agricultural products such as pesticide containers, silage bags, hay bale wrap and other packaging, mulch film, irrigation materials including drip tape, greenhouse covers, and planting pots and trays.  Currently most agricultural plastics are disposed of on-farm by either burning or burying.  Neither of these options is desirable.  By recycling, versus burning or burying, farmers and landowners can improve air and water quality as well as provide plastic for recycling thus reducing embedded energy consumption for the nation.

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