NEWS

 

Dover, DE, May 12, 2008 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Delaware Forest Service (DFS) are intensifying their efforts to advance conservation on privately-owned forest lands in an effort to improve water quality throughout Delaware. 

“Our renewed emphasis on water quality was sparked by efforts to improve and enhance the health of the Chesapeake Bay, but we’re taking it a step further. We’re focusing our conservation efforts on water bodies statewide,” said Russell Morgan, NRCS State Conservationist in Delaware.  “We are taking a hands-on approach to encourage landowners with private forestland to invest in a forest stewardship plan with our partners from the Forest Service.”  

NRCS conservation programs have offered financial and technical assistance for forest landowners for many years.  Under current Farm Bill programs, NRCS has included forestry practices approved from DFS.  This assistance helps landowners install riparian buffers, windbreaks and hedgerows, plant trees and install other practices for forest stand improvement.  

“Our partnership with NRCS not only benefits individual forest landowners, it helps all Delawareans,” said Austin Short, Delaware State Forester. “Our forest stewardship plans are targeted to help landowners conserve these forests for future generations while also maximizing the return on their investment. This will ensure that our forests continue to produce the numerous benefits that we all enjoy including wood products, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, and water quality.”  In addition to increasing conservation on forestlands, DFS field staff will also encourage forest landowners with cropland to contact NRCS to discuss conservation planning for a comprehensive approach to addressing all natural resource concerns.  

“Each forest practice that is installed helps reduce soil erosion, nutrients and sediment, filters water and/or controls flooding –all improving the water quality running through and out of Delaware’s rivers and streams,” said Morgan.  Delaware forestlands not only support the forest industry and contribute to the state’s economy; they are part of the quality of life for residents.   Increasing assistance to protect privately owned forestlands benefits everyone. 

Forest landowners must have a forest management plan through the Delaware Forest Service in order to be eligible for financial incentives through NRCS cost-share programs.   

To learn more about cost-share programs or services, please contact your local NRCS or Delaware Forest Service office. Information is available online at www.de.nrcs.usda.gov or dda.delaware.gov/forestry.

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