NRCS Seeks Public Input on Conservation Programs at March 17 Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Lisa Coverdale, (801) 524-4565

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Final Rule requires the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to “periodically review and update the priorities utilizing input from the public and affected stakeholders to ensure the program continues to address national resource needs.”

A public listening session has been scheduled for March 17 from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the conference room at the Utah Farm Bureau Federation Building, 9865 South State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. Comments on EQIP or any other USDA conservation farm program may be presented at this meeting by individuals or representatives from interested organizations.

Sylvia Gillen, NRCS State Conservationist in Utah, also schedules State Technical Committee meetings throughout the year that allow partners and interested citizens to offer comments on EQIP and a proposed statewide evaluation of  Utah’s natural resources. Information about the State Technical Committee meetings is available on the Utah NRCS Web site at: http://www.ut.nrcs.usda.gov/STC/index.html

In addition, written comments can be sent via email or postal service to: Lisa Coverdale, assistant state conservationist for programs, NRCS, 125 S State St., Salt Lake City, UT 84138; lisa.coverdale@ut.usda.gov.

While general comments about any NRCS program are welcome, specific comments are being sought on the following questions:

1. What emerging natural resource issues are not addressed by the current national EQIP priorities? Input should identify the nature of the concern and its extent or significance within the state.
2. What modifications, if any, are needed to the four existing National priorities? Do these existing priorities continue to reflect the critical national resource needs and concerns?
3. What specific resource data do you need to help make conservation planning and management decisions within your responsibility? On what geographic basis should the data be collected (county, watershed)?

A list of the national EQIP objectives and priorities is available online at: http://policy.nrcs.usda.gov/scripts/lpsiis.dll/M/M_440_515_A_13.htm

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