USDA ANNOUNCES FINAL RULE FOR CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2002—The 2002 Farm Bill authorized the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide technical assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service to owners and managers of private grazing land through the Conservation of Private Grazing Land Program (CPGL). The final rule for the program was published in the Federal Register on Nov. 12.

“This is a voluntary program that addresses natural resource concerns on private grazing land while enhancing the economic and social stability of grazing land enterprises and the rural communities that depend on them,” said NRCS Chief Bruce I. Knight. “This rule builds our capacity to provide technical assistance to those who own and operate private grazing land.”

Through CPGL, NRCS conservationists will help individuals understand the basic ecological principals associated with managing their land and implement a conservation plan that meets their management objectives and the needs of the resources-soil, water, air, plants and animals.

NRCS technical assistance can help landowners maintain and improve private grazing land and its management, implement grazing land management technologies, protect and improve the quality and quantity of water, maintain and improve wildlife and fish habitat, enhance recreational opportunities, maintain and improve the aesthetic character of private grazing land, identify opportunities and encourage diversification, and encourage the use of sustainable grazing systems.

Although financial assistance is not available from CPGL, other federal, state and local programs may apply to grazing lands that provide financial assistance.

The 2002 Farm Bill represents an unprecedented investment in conservation on America's private lands, nearly $13 billion over the next six years. Detailed information on CPGL and other conservation programs authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill is available on the Web at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/products.html.
 

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