2008 Conservation Security Program (CSP)

The Kennebec River at Merrymeeting Bay (Lower Kennebec) Watershed is among 51 watersheds across the nation invited to participate in a program designed to reward farmers for long-term stewardship. The sign-up period for the 2008 Conservation Security Program (CSP) was April 18-May 30, 2008. 

The Lower Kennebec Watershed is primarily in the counties of Franklin, Kennebec and Somerset, but also includes portions of Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Waldo, Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.  The program is available on pastureland, hayland, and all types of cropland.

Participants will be enrolled in one of three tiers in the program, depending on the extent of the conservation treatment in place on their farm. Payments will be based in part on this existing conservation treatment as well as their willingness to undertake additional environmental enhancements.

While protecting soil and water quality are the “price of admission” farmers will also have options to improve wildlife habitat, undertake on-farm energy conservation, improve air quality, and improve nutrient and pest management activities.

•  Kennebec River at Merrymeeting Bay (Lower Kennebec) Watershed
   

CSP Self-Assessment Workbook

By going through the CSP Self-Assessment Workbook, potential CSP participants will get a good idea about whether they are eligible for CSP at this time.  Producers who may not be eligible can find out about programs that can help them achieve a higher level of conservation so that they may applied for CSP in the future.       

The following documents requires Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)

2008 CSP Self-Assessment Workbook (.pdf) (1,839 KB)

IRS Ruling (.pdf)

News Releases 

-- Schafer Announces Conservation Security Program Sign-Up 
-- USDA Conservation Program Available to Lower Kennebec River Watershed
    Agricultural Producers 
-- USDA Extends Sign-up for Conservation Security Program
 

Additional Information on CSP 

Contact Information:
        Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties - 207-753-9400, ext. 3
        Franklin County - 207-778-4767, ext. 3
        Kennebec County - 207-622-7847, ext. 3
        Lincoln County - 207-273-2005, ext. 3
        Penobscot County - 207-947-6622, ext. 3
        Piscataquis County - 207-564-2321, ext. 3
        Somerset County - 207-474-8324, ext. 3
        Waldo County - 207-338-1964, ext. 3

                                                                                         Last Modified:  05/30/2008

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