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![]() Herb Webb, NRCS Resource Conservationist, Flathead Indian Reservation Tribal Complex, Pablo, Montana, checks a field of canola on a client’s farm. |
The MOU, signed by NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster, FSA Associate Administrator
Thomas B. Hofeller, and BIA Director of Trust Services Arch Wells, identifies
the respective Federal responsibilities that must be coordinated by the three
agencies. It also recognizes the role of American Indians and Indian tribes as
landowners, land users, and as sovereign governmental entities with authority
and responsibility for the development and administration of natural resource
programs on Indian lands.
Links...
USDA News
Release: "USDA
Partners Sign Memorandum of Understanding with Bureau of Indian Affairs for
Conservation Programs on Indian Lands," December 6, 2006
NRCS Tribal Government
Relationships
![]() Surveying the water quality in a mine water filtration pond in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. |
The Natural Resources Conservation Service administers CIG. Up to $20 million
is available for the National CIG competition. Funds for the projects will be
awarded through a nationwide competitive grants process with applications
accepted from all 50 States, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands) and the Pacific Basin Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands) from all eligible government or non-government
organizations or individuals, including federally recognized tribes.
Applications must be received by February 2, 2007.
Links...
USDA News
Release:
"USDA
Announces Fiscal Year 2007 Sign-up for up to $20 Million in Conservation
Innovation Grants," December 4, 2006
NRCS Conservation Innovation
Grants Program Information
Canada Lynx in the northern boreal forest of Maine Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. |
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2006—USDA announced that $2.3 million will be provided
to help forest landowners in Maine, Mississippi and Arkansas improve wildlife
habitat for threatened or endangered species on private forestlands. Landowners
enrolled 495,652 acres through 30 and 99-year easements and 10-year restoration
agreements in the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP), authorized in 2003.
Landowners will carry out conservation practices on this acreage that will
promote the recovery of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker in the Lower
Ouachita River Flatwood region of Arkansas, the Canada Lynx in the northern
boreal forest of Maine and the gopher tortoise and the black pine snake in the
longleaf pine ecosystem along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
Links…
NRCS news release
“USDA Provides $2.3 Million For Healthy Forests Reserve Program” (Nov. 29,
2006)
Healthy Forests Reserve Program
USDA
unveiled the Energy Estimator for Animal Housing, a Web-based energy awareness
tool designed to help agricultural producers reduce energy costs related to
animal housing. This tool evaluates the energy use and costs associated with
heating, lighting and ventilating poultry, swine and dairy housing. Once a
producer enters the required information, the Energy Estimator for Animal
Housing provides an analysis of estimated energy use and costs associated with
various energy management options. The analysis also identifies potential energy
savings that can result from carrying out certain recommendations for swine,
poultry and dairy operations. This is USDA's fourth energy estimator tool
designed to reduce the impacts of high energy costs and to help develop
long-term solutions for producers.
Links...
USDA News
Release:
"USDA's New Web-based Awareness Tool Estimates
Energy Use For Animal Housing," November 15, 2006
Energy Estimator for Animal Housing
USDA's Energy Page
NRCS Energy Page
NRCS
and its partners made Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 a banner year for “Helping People
Help the Land.”
“Our partners and everyone who cares about conservation should be proud of these
accomplishments and feel optimistic about the future of conservation,” said NRCS
Chief Arlen Lancaster.
In FY 2006, the conservation partnership: reduced soil erosion by more than 75
million tons; created, restored, or enhanced 318,000 acres of wetlands; and
planned conservation systems and practices that cover more than 50 million
acres—a 60 percent increase over 2001.
Find more facts and figures on the FY 2006
Conservation Accomplishments Web Page.
Ft. Riley, Kansas, November 8, 2006—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
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
Natural
Resources Conservation Service Chief Arlen Lancaster announced that NRCS has
enrolled 3,500 acres in the Wetlands Reserve Program through a reverse auction
pilot program that reduced easement acquisition costs by 14 percent—saving
nearly $820,000 in Fiscal Year 2006. The reverse auction signup
tested procedures to reduce easement acquisition costs and
NRCS technical assistance costs.
Links…
NRCS news
release "Reverse Auction
Saves Wetlands and Money" (November 2, 2006)
Wetlands Reserve Program
WASHINGTON,
Oct. 20, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns honored Natural Resources
Conservation Service employees and contractors with several 2006 USDA Group
Honor Awards. The awards recognize the outstanding services and contributions of
USDA employees and contractors toward fulfilling USDA’s missions and goals.
Two NRCS teams were honored. The Energy Estimator team, led by Stefanie Aschmann
of Portland, Oregon, received its award for designing three
web-based energy estimators for tillage, nitrogen
fertilizer and irrigation to help producers save energy and money. The Poteau River Watershed Team, led by Group Leader
Phoukham Vongkhamdy of Stillwater, Oklahoma, received its award for increasing
the number of Native American, Asian and limited resource producers who were
accepted into the Conservation Security Program in
the Poteau River Watershed in Oklahoma.
Other employees and contractors also were recognized as members on teams from
other USDA agencies.
Links…
USDA news release:
“Johanns
Honors USDA Employees in Annual Awards Ceremony" (Oct. 20, 2006)
List of USDA Honor Awards Recipients
WASHINGTON, October 13, 2006—USDA Natural Resources and Environment Under
Secretary Mark Rey and Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water, signed a partnership
agreement to establish and promote water quality credit trading markets through
cooperative conservation. The agreement features a pilot project within the
Chesapeake Bay basin to showcase the effectiveness of environmental markets.
Water quality credit trading uses a market-based approach that offers incentives
to farmers and ranchers who implement conservation practices that improve water
quality.
Links...
NRCS news
release
"USDA and
EPA Sign Water Quality Credit Trading Agreement" (October 13, 2006)
Water Quality Trading Partnership Agreement (PDF version)
Information on the market based approach and the NRCS strategic plan
Information about EPA’s water quality trading policy and guidelines
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns renewed the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) and named 29 individuals to serve as members. They will serve two-year terms that will end September 30, 2008. This task force will tackle diverse air quality issues such as the reduction of criteria pollutants, carbon sequestration, ozone and ammonia emissions, greenhouse gases and the enhancement of opportunities for environmental trading markets for agriculture.
Links…
USDA news release:
“Johanns
Appoints Members of 2006-2008 USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force" (October
13, 2006)
USDA Agricultural Air
Quality Task Force
![]() Eighty percent of the approximately 1,400 seed plants grown around the world require pollination by animals like the hummingbird. |
Many of the world’s birds, bugs, and beasts are vital to the survival of humans and ecosystems. They are pollinators. And the pollen they gather and pass to plants is part of a natural chain that puts food on our tables, provides food and cover for wildlife, and helps prevent soil erosion and protect water quality.
But pollinators face many challenges related to habitat and invasive species.
Facts about agriculture and pollination... In the U.S. alone, pollination of agricultural crops is valued at approximately $10 billion annually. Globally, pollination of agricultural crops is valued at more than $3 trillion. |
Find out what’s being done and what must be done to protect pollinators. On Wednesday, October 18, the Pollinator Partnership, a project of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, presents its Pollinator Symposium at USDA’s Jefferson Auditorium, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Highlights begin with remarks by Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Mark Rey include looks at the importance of pollinators; threats to pollinator populations; global efforts to protect pollinators; how agriculture, forestry, and corporations can benefit pollinators; and boosting public support for protecting pollinators. The U.S. Postal Service will introduce its Pollination Stamp Series. Participants will receive a commemorative program featuring the pollinator stamp art.
Link...
See the agenda and get registration
information.
![]() NRCS' Conservation Security Program rewards producers who meet the highest standards of conservation on their operations. Above, contour stripcropping, a multi-purpose practice used by many top-performing CSP participants, prevents soil erosion and keeps sediment and farm chemicals out of water in a central Iowa watershed. NRCS image. |
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced
that 51 watersheds in 50 states, the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean Area will
be eligible for the 2007 Conservation Security Program (CSP). These watersheds
represent more than 64,500 of the nation’s potentially eligible farms and
ranches, covering nearly 24 million acres of cropland and grazing land. Based on
President Bush’s requested funding level for the program for fiscal year 2007,
the 51 watersheds would be eligible for enrollment. Eligible watersheds are
being announced now to allow farmers and ranchers adequate time to gather
resource information on their operations in preparation for a prospective
sign-up.
Links…
USDA news
release:
“USDA Selects 51 Watersheds for 2007 Conservation Security Program” (Sept. 25,
2006)
Map of Eligible
Watersheds
Conservation Security Program
In his first remarks to a partnership organization,
NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster
addressed a packed room at the National Association of State Conservation
Agencies Annual Meeting, September 25, in San Antonio.
Conservation leaders from across the nation heard Chief Lancaster address
priority conservation topics, plus discuss his perspectives on key future
resource issues. He expressed his strong commitment to local conservation and a
close cooperative relationship with state partners.
The Chief took questions on a wide array of topics — answering queries about the
detriments of Congressional earmarks, addressing concerns regarding security
clearance requirements for State agency employees, and discussing the upcoming
farm bill.
State agency leaders expressed enthusiasm in working with Chief Lancaster, and
were pleased to receive word on the
2007 CSP watershed announcement.
The Chief spent the rest of the day visiting NRCS field office staff west near
San Antonio and discussing irrigation water conservation.
Link…
Chief Lancaster’s
Remarks to the National Association of State Conservation Agencies, September
25, 2006
PDF version
HAYES, South Dakota, Aug. 29, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that $780 million will be available to help farmers and ranchers manage drought and weather-related production challenges. NRCS will use $11 million of that total to help farmers and ranchers in 14 states protect drought-affected grazing lands through its Grassland Reserve Program. The states will use the funding for pending GRP applications for rental agreements in drought-affected areas.
Links...
USDA news release:
“Johanns Focuses USDA Programs To Aid Drought Regions” (Aug. 29, 2006)
en Español
Grassland Reserve Program
(scroll down to bottom of page)
|
August 24, 2006—NRCS extended the deadline for completing environmental
projects to qualify for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
energy cost assistance until December 29, 2006. The energy conservation
initiative has been effective at offsetting energy cost increases, and
accelerating the application of conservation practices. Prior to this
announcement the deadline for completion of the EQIP projects was September 1,
2006. The one-time payment adjustment is available only to program participants
who signed EQIP contracts in 2004 or earlier and who have EQIP practices that
have been delayed due to increasing energy costs. For more information contact
your local USDA Service Center or the
EQIP Web page.
WASHINGTON,
Aug. 23, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that
Agriculture Deputy Assistant Secretary Arlen Lancaster was selected as Chief of
the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Lancaster held his former position
in USDA’s Office of Congressional Relations since April 2005. Prior to joining
USDA, he served in various senior staff positions in Congress, having worked as
Senator Mike Crapo’s senior policy advisor since 1999 and as the staff director
for the Senate Subcommittee on Forestry, Conservation, and Rural Revitalization
since 2001. He played a key role in crafting the conservation title of the 2002
Farm Bill. Lancaster also worked for Senator Robert Bennett from 1998-1999.
Links…
USDA news
release
“Johanns Announces Appointment of Arlen Lancaster As Chief Of The Natural
Resources Conservation Service (Aug. 23, 2006)
en Español
Biography
WASHINGTON,
Aug. 16, 2006—The USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force will meet Aug. 30-31
in Harrisburg, Pa., to discuss current issues facing agriculture and the
potential impacts to air quality from agricultural operations. The meeting is
open to the public. Anyone from the public who wishes to speak will have up to
five minutes. Written comments will be accepted. Air quality issues in
Pennsylvania also will be addressed.
Links…
USDA news
release:
“USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force to Meet in Pennsylvania" (Aug. 16,
2006)
en Español
USDA Agricultural Air
Quality Task Force
ELLISTON,
Mont., July 28, 2006—USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment
Mark Rey awarded $4.1 million to fund 27 projects in 20 states to manage
and control invasive plants, animals or insects that adversely affect private
and tribal grazing lands. Approved grantees include five county weed control and
management districts, five resource conservation and development councils, three
conservation districts, three foundations and non-profit organizations, three
Federally-recognized Native American tribes or organizations that assist them,
and two state departments of agriculture.
Links...
NRCS
news release "USDA Awards $4.1
Million in Grants to Manage and Control Invasive Species Affecting Grazing
Lands" (July 28, 2006)
State listing of Grazing Land
Conservation Initiative grants (PDF)
Grazing Lands Conservation
Initiative Web page
WASHINGTON,
July 28, 2006—Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Mark Rey announced the release of an amended interim final rule for the Farm and
Ranch Lands Protection Program with a request for public comment. Public
comments on the rule will be accepted for 60 days from the date the rule appears
in the Federal Register. USDA proposes that land eligibility criteria should
focus on preserving the nation’s most critical farm and ranch lands resources.
Links...
USDA news release:
"USDA Announces Amendments to Interim Final Rule and
Public Comment Period for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program"
(July 28, 2006)
Farm and Ranch Lands
Protection Program
WASHINGTON,
June 30, 2006—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), announced the availability of $10 million for a Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)
reverse auction initiative to identify more effective and efficient methods of
reducing the cost of WRP easement acquisition. “The Wetlands Reserve
Program is a voluntary program established for the purpose of protecting,
restoring and enhancing wetlands, while maximizing wildlife benefits,” said NRCS
Chief Bruce Knight. “This reverse WRP auction will allow the taxpayer and our
farmers and ranchers to get even more for their investment.”
Links...
NRCS
news release “NRCS Announces
Signup for Wetlands Reserve Program Reverse Auction
$10 million available -- signup between July 3 and July 28"
(June 30, 2006)
en Español
Wetlands Reserve Program
WASHINGTON,
June 27, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns
announced a new Agricultural Wildlife Conservation Center in Madison,
Mississippi. Experts at the new center will develop wildlife habitat technology
for farmers and ranchers. These innovative technologies will help them install
conservation practices that enhance wildlife habitat development. Additionally,
Secretary Johanns announced $1.6 million in competitive grants that will go to
12 entities in 10 states for development and evaluation of technological tools
for fish and wildlife habitat improvements.
Links...
USDA news release:
"Johanns Announces
Opening of New National Wildlife Center"
(June 27, 2006)
en Español
WASHINGTON,
June 27, 2006—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Bruce Knight
announced the results of Conservation Security Program (CSP) Fiscal Year
(FY) 2004 contract modifications to include payments for additional conservation
enhancements not included in the original contracts.
“CSP was designed to reward the best land stewards and encourage them to do even
more. Our 2004 participants have demonstrated their interest in completing
additional practices, proving that voluntary, incentive-based programs on
working lands do encourage landowners to move toward the highest standards of
conservation stewardship,” said Knight.
Links…
NRCS News Release, "2004 CSP
Contracts Modified for Enhanced Conservation"
en Español
Conservation Security Program
WASHINGTON,
June 19, 2006—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Bruce
Knight announced the signup for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP)
from June 19 through July 7, 2006 in Arkansas, Maine and Mississippi.
The new program will improve forested wildlife habitat for the red-cockaded
woodpecker in the Lower Ouachita River Flatwood region of Arkansas, the Canada
Lynx in the northern boreal forest of Maine, and the gopher tortoise and black
pine snake in the longleaf pine ecosystem along the gulf coast of Mississippi.
Links…
NRCS news release, "NRCS
Announces Signup for Healthy Forests Reserve Program" (6/19/06) en Español
Healthy Forest Reserve Program
SAVANNAH,
Ga., June 19, 2006—Agriculture Under Secretary Mark Rey awarded nearly
$20 million in Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to fund 66 projects in 38
states to develop and refine cutting-edge technologies and approaches to help
producers maintain viable agricultural operations.
“These projects exemplify cooperative conservation and continue USDA’s
partnership with public and private entities to promote practical, innovative
solutions to manage our natural resources,” said Rey in remarks to the annual
meeting of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development
Councils.
CIG funds pilot projects and conservation field trials that can last from one to
three years. The total value of the approved projects exceeds $48 million after
the grantees match at least 50 percent.
Links…
USDA news release:
"USDA Awards Nearly
$20 Million in Conservation Innovation Grants," (June 19, 2006)
Conservation Innovation Grants
2006 Conservation Innovation Grant Awards
June
12, 2006—USDA announced the release of the “Energy Estimator for
Irrigation," a Web-based awareness tool designed to help producers manage their
irrigation water resources more efficiently. This tool evaluates opportunities
to save on energy costs and improve efficiency of irrigation management. It
allows producers to estimate the energy cost of pumping water for irrigation on
their farm. USDA has already released two energy estimators that have proven to
be very successful. From December 7, 2005 to the present, the “Energy Estimator
for Tillage” and the “Energy Estimator for Nitrogen Fertilizer” have drawn more
than 160,000 page views by 38,000 U.S. and international visitors.
Links…
USDA news release:
“USDA Releases Web-Based Irrigation
Calculator Tool As Part of Overall Energy Strategy" (June 12, 2006)
en Español
USDA Energy Estimators
USDA’s Energy Page
NRCS Energy Page
The
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking independent analysis of
internal funding formulas used for funding its conservation programs. This
objective evaluation is being sought to continue improving agency business
processes for more effective and efficient implementation of conservation
programs. This analysis will provide a comprehensive evaluation of each program
allocation formula and will assess how allocation formulas relate to
programmatic efficiency and annual/long-term performance measures.
Link...
More information including the statement of work, contacts and application
timelines for this comprehensive evaluation of program funding allocation
formulas, please visit:
R -- Comprehensive Evaluation of Program Funding Allocation Formula
Washington, D.C., June
6, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that USDA will fund
4,404 Conservation Security Program (CSP) contracts across the 50 States,
Caribbean and Pacific Basin Areas. The FY 2006 CSP contracts offered cover more
than 3.7 million acres of private land in 60 watersheds nationwide, which
translates to nearly a $440 million long-term investment in conservation over
the next 10 years. USDA expects to fully invest the $259 million provided by
Congress for FY 2006.
Links...
USDA news release:
"USDA Announces FY 2006 Conservation Security Program
Contracts"
(June 7, 2006)
en Español
Conservation Security Program
WASHINGTON,
June 2, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the deadline
for completing environmental projects to qualify for the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP) energy cost assistance will be extended to September
1, 2006.
"Farmers and ranchers have put various conservation practices on hold because of
the recent increases in the cost of energy," said Johanns. "As part of our
commitment to help mitigate the impact of high energy costs on agricultural
producers, this cost adjustment and time extension will lessen the impact of
energy prices on farmers and ranchers, while protecting our natural resources."
Links…
USDA news release:
“Johanns Extends Incentives To Complete EQIP Practices Delayed By High Energy
Costs"
(June 2, 2006) en Español
Environmental Quality
Incentives Program
WASHINGTON,
DC, May 25, 2006—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in
partnership with the National Audubon Society announced the availability of new information
materials that provide conservation information to individuals
and communities for better management of schoolyards, backyards, country homes,
neighborhoods and apartments. NRCS and the National Audubon Society are
dedicated to protecting habitat for birds and other wildlife. Five 8-1/2"x11"
publications open to 11"x17" posters that describe how to attract birds, bats, and butterflies
to your backyard and community.
Links...
"National
Audubon Society and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Launch Campaign
Promoting Wildlife-Friendly Backyards"
You can order these posters online at
http://landcare.sc.egov.usda.gov/,
by e-mailing landcare@usda.gov, or by
calling 1-888-526-3227.
![]() NRCS employees Mitch Cummings and Matt Rosener examine the Tillamook Watershed. |
USDA-NRCS awarded nearly $5 million through the Cooperative Conservation
Partnership Initiative, a voluntary program that provides competitive grants for
state and local governments, tribes and non-governmental organizations to foster
conservation partnerships. Thirty-eight entities in 24 states received grants
totaling nearly $4 million. NRCS State Offices in 14 states received an
additional $1 million to carry out rapid watershed assessment projects in their
respective states with a broad array of partners. NRCS received 81 proposals
from 35 states.
Links…
USDA news release:
“USDA Announces
Recipients of 2006 Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative Grants"
(May 25, 2006)
en Español
2006 Cooperative Conservation
Partnership Initiative
![]()
Streams without conservation buffers run higher risks
of streambank erosion, contamination with farm chemicals, and
sedimentation, as well as offer no habitat for wildlife. |
May
22, 2006— Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that according to USDA’s
National Resources Inventory (NRI), a statistical survey of natural resource
conditions and trends on non-federal land, that total soil erosion on cultivated
and non-cultivated cropland in the U.S. decreased 43 percent between 1982 and
2003, sheet and rill erosion decreased 42 percent, and wind erosion decreased 44
percent. The NRI is a statistical survey of natural resource conditions and
trends on non-federal land that measures soil erosion, land cover and use, prime
farmland soils, wetlands, habitat diversity, selected conservation practices,
and related resources.
Links...
USDA news release:
Johanns Announces 43 Percent Decline In Total Cropland Erosion (May 22,
2006)
en Español
May
22, 2006—NRCS released its new strategic plan,
which outlines the long-term goals, objectives and strategies to achieve
effective results for productive lands and a healthy environment. It describes agency activities that will contribute to sustaining natural
resources in the coming decades.
Links…
NRCS news release: “NRCS
Unveils New Strategic Plan" (May 22, 2006)
en Español
NRCS Strategic Plan
WASHINGTON,
May 18, 2006—Agriculture Under Secretary Mark Rey
announced the availability of $2.3 million for the Healthy Forests Reserve
Program (HFRP) in selected forest ecosystems. HFRP will focus on habitat
recovery for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker in the Lower Ouachita River
Flatwood region of Arkansas, the Canada lynx in the northern boreal forest of
Maine, and the gopher tortoise in the longleaf pine ecosystem along the gulf
coast of Mississippi. HFRP, a voluntary conservation program administered by the
Natural Resources Conservation Service, will help people help the land by
restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems to promote the recovery of threatened
and endangered species, improve biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration.
Links…
USDA news release:
USDA Announces Program to Improve
Forest Ecosystems
Healthy Forests Reserve Program
![]() NRCS Chief Bruce Knight (middle) presents Paul Daigle (right) with the 2006 Excellence in Conservation Award as Wisconsin NRCS State Conservationist Patricia Leavenworth looks on. |
May 16, 2006—NRCS Chief Bruce Knight presented the 2006 Excellence in
Conservation Award to Paul Daigle of Marathon County during Wisconsin’s “2006
Year of the Soil” event at the state Capitol. NRCS honored Daigle of Wausau for
his extensive work in managed grazing. Daigle, a conservation specialist for the
Marathon County Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department, helps farmers in
Lincoln and Marathon counties plan, design and carry out conservation practices
on their farms. Nearly 200 farmers now practice managed grazing in the two
counties compared with six farmers in 1993. NRCS began the Excellence in
Conservation Award five years ago to recognize the voluntary contributions of
non-governmental individuals, groups and tribes toward conserving natural
resources on private land.
Links…
NRCS news release:
“Wisconsin
Conservation Specialist Receives Top NRCS Award" (May 16, 2006)
en Español
Excellence in
Conservation Award Information
May 2, 2006—USDA recognized 100 years of studying snow and forecasting streamflow during an event at the University of Nevada, Reno on May 2. Deputy Under Secretary Merlyn Carlson of USDA's Office of Natural Resources and Environment presented a plaque to the University to honor the contributions of former professor Dr. James E. Church. Carlson also sampled snow on Mount Rose, near the mountaintop where Church conducted most of his snow sampling and climate research. Church pioneered the techniques the USDA and others now use to measure snow and forecast seasonal water supplies for thousands of producers and millions of residents in the Western and Central United States.
Links…
USDA news release:
“USDA and University of Nevada Celebrate 100 Years of Studying Snow and
Forecasting Streamflow” (May 2, 2006)
en Español
USDA’s Snow Survey and Water Forecasting
Program
American Customer Satisfaction Index for Snow
Survey and Water Forecasting (Scroll down to Customer Satisfaction box.)
May
1, 2006—U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation
Service Chief Bruce Knight announced that five partnership proposals will
receive $10 million through the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program to restore,
enhance, protect and manage habitat for migratory birds and other
wetland-dependent wildlife.
Link…
NRCS news release: "USDA Selects Proposals for Wetlands Reserve Enhancement
Program" (May 1, 2006)
en Español
April
21, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns celebrated Earth Day by signing two
Colorado Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) partnerships totaling
$91.6 million that will conserve water and improve wildlife habitat.
Links…
USDA news
release:
“Johanns Observes Earth Day in Colorado with Conservation Agreements"
(April 21,
2006)
Requires Adobe Acrobat reader.
Backgrounder: USDA Celebrates Earth Day
See photo features of NRCS Earth Day events in selected States.
![]() FRPP protects productive agricultural land from development. |
April 10, 2006—More than $70 million is available to protect agricultural land
in 50 states and Puerto Rico through the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program
(FRPP) in fiscal year 2006. NRCS is seeking proposals by May 11, 2006 from
state, federally recognized tribes and local governments and non-governmental
organizations interested in working together to acquire conservation easements.
NRCS expects to announce final projects in June 2006.
Links…
USDA news
release:
“USDA Provides More Than $70 Million To Protect Farm and Ranch Lands" (April 10,
2006)
en Español
Announcement of Program Funding
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection
Program
![]() This firebreak, located in Alabama, can be used to protect life and property. NRCS image. |
March 31, 2006—USDA will provide Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program
funds to help communities in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama protect life and
property from fires. A firebreak is a strip of bare land or vegetation that
slows down or buffers a fire. The firebreaks will be funded with a portion of
$300 million in supplemental appropriations approved by Congress in December
2005 for six hurricane-stricken states. NRCS will pay landowners and landusers
up to 75 percent of the costs, or up to $150 per acre, to remove dead or dying
timber adjacent to important community structures, such as schools and homes.
Links…
NRCS news release: “USDA Announces
Funding Availability to Construct Firebreaks in Hurricane-Stricken States (March
31, 2006)
en Español
Emergency Watershed Protection
Program
![]() Mule deer in velvet on a Colorado ranch. NRCS image. |
March 23, 2006—USDA will provide up to $1.7 million for competitive grants to
develop and evaluate technological tools for fish and wildlife habitat
improvements. Proposals for grants will be accepted from state and local
governments, federally recognized tribes and non-governmental organizations
through April 27, 2006. Grants will range from $10,000 to $200,000.
Selected applicants may receive up to 50 percent of the project costs. Limited
resource and beginning farmers and ranchers, tribes and community-based
organizations representing these groups can obtain up to 75 percent of project
matching funds. Applicants will be asked how they will develop, test, implement
and transfer innovative solutions that benefit fish and wildlife.
Links…
NRCS news release:
“USDA Provides Up to $1.7 Million for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements”
(March 24, 2006)
en Español
Announcement of Funding For Wildlife Grants
Wildlife Habitat Incentives
Program
![]() CSP rewards farmers and ranchers for using a Global Positioning System to apply fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides precisely. |
March 16, 2006—Producers in several CSP pilot watersheds ranked NRCS employees
very high for professionalism and courteous service in carrying out that
program. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), NRCS
received an overall score of 76 out of 100 for administering CSP. This ranking
is higher than the 2005 average national ACSI of 71 for the federal government.
ACSI surveyed respondents on four “drivers of
satisfaction”—CSP self assessment workbook, interview with NRCS, contract review
and NRCS staff. Survey respondents included 250 producers who participated in
the first CSP signup in 13 watersheds in 2004.
Links…
NRCS news release:
“USDA’s Conservation Security Program Ranks High Among Participating Farmers and
Ranchers” (March 16, 2006)
en Español
Survey Report (This link takes you to
NRCS' Strategic Planning and Accountability index page. Scroll down for links to
the Customer Satisfaction Survey results.)
American Customer Satisfaction
Index
Conservation Security Program
The
Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary program offering landowners the
opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance grasslands on their property.
Section 2401 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L.
107-171) amended the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize this program. The
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency and Forest Service
are coordinating implementation of GRP, which helps landowners restore and
protect grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands and
provides assistance for rehabilitating grasslands. The program will conserve
vulnerable grasslands from conversion to cropland or other uses and conserve
valuable grasslands by helping maintain viable ranching operations.
Links…
Grassland Reserve Program
Federal Register -- Main Page
Feb.
24, 2006—USDA announced the release of the
Energy Estimator for Nitrogen, a web-based awareness tool that farmers and
ranchers can use to identify potential nitrogen cost savings associated with
major crops and commercial nitrogen fertilizer applications. This tool estimates
savings in nitrogen applications and use to help farmers and ranchers make
practical and sound decisions regarding nitrogen fertilizer use on their farm or
ranch. Farmers and ranchers should use the Energy Estimator for Nitrogen for
guidance rather than as a sole source for decision-making on nitrogen fertilizer
applications.
Links…
USDA news release:
“Johanns Announces Nitrogen Fertilizer Tool As Part of Energy
Strategy” (Feb. 24 , 2006)
en Español
USDA Energy Web Site
NRCS Energy Web Site
January
31, 2006—USDA announced that the 2006 sign-up for the Conservation Security
Program will be February 13 to March 31, 2006 in 60 watersheds nationwide. The
sign-up will only include those producers who do not have an existing CSP
contract and their operation must fall within the boundaries of a selected
watershed.
Links…
USDA news release:
“USDA Announces Sign-Up for 2006 Conservation Security Program” (January 31,
2006)
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NRCS conservationists examine fallen trees and plants at a nursery in Dade County, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. |
Jan. 27, 2005—USDA announced that $2.8 billion will be used to
assist victims of the 2005 hurricane season. Of that amount, $300 million in Emergency
Watershed Protection Program funds will be used to provide technical and
financial assistance to help communities and landowners address public safety
and restoration efforts on private lands in six states.
The breakdown of funding by state is:
State | Total Funding |
Alabama |
$23,100,000 |
Florida |
$67,800,000 |
Louisiana |
$88,740,000 |
Mississippi |
$107,286,500 |
Tennessee |
$377,500 |
Texas |
$12,696,000 |
|
|
TOTAL |
$300,000,000 |
NRCS will use the funds to pay landowners and communities up to
75 percent of the cost of removing debris from stream channels, road culverts
and bridges; reshaping and protecting eroded banks; correcting damaged drainways;
repairing levees and structures and reseeding damaged areas.
Links…
USDA news release:
“USDA Announces $2.8 Billion in Hurricane Disaster Assistance" (Jan. 26,
2006)
en Español
Emergency Watershed Protection Program
USDA Hurricane Assistance
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Terraces, buffers, and conservation tillage are among the practices being used by farmers in a water quality improvement project. |
Jan. 26, 2006—USDA has announced that 43 states will
receive additional funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program,
Wetlands Reserve Program, Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, and Wildlife
Habitat Incentives Program. A total of $56.8 million will be distributed among
the states.
Links...
NRCS news release: "USDA Announces
Additional $56.8 Million for Conservation Programs in 43 States" (Jan. 26,
2006)
en Español
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Wetlands Reserve Program
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
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Eligible EQIP participants who are implementing conservation practices, such as this manure storage, can qualify for USDA’s one-time payment adjustment for escalating energy costs. NRCS image. |
Jan. 19, 2006—USDA announced that $40 million will be used to help
eligible Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) participants complete
conservation practices that have been delayed because of recent increases in
energy prices. The one-time adjustment will apply to participants who signed
EQIP contracts in 2004 or earlier and to practices most affected by increased
costs in construction materials such as concrete, steel and plastic pipe. The
increase will cover practices completed between March 1 and June 30, 2006. This
funding is part of USDA’s effort to mitigate the impact of high energy costs on
agricultural producers.
Links…
USDA news release:
“USDA Offers Energy Cost Offset for Completion of EQIP Practices” (Jan. 19,
2006)
en Español
Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP)
USDA’s Energy
Campaign
January 17, 2006—Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner announced the availability of nearly $38 million in funding for competitively selected proposals from state and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, federally recognized Indian tribes, and individuals for projects in four conservation emphasis areas.
Links...
USDA news release:
"Conner Announces $38 Million For Cooperative Conservation Projects" (Jan.
17, 2006)
en Español
Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative: Invasive Species Control
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)
Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI)
Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program
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South Carolina farmer harvests squash on a family farm. |
Dec. 12, 2005—Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide more than $10 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds to assist limited resource and beginning farmers and ranchers nationwide to implement conservation practices on their land. The Limited Resource Farmers Initiative will provide funding for limited resource and beginning farmers and ranchers with 100 acres or less of cropland and rangeland. NRCS will offer cost-share rates of up to 90 percent for all conservation practices and a $10,000 limit on each contract for eligible farmers and ranchers. The agency started this initiative in fiscal year 2005.
Links…
NRCS news release: “USDA Invests More
Than $10 Million To Assist Limited Resource and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers"
(Dec. 12, 2005)
en Español
Limited Resource, Small and
Beginning Farmers
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Dec.
7, 2005—A USDA Energy Initiative was launched to help farmers and ranchers with
high energy costs. Many conservation measures can significantly reduce fuel
use and other energy-related costs. Conservation practices such as no-till can
save farmers 217 million gallons of fuel and up to $480 million per year, while
other practices such as irrigation water management can reduce diesel
consumption by 80 million gallons and save farmers up to $180 million per year.
Key conservation practices include crop residue management, nutrient management,
irrigation water management, precision agriculture, pesticide management,
intensified grazing systems and windbreaks/shelterbelts.
Links…
USDA news release: “USDA Announces
Energy Initiative to Help Farmers and Ranchers with High Energy Costs” (Dec.
7, 2005)
en Español
USDA fact sheet: “USDA Energy Commitments and Highlights"
en Español
NRCS “Save ENERGY, Save MONEY” web site
NRCS Energy Estimator
An online "Energy Estimator" can help producers with practical, money-saving and
energy efficient decisions.
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