NRCS Will Restore Flood-Prone Lands with Recovery Act Funding March 9 - March 27, 2009 is the sign-up period for the floodplain easement component of the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). Up to $145 million will be available to eligible landowners nationwide as part of President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Funding will create jobs and restore an estimated 60,000 acres of frequently flooded land to its natural state. Public benefits include increased flood protection, enhanced fish and wildlife habitat, improved water quality, reduced future public disaster assistance, reduced energy consumption, and increased carbon sequestration. For eligibility requirements visit the EWP Floodplain Easement Site and NRCS Recovery Information.

	NRCS Extends Application Period for Conservation Innovation Grants to March 20th The application deadline for 2009 Conservation Innovation Grants funding has been extended to March 20th. Up to $20 million is available for projects that achieve and promote innovation in water quality, energy, climate change and pollinator habitat. Grants will be awarded through a nationwide competition.
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USDA Seeks Comments on Farm Bill Programs You can help shape 2008 Farm Bill conservation programs. USDA wants to hear your comments on NRCS' Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Healthy Forests Reserve Program, Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, Grassland Reserve Program, as well as the Technical Service Provider Process. How can you be heard? Click on the program's name to find out.

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USDA Announces New Conservation Program and Initiative, Availability of Funding Two new entries join USDA's array of conservation programs. The Agricultural Water Enhancement Program offers $58.4 million in financial assistance for promoting ground and surface water conservation and water quality improvement. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative, offering $23 million in 2009, strengthens coordination and cooperation between NRCS and EPA to help agricultural producers improve the environment in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Both are part of NRCS' Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

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Vilsack Establishes The People's Garden Project at USDA Secretary Vilsack broke pavement on the inaugural USDA The People's Garden during a ceremony on the grounds of U.S. Department of Agriculture commemorating Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. Vilsack announced the goal of creating a community garden at each USDA facility worldwide. Lincoln founded the Department of Agriculture in 1862 and called it "The People's Department" in his last annual message to Congress.

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Updated 03/06/2009