2003 Newsroom Archives

Dec. 17, 2003—USDA commemorated the addition of three new tribal conservation districts during the recent first Annual National Tribal Conservation District Conference held in Las Vegas, Nev. The Natural Resources Conservation Service has a unique partnership with conservation districts and an integral role in helping people conserve, maintain and improve natural resources on private and tribal lands. USDA recently signed mutual agreements with the following tribes that bring the total number of tribal conservation districts to 26 in 11 states.

-Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Colville Tribal Natural Resource Conservation District (Washington)

-Hualapai Nation and the Hualapai Nation Soil and Water Conservation District (Arizona)

-Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the Tiicham Soil and Water Conservation District (Oregon)

USDA Requests Public Comments on Emergency Watershed Protection Program

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2003—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Bruce Knight today announced that a notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comments for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) has been released.

“This program has helped countless communities recover from natural disasters. Emergency conservation measures help reduce the threat of injury, loss of life or devastating property damage should a subsequent disaster occur,” said Knight. “The proposed changes will improve the effectiveness of USDA’s response to natural disasters.”

The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical and financial assistance through EWP to help remove threats to life and property that remain in the nation’s watersheds in the aftermath of natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires. Funds typically are provided through Congressional emergency supplemental appropriations and are used for such measures as debris removal, streambank stabilization, revegetation, purchase of floodplain easements and repair of water control structures and public infrastructure.

NRCS Revises Technical Standards and Requests Comments

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2003—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Bruce Knight today announced that the agency has issued five new or revised conservation practice standards that provide guidance for applying conservation technology on the land.

“Conservation practice standards provide criteria for conservation districts, technical service providers, and others who offer conservation assistance to provide technically sound practices, on the ground, to our customers,” said Knight.

Currently, NRCS has 166 conservation practice standards in its National Handbook of Conservation Practices. Landowners and other customers may use these five practices in resource management systems that treat highly erodible land or on land determined to be wetland.

Roger Hansen, NRCS State Conservationist in Mo., signs the state’s first conservation easement under FRPP as Landowners Bill and Colleen Kary look on. The Kary children, Wes and Karissa, observe in the background.

Farm Bill Program Protects Farmland Near Historic Battlefield in Missouri

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Farmers Bill and Colleen Kary raise cattle on their ranch bordering the 1,750-acre Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Park. Instead of developing the land, the couple placed it in the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Kary’s 102-acre conservation easement is Missouri’s first in FRPP. Wilson Creek’s superintendent Ted Hillmer says the easement will help preserve the grassland and trees near the battlefield. NRCS provided half the cost for this $816,000 project. NRCS State Conservationist Roger Hansen said FRPP gives many rural landowners an option once they decide to preserve their agricultural land.

Links…
News Release
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program

EWP Team ( L to R: Jason Smith, Tom Benson, Howard Mueller, Sierra Harris, and Skip Miller) and Union Tribune Photographer (John Gastald in yellow rain coat) discuss with homeowner (Mr Shepard across bank) the risks his home is under due to flooding of Silverbrook Creek. Photo by Cheryl Bradford, USFS Hydrologist.

USDA Provides Funds for California Fire Recovery Efforts

Nov. 20, 2003—NRCS and the Forest Service are working hard on wildfire recovery efforts in southern California. Emergency funds will be used to stabilize watersheds, prevent massive flooding and erosion, and protect infrastructure and private property. NRCS teams of specialists in five counties—Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino—are conducting over 100 damage assessments on more than 80,000 acres. NRCS provided $480,000 in Emergency Watershed Protection Program funds to address urgent and compelling situations associated with potential flooding and debris flow within residential areas.

Links…
NRCS-California Fire Response Update
Emergency Watershed Protection Program

(Image: EWP Team and Union Tribune Photographer (in yellow rain coat) discuss with homeowner the risks his home is under due to flooding of Silverbrook Creek. Photo by Cheryl Bradford, USFS Hydrologist.)

Representative Marty Meehan and Deputy Undersecretary Mack Gray prepare to sign the $690,000 check as Jim Ogonowski looks on.

Conservation Partners Protect Farmland to Honor John Ogonowski

DRACUT, Mass., November 17—Federal and State agricultural officials and the Dracut Land Trust announced plans to protect 33 acres of farmland in Dracut as a living memorial to former American Airlines pilot John Ogonowski.

“We are not only preserving the land to John’s memory, but preserving a piece of our rural and agricultural heritage,” said R. Mack Gray, Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment. Ogonowski died on September 11, 2001, when terrorists commandeered his plane and crashed it into the World Trade Center’s North Tower. Gray presented the Ogonowski family and the Dracut Land Trust with a check for $690,000, the cost of the easement.

The parcel will be preserved in perpetuity through Massachusetts’ Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program with funding from NRCS, which contributed funds toward this project through its Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program.

Ogonowski preserved a tradition of opportunity for immigrant farmers. He supported these farmers who used his land to successfully grow, market and sell crops native to their home country. He made land available to about a dozen Cambodian immigrant families because he wanted to offer an opportunity to farmers from overseas who loved agriculture as much as he did.

Links…

(NRCS image: Representative Marty Meehan and Deputy Undersecretary Mack Gray prepare to sign the $690,000 check as Jim Ogonowski looks on.)

2003 Accomplishments Report

The NRCS 2003 Accomplishments Report highlights the progress made toward our strategic goals and objectives during the past year.

NRCS Exhibits at National FFA Convention

NRCS staff from Kentucky and national headquarters provided career information and publications on natural resource conservation at the 75th National FFA Agricultural Career Show, October 29-31, in Louisville, KY.

NRCS featured the Lewis and Clark nomadic exhibit. Backyard Conservation booklets, farm bill information sheets, soils information, educational posters, and bookmarks were distributed to many of the 50,000 students and advisors attending from all 50 states.

FFA is an integral part of the Agriculture/Agribusiness classroom in more than 7,300 schools nationwide. More than 450,000 young people are involved in FFA annually.

For more than half a century, FFA has been a vital part of the fabric of quality education for major agriculture/agribusiness, natural resource career areas. NRCS has participated in the annual FFA National Agricultural Career Show for many years.

NRCS Protects Farmland in Kane County, Illinois

GENEVA, Ill., October 27—Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Bruce Knight and Kane County officials signed an agreement today to protect nearly 690 acres of farmland in the county. The land belongs to four separate farm families, all of whom have farmed the land for decades. Natural Resources Conservation Service contributed $1.4 million through its Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program to purchase the development rights on these farms. "Once protected by conservation easements, this valuable and productive farmland will be shielded from development pressure and urban sprawl forever," Knight said.

Links…

News Release
NRCS Illinois Web site: www.il.nrcs.usda.gov
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program

Audubon Partners with Natural Resources Conservation Service to Improve Environmental Health and Habitat

In recognition of the increasing importance of backyard habitat to bird life, the National Audubon Society and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will work together, engaging the public to improve the health and habitat value of backyards and neighborhoods across America. As part of this agreement, NRCS will transfer $500,000 to Audubon to support and expand Audubon At Home - a recently launched program that promotes conservation action and environmental stewardship starting at home.

Links…
Audubon news release
NRCS Backyard Conservation

USDA Releases Additional $12.5 Million to Restore and Protect Grassland

On September 24, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman released an additional $12.5 million for the new Grassland Reserve Program (GRP). These funds, combined with the $37.2 million released earlier this year, will allow USDA to enroll additional acreage in the program this fiscal year. NRCS and the Farm Service Agency, in cooperation with the Forest Service, administer this voluntary program to help landowners and operators restore and protect grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands and provide assistance for rehabilitating grasslands.

Links…
USDA Releases Additional $12.5 Million to Restore and Protect Grassland (September 24, 2003)
GRP program information
USDA’s GRP information page

USDA Reallocates Nearly $60 Million of Farm Bill Funds for Conservation on Private Working Lands

On September 12, 2003, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced the reallocation of nearly $58.6 million to be used for conservation technical and financial assistance. “This reallocation of 2002 Farm Bill funding will allow more producers to make conservation part of their farm and ranch operations,” Veneman said. “The Bush Administration remains committed to helping producers achieve good stewardship and conserve natural resources.”

Links…
USDA Reallocates Nearly $60 Million of Farm Bill Funds for Conservation of Private Working Lands (September 12, 2003)
NRCS Farm Bill Page
USDA Farm Bill Page

USDA Releases $55.7 Million to Restore and Protect Wetlands

On September 12, 2003, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced the availability of $55.7 million for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“These funds will help farmers and ranchers voluntarily protect and restore our country’s valuable wetland ecosystems," Veneman said. “This is one way USDA is supporting the Administration’s commitment to protect our wildlife, habitats and ecosystem health.”

Link…

USDA Releases $55.7 Million to Restore and Protect Wetlands (September 12, 2003)

USDA and Department of Energy Award $23 Million in Joint Biomass Research and Development Initiative

On September 5, 2003, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman and Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham announced the selection of 19 projects that will receive $23 million for biomass research development and demonstration projects. Biomass is defined as organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy coordinated this effort.

Links…
USDA and DOE Award $23 Million in Joint Biomass Research and Development Initiative (September 5, 2003)
USDA Biobased Products and Bioenergy Coordination Council

USDA Releases Payment Rates for Technical Service Providers

A NRCS employee reviews a conservation plan with a landowner

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 , 2003 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today released “not to exceed” payment rates for certified technical service providers. These rates were established for each state using NRCS’ Technical Assistance Cost of Conservation Practices database, which reflects the agency’s total cost to provide technical assistance for conservation practices. “These payments rates will be provided to USDA conservation program participants to help them choose competitively-priced services from these providers," said NRCS Chief Bruce Knight.

New Resource Conservation and Development Areas Announced

On July 21, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman designated seven areas in seven states to receive technical assistance for conservation and environmental enhancement as part of the Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Program. RC&D areas are locally led by grassroots councils comprised of volunteers, civic leaders and locally elected officials. RC&D projects provide practical solutions for land and resource conservation, environmental enhancement, water management and community development. The new areas are:

USDA Releases First Annual National Resources Inventory

On July 11, NRCS released results from its new annual National Resources Inventory (NRI). The NRI provides comprehensive and statistically reliable information on various natural resource conditions and trends on nonfederal lands. This marks the first release of data since the NRI began a transition from a 5-year to an annual survey. The data provides national level results on the status and trends for soil erosion, land use, and urbanization and development.

Links…
2001 Annual National Resources Inventory
National Resources Inventory Information
News Release (July 11, 2003)

Grassland Reserve Program—Notice of availability of program funds published in Federal Register, June 13, 2003

Grasslands make up the largest land cover on America's private lands. Privately-owned grasslands and shrublands cover more than 525 million acres in the United States. GRP is a voluntary program that helps landowners restore and protect grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands and provides assistance for rehabilitating grasslands and conserving water resources. NRCS and the Farm Service Agency administer the program, in cooperation with the Forest Service. The notice applies to $49.9 million in fiscal year 2003 funds for GRP.

NRCS Technical Service Provider Registry Now Available

TechReg is now available! NRCS's new Internet-based Technical Service Provider Registry makes it easy for technical service providers to register and become certified…plus, TechReg helps landowners locate and choose service providers who can help them meet their conservation goals.

The TechReg database already contains more than 15,000 prospective providers. Learn more about TechReg at the links below.

USDA Announces Draft National Framework for Animal Agriculture Conservation

On September 9, 2003, USDA-NRCS released a draft National Animal Agriculture Conservation Framework to help address the conservation challenges and opportunities of animal agriculture. The national framework is built on state efforts and presents a vision for voluntary, proactive ways to foster environmentally sound and economically viable livestock and poultry production. Public comments on the draft framework--see September 10, 2003, Federal Register--are DUE OCTOBER 27, 2003.

Links...

USDA Announces Draft National Framework for Animal Agriculture Conservation (September 9, 2003)
Draft National Animal Agriculture Conservation Framework

MOU signatories from left to right are Bruce Knight, chief, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service; Corky Pugh, president, Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Dave Howell, regional director of Quail Unlimited; and Dr. Vance Watson, vice president and director of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MSU). Dr. Watson signed on behalf of MSU.

USDA Signs Memoranda of Understanding to Restore Quail Habitat in the Southeast

STARKVILLE, Miss., August 7, 2003— United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Bruce Knight signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to restore northern bobwhite quail on private working lands across the Southeast. A representative for the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies in Tallahassee, Fla., South Carolina-based Quail Unlimited, Inc. and Mississippi State University (MSU), each signed a separate MOU at a ceremony today at MSU. These MOUs establish a framework of cooperation among the partners to evaluate the Northern Bobwhite Quail Conservation Initiative.

Links
Mississippi NRCS
Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center
Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Southeast Quail Study Group
Quail Unlimited

NRCS Chief Bruce Knight Speaks at International Conservation Conference

Spokane, WA, July 28 — Chief Bruce Knight gave the opening speech at the 58th Annual Conference of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) in Spokane, Washington. Knight spoke about 2002 Farm Bill accomplishments during the past year and future plans for the agency, including streamlining and technical capacity. On behalf of Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman and Under Secretary Mark Rey, he presented an update on the Healthy Forest Initiative.

MOU Signatories: Under Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment Mark Rey (third from left) is joined by Michael T. Goergen, Jr., SAF’s Executive Vice President and CEO (second from left); Jessica G. Strother, member, SAF’s Certification Review Board; and Lawrence Clark, NRCS’ Deputy Chief for Science and Technology.

USDA Signs Technical Service Provider Agreement with Society of American Foresters

U.S. Department of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding that will help landowners obtain assistance in forest management. The five-year memorandum allows the Society of American Foresters to recommend its certified individuals to USDA for certification to provide technical services in forest management and agroforestry practices.

Pictured are MOU Signatories: Under Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment Mark Rey (third from left), joined by Michael T. Goergen, Jr., SAF’s Executive Vice President and CEO (second from left); Jessica G. Strother, member, SAF’s Certification Review Board; and Lawrence Clark, NRCS’ Deputy Chief for Science and Technology.

NRCS Showcases Conservation Technology at Agricultural Science and Technology Conference

NRCS demonstrated its conservation technology during the Ministerial Conference and Expo on Agricultural Science and Technology in Sacramento June 23-25, 2003. NRCS was one of 10 participating USDA agencies.

A truck equipped with a satellite dish and a Global Positioning System was a highlight in the NRCS booth.

Under the theme “A Leader in Conservation Technology,” NRCS’s extensive booth contained two 8-foot exhibits showcasing the agency’s various technological tools and two laptops with accompanying 37-inch plasma screens. A third 37-inch plasma screen showed a DVD containing several NRCS videos, public service announcements and video news releases. The exhibit highlighted a truck equipped with top-notch technology such as a Global Positioning System.

Wendall Oaks, NRCS Applications Project Manager, explains the agency's work to African delegates.

Publications included e-FOTG fact sheets and cards, "In Partnership with People and a Healthy Land," and NRCS’s annual report. The four booth staffers were Lawrence Clark, Deputy Chief of Science and Technology, National Headquarters; Wendall Oaks, Applications Project Manager, Information Technology Center, Fort Collins, CO; Sylvia Rainford, Public Affairs Specialist, National Headquarters, and Patricia “Tish” Espinoza, Agronomist, California.

About 150 ministerial delegations from more than 100 countries attended the conference and expo.

USDA Signs Technical Service Provider Agreement with National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants

NAICC President Ray Young and NRCS Chief Bruce Knight signing MOU

NRCS announced a cooperative partnership with the 550-member National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants that will offer agricultural producers another option for technical assistance services.

“NAICC’s crop consultants are respected as experts in U.S. crop production,” Knight said. “Their crop and farm management recommendations are based on rigorous certification standards. NRCS is pleased to partner with NAICC in providing quality technical assistance that will help producers apply or install conservation practices.”

The five-year agreement allows NAICC to recommend its certified professional crop consultants to USDA for certification to provide technical services. These independent crop consultants must perform work that meets USDA standards and specifications for effective crop and farm management.

The 2002 Farm Bill expanded the availability of technical assistance to private landowners by encouraging the use of third parties—called technical service providers or TSPs—to assist USDA in delivering conservation technical assistance to farmers, ranchers and others.

Links....
News Release (June 23, 2003)
http://techreg.usda.gov
www.usda.gov/farmbill

NRCS Signs Agreement with Environmental Management Solutions

On June 17, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service signed a memorandum of understanding with Environmental Management Solutions (EMS) during a ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa. This agreement will allow EMS to recommend certified individuals to USDA as technical service providers. This is the first MOU with a private company that includes a training and certification program component to help individuals and entities become technical service providers.

Photo: NRCS Chief Bruce Knight (left) and Environmental Management Solutions President Earl Dotson sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) during a ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa.

Links...
News Release (June 17, 2003)
TechReg
NRCS Farm Bill Web Site
USDA Farm Bill Web Site
The Environmental Management Solutions Web Site

Excellence in Conservation Award Winners

Robert Boettcher (left), NRCS Chief Bruce Knight, and Dr. Bernard Sweeney, at the NRCS Honor Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Boettcher and Sweeney were the recipients of the second national NRCS Excellence in Conservation Award. They were recognized at a ceremony at the USDA complex in Washington, D.C. on June 13, 2003.

Links...
News Release: Co-Winners for Excellence in Conservation Award Named (June 13, 2003)

Anaerobic Digester Summit

Many experts believe anaerobic digestion (AD) is a micro biological powerhouse that could be the key to unlocking the "electrifying power of manure." It could also help solve some persistent environmental issues associated with animal agriculture production.

A national AD summit from June 2 - 4 in Raleigh, North Carolina explored ways that AD can be used within the context of animal waste management, rural economic development, and environmental improvement. Scientists, engineers, and government and industry officials examined opportunities for public and private sectors to work together to make the most of this technology.

USDA Offers Long-Term Protection for Essential Plant and Animal Habitat

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced a new conservation tool to help farmers and ranchers restore and protect wildlife habitat—15-year agreements for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). This option, in addition to the standard five and 10-year agreements, help landowners who voluntarily limit future use of their land in order to develop upland, wetland, riparian and aquatic habitat areas.

USDA Completes Work on EQIP, Farm and Ranch Lands Protection, Grassland Reserve and Forest Land Enhancement Rules

USDA Provides $53 Million to Farmers and Ranchers in 17 States to Help with Drought Recovery

On May 9, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that 17 states will receive $53 million to help farmers and ranchers implement technologies and practices to conserve water and mitigate the long-term impacts of drought. “These funds will help farmers and ranchers improve areas impacted by drought by employing sound conservation practices,” said Veneman. This money is available from NRCS through the Ground and Surface Water Conservation provision of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill.

NRCS Revises Technical Standards and Requests Public Comments

NRCS has issued a series of 34 new or revised conservation practice standards that provide guidance for applying conservation technology on the land. These standards were re-analyzed to determine if they directly affected atmospheric resource quality issues. The standards were published in the Federal Register on April 28th; public comments are due by May 29, 2003.

NRCS Signs Agreement with the Irrigation Association

On May 8, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service signed a memorandum of understanding with the Irrigation Association during a ceremony at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. This agreement will allow IA to recommend agricultural certified irrigation designers to USDA as technical service providers. The need for IA’s expertise becomes even more critical to USDA as it implements the Ground and Surface Water Conservation provision of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Photo: NRCS Chief Bruce Knight (left) and Irrigation Association President Adam Skolnik sign a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow the Irrigation Association to recommend agricultural certified irrigation designers to USDA as technical service providers.

Links...
News Release (May 8, 2003)
TechReg
NRCS Farm Bill Web Site
USDA Farm Bill Web Site
The Irrigation Association web site

USDA Announces $1.9 Billion for Conservation on Working Lands

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that USDA is releasing nearly $1.9 billion through NRCS for conservation assistance on working lands. The funding will help producers with conservation planning and voluntary conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Wetlands Reserve Program. Veneman made the announcement during an Earth Day celebration on a family farm in Davidsonville, Maryland.

NRCS Signs Agreement with University of Tennessee

NRCS signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service on April 9 during a ceremony at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. This agreement will offer producers options in developing their comprehensive nutrient management plans. This is USDA’s first agreement that recognizes a university’s comprehensive nutrient management plan certification program as a source for technical service providers.

Observing the key signatories, Dr. Jack Britt, vice president, Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee (UT), and Bruce Knight, NRCS chief, are the following individuals in the back row (l to r) – Dr. Gary Cunningham, CSREES Associate Administrator; James Ford, NRCS State Conservationist, Tennessee; Dr. Charles Norman, dean, UT Agricultural Extension Service, and Dr. Robert Burns, designated technical leader, UT Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning Certification Program.

Links...
News Release (April 9, 2003)
TechReg
University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service web site
NRCS Farm Bill Web Site

USDA APPOINTS AGRICULTURAL AIR QUALITY TASK FORCE MEMBERS

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced the members of the recently re-established Agricultural Air Quality Task Force for 2003-2004. The task force is chaired by NRCS Chief Bruce Knight and is made up of USDA employees, industry representatives and other experts in the fields of agriculture and air quality.

Links...

USDA Appoints Agricultural Air Quality Task Force Members (April 9. 2003)

Ag Air Quality Task Force web site

NRCS Chief Bruce Knight accepts the American Society for Public Administration’s Center for Accountability and Performance Organizational Leadership Award at the Society’s 64th National Conference in Washington, D.C. With Knight are Kathy Gugulis, NRCS Deputy Chief for Planning and Accountability, and presenter John Kamensky, member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Accountability. This is the first time the award has been presented to a Federal agency.

NRCS Receives Organizational Leadership Award

On April 3, 2003, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that the Natural Resources Conservation Service has been recognized by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) for increasing public access and demonstrating greater financial accountability. This is the first time ASPA’s Center for Accountability and Performance has presented its organizational leadership award to a Federal agency.

Photo: NRCS Chief Bruce Knight (center) accepts the American Society for Public Administration’s Center for Accountability and Performance Organizational Leadership Award at the Society’s 64th National Conference in Washington, D.C. With Knight are Kathy Gugulis, NRCS Deputy Chief for Planning and Accountability, and presenter John Kamensky, member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Accountability. This is the first time the award has been presented to a Federal agency.

Links...
USDA Agency Receives Organizational Leadership Award (April 3, 2003)
American Society for Public Administration's web site

USDA Amends Technical Service Provider Rule

The amendment to the interim final rule for Technical Service Provider Assistance, published in the Federal Register on March 24, 2003 (with a correction to the extension date for receiving comments published in the Federal Register on March 31, 2003), sets forth a process for establishing payment rates for program participants to acquire technical services. Comments on the amendment are due by June 30, 2003.

Dr. Robert Warren, president of The Wildlife Society, and Bruce Knight, chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, shook hands after signing a memorandum of understanding at the Wildlife Management Institute’s 68th annual conference in North Carolina.

NRCS Signs Agreement
with The Wildlife Society

NRCS signs a memorandum of understanding with The Wildlife Society on March 27, 2003, that will increase options available to landowners seeking conservation technical assistance on wildlife issues. This partnership allows the society to recommend certified wildlife biologists to USDA as technical service providers.

Photo: Partnership Building – Dr. Robert Warren, president of The Wildlife Society (left), and Bruce Knight, chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (right), shook hands after signing a memorandum of understanding at the Wildlife Management Institute’s 68th annual conference in North Carolina.

Links...
News Release
TechReg
Wildlife Management Institute’s web site

Veneman Announces $7 Million for Conservation Efforts in the Klamath Basin

On March 26, 2003, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman released $7 million to assist farmers in the Klamath Basin in Oregon and California. The funds are part of a $50 million fund for Klamath farmers made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill. Eligible farmers will receive financial and technical assistance to improve the efficiency of on-farm irrigation systems and institute other measures that improve ground and surface water conservation.

NRCS Chief Bruce Knight Speaking at SRM Annual Meeting

NRCS Signs MOU with the Society for Range Management

NRCS and the Society for Range Management have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that brings the organizations together to provide technical services and deliver conservation practices. The signing took place in Casper, Wyoming, February 2, 2003, at the Society’s annual meeting. Read Chief Knight’s speech and learn more about the Society at the links below.

Links:
Speech: "The Role of NRCS in Rangeland Management"
SRM Web Site

NRCS Enters Partnership To Improve Trout and Salmon Aquatic Habitat

On February 25, NRCS Chief Bruce Knight announced a new cooperative partnership with Trout Unlimited, Inc. to help improve the nation's trout and salmon aquatic habitat. “The agreement will help us work together to enhance the aquatic habitat for trout, salmon and other aquatic life,” Knight said. “Wetlands and aquatic habitats and the species that inhabit them are two of several key resource concerns in the agency's ecosystem-based approach to conservation planning.”

Links...
News Release
Trout Unlimited

2002 Accomplishments Report

The NRCS 2002 Accomplishments Report highlights the progress made toward our strategic goals and objectives during the past year.

USDA Signs Agreement with
American Society of Agronomy on
Technical Service Providers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced a cooperative partnership with the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) to identify technical service providers to help implement USDA conservation programs. This partnership will allow ASA to recommend certified members to USDA as technical service providers, as authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill.

Photo: Deputy Secretary James Moseley (center) and NRCS Chief Bruce Knight sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Society of Agronomy as Under Secretary Mark Rey (far right) and ASA representatives (left to center) Luther Smith, Thomas Bruulsema and ASA President Robert Hoeft look on.

Links...

USDA Signs Agreement With American Society Of Agronomy On Technical Service Providers (February 6, 2003)
American Society of Agronomy

USDA Supports Water Quality Trading

Celebrate American Wetlands Month

Each May, thousands of individuals celebrate the uniqueness, beauty, and importance of wetlands. The theme of this year's American Wetlands Campaign is Bogs, Playas, Pools: Protect America's Unique Wetlands! While all wetlands are important and valuable, there are some types of wetlands that are irreplaceable because of their unique soil structure, plant life, and hydrology. Many unique wetlands are small -- less than one acre -- and many fill up during times of heavy rainfall or snowmelt and dry up during warmer parts of the year. These wetlands include prairie potholes, playas, vernal pools, pocosins, and some bogs, fens, wet meadows and wet prairies.

Wetlands help keep our water clean, provide habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, and prevent flooding. This celebration is an ideal time to emphasize programs and activities that support voluntary wetland restoration and protection. Landowners are voluntarily restoring wetlands on a scale never seen before.

During May, conservation districts, grassroots organizations, and government agencies join individuals and educators across the country to acknowledge the importance of this valuable natural resource and the role wetlands play in the health of our Nation.

Earth Day

Earth Day is April 22. As Americans continue to gain appreciation for the environmental benefits of private lands conservation, Earth Day is an ideal time to pause and reflect on the good work NRCS does to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

Links...

www.EarthDay.gov Portal for government Earth Day events and information.

USDA-Department of Energy Joint Solicitation for Biomass Research and Development Project Proposal

Federal Funding Opportunity Number USDA-GRANTS-031803-001 is a joint initiative of USDA and DOE to provide grants to eligible entities to carry out research, development and demonstrations on biobased products, bioenergy, biofuels, biopower and related processes. Project proposals are due May 16, 2003.

USDA Requests Proposals for the Farmland Protection Program

NRCS is requesting proposals for the Farmland Protection Program from federally recognized Indian tribes, states, units of local government or nongovernmental organizations to cooperate in the acquisition of conservation easements on farms and ranches.

Proposals must be received in the appropriate NRCS state office by May 19, 2003.

Links...

NRCS Seeks Cost Data from Technical Service Providers by March 30

NRCS is seeking information on current market prices for conservation technical work performed by technical service providers. NRCS will collect the cost data through March 30. The collected information will help NRCS establish payment rates for conservation technical services such as conservation planning and the design, layout, installation and review of approved conservation practices.

Links…
TSP costs web site
TechReg
Technical Service Provider Information

NRCS Chief Knight Announces Opportunity for Comment on New Conservation Security Program

On February 10, 2003, Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief
Bruce I. Knight announced a public comment period to obtain input before developing a proposed regulation for the Conservation Security Program (CSP). The Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking has been released, with a 30-day comment period.

National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) 57th Annual Meeting

Proposed Rule for EQIP Available for Public Comment

On January 30, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that the proposed rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) has been released. Public comments will be accepted for 30 days after the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register. This proposed rule describes how the NRCS intends to implement EQIP as authorized by amendments in the 2002 Act. Comments from the public will be used to make revisions, if necessary, that will be issued in a final rule.

News