|
|
Illinois Process for 2008 Conservation Security Program (CSP)Lower Cache WatershedStep 1: Introductory Information about CSPA. Review this Illinois Introductory CSP information to decide if you might
be qualified for CSP and have an interest in applying for the rogram.
Step 2: Completing the CSP Self-Assessment Workbook with the Illinois Supplements and Sign a CSP ApplicationA. Based on the introductory information, if you are interested in applying
for CSP, complete the “CSP Self-Assessment Workbook and Illinois Supplements.”
Obtain the “CSP Self-Assessment Workbook and Illinois Supplements” along with
the NRCS-CPA-1202 CSP Appendix from your NRCS field office or on the Illinois
NRCS web site at: www.il.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/. Step 3: Submitting the Workbook and Schedule a Field Office InterviewA. Bring your completed “CSP Self-Assessment Workbook and Illinois
Supplements”, including your completed and signed NRCS-CPA-1200 Application
form, to the NRCS field office. If you are not applying as yourself or you are
applying as an entity, provide the appropriate documentation such as NRCS Power
of Attorney form or entity paper. NRCS staff will briefly review the workbook
and schedule an interview. The interview will be scheduled within one to two
weeks, allowing the field office time to review your completed workbook and
prepare the necessary data for your interview. Step 4: Preparing for the Field Office InterviewA. Many questions in the workbook must be supported by two years of written records and documentation. You will be self-certifying during the interview: however, NRCS will be requesting to see your supporting documentation if your application gets funded. Be sure you can support your answers with documentation. Examples of documentation are:
For a list of documentation that may be requested, see “Step 4: Preparing for the Field Office Interview” pages 15-19. B. Review the NRCS-CPA-1202 CSP Appendix, provided to you with the “CSP Self-Assessment Workbook and Illinois Supplements,” if you haven’t already done so. During the interview, you will review the Appendix with the NRCS staff. Step 5: Completing Field Office Interview and Finalizing a CSP ApplicationA. During the interview, NRCS staff will use your completed workbook and
information from you to determine how much of your agricultural operation is
eligible for CSP. Based on this information, NRCS staff will determine the CSP
Tier, Enrollment Category, and Subcategory in which you will be placed, and your
estimated benefits of participating in the program. Step 6: Funding of a CSP ApplicationFunding is determined at the national level, based on the CSP Enrollment Categories and Subcategories of all applications submitted throughout the nation. Categories and Subcategories will be funded until the amount of funding is exhausted. You will be notified by mail whether or not your application was selected for funding. Step 7: Signing the Conservation Stewardship Contract and Finalizing Necessary PaperworkIf your CSP application is funded, your local NRCS office will contact you to
finalize and sign a Conservation Stewardship Contract.
You will receive copies of all documents with the signed originals being maintained in the NRCS field office. Step 8: VerificationIf your application is selected for funding, NRCS will need to review 2 years of written records and documents that support your application as well as make a field visit to your agricultural operation. The CSP application includes your agricultural operation answers in the “CSP Self-Assessment Workbook and Illinois Supplements” and Tier, Category, and Subcategory. Step 9: Receiving CSP PaymentsAfter your CSP contract is signed and finalized, the first year CSP payment will be made. The NRCS field office will notify you when signatures are needed, allowing you to receive your first CSP payment. Payments will be made by September 2008. |
|
|