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2004 Newsroom Archives
National Media Liaisons: USDA and DOE Announce Up to $15 Million in Grants for Biomass Projects—Pre-Applications Due Feb. 15, 2005
USDA Signs Agreement with American Fisheries Society
Dec. 20, 2004—USDA-NRCS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the
American Fisheries Society (AFS) giving conservation program participants the
option to obtain technical assistance in fisheries resources and aquatic habitat
from certified technical service providers. NRCS Chief Bruce Knight and AFS
Executive Director Ghassan Rassam signed the five-year agreement at an event at
USDA headquarters. Certified fisheries professionals can offer recommendations
to ensure producers maintain, restore and enhance their fisheries and aquatic
habitat resources effectively. Up to $1 Million Available for Conservation Partnership Initiative Grants—Proposals Due Feb. 17, 2005
This document requires
Adobe Acrobat
reader. USDA Releases Final Rule for Technical Service Provider Assistance
Dec. 8, 2004—USDA today released its final rule that allows the Department
to certify third parties that can provide conservation technical assistance to
the nation’s farmers and ranchers. The final rule was published in the
Federal Register Nov. 29, 2004. It establishes a national certification
process and details criteria for evaluating all potential providers of technical
assistance. It also details USDA’s payment system for TSP-provided services and
protects farmers and ranchers by ensuring TSPs are responsible for the service
they provide.
CSP Self-Assessment Workbook Available for Producers
Nebraska Governor Nominated for Secretary of USDA
Veneman said, "I congratulate Governor Johanns... He is a
good friend whom I've worked with closely over the years to advance agriculture
policy and trade opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers." Remarks by the President and Secretary of Agriculture Nominee Governor Mike Johanns (Dec. 2, 2004) NRCS Provides More than $78 Million to Protect Farm
and Ranch Land
|
 |
| Under Secretary Rey (right) announced NH regional equity funding with Theresa Chadwick and Ag. Commissioner Stephen Taylor. |
Nov. 2, 2004—USDA announced that $80 million has been designated to ensure
the Caribbean and 13 states with traditionally smaller allocations obtain
adequate conservation funding this fiscal year. The regional equity provision
authorized Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman to “give priority funding” to
states whose annual conservation allocation for approved applications falls
below $12 million for four programs. The programs are The Environmental Quality
Incentives Program, Wildllife Habitat Incentives Program, Farm and Ranch Lands
Protection Program and Grasslands Reserve Program.
Links…
news release:
USDA Expands Conservation Opportunities for 13 States and the Caribbean Area
(Nov. 1, 2004)
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program
Grasslands Reserve Program
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
 Two people examine a stop along a prospective nature trail on the Echota Cherokee Tribe’s land in Alabama. The newly renamed Alabama Mountains, Rivers and Valleys RC&D is working with the tribe to develop a trail on its history and culture. |
Nov.
1, 2004—USDA-NRCS today announced that 14 counties in 8 states are eligible to
receive technical assistance for conservation and environmental enhancements
through the Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D). USDA expanded
14 existing RC&D areas in eight states by adding one county to each area. The
states are California, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina,
Tennessee and Washington. In addition, one RC&D in Utah and another in Alabama
changed their names to better reflect their mission in serving local
communities.
Links…
NRCS news release:
USDA Expands 14
Resource Conservation and Development Areas in 8 States (Nov. 1, 2004)
Resource Conservation and
Development Program
Nov.
1, 2004—While in Lancaster, Ohio, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announced
the watersheds in Ohio and West Virginia that are eligible for the 2005
Conservation Security Program. Ohio has five watersheds with 7,827 farms
totaling 3,106,403 acres and West Virginia has two watersheds with 816 farms
totaling 1,255,593 acres. NRCS will conduct a CSP sign-up this winter.
Links…
news release:
Veneman Announces Efforts to Enhance Ohio River Basin (Nov. 1, 2004)
Conservation Security Program
Nov. 1, 2004—NRCS is providing $19.5 million in Environmental Quality
Incentives Program funds to control salinity in the Colorado River Basin. Both
Colorado and Utah will receive $9.7 million and Wyoming will receive $90,000.
The basin is the primary domestic water supply source for 27 million residents
in seven states and a source of irrigation water for more than 3.5 million acres
of farmland.
Links…
news release:
USDA Provides $19.5 Million for Salinity Control in the Colorado River Basin
(Nov. 1, 2004)
Environmental Quality
Incentives Program
Colorado River
Basin salinity control activities
Nov.
1, 2004—NRCS is providing Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds for producers in Arizona and New Mexico
who graze livestock on public and private lands. Up to $2 million is available
in each state. EQIP funds are used on federal lands only when conservation
practices directly improve resource concerns on nonfederal lands. Arizona’s
Tonto EQIP pilot project allows EQIP cost-share funds to be used for any part of
a ranching operation managed under a coordinated resource management plan.
Links…
USDA news release:
USDA Provides Up to $4 Million for Livestock Producers in Arizona and New Mexico (Nov. 1, 2004)
Environmental Quality
Incentives Program
EQIP in New Mexico
EQIP in
Arizona
Tonto EQIP Pilot
Project in AZ
Oct.
29, 2004—NRCS will provide $7 million to help restore about 11,200 acres of
Arkansas River Valley wetlands through the Wetlands Reserve Program. Eighteen
landowners are participating in a project called the England Joint Venture and
combined their acreages to develop a large contiguous block of non-fragmented
restorable habitat that includes bottomland hardwood forest with scattered
seasonally flooded shallow water habitat for migratory birds.
Links…
news release:
USDA
Provides $7 Million to Restore and Protect Wetlands in Arkansas (Oct. 29, 2004)
Wetlands Reserve Program
Wetlands Reserve Program
in Arkansas
Oct.
28, 2004—NRCS provided an additional $3,255,000 of fiscal year 2004 funds to 16
states to protect productive agricultural land through the Farm and Ranch Lands
Protection Program. States that received the additional funds are Alabama,
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,
Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South
Carolina and Vermont.
Links…
news release:
USDA
Provides Nearly $3.3 Million to Protect Agricultural Land in 16 States (Oct. 28,
2004)
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program
Oct.
28, 2004—As part of USDA’s announcement of $162,500 to FFA, NRCS is providing
$62,500 for the National FFA Career Development Events Program. This program
fosters and recognizes excellence in agriculture learning with the goal of
inspiring young people to consider careers in agricultural business and
industry. USDA continues to support its long-time partnership with FFA.
Links…
news release:
Veneman Announces $162,500 in Education Grant to FFA
(Oct. 28, 2004)
Soil Science Education
FFA website
Oct.
26, 2004—NRCS will provide nearly $1 million to six entities through the
Conservation Partnership Initiative (CPI), a new voluntary program announced on
July 27, 2004. NRCS received 29 proposals involving 31 states. CPI proposals
were required to address one or more of the following conservation priorities:
terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat, coastal resources, livestock nutrient
management and minor/specialty crop pest management. CPI grant recipients are:
| MA | The New England Small Farm Institute |
| MO | Missouri Department of Conservation |
| MT | Big Hole River Foundation |
| NM | San Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District |
| UT/NV | Great Salt Lake Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. |
| WA | Pierce Conservation District |
Links…
news release:
USDA Announces Recipients of New Conservation Partnership Initiative Grants
(Oct. 26, 2004)
news release:
USDA Provides Up to $1 Million in New Conservation Partnership Initiative Grants
(July 27, 2004)
Conservation Partnership Initiative
Oct.
25, 2004—As part of USDA’s announcement of the availability of nearly $500
million in disaster assistance to restore farmland and forests, NRCS has $250
million available through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). This
program provides funding for locally-sponsored watershed protection projects
resulting from the recent hurricanes and other natural disasters such as
tornadoes, fires, drought and floods. The EWP funds are for Alabama, Arizona,
Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas,
Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi,
North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia and the
Pacific Basin and Caribbean Area.
Links…
news release:
Veneman Announces the Availability of Nearly $500 Million in Disaster Assistance
to Restore Farmland, Forests (Oct. 25, 2004)
Emergency Watershed Protection Program
Oct. 25, 2004—The second nationally-approved Wetlands Reserve Enhancement
Program (WREP) partnership will accelerate restoration efforts on approximately
7,250 acres throughout Minnesota. Through Minnesota’s WREP plan, the state will
provide $1.2 million and NRCS will provide $2.8 million.
Links…
news release:
Partnership Between Minnesota and
USDA Will Restore Wetlands (Oct. 25, 2004)
Partnership Between
Minnesota and USDA Will Restore Wetlands
Wetlands Reserve Program
Oct.
22, 2004—USDA announced both the renewal of the Agricultural Air Quality Task
Force and selection of the individuals to serve as members for the 2004-2006
term. The task for is chaired by the NRCS Chief and made up of USDA employees,
industry representatives and other experts in the fields of agriculture and air
quality.
Links…
news release:
USDA Appoints Agricultural Air
Quality Task Force Members (Oct. 22, 2004)
Ag Air Quality Task Force
Oct.
22, 2004— Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the release of
$1.6 billion in fiscal year 2005 funding for conservation programs on working
lands. To help implement these initiatives, the Administration is announcing the
initial conservation funding allocation today to allow USDA's NRCS to work with
farmers and ranchers nationwide. Allocations include $1.310 billion in financial
assistance and $306 million for technical assistance for NRCS voluntary
conservation programs and other activities.
Links...
news release:
Veneman Announces Release Of $1.6 Billion For Voluntary Conservation Programs On
Working Lands (Oct. 22, 2004)
 |
| Mack Gray, Deputy Under Secretary for NRE, and Lynn Wilson, ACF’s Executive Director, sign an MOU. |
Oct. 21, 2004— USDA signed a memorandum of understanding with the Association
of Consulting Foresters of America. This agreement will offer landowners more
options to obtain conservation technical assistance in forestry and agroforestry
from certified technical service providers. These certified foresters can help
landowners identify and achieve goals for their woodlands, such as managing
forest products, wildlife habitat, recreation, water resources and aesthetics.
Links...
NRCS news release: USDA Signs Technical
Service Provider Agreement With Association of Consulting Foresters of America (Oct. 20, 2004)
Technical Service Provider Assistance
Information
Association of Consulting Foresters of
America
 |
Oct. 13, 2004—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service released its revised “not-to-exceed” (NTE) payment rates
for certified technical service providers. Generally, payment rates have
increased and there is greater flexibility in their use. NTE rates are used when
landowners contract with certified technical service providers for conservation
technical services.
Links…
NRCS news release: USDA Releases Revised
Payment Rates for Technical Service Providers (Oct. 13, 2004)
Technical Service Provider Assistance
Information
2004 Not-to-Exceed Payment
Rates
 |
| Restored wetland in northern California. |
Oct. 5, 2004—USDA announced the availability of $2.1 million in Wetlands
Reserve Program (WRP) technical assistance funds for technical service providers
and other third parties to conduct restoration activities on WRP lands in 12
states. These funds will accelerate restoration of between 30,000 and 40,000
acres of wetlands in California, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts,
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Washington and Wisconsin.
Links…
news release:
USDA Releases $2.1 Million to Restore and Protect Wetlands in 12 States (Oct. 5, 2004)
Wetlands Reserve Program
Technical Service Provider Assistance
 |
| Buffer strips in foreground and grassed waterway in the distance, reduce soil erosion and keep the nearby Illinois River flowing with cleaner water. |
Oct. 1, 2004—USDA announced four recipients of grants totaling $2.5 million
for the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP). The four projects will
study the environmental benefits of federal conservation programs on
agricultural land and will improve understanding of the effects of conservation
practices on water quality. The four awards were made through a joint
competitive grants program offered by NRCS and the Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service to Heidelberg College in Ohio, Iowa State
University, Utah State University and University of Idaho.
Links…
news release:
USDA Announces Conservation Effects Assessment Project Grant Recipients;
Benefits of Environmental Programs Being Studied Through Federal Partnership
(Oct. 1, 2004)
Conservation Effects Assessment
Project (CEAP)
 |
| Grasslands in Colorado. |
Sept. 30, 2004— USDA announced that an additional $1.9 million in Grassland
Reserve Program funds will be provided to farmers and ranchers in 11 states for
grassland conservation: Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Montana,
Oregon, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming. About $450,000 of the
additional funding will help protect greater sage grouse habitat in Colorado,
Washington and Wyoming.
Links…
news release:
USDA Provides More Than $1.9 Million Additional Funding for Grasslands’
Conservation (Sept. 30, 2004)
Grassland Reserve Program
 |
| Confined feeding operation in Arizona. |
Sept. 30, 2004—NRCS signed a memo of understanding with the American Registry
of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) offering landowners the option to
obtain conservation technical assistance in feed management from certified
technical service providers. ARPAS-certified professionals formulate diets that
increase the animals’ production levels but also reduce manure nutrients.
Links…
NRCS news release: USDA Signs
Technical Service Provider Agreement with the American registry of Professional
Animal Scientists (Sept. 30, 2004)
Technical Service Provider Assistance
information
American Registry of Professional Animal
Scientists
September
21, 2004—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced that an additional
$1 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds will be
provided to Ohio livestock producers in 35 counties to improve manure and forage
management in recognition of Ohio’s high level of performance in soil and water
conservation. The following Ohio counties received additional EQIP funds: Adams,
Ashland, Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Clark, Coshocton, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Darke,
Delaware, Erie, Gallia, Geauga, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Holmes,
Huron, Jefferson, Knox, Lorain, Meigs, Miami, Monroe, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum,
Perry, Preble, Richland, Washington, Wayne and Wood.
Links…
news release:
Private Working Lands
Enhanced Through Funding; Additional $1 Million to Ohio for Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (Sept. 21, 2004)
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
NRCS in Ohio
 |
| (left to right) NRCS Chief Bruce Knight, North Carolina A&T University Chancellor James Renick, Center Director Bill Puckett and Lab Leader Javier Ruiz |
September 20, 2004—NRCS Chief Bruce Knight announced the establishment of
three new national technology support centers and three remote sensing
laboratories during a grand opening ceremony for the East National Technology
Support Center and East Remote Sensing Lab in Greensboro, N.C. Knight also
signed a memorandum of understanding with North Carolina Agricultural and
Technical State University (North Carolina A&T) that will strengthen and expand
a long-standing partnership to share resources. USDA Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Civil Rights Paul Gutierrez discussed the importance of maintaining a strong
relationship with 1890 land-grant colleges and universities such as North
Carolina A&T. More than 200 people attended the grand opening. Similar
ceremonies will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sept. 21, 2004, and in
Portland, Ore., on Sept. 24, 2004.
Links…
NRCS news release:
USDA Creates New Technology Centers and Laboratories to Strengthen Science-Based
Conservation (Sept. 20, 2004)
NRCS National Technology Support
Centers
National Resources Inventory
(NRI)
 |
| Fertilizer application applied directly into irrigation lateral for flood application. (Yuma AZ) |
Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) recipients include 13 universities, 10 governmental organizations, eight agribusinesses, four state governments, two resource conservation and development councils, two conservation districts and two individuals. Grants will fund the development and adoption of innovative technologies and approaches through pilot projects and conservation field trials.
Links...
news release:
USDA Helps
Fund Conservation Technologies and Approaches (Sept.
15, 2004)
Conservation Innovation Grants for FY
2004
CIG Web Site
September
10, 2004—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that an additional $1
million will be provided to help hurricane recovery efforts in Florida. The
environmental restoration funds are being made available through the NRCS
Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). The funds will help restore
critical agricultural and community infrastructure disrupted by flooding, severe
streambank erosion and debris deposits. Rehabilitation efforts will provide
sound erosion control measures that are economically and environmentally
defensible. This funding brings the total to $1.6 million for emergency
environmental restoration work in Florida areas hit by Hurricanes Charley and
Frances.
Links...
news release:
USDA Provides Additional $1
Million for Hurricane Recovery Efforts in Florida (Sept.
10, 2004)
Florida Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP)
Emergency Watershed Protection Program
 |
|---|
| NRCS Fairbanks District Conservationist Jim Helm surveys erosion along the Steese Highway 11 miles north of Central. |
September 1, 2004—NRCS is providing $500,000 to help wildfire recovery efforts in Alaska that are impacting many rural communities and Alaska Native villages. The funds will provide assistance to help heal the watershed and protect the threatened water resources of Alaska Native villages. NRCS in Alaska is conducting damage assessments of fire-ravaged sites to determine the extent of damage and evaluate risks to watersheds, water supplies and communities.
Links…
news release:
USDA
Provides $500,000 for Wildfire Recovery Efforts for Alaska Native and Rural
Communities (Sept. 1, 2004)
Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP)
August
26, 2004—USDA announced that nearly 2,200 farmers and ranchers have been
selected as the first participants in the Conservation Security Program (CSP).
The contract signings with these producers will fully use the $41 million
provided for this program. NRCS has accepted all eligible CSP applications,
covering nearly 1.9 million privately-owned acres in the 18 watersheds in 22
states selected for the fiscal year 2004 program sign-up. Payments will begin
immediately under three tiers of conservation contracts. Enrollment data show
that 37% of the applicants qualify for Tier I, 40% for Tier II and 23% for Tier
III. Environmental enhancement activities offered by applicants include
improving soil quality, water quality, wildlife habitat management, nutrient and
pest management, air quality management and on-farm energy management.
Links…
news release:
USDA Announces First
Conservation Security Program Contract Signings (Aug. 26, 2004)
New! August 26-27, 2004 CSP Signing Ceremonies
These items require
RealPlayer:
CSP Program Underway-
RealPlayer Presentation (46.47KB)
MP3 Audio (856.80KB)
The very first contracts for the USDA´s Conservation Security Program have been
signed. ( Kristi Pettis and Dep.Secy´ James Moseley)
Actuality: First Conservation Security Contracts
Signed- RealPlayer
Presentation (37.82KB)
MP3 Audio (674.77KB)
Deputy Agriculture Secretary James Moseley, from a farm in Vernon Center,
Minnesota, talking about the farm´s signing of the first CSP contract.
Conservation Security Program Quotes New!
news release:
USDA
Announces Priority Watersheds for 2004 Sign-up in the Conservation Security
Program (May 19, 2004)
Conservation Security Program
 |
| Sage grouse depend on sagebrush habitat for food, shelter and protection. Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region |
August 26, 2004—USDA announced that $2 million in Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)
funds is available for special projects to help protect greater sage grouse
habitat in Colorado, Idaho, Utah and Washington. Each state will receive
$500,000 to protect and enhance sage grouse habitat on GRP easement lands, with
technical assistance and additional financial assistance through state and local
partnerships.
Links…
news release:
USDA Provides $2 Million for
Sage Grouse Conservation and Recovery in Four Western States (Aug. 26, 2004)
Grassland Reserve Program
 |
| Early successional habitat restoration project in Connecticut. |
August 26, 2004—NRCS announced that an additional $600,000 in Wildlife
Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) funds will help landowners in 21 states
improve fish and wildlife habitat on their private lands. This is in addition to
the $33.3 million announced early this year. WHIP also offers farmers and
ranchers an opportunity to meet their production needs in ways that are
compatible with providing fish and wildlife habitat. States receiving the
additional funds are Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii,
Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New
Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota,
Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
Links…
news release:
USDA Provides Additional
$600,000 to Improve Fish and Wildlife Habitat on Private Lands in 21 States (Aug. 26, 2004)
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
August
24, 2004—As part of the Bobwhite Quail Restoration Project with Mississippi
State University, NRCS awarded $1.2 million for 11 selected studies in nine
states. Recipients of the 2004 grants are seven universities, two state wildlife
agencies and two nongovernmental organizations. The grants program supports
studies and demonstration projects that evaluate bobwhite population response to
conservation programs and practices.
Links…
news release:
USDA Awards $1.2 Million for
Bobwhite Quail Habitat Restoration (Aug. 24, 2004)
USDA-NRCS/MSU
Bobwhite Restoration Project
NRCS Fish and
Wildlife Habitat Management Leaflet—Bobwhite Quail
  |
| Tom A. Weber, retiring
Associate Chief, NRCS Dana D. York, new Associate Chief, NRCS |
Aug. 13, 2004—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Bruce I.
Knight today named Dana D. York, director of the Operations Management and
Oversight Division since 2001, as Associate Chief, effective Sept. 5, 2004. She
will succeed Tom A. Weber, a 32-year veteran of NRCS. His retirement takes
effect Sept. 3, 2004. The regional assistant chiefs and their territories are:
Richard I. Coombe, East; Merlin E. Bartz, Central; and Sara Braasch, West.
Links…
NRCS news release: USDA Names New NRCS
Official (Aug. 13, 2004)
Dana York’s Biography
Tom Weber’s Biography
Regional Assistant Chiefs
 |
| Sage grouse photo from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
August 4, 2004—USDA announced that $350,000 in Wildlife Habitat Incentives
Program funds will protect habitat of sage grouse at Parker Mountain, Utah. The
sage grouse has seen a decline in population over the past
two decades. Due to this decline, NRCS and other federal agencies are supporting
voluntary habitat enhancement to reverse the decline. Landowners will use the
funds for brush management, reseeding, water development and wildlife habitat
management on approximately 104,000 acres.
Links…
news release:
USDA
Provides $350,000 for Sage Grouse Habitat in Utah (Aug. 4, 2004)
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
Utah
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
 |
| Various conservation measures are used to improve water quality in Union Grove Lake, Tama County, Iowa. |
Aug. 4, 2004—NRCS and local communities have used the Watershed Protection and Flood Protection Program to improve lives and property and improve natural resources successfully for 50 years. Several states marked the program’s 50th anniversary with proclamations and events, including Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to project sponsors, such as local conservation districts, counties, cities and tribes to carry out watershed projects.
Links…
NRCS news release: NRCS Notes 50 Years of
Watershed Protection (Aug. 4, 2004)
History
State Watershed Web Pages and State Proclamations
National Watershed Coalition
July
30, 2004—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the release of
Protection of Soil and Water Resources, a book that promotes the understanding
of conservation in the U.S. and Russia. The 250-page publication, a 14-year
project between USDA and the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, contains
20 articles written by American and Russian scientists on soil protection and
fertility, water conservation and other natural resource issues.
Links…
news release:
USDA And The Russian Academy Of Agricultural Sciences Release Bilingual
Conservation Publication (July 30, 2004)
This document requires Adobe Acrobat
Protection of Soil and Water Resources
New!
July
30, 2004—USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that
$8.5 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds will be
provided to 13 states to address animal agriculture conservation needs.
The states receiving the additional funds are Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Links...
news release: USDA
Provides $8.5 Million to 13 States for Animal Agriculture Conservation (July 30,
2004)
EQIP Web Site
July
30, 2004—USDA announced that nearly $6 million in Farm and Ranch Lands
Protection Program (FRPP) funds will be provided to 32 States to purchase
permanent conservation easements on America's farms and ranches. These funds
have been reallocated to States that requested additional funding.
Links...
news release:
USDA Provides Nearly $6 Million Of Farm And Ranch Lands Protection Program Funds
To 32 States (July 30, 2004)
 |
| Straight River Marsh WRP Project in Owatonna, Minn. |
July 27, 2004-
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced a cooperative
partnership with Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) that will establish a framework of
cooperation relative to the conservation and productivity of wetlands, uplands,
grasslands and other waterfowl and wildlife habitats on private and public
lands. The agreement was signed by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Chief Bruce Knight and DU Executive Vice President Don Young at the Straight
River Marsh Wetlands Reserve Program project in Owatonna, Minn. Activities
covered by the agreement include waterfowl and habitat conservation projects,
habitat restoration, and collaboration on habitat and wildlife research.
Links...
news release:
USDA Signs Agreement with
Ducks Unlimited (July 27, 2004)
NRCS Programs
July
27, 2004-
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced today that up to $1 million is
available in Conservation Partnership Initiative grants in fiscal year 2004 for
state and local governments, tribes and nongovernmental organizations with a
history of working with agricultural producers. CPI, a voluntary program,
fosters conservation partnerships and funds projects that focus technical and
financial resources on conservation priorities in watersheds of special
significance and other geographic areas of environmental sensitivity.
Links…
news release:
USDA
Provides up to $1 Million in New Conservation Partnership Initiative Grants
(July 27, 2004)
CPI web site
Federal eGrants website
 |
| In-depth watershed studies will be conducted as part of the national, multi-agency Conservation Effects Assessment Project |
July 22, 2004—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced a five-year effort to study the collective environmental benefits of governmental programs on agricultural land. Through the Conservation Effects Assessment Project, the Department of Agriculture will study the environmental benefits of conservation practices implemented through 2002 Farm Bill programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, Conservation Reserve Program, Conservation Security Program and Conservation Technical Assistance. In-depth studies will be conducted in 20 watersheds. Natural Resources Conservation Service will conduct in-depth studies in eight of those watersheds nationwide.
Links…
news release:
USDA to Assess
Environmental Benefits of Conservation Programs (July 22, 2004)
CEAP web site
July
16, 2004- The
Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) today
announced the selection of 22 projects that will receive $25,480,628 for the
Biomass Research and Development Initiative. The funds will be used for biomass
research, development and demonstration projects.
The joint grant program is part of an effort to increase America’s energy
independence through the development of additional renewable energy resources
from the agricultural and agroforestry sectors.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and DOE’s Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy coordinated efforts to issue a joint
solicitation that is awarding over $13 million in USDA funding and over $12
million from DOE appropriations to more than 400 applicants.
Links:
news release:
DOE and USDA Award $25
Million in Joint Biomass Research and Development Initiative (July 16, 2004)
Biomass Research and Development Solicitation
USDA Biobased Products and Bioenergy
Coordination Council
Biomass Research and
Development Initiative
July
16, 2004- The
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that $12 million
in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds will be provided to 14
states for their high levels of performance in implementing the program. The
states receiving the incentive are Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana,
Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and
Wyoming.
“These funds will help additional farmers and ranchers achieve more efficient
agricultural production and improve soil, air and water resources on private
working lands,” NRCS Chief Bruce Knight said. “For the second consecutive fiscal
year, NRCS held back a portion of the initial EQIP funding at the national level
to reward those states that showed a high level of performance across a number
of key areas.”
Links…
news
release: USDA Awards $12 Million of Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Funds to 14 States (July 16, 2004)
EQIP Program Web Site
NRCS Farm Bill Web Site
 |
| NRCS-Nebraska soil scientist examines physical evidence of hydric soils, one of the attributes of wetlands. |
June 29, 2004-
USDA announced the first nationally approved Wetlands Reserve Enhancement
Program (WREP) partnership. The $26 million Lower Missouri River WREP project in
Nebraska will enhance the state’s wetland restoration efforts.
Links…
news release:
USDA Announces First Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program
Partnership (June 29, 2004)
Wetlands Reserve Program
Nebraska WREP
 |
| Chief Knight presented the NRCS Excellence in Conservation Award to winner Michael Byrne |
June 25, 2004—NRCS Chief Bruce Knight presented the agency’s prestigious Excellence in Conservation Award to Michael Byrne, a California rancher from Tulelake, a town near the Oregon border. Byrne was recognized for his significant communication, outreach and leadership efforts in conserving the Klamath Basin. As a key spokesperson for conservation-minded farmers and ranchers, he spoke with local and national news media, legislative representatives and government officials to help resolve water and endangered species issues in the Klamath Basin. NRCS initiated the Excellence in Conservation Award to recognize the voluntary contributions of nongovernmental individuals and groups to the conservation effort in such areas as technical assistance and other types of program delivery, technology transfer, outreach and communication.
Links…
NRCS news release “California Rancher Receives Excellence in Conservation
Award” (June 25, 2004)
2004 Excellence in Conservation Award information
June 15, 2004—USDA released a self-assessment workbook for potential
participants in the new Conservation Security Program (CSP). To apply for the
program, NRCS will ask potential participants to complete the self-assessment to
determine if their operations meet the standards of the program and qualify for
program participation. By going through the workbook, producers will get a good
idea about whether they are eligible for CSP at this time. The workbook is
available in hardcopy, CD format and online.
On June 9, USDA announced that sign-up for CSP will be available to eligible
farmers and ranchers in 18 watersheds across the nation July 6 to July 30, 2004.
Links…
NRCS news release: USDA Releases
Self-Assessment Workbook for New Conservation Security Program (June 15, 2004)
Conservation Security Program
June 9, 2004—USDA announced a July 2004 CSP sign-up and released the interim final rule with request for public comments. Sign-up for CSP will be available to eligible farmers and ranchers in 18 watersheds identified in a USDA news release issued May 19th. NRCS will consider all comments received during a 90-day public comment period in developing a final CSP rule. CSP is a voluntary program that supports ongoing conservation stewardship of agricultural working lands and enhances the condition of America's natural resources.
Links...
news release:
Veneman Announces Interim Final Rule for Conservation Security
Program (June 9, 2004)
news
release: USDA Announces Watersheds for 2004 Sign-Up in the Conservation Security
Program (May 19, 2004)
May 19, 2004—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced the watersheds that will be used in the fiscal year 2004 Conservation Security Program (CSP) sign-up to be held this summer. The program will be offered each year, on a rotational basis in as many watersheds as are funded.
Selected watersheds for the 2004 CSP sign-up are: Raystown (Pennsylvania); Saluda (South Carolina); Little (Georgia); St. Joseph (Michigan / Indiana / Ohio); Auglaize (Indiana / Ohio); Blue Earth (Minnesota / Iowa); Lower Chippewa (Wisconsin); Kishwaukee (Illinois / Wisconsin); Little River Ditches (Missouri / Arkansas); Lower Yellowstone (Montana / North Dakota); East Nishnabotna (Iowa); Lower Little Blue (Nebraska / Kansas); Lower Salt Fork Arkansas (Oklahoma / Kansas); Punta de Agua (New Mexico / Texas); Hondo (Texas); Moses Coulee (Washington); Lemhi (Idaho); Umatilla (Oregon).
Links…
News
Release "USDA Announces Watersheds for 2004 Sign-Up in the Conservation Security
Program" (May 19, 2004)
Conservation Security Program
Map and List of CSP FY 2004
Watersheds
NRCS Farm Bill Web Site
May
11, 2004—USDA released an interim final rule to implement the Grassland Reserve
Program (GRP). It states that GRP rental agreements and easements are designed
for working agricultural lands and describes multiple enrollment duration
options. GRP helps landowners restore and protect grassland, rangeland,
pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands and provides assistance for
rehabilitating grasslands. The rule will be published in the Federal Register
with a 60-day public comment period.
Links…
news release:
USDA Announces Interim Final
Rule and Public
Comment Period for
the Grassland Reserve Program (May 11, 2004)
 |
| Rotational grazing using electric fence along irrigation borders on small acreages. (NM) |
May 4, 2004—USDA announced the watershed approach and details of enrollment
categories that will be used in the fiscal year 2004 Conservation Security
Program (CSP); a Notice was published in today's Federal Register. With 1.8
million potentially eligible producers, CSP funds must be focused. NRCS will use
watersheds as a basis to determine CSP participation. A watershed rotation
offers a fair, science-based approach.
Links…
USDA news release
"USDA Establishes Watershed Approach for Conservation Security Program"
(May 4, 2004)
Conservation Security Program
Federal Register Notice- Watershed Approach (May 4, 2004)
Each
May, thousands of individuals and groups celebrate the uniqueness, beauty, and
importance of wetlands. The theme of this year's American Wetlands Campaign is
It pays to Save 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.
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.
Annually in May, the National Wetlands Awards—sponsored by the Environmental Law Institute, nonprofit organizations and federal agencies—honor six outstanding wetlands educators, advocates, scientists and conservationists for their exemplary contributions to the conservation and restoration of the nation's wetlands.
Links...
 |
| Elizabeth Starks of Alabama used the EQIP for pasture improvements such as fescue plantings and the installation of cross fencing. |
April 29, 2004-Agriculture Secretary Ann M.Veneman announced that nearly $32 million has been
provided through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help
farmers and ranchers with limited resources develop and maintain economic
viability in their farm operations. The Natural Resources Conservation Service
approved cost share for EQIP contracts totaling $31.8 million in fiscal year
2003 to help 1,702 limited resource farmers and ranchers.
Links…
news release:
USDA Provided $32 Million
For Limited Resource Producers Through The Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (April 29, 2004)
Small, Limited Resource and Beginning Farmers
On-Line Limited Resource Self-Determination Tool
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
April
29, 2004—USDA issued a call for nominations for qualified persons to serve as
members of the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force. The task force provides
recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on development and
implementation of air quality policy and on air quality research needs. A
Federal Register notice issued today describes the purpose and membership of the
task force and provides information on submitting nominations, which must be
received in writing by June 14, 2004.
Links…
NRCS news release, "USDA Seeks
Nominations for Agricultural Air Quality Task Force"(April 29, 2004)
Ag Air Quality Task Force
 |
| Grain field in the Klamath Basin. (OR) |
April 23, 2004—USDA released an additional $7.3 million to assist producers in the Klamath Basin in Oregon and California and a new NRCS report, "Partnership Accomplishments—Conservation in the Klamath Basin," that outlines conservation successes of local producers in the face of water shortages resulting from drought and the impacts of the Endangered Species Act.. The additional funds will help accelerate implementation of practical, common sense water conservation practices on the ground.
NRCS and local conservation districts help farmers and ranchers develop conservation plans that address natural resource concerns, including conserving water and managing nutrients, pests and invasive plant species.
Links…
News
Release, "USDA Releases Additional $7.3 Million for the Klamath Basin and a
Report on Partnership Conservation Accomplishments" (April 23, 2004)
NRCS Activities in the Klamath River
Basin
NRCS Oregon
Activities in the Klamath River Basin
NRCS California Advancing
Conservation Efforts in Klamath Basin
Klamath River Basin Federal Working Group
Report,
"Partnership Accomplishments—Conservation in the Klamath Basin"
April
22, 2004—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that farmers and
ranchers produced a gain of 131,400 acres from wetlands from 1997-2002 according
to the National Resources Inventory released today. The NRI reports changes in
the nation's private land use. The most gains occurred in the Corn Belt and
Delta states where farmers and ranchers have created, maintained or enhanced
numerous wetlands through conservation programs such as the Wetlands Reserve
Program and Conservation Reserve Program.
Links…
President Announces Wetlands Initiative on Earth Day
Key Messages for Earth Day
From Mark Rey, USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment and
Bruce Knight, Chief, NRCS
News Release: "Veneman Releases Report Showing Net Gains in Wetlands on
Agricultural Land"
Related News Stories
NRI Wetlands: Questions and Answers
National Resources Inventory
Wetlands Reserve Program
Conservation Reserve Program
 |
Chief Knight's 2004 Earth Day Message
Earth Day is an ideal time to pause and reflect on the good work land owners
and NRCS do to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural
resources and environment. Thanks in part to your leadership and commitment to
conservation, the public has come to have a better appreciation of the
environmental benefits produced by America's farmers and ranchers.
Environmental protection is now clearly in the mainstream, supported by our
nation's leadership and its people.
Full text of Chief
Knight's Earth Day Message
Links....
Earth Day photo
features
By-State listing of Earth
Day events
Actor Morgan Freeman narrates TV public
service announcements
asking Americans to help care for the natural resources of "this planet full
of life and wonder." Viewers may call 1-888-LANDCARE to receive information on
how to become an
Earth Team volunteerand help
make a difference in their own communities.
|
|
| The Conservation Effects Assessment Project will conduct watershed studies to show more specific conservation benefits can be identified and measured when assessed at a smaller scale. |
Natural Resources Conservation Service today unveiled a website to inform
internal and external audiences about the Conservation Effects Assessment
Project (CEAP). NRCS is partnering with other agencies to conduct a national
assessment of the environmental benefits and effects of 2002 Farm Bill programs.
CEAP will study the benefits of most conservation practices implemented through
the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Wildlife
Habitat Incentives Program, Conservation Reserve Program and NRCS Conservation
Technical Assistance. Watershed studies also will be conducted to improve the
performance of the national assessment models and to demonstrate that more
specific benefits can be identified and measured when assessed at a smaller
scale.
Links…
Conservation Effects Assessment Project
 |
| Salt-affected soils are visible on rangeland in Colorado. Salts dissolved from the soil accumulate at the soil surface and are deposited on the ground and at the base of the fence post. |
April 5, 2004—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced today that
Colorado, Utah and Wyoming received $19.8 million to control salinity in the
Colorado River Basin. The Colorado River Basin is the primary domestic water
supply source for 27 million residents in seven states and is a source of
irrigation water for more than 3.5 million acres of farmland. Colorado and Utah
each will receive nearly $9.6 million and Wyoming will receive $675,000. The
states will use this funding from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program
to provide technical and financial assistance to eligible producers.
Links…
News Release:
USDA Provides $19.8 Million
to Control Salinity in the Colorado River Basin
Colorado River Basin Salinity Control
Activities
 |
| NRCS staff helped distribute educational materials to attendees at the National Science Teachers Association Annual Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia. |
The NRCS exhibit featured the Lewis and Clark nomadic and a hands-on soil
profile activity. Several accompanying handouts, including a CD containing a
wealth of information on soils including lesson plans and instructions for using
hands-on demonstrations in the classroom were available. Agency publications
geared for science teachers were also featured.
The National Science Teachers Association founded in 1944, is the largest
organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in
science teaching and learning. Some 18,000 science educators annually attend the
national convention.
Links...
National Science Teachers Association
 |
| Dick Crowder, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (Left), and Bruce Knight, NRCS Chief (Right), sign MOU. |
April 2, 2004 -- NRCS Chief Bruce Knight and Dick Crowder, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote better exchange of seed technology. The NRCS Plant Materials Program includes a network of 26 plant materials centers that work with commercial seed producers to make sure that high quality seed needed for conservation work is available.
Links...
NRCS news release, "USDA Signs
Agreement with the American Seed Trade Association" (April 2, 2004)
American Seed Trade Association
NRCS Plant Materials Program
NRCS Plant Materials
Centers
 Gravel provides needed spawning habitat for salmon. (CA) |
March 30, 2004— Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announced a $3.5 million new initiative to help restore and conserve salmon habitat in Alaska, California, Maine, Oregon and Washington. The new Salmon Habitat Restoration Initiative is part of the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. It will help landowners with projects that restore habitat for Pacific and Atlantic salmon such as providing shade along streams, restoring gravel spawning beds, removing barriers to fish passages and reducing agricultural runoff. |
Links…
-USDA news release, "USDA
Announces $3.5 Million for new Salmon Habitat Restoration Initiative in Five
States"(March 30, 2004)
-Wildlife Habitat Incentives
Program website
 |
March 22, 2004—Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman released the interim final rule for Conservation Innovation Grants and announced that $15 million will be available to fund selected grant proposals. The interim final rule will be published in the Federal Register soon with a request for public comments. At the same time, NRCS will announce the nationwide grant competition through a request for proposals that also will be published in the Federal Register and on the federal government's eGrant website. |
|
Fertilizer application applied directly into irrigation lateral for flood application. (Yuma AZ) |
Links…
Request
for Proposals Due May 28, 2004
USDA news release, "USDA
Releases $15 Million and the Interim Final Rule for Conservation Innovation
Grants" (March 22, 2004)
Conservation Innovation Grants Web Site
Federal eGrant Web Site
March
17, 2004— Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman today announced that the U.S.
Department of Agriculture has targeted $5 million to Maryland, Delaware and
Virginia to help improve natural resources in the Delmarva Peninsula. Maryland
will receive nearly $2.9 million for nine Eastern Shore counties; Delaware, $1.7
million for three counties, and Virginia, $435,200 for two counties. USDA will
use the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives
Program, and the Wetlands Reserve Program to provide additional financial and
technical assistance to landowners in the Delmarva. The Delmarva Peninsula
drains into the Chesapeake Bay, the nation's largest and most productive
estuary.
Links…
News Release
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
Wetlands Reserve Program
On
March 17, 2004, a Request for Proposals for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection
Program (FRPP) was published in the Federal Register. NRCS will provide $84
million in FY 2004 funds to purchase conservation easements to limit conversion
of farm and ranch lands to nonagricultural uses. Proposals will be accepted in
the appropriate NRCS state office from interested state, tribal and local
governments and nongovernmental organizations through the end of April 2004.
Links…
News Release,
"USDA to Provide $84 Million to Protect Farm and Ranch Land" (March 16, 2004)
FRPP information and Request for Proposals
FRPP Request for Proposals in the Federal Register (March 17, 2004)
March
14-20, 2004, is National Agriculture Week with National Ag Day on March 20th.
This is a time to thank farmers and ranchers for the food, fiber and
environmental benefits they provide all year long. It is a time to thank them
for reducing erosion, guarding streams and rivers, restoring and establishing
fish and wildlife habitat, and improving water and air quality. The Nation's
conservation efforts on private land ensure a healthy and productive land that
sustains food and fiber production, protects watersheds and natural systems,
enhances the environment, and improves urban and rural landscapes. These are a
few of the reasons to celebrate agriculture and conservation during National
Agriculture Week.
Links…
Ag Day Web Site
USDA
NRCS State Offices
 |
| Pennsylvania Congressman Jim Greenwood, Bucks County Commissioner Mike Fitzpatrick and USDA's Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Mack Gray discuss the Neshaminy Watershed Project in front of homeowner Chuck Horn's elevated house in Langhorne, PA. |
March 5, 2004—USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service has provided $2.9
million to fund flood protection measures in the Neshaminy Creek Watershed in
Bucks County, PA. USDA's Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and
Environment Mack Gray announced the funding at a recent event in front of
homeowner Chuck Horn's elevated house in Langhorne, PA. Horn's home was raised
10 feet to protect it from floodwaters. Purchasing or elevating eligible
buildings in the floodplain are among non-structural measures USDA-NRCS is using
to protect homes and other buildings in the watershed. Other measures include
flood proofing of businesses and homes and the implementation of a flood warning
system.
Links…
NRCS Programs
News Release
March
3, 2004—NRCS and John Deere Ag Management Solutions announced a partnership to
provide conservation planning software tools for producers and technical service
providers. "Conservation Plug-In," which will be available late this fall,
allows producers and technical service providers to record farm and field data,
schedule conservation practices, report completion of practices and attach
certification documentation. Electronic assistance for developing conservation
plans also will be available with the new software.
Links…
News Release: "USDA Supports
New Conservation Planning Software" (3/3/04)
News Release: New Electronic Customer Statement (3/3/04)
Customer Statement Information
News Release on USDA e-Gov Initiatives (1/12/04)
NRCS Information Technology Center
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman held a tele-news
conference and webcast on National Agriculture Week and USDA's eGovernment
Initiative. USDA's Chief Information Officer Scott Charbo joined Veneman as did
USDA Chief Economist Keith Collins.
Listen
to Audio
Video News Release - USDA's Chief Information Officer Scott Charbo on the
benefits of Customer Statement
Feb.
27, 2004—In today's Federal Register, NRCS announces publication of the National
Animal Agriculture Conservation Framework, which lays out a blueprint for
meeting the environmental stewardship challenges facing animal agriculture over
the next 10 to 15 years. The National Framework reflects input from state and
basin area frameworks and comments received during the public review period
conducted in September 2003. The National Framework is online (see link below)
or in hard copy from Angel Figueroa, NRCS Animal Husbandry and Clean Water
Programs Division, phone: 301-504-2225 or
angel.figueroa@usda.gov.
Links…
Federal Register notice of publication of the National Animal Agriculture
Conservation Framework (2/27/04)
National Animal Agriculture
Conservation Framework
Animal Feeding Operations Information
 |
| Left to Right, Congressman Virgil Goode; David Davis, Chairman, Henry County Board of Supervisors; Gerald Willis, Special Assistant to NRCS Chief Bruce Knight; Daphne Jamison, Chairman, Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District, and M. Denise Doetzer, NRCS State Conservationist in Virginia. |
RIDGEWAY, Va., Feb. 25—Officials from Natural Resources Conservation Service and
local sponsors of the Marrowbone Creek Watershed Project signed the project plan
for NRCS in Virginia's first dam rehabilitation project at a recent ceremony on
the creek's banks.
Speakers and other dignitaries who participated included Gerald Willis, Special
Assistant to NRCS Chief Bruce Knight; M. Denise Doetzer, State Conservationist,
NRCS in Virginia; and Congressman Virgil Goode. Representatives for the project
sponsors—Henry County and Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District—also
participated.
Construction is expected to begin this spring and end in 2005 for Dam Number 1.
The $2.7 million project will provide flood control benefits for residents of
Ridgeway, Virginia. NRCS will provide 65 percent of the project's cost through
the federal Dam Rehabilitation Program and the local sponsors will cover the
remaining 35 percent.
Links…
Watershed Rehabilitation Program
USDA
Provides $14 Million for Agricultural Management AssistanceFeb. 23, 2004—Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announced that $14 million is available for Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) for fiscal year 2004. AMA funding will provide cost-share assistance to agricultural producers to address risk management concerns linked to water management, water quality and erosion control issues. AMA is available in 15 states where participation in the Federal Crop Insurance Program is historically low: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Links…
USDA news release, "USDA Announces Funding for Agricultural Management
Assistance" (2/23/04)
AMA information
Feb. 18, 2004 -- Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announced that $150
million in Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) funding will help
southern California wildfire recovery efforts and address the tree mortality
emergency in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino and Ventura
counties. Rehabilitation efforts will provide sound erosion control measures
that are economically and environmentally defensible.
Photo Caption: A timber retaining wall was designed by NRCS to prevent mud and
debris flow
Links...
News Release "USDA Provides $150 Million for Wildfire Recovery Efforts in
California" (2/18/04)
California NRCS Wildfire
Recovery Information
Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP)
"Coming
Together to Care for Our Natural Resources" is the theme of NACD's Annual
Meeting, being held February 1-5, 2004, on Hawaii's Big Island. NACD, an NRCS
partner, promotes conservation through nearly 3,000 conservation districts
nationwide. On Feb. 3, NRCS Chief Bruce Knight announced the availability of $3
million for conservation projects that benefit coral reefs. He also announced
the new pilot Asian and Pacific Islander Scholarship Program and a similar pilot
program for students at 1994 Tribal Land Grant Colleges.
Photo Caption: USDA Deputy Undersecretary Jim Moseley gives his speech,
"Achieving Conservation Goals with Public/Private Sector Collaboration" on
Tuesday, February 3rd.
Links...
Photos: NRCS Chief Bruce Knight's tour of
environmental projects on the Big Island
February 3, 2004, Remarks at the NACD Meeting by Bruce I. Knight, Chief, NRCS,
"More, Faster, Better: The Path to Resource Driven and Locally Led Conservation
-- The 21st Century NRCS"
News Release: USDA Provides $3 Million for Conservation Projects that
Benefit Coral Reefs (Feb. 3, 2004)
News Release:
USDA Announces New Minority Scholarship Programs (Feb. 3, 2004)
NACD Web Site
Listing of Conservation Districts
NACD and NRCS: A Partnership for Conservation (this Power Point presentation
is 17.2 MB)
$1.5
Billion for NRCS Voluntary Conservation Programs in FY 2004
Jan. 28, 2004- USDA announced the release of nearly
$1.5 billion in funding for conservation programs on working lands this fiscal
year. The FY 2004 allocations to states include $1.2 billion in financial
assistance and $305 million for technical assistance for NRCS Farm Bill programs
and other activities. At least $30 million of the technical assistance funds
will be used for technical service providers. A table of the funding by
conservation program is in the news release.
Links…
news release:
USDA Announces Release of
$1.5 Billion for Voluntary Conservation Programs in FY 2004 (Jan. 28, 2004)
Jan. 13, 2004—Snow surveyors, mostly from 12 western states and Alaska,
studied snow sampling combined with survival at the West-Wide Snow Survey
Training School at Mount Bachelor Village in Oregon Jan. 4-9. Students learned
skills such as sampling, avalanche recognition, and outdoor emergency care—and
slept overnight in a snow cave they constructed. Students included NRCS
employees, cooperators, and representatives from state and other federal
agencies. Snow surveyors measure mountain snowpack and forecast seasonal runoff
in streams and rivers. NRCS, working with state and other federal agencies,
conducts snow surveys in 12 western states and Alaska.
Links…
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/snowsurvey/
USDA
Holds 10 National Listening Sessions on the Conservation Security Program
Jan. 9, 2004—USDA-NRCS is holding 10 national listening sessions on the
Conservation Security Program (CSP) to gain feedback on a proposed rule to
implement the program. The CSP proposed rule was published in the Federal
Register on Jan. 2, 2004; comments are due by March 2, 2004. The listening
sessions will be held:
Jan. 13, Tempe, Arizona
Jan. 13, Roanoke, Virginia
Jan. 21, Kerrville, Texas
Jan. 27, Spokane, Washington
Feb. 10, Lansing, Michigan
Feb. 11, Ft. Pierce, Florida
Feb. 11, Des Moines, Iowa
Feb. 11, Augusta, Maine
Feb. 11, Greenwood, Mississippi
Feb. 26, Madison, Wisconsin
Links…
This item requires
RealPlayer:
Video News Release: CSP Listening Sessions (2 minutes)
USDA News Release, "USDA to Hold 10 National Public Listening Sessions on the
Conservation Security Program" (Jan. 9, 2004)
Veneman
Announces Proposed Rule for the Conservation Security Program
CSP Listening Sessions
detailed information
Proposed Rule (published in the Federal Register 1/2/04)
CSP Program Information
Proposed
Rule (published in the Federal Register 1/2/04)
Summary
of Proposed Rule
CSP
Fact Sheet
Questions
& Answers
These items require
RealPlayer:
Webcast
of Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman and other USDA officials hosting
a tele-news conference.
Webcast
of NRCS Chief Bruce Knight hosting briefing.
Farm Bill Conservation Programs
USDA
and DOE Seek Proposals for Joint Biomass Research and Development ProjectsUSDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and Department of Energy (DOE) announced the availability of about $22 million to fund biomass research, development and demonstration projects. USDA and DOE will provide financial assistance for project proposals that will convert biomass into biobased products, fuels and energy.
Biomass is defined as organic matter that is available on a renewable or
recurring basis.
Registration forms are due January 16, 2004 and a pre-application is due January
30, 2004. Only those that passed the pre-application phase will be asked to
submit a full application. Failure to submit a registration form will not affect
the eligibility of an application.
The announcement, entitled "Biomass Research and Development," was issued
December 24, 2003 by DOE. The specific announcement number is DE-PS36-04GO94002.
Links…
Biomass Research and Development Solicitation
USDA Biobased Products and Bioenergy
Coordination Council
The NRCS Science and Technology Consortium is sponsoring a series of seminars on Environmental Credit Trading. These open sessions feature discussion on key issues to help identify potential opportunities that may exist for USDA involvement in environmental credit trading. A series of discussion panels provide private entity experiences with credit trading markets. Each forum focuses on one case study and presents lessons learned from experienced practitioners.
Links…
Flier
on Feb. 11 seminar
Flier
on Environmental Credit Trading Seminars
< Current News Releases
< Archived Newsroom and News Releases
|
|
Dec.
21, 2004—USDA and the U.S. Department of Energy today announced the availability
of up
to $15 million in grants through the Biomass Research and
Development Initiative. These grants are available to eligible entities to carry
out research, development and demonstrations on biobased products, bioenergy,
biofuels, biopower and related processes. NRCS, on behalf of USDA and the
Department of Energy, is requesting proposals through a joint solicitation that
is on the federal funding opportunities website (www.Fedgrants.gov ) and the
Biomass Research and Development Initiative website (www.bioproducts-bioenergy.gov).
Dec.
2, 2004 — Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns was nominated today by
President George W. Bush to be the 28th Secretary of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Johanns will succeed Secretary Ann M. Veneman, who was sworn in on
Jan. 20, 2001.
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