News Release

For Immediate Release
Contact Person:
Cheryl Grapes, assistant state conservationist for programs, (307) 233-6757 

NRCS Accepting Applications for Farm Bill Programs

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for fiscal year 2013 financial assistance to help implement conservation practices that improve natural resources on farms and ranches across Wyoming.

The deadline to submit applications to be considered in the first ranking period for fiscal year 2013 funding consideration is Friday, Dec. 21st. Applications are accepted on a continual basis; applications received after that date will be accepted and considered for funding if funds are available after first cycle applications are processed.

NRCS offers a variety of programs to help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, and restore wildlife habitat. Public benefits include enhanced natural resources that help sustain agricultural productivity and environmental quality while supporting continued economic development, recreation, and scenic beauty.

 “Producers will probably find a fit for their individual resource needs and goals,” said Astrid Martinez, state conservationist. "The best place for anyone who’s interested to start is to visit with our staff in the local NRCS field offices. Conservationists can help landowners and operators develop a conservation plan based on goals and objectives for their operation.”

The conservation programs offer financial incentives and technical assistance for a variety of conservation practices available to private landowners who wish to voluntarily participate.  Examples include installing water quality improvements, such as livestock waste management systems; enhancing grazing lands management through fencing and water developments; increasing water conservation by improving irrigation systems; improving Sage-grouse habitat; transitioning to organic agriculture; installing seasonal high tunnels or hoop houses to explore the resource benefits of raising vegetable crops in these systems; aspen regeneration, stream restoration, riparian area improvements; restoring fish passage; restoring vegetation along water courses by removing invasive species, especially Russian Olive and Salt Cedar, and many other practices. 

Applications are available at your local USDA Service Center or NRCS field office listed under United States Government in your community phone directory. For more information, go to http://www.wy.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/index.html.

Please Note: "Authorizations for the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) and the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) expired Sept. 30, 2012. No new applications for these programs can be accepted. We will continue to service prior-year contracts."

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

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