The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Applications will be accepted throughout the year, but interested participants should submit new or renewal applications by March 31 to ensure consideration for 2016 enrollment.
Participants with existing CSP contracts that will expire on Dec. 31, 2016 have the option to renew their contracts for an additional five years upon agreement to adopt additional activities to achieve higher levels of conservation on their lands.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the agency will invest $150 million for farmers, ranchers and foresters to improve working lands.
“The Conservation Stewardship Program is one of our most popular programs with producers because it results in real change on the ground by boosting soil and air quality, conserving clean water and enhancing wildlife habitat,” Vilsack said.
NRCS plans to add an estimated 10 million acres to CSP during fiscal year 2016, according to an agency news release.
Funding is available for more than 100 types of enhancements nationwide, including:
• Improve soil quality through use of cover crops, conservation crop rotations and other activities that increase soil productivity.
• Use water wisely and improve water quality through enhancements such as more efficient irrigation systems and weather monitoring.
• Restore habitat for wildlife and pollinators through the use of better grazing systems and improved plant management.
Since 2009, the USDA has provided more than $4 billion in assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest managers to enhance conservation on more than 70 million acres.
For more information on technical and financial assistance available through the conservation programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. To find a USDA service center, visit http://offices.usda.gov.