Conservation Program funding application date set
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BOZEMAN — The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). To be considered for funding in the current cycle, producers and landowners should apply by Oct. 28, 2022.
“NRCS provides funding and technical assistance to help farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners implement conservation practices that improve their environmental and economic sustainability,” said Tom Watson, NRCS State Conservationist for Montana. “Conservation work focused on local outcomes with the support of local partners and land managers achieves meaningful conservation across a landscape. These opportunities are open to ag operations of any scale.”
Conservation funding is available for the following programs and initiatives: Conservation Incentive Contracts, Community Agriculture, Joint Chiefs’ Partnership Restoration Projects, National On-Farm Energy Initiative, National Organic Initiative, National Water Quality Initiative, Sage Grouse Initiative, Targeted Implementation Plans and Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
EQIP offers financial and technical assistance to eligible participants to install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. In Montana, historically underserved participants, including limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and ranchers will receive a higher payment rate for eligible conservation practices applied.
The CSP is for working lands. For farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, CSP can help find new ways to meet resource and operation goals. All of the land in a producer’s agricultural operation must be enrolled to be eligible for CSP.
This year, the Conservation Planning Workbook will be a required part of the CSP application package. The workbook will be due by Nov. 10, 2022. Request a printed copy of the workbook from your local USDA service center.
NRCS accepts conservation program applications year-round; however, applications for the next funding consideration must be submitted by October 28, 2022. Applications made after the cutoff will be considered in the next funding cycle. Additional information is available on the Montana NRCS website at: www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov under the Programs tab or by contacting your local USDA service center.
