NRCS NEWS

By Jason Miller, District Conservationist

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications from woodland owners interested in a Conservation Activity Plan for Forest Management. Eligible woodlands are those that have never had a forest management plan developed, or those with plans older than 5 years. Selected applicants will be funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to have a forest management plan developed by a private consultant forester.

We are also taken applications for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) but the deadline for getting signed up for the second CSP ranking period is quickly approaching. CSP is a voluntary program that encourages producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional practices on their operations. The program is popular for producers who go the extra mile with conservation and sustainable operations—whether they've accomplished goals on their own, with other conservation partners, or through USDA and NRCS programs. Landowners and producers who considered applying for CSP need to get signed up and submit documentation. USDA has announced the national cutoff date for CSP is June 1.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for livestock producers may be taken continually as well as Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program.

State Cost Share has yet to be released, once it is released it will be advertized through the local media.

For more information contact your local Natural Resource Conservation Service Center at 965 Campbellsville Rd, Columbia, KY 42728 or at 270-384-6628 Extension 3.