2005 Archive

The MOU, signed by NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster, FSA Associate Administrator Thomas B. Hofeller, and BIA Director of Trust Services Arch Wells, identifies the respective Federal responsibilities that must be coordinated by the three agencies. It also recognizes the role of American Indians and Indian tribes as landowners, land users, and as sovereign governmental entities with authority and responsibility for the development and administration of natural resource programs on Indian lands.

Links...

USDA News Release: "USDA Partners Sign Memorandum of Understanding with Bureau of Indian Affairs for Conservation Programs on Indian Lands," December 6, 2006

NRCS Tribal Government Relationships

USDA Announces Sign-up for Conservation Innovation Grants

The Natural Resources Conservation Service administers CIG. Up to $20 million is available for the National CIG competition. Funds for the projects will be awarded through a nationwide competitive grants process with applications accepted from all 50 States, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) and the Pacific Basin Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) from all eligible government or non-government organizations or individuals, including federally recognized tribes. Applications must be received by February 2, 2007.

USDA Provides $2.3 Million For New Healthy Forests Reserve Program

Canada Lynx in the northern boreal forest of Maine
Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2006—USDA announced that $2.3 million will be provided to help forest landowners in Maine, Mississippi and Arkansas improve wildlife habitat for threatened or endangered species on private forestlands. Landowners enrolled 495,652 acres through 30 and 99-year easements and 10-year restoration agreements in the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP), authorized in 2003. Landowners will carry out conservation practices on this acreage that will promote the recovery of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker in the Lower Ouachita River Flatwood region of Arkansas, the Canada Lynx in the northern boreal forest of Maine and the gopher tortoise and the black pine snake in the longleaf pine ecosystem along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.

Links…
NRCS news release “USDA Provides $2.3 Million For Healthy Forests Reserve Program” (Nov. 29, 2006)

Healthy Forests Reserve Program

USDA's New Web-based Awareness Tool Estimates Energy Use for Animal Housing

USDA unveiled the Energy Estimator for Animal Housing, a Web-based energy awareness tool designed to help agricultural producers reduce energy costs related to animal housing. This tool evaluates the energy use and costs associated with heating, lighting and ventilating poultry, swine and dairy housing. Once a producer enters the required information, the Energy Estimator for Animal Housing provides an analysis of estimated energy use and costs associated with various energy management options. The analysis also identifies potential energy savings that can result from carrying out certain recommendations for swine, poultry and dairy operations. This is USDA's fourth energy estimator tool designed to reduce the impacts of high energy costs and to help develop long-term solutions for producers.

Links...

USDA News Release: "USDA's New Web-based Awareness Tool Estimates Energy Use For Animal Housing," November 15, 2006
Energy Estimator for Animal Housing
USDA's Energy Page
NRCS Energy Page

Fiscal Year 2006 Conservation Achievements

Multiple rows of trees and shrubs, as well as a native grass strip, combine in a riparian buffer to protect Bear Creek in Story County, Iowa. The buffer is a nationally designated demonstration area for riparian buffers. NRCS image.

NRCS and its partners made Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 a banner year for “Helping People Help the Land.”

“Our partners and everyone who cares about conservation should be proud of these accomplishments and feel optimistic about the future of conservation,” said NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster.

In FY 2006, the conservation partnership: reduced soil erosion by more than 75 million tons; created, restored, or enhanced 318,000 acres of wetlands; and planned conservation systems and practices that cover more than 50 million acres—a 60 percent increase over 2001.

Find more facts and figures on the FY 2006 Conservation Accomplishments Web Page.

USDA and DOD Sign Conservation Partnership Agreement

Ft. Riley, Kansas, November 8, 2006—USDA Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Under Secretary Merlyn Carlson and Department of Defense Defense of Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health Assistant Deputy Under Secretary Alex Beehler signed an agreement establishing a national partnership in conservation efforts near military bases around the nation. The partnership will enable greater efficiency in conservation efforts by both agencies through the sharing of technical information and services.

Reverse Auction Saves Wetlands and Money

NRCS' Dan Paulsen discusses future plans for this established WRP site in Kossuth County, Iowa. NRCS image.

Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Arlen Lancaster announced that NRCS has enrolled 3,500 acres in the Wetlands Reserve Program through a reverse auction pilot program that reduced easement acquisition costs by 14 percent—saving nearly $820,000 in Fiscal Year 2006. The reverse auction signup tested procedures to reduce easement acquisition costs and NRCS technical assistance costs.

Links…
NRCS news release "Reverse Auction Saves Wetlands and Money" (November 2, 2006)

Wetlands Reserve Program

Natural Resources Conservation Service Employees and Contractors Receive USDA’s Most Prestigious Group Award

59th Annual Secretary's Honor Awards id. USDA image.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns honored Natural Resources Conservation Service employees and contractors with several 2006 USDA Group Honor Awards. The awards recognize the outstanding services and contributions of USDA employees and contractors toward fulfilling USDA’s missions and goals.

Two NRCS teams were honored. The Energy Estimator team, led by Stefanie Aschmann of Portland, Oregon, received its award for designing three web-based energy estimators for tillage, nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation to help producers save energy and money. The Poteau River Watershed Team, led by Group Leader Phoukham Vongkhamdy of Stillwater, Oklahoma, received its award for increasing the number of Native American, Asian and limited resource producers who were accepted into the Conservation Security Program in the Poteau River Watershed in Oklahoma.

Other employees and contractors also were recognized as members on teams from other USDA agencies.

Links…

USDA news release: “Johanns Honors USDA Employees in Annual Awards Ceremony" (Oct. 20, 2006)

List of USDA Honor Awards Recipients

USDA and EPA Sign Water Quality Credit Trading Agreement

USDA Natural Resources and Environment Under Secretary Mark Rey and Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water, signed a partnership agreement to establish and promote water quality credit trading markets. NRCS image.

WASHINGTON, October 13, 2006—USDA Natural Resources and Environment Under Secretary Mark Rey and Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water, signed a partnership agreement to establish and promote water quality credit trading markets through cooperative conservation. The agreement features a pilot project within the Chesapeake Bay basin to showcase the effectiveness of environmental markets. Water quality credit trading uses a market-based approach that offers incentives to farmers and ranchers who implement conservation practices that improve water quality.

Johanns Appoints Members of 2006-2008 USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns renewed the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) and named 29 individuals to serve as members. They will serve two-year terms that will end September 30, 2008. This task force will tackle diverse air quality issues such as the reduction of criteria pollutants, carbon sequestration, ozone and ammonia emissions, greenhouse gases and the enhancement of opportunities for environmental trading markets for agriculture.

Pollinator Partnership Symposium at USDA, October 18

Many of the world’s birds, bugs, and beasts are vital to the survival of humans and ecosystems. They are pollinators. And the pollen they gather and pass to plants is part of a natural chain that puts food on our tables, provides food and cover for wildlife, and helps prevent soil erosion and protect water quality.

Find out what’s being done and what must be done to protect pollinators. On Wednesday, October 18, the Pollinator Partnership, a project of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, presents its Pollinator Symposium at USDA’s Jefferson Auditorium, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Highlights begin with remarks by Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Mark Rey include looks at the importance of pollinators; threats to pollinator populations; global efforts to protect pollinators; how agriculture, forestry, and corporations can benefit pollinators; and boosting public support for protecting pollinators. The U.S. Postal Service will introduce its Pollination Stamp Series. Participants will receive a commemorative program featuring the pollinator stamp art.

USDA Selects 51 Watersheds for 2007 Conservation Security Program

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that 51 watersheds in 50 states, the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean Area will be eligible for the 2007 Conservation Security Program (CSP). These watersheds represent more than 64,500 of the nation’s potentially eligible farms and ranches, covering nearly 24 million acres of cropland and grazing land. Based on President Bush’s requested funding level for the program for fiscal year 2007, the 51 watersheds would be eligible for enrollment. Eligible watersheds are being announced now to allow farmers and ranchers adequate time to gather resource information on their operations in preparation for a prospective sign-up.

Links…

USDA news release: “USDA Selects 51 Watersheds for 2007 Conservation Security Program” (Sept. 25, 2006)

Map of Eligible Watersheds

Conservation Security Program

Chief Lancaster Addresses State Conservation Leaders, Highlights Importance of Partnerships

In his first remarks to a partnership organization, NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster addressed a packed room at the National Association of State Conservation Agencies Annual Meeting, September 25, in San Antonio.

Conservation leaders from across the nation heard Chief Lancaster address priority conservation topics, plus discuss his perspectives on key future resource issues. He expressed his strong commitment to local conservation and a close cooperative relationship with state partners.

The Chief took questions on a wide array of topics — answering queries about the detriments of Congressional earmarks, addressing concerns regarding security clearance requirements for State agency employees, and discussing the upcoming farm bill.

State agency leaders expressed enthusiasm in working with Chief Lancaster, and were pleased to receive word on the 2007 CSP watershed announcement.

The Chief spent the rest of the day visiting NRCS field office staff west near San Antonio and discussing irrigation water conservation.

Link…
Chief Lancaster’s Remarks to the National Association of State Conservation Agencies, September 25, 2006

PDF version

Johanns Focuses USDA Programs to Aid Drought Regions

HAYES, South Dakota, Aug. 29, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that $780 million will be available to help farmers and ranchers manage drought and weather-related production challenges. NRCS will use $11 million of that total to help farmers and ranchers in 14 states protect drought-affected grazing lands through its Grassland Reserve Program. The states will use the funding for pending GRP applications for rental agreements in drought-affected areas.

End Date for EQIP Energy Conservation Initiative Extended

August 24, 2006—NRCS extended the deadline for completing environmental projects to qualify for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) energy cost assistance until December 29, 2006. The energy conservation initiative has been effective at offsetting energy cost increases, and accelerating the application of conservation practices. Prior to this announcement the deadline for completion of the EQIP projects was September 1, 2006. The one-time payment adjustment is available only to program participants who signed EQIP contracts in 2004 or earlier and who have EQIP practices that have been delayed due to increasing energy costs. For more information contact your local USDA Service Center or the EQIP Web page.

Arlen Lancaster Named Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that Agriculture Deputy Assistant Secretary Arlen Lancaster was selected as Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Lancaster held his former position in USDA’s Office of Congressional Relations since April 2005. Prior to joining USDA, he served in various senior staff positions in Congress, having worked as Senator Mike Crapo’s senior policy advisor since 1999 and as the staff director for the Senate Subcommittee on Forestry, Conservation, and Rural Revitalization since 2001. He played a key role in crafting the conservation title of the 2002 Farm Bill. Lancaster also worked for Senator Robert Bennett from 1998-1999.

Links…

USDA news release “Johanns Announces Appointment of Arlen Lancaster As Chief Of The Natural Resources Conservation Service (Aug. 23, 2006) en Español

Biography

USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force to Meet in Pennsylvania

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2006—The USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force will meet Aug. 30-31 in Harrisburg, Pa., to discuss current issues facing agriculture and the potential impacts to air quality from agricultural operations. The meeting is open to the public. Anyone from the public who wishes to speak will have up to five minutes. Written comments will be accepted. Air quality issues in Pennsylvania also will be addressed.

Links…

USDA news release: “USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force to Meet in Pennsylvania" (Aug. 16, 2006) en Español

USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force

USDA Awards $4.1 Million in Grants to Manage and Control Invasive Species Affecting Grazing Lands

ELLISTON, Mont., July 28, 2006—USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Mark Rey awarded $4.1 million to fund 27 projects in 20 states to manage and control invasive plants, animals or insects that adversely affect private and tribal grazing lands. Approved grantees include five county weed control and management districts, five resource conservation and development councils, three conservation districts, three foundations and non-profit organizations, three Federally-recognized Native American tribes or organizations that assist them, and two state departments of agriculture.

USDA Announces Amendments to Interim Final Rule and Public Comment Period for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2006—Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Mark Rey announced the release of an amended interim final rule for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program with a request for public comment. Public comments on the rule will be accepted for 60 days from the date the rule appears in the Federal Register. USDA proposes that land eligibility criteria should focus on preserving the nation’s most critical farm and ranch lands resources.

NRCS Announces WRP Reverse Auction

WASHINGTON, June 30, 2006—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), announced the availability of $10 million for a Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) reverse auction initiative to identify more effective and efficient methods of reducing the cost of WRP easement acquisition. “The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary program established for the purpose of protecting, restoring and enhancing wetlands, while maximizing wildlife benefits,” said NRCS Chief Bruce Knight. “This reverse WRP auction will allow the taxpayer and our farmers and ranchers to get even more for their investment.”

Johanns Announces Opening of New National Wildlife Center

New NRCS agricultural wildlife center in Madison, Mississippi.

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced a new Agricultural Wildlife Conservation Center in Madison, Mississippi. Experts at the new center will develop wildlife habitat technology for farmers and ranchers. These innovative technologies will help them install conservation practices that enhance wildlife habitat development. Additionally, Secretary Johanns announced $1.6 million in competitive grants that will go to 12 entities in 10 states for development and evaluation of technological tools for fish and wildlife habitat improvements.

2004 CSP Contracts Modified for Enhanced Conservation

Conservation Security Program title card.

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2006—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Bruce Knight announced the results of Conservation Security Program (CSP) Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 contract modifications to include payments for additional conservation enhancements not included in the original contracts.

“CSP was designed to reward the best land stewards and encourage them to do even more. Our 2004 participants have demonstrated their interest in completing additional practices, proving that voluntary, incentive-based programs on working lands do encourage landowners to move toward the highest standards of conservation stewardship,” said Knight.

NRCS Announces Signup for Healthy Forests Reserve Program

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2006—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Bruce Knight announced the signup for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) from June 19 through July 7, 2006 in Arkansas, Maine and Mississippi.

The new program will improve forested wildlife habitat for the red-cockaded woodpecker in the Lower Ouachita River Flatwood region of Arkansas, the Canada Lynx in the northern boreal forest of Maine, and the gopher tortoise and black pine snake in the longleaf pine ecosystem along the gulf coast of Mississippi.

Links…
NRCS news release, "NRCS Announces Signup for Healthy Forests Reserve Program" (6/19/06) en Español

Healthy Forest Reserve Program

USDA Awards Nearly $20 Million in Conservation Innovation Grants

SAVANNAH, Ga., June 19, 2006—Agriculture Under Secretary Mark Rey awarded nearly $20 million in Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to fund 66 projects in 38 states to develop and refine cutting-edge technologies and approaches to help producers maintain viable agricultural operations.

“These projects exemplify cooperative conservation and continue USDA’s partnership with public and private entities to promote practical, innovative solutions to manage our natural resources,” said Rey in remarks to the annual meeting of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils.

CIG funds pilot projects and conservation field trials that can last from one to three years. The total value of the approved projects exceeds $48 million after the grantees match at least 50 percent.

Links…

USDA news release: "USDA Awards Nearly $20 Million in Conservation Innovation Grants," (June 19, 2006)

Conservation Innovation Grants

USDA Releases Web-Based Irrigation Calculator Tool As Part of Overall Energy Strategy

June 12, 2006—USDA announced the release of the “Energy Estimator for Irrigation," a Web-based awareness tool designed to help producers manage their irrigation water resources more efficiently. This tool evaluates opportunities to save on energy costs and improve efficiency of irrigation management. It allows producers to estimate the energy cost of pumping water for irrigation on their farm. USDA has already released two energy estimators that have proven to be very successful. From December 7, 2005 to the present, the “Energy Estimator for Tillage” and the “Energy Estimator for Nitrogen Fertilizer” have drawn more than 160,000 page views by 38,000 U.S. and international visitors.

Links…

USDA news release: “USDA Releases Web-Based Irrigation Calculator Tool As Part of Overall Energy Strategy" (June 12, 2006) en Español

USDA Energy Estimators

USDA’s Energy Page

NRCS Energy Page

NRCS Seeks Independent Analysis of Internal Funding Formulas Used in Conservation Programs

NRCS employees identify conservation projects in Dane County Wisconsin.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking independent analysis of internal funding formulas used for funding its conservation programs. This objective evaluation is being sought to continue improving agency business processes for more effective and efficient implementation of conservation programs. This analysis will provide a comprehensive evaluation of each program allocation formula and will assess how allocation formulas relate to programmatic efficiency and annual/long-term performance measures.

USDA Announces FY 2006 Conservation Security Program Contracts

Stream habitat project near Petaluma on Ranch in Sonoma County, CA. NRCS image.

Washington, D.C., June 6, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that USDA will fund 4,404 Conservation Security Program (CSP) contracts across the 50 States, Caribbean and Pacific Basin Areas. The FY 2006 CSP contracts offered cover more than 3.7 million acres of private land in 60 watersheds nationwide, which translates to nearly a $440 million long-term investment in conservation over the next 10 years. USDA expects to fully invest the $259 million provided by Congress for FY 2006.

Links...

USDA news release: "USDA Announces FY 2006 Conservation Security Program Contracts" (June 7, 2006) en Español

Conservation Security Program

Johanns Extends Incentives To Complete EQIP Practices Delayed By High Energy Costs

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2006—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the deadline for completing environmental projects to qualify for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) energy cost assistance will be extended to September 1, 2006.

"Farmers and ranchers have put various conservation practices on hold because of the recent increases in the cost of energy," said Johanns. "As part of our commitment to help mitigate the impact of high energy costs on agricultural producers, this cost adjustment and time extension will lessen the impact of energy prices on farmers and ranchers, while protecting our natural resources."

National Audubon Society and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Promote Wildlife-Friendly Backyards

Hummingbird hovers near backyard feeder.

WASHINGTON, DC, May 25, 2006—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in partnership with the National Audubon Society announced the availability of new information materials that provide conservation information to individuals and communities for better management of schoolyards, backyards, country homes, neighborhoods and apartments. NRCS and the National Audubon Society are dedicated to protecting habitat for birds and other wildlife. Five 8-1/2"x11" publications open to 11"x17" posters that describe how to attract birds, bats, and butterflies to your backyard and community.

USDA Announces Recipients of 2006 Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative Grants

USDA-NRCS awarded nearly $5 million through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative, a voluntary program that provides competitive grants for state and local governments, tribes and non-governmental organizations to foster conservation partnerships. Thirty-eight entities in 24 states received grants totaling nearly $4 million. NRCS State Offices in 14 states received an additional $1 million to carry out rapid watershed assessment projects in their respective states with a broad array of partners. NRCS received 81 proposals from 35 states.

Links…

USDA news release: “USDA Announces Recipients of 2006 Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative Grants" (May 25, 2006) en Español

2006 Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative

Johanns Announces 43 Percent Decline In Total Cropland Erosion

May 22, 2006— Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that according to USDA’s National Resources Inventory (NRI), a statistical survey of natural resource conditions and trends on non-federal land, that total soil erosion on cultivated and non-cultivated cropland in the U.S. decreased 43 percent between 1982 and 2003, sheet and rill erosion decreased 42 percent, and wind erosion decreased 44 percent. The NRI is a statistical survey of natural resource conditions and trends on non-federal land that measures soil erosion, land cover and use, prime farmland soils, wetlands, habitat diversity, selected conservation practices, and related resources.

Links...

USDA news release: Johanns Announces 43 Percent Decline In Total Cropland Erosion (May 22, 2006) en Español

NRCS Unveils New Strategic Plan

May 22, 2006—NRCS released its new strategic plan, which outlines the long-term goals, objectives and strategies to achieve effective results for productive lands and a healthy environment. It describes agency activities that will contribute to sustaining natural resources in the coming decades.

USDA Announces New Program to Improve Forest Ecosystems

WASHINGTON, May 18, 2006—Agriculture Under Secretary Mark Rey announced the availability of $2.3 million for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) in selected forest ecosystems. HFRP will focus on habitat recovery for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker in the Lower Ouachita River Flatwood region of Arkansas, the Canada lynx in the northern boreal forest of Maine, and the gopher tortoise in the longleaf pine ecosystem along the gulf coast of Mississippi. HFRP, a voluntary conservation program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will help people help the land by restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species, improve biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration.

Links…

USDA news release: USDA Announces Program to Improve Forest Ecosystems

Wisconsin Conservation Specialist Receives Top NRCS Award

May 16, 2006—NRCS Chief Bruce Knight presented the 2006 Excellence in Conservation Award to Paul Daigle of Marathon County during Wisconsin’s “2006 Year of the Soil” event at the state Capitol. NRCS honored Daigle of Wausau for his extensive work in managed grazing. Daigle, a conservation specialist for the Marathon County Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department, helps farmers in Lincoln and Marathon counties plan, design and carry out conservation practices on their farms. Nearly 200 farmers now practice managed grazing in the two counties compared with six farmers in 1993. NRCS began the Excellence in Conservation Award five years ago to recognize the voluntary contributions of non-governmental individuals, groups and tribes toward conserving natural resources on private land.

Links…
NRCS news release: “Wisconsin Conservation Specialist Receives Top NRCS Award" (May 16, 2006) en Español

Excellence in Conservation Award Information

USDA and University of Nevada Celebrate 100 Years of Studying Snow and Forecasting Streamflow

Ken Church, great grandson of Dr. James E. Church, (front) and Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Merlyn Carlson sample snow on Mount Rose near Reno, Nevada. Jill Boudreaux of the University of Nevada, Reno looks on.

May 2, 2006—USDA recognized 100 years of studying snow and forecasting streamflow during an event at the University of Nevada, Reno on May 2. Deputy Under Secretary Merlyn Carlson of USDA's Office of Natural Resources and Environment presented a plaque to the University to honor the contributions of former professor Dr. James E. Church. Carlson also sampled snow on Mount Rose, near the mountaintop where Church conducted most of his snow sampling and climate research. Church pioneered the techniques the USDA and others now use to measure snow and forecast seasonal water supplies for thousands of producers and millions of residents in the Western and Central United States.

Interim President Joe Crowley (left) Ken Church and Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Merlyn Carlson (right) hold plaque that Carlson presented to University of Nevada, Reno to mark 100 years of measuring snow and predicting streamflow.

USDA Selects Proposals for Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program

May 1, 2006—U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Bruce Knight announced that five partnership proposals will receive $10 million through the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program to restore, enhance, protect and manage habitat for migratory birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife.

Link…
NRCS news release: "USDA Selects Proposals for Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program" (May 1, 2006) en Español

Johanns Observes Earth Day in Colorado with Conservation Agreements

USDA Provides More Than $70 Million To Protect Farm and Ranch Lands

April 10, 2006—More than $70 million is available to protect agricultural land in 50 states and Puerto Rico through the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) in fiscal year 2006. NRCS is seeking proposals by May 11, 2006 from state, federally recognized tribes and local governments and non-governmental organizations interested in working together to acquire conservation easements. NRCS expects to announce final projects in June 2006.

USDA Announces Funding Availability To Construct Firebreaks in Hurricane-Stricken States

March 31, 2006—USDA will provide Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program funds to help communities in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama protect life and property from fires. A firebreak is a strip of bare land or vegetation that slows down or buffers a fire. The firebreaks will be funded with a portion of $300 million in supplemental appropriations approved by Congress in December 2005 for six hurricane-stricken states. NRCS will pay landowners and landusers up to 75 percent of the costs, or up to $150 per acre, to remove dead or dying timber adjacent to important community structures, such as schools and homes.

Links…
NRCS news release: “USDA Announces Funding Availability to Construct Firebreaks in Hurricane-Stricken States (March 31, 2006) en Español

Emergency Watershed Protection Program

USDA Provides Up To $1.7 Million for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements

March 23, 2006—USDA will provide up to $1.7 million for competitive grants to develop and evaluate technological tools for fish and wildlife habitat improvements. Proposals for grants will be accepted from state and local governments, federally recognized tribes and non-governmental organizations through April 27, 2006. Grants will range from $10,000 to $200,000. Selected applicants may receive up to 50 percent of the project costs. Limited resource and beginning farmers and ranchers, tribes and community-based organizations representing these groups can obtain up to 75 percent of project matching funds. Applicants will be asked how they will develop, test, implement and transfer innovative solutions that benefit fish and wildlife.

Links…
NRCS news release: “USDA Provides Up to $1.7 Million for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements” (March 24, 2006) en Español

Announcement of Funding For Wildlife Grants

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

USDA’s Conservation Security Program Ranks High Among Participating Farmers and Ranchers

CSP rewards farmers and ranchers for using a Global Positioning System to apply fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides precisely.

March 16, 2006—Producers in several CSP pilot watersheds ranked NRCS employees very high for professionalism and courteous service in carrying out that program. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), NRCS received an overall score of 76 out of 100 for administering CSP. This ranking is higher than the 2005 average national ACSI of 71 for the federal government. ACSI surveyed respondents on four “drivers of

satisfaction”—CSP self assessment workbook, interview with NRCS, contract review and NRCS staff. Survey respondents included 250 producers who participated in the first CSP signup in 13 watersheds in 2004.

Links…
NRCS news release: “USDA’s Conservation Security Program Ranks High Among Participating Farmers and Ranchers” (March 16, 2006) en Español

Survey Report (This link takes you to NRCS' Strategic Planning and Accountability index page. Scroll down for links to the Customer Satisfaction Survey results.)

American Customer Satisfaction Index

Conservation Security Program

Grassland Reserve Program Final Rule Published in Federal Register

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance grasslands on their property. Section 2401 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) amended the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize this program. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency and Forest Service are coordinating implementation of GRP, which helps landowners restore and protect grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands and provides assistance for rehabilitating grasslands. The program will conserve vulnerable grasslands from conversion to cropland or other uses and conserve valuable grasslands by helping maintain viable ranching operations.

Links…
Grassland Reserve Program
Federal Register -- Main Page

Johanns Announces Nitrogen Fertilizer Tool As Part of Energy Strategy

Feb. 24, 2006—USDA announced the release of the Energy Estimator for Nitrogen, a web-based awareness tool that farmers and ranchers can use to identify potential nitrogen cost savings associated with Energy image: wind and solar power

major crops and commercial nitrogen fertilizer applications. This tool estimates savings in nitrogen applications and use to help farmers and ranchers make practical and sound decisions regarding nitrogen fertilizer use on their farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers should use the Energy Estimator for Nitrogen for guidance rather than as a sole source for decision-making on nitrogen fertilizer applications.

Links…

USDA news release: “Johanns Announces Nitrogen Fertilizer Tool As Part of Energy Strategy” (Feb. 24 , 2006) en Español

USDA Energy Web Site

NRCS Energy Web Site

USDA Offers Energy Cost Offset for Completion of EQIP Practices

Jan. 19, 2006—USDA announced that $40 million will be used to help eligible Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) participants complete conservation practices that have been delayed because of recent increases in energy prices. The one-time adjustment will apply to participants who signed EQIP contracts in 2004 or earlier and to practices most affected by increased costs in construction materials such as concrete, steel and plastic pipe. The increase will cover practices completed between March 1 and June 30, 2006. This funding is part of USDA’s effort to mitigate the impact of high energy costs on agricultural producers.

Links…

USDA news release: “USDA Offers Energy Cost Offset for Completion of EQIP Practices” (Jan. 19, 2006) en Español

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

USDA’s Energy Campaign

USDA Announces $38 Million For Cooperative Conservation Projects

NRCS employees look at Tillamook watershed.

NRCS employees Mitch Cummings and Matt Rosener look at Tillamook watershed.

January 17, 2006—Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner announced the availability of nearly $38 million in funding for competitively selected proposals from state and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, federally recognized Indian tribes, and individuals for projects in four conservation emphasis areas.

USDA Invests More Than $10 Million to Assist Limited Resource and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

Dec. 12, 2005—Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide more than $10 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds to assist limited resource and beginning farmers and ranchers nationwide to implement conservation practices on their land. The Limited Resource Farmers Initiative will provide funding for limited resource and beginning farmers and ranchers with 100 acres or less of cropland and rangeland. NRCS will offer cost-share rates of up to 90 percent for all conservation practices and a $10,000 limit on each contract for eligible farmers and ranchers. The agency started this initiative in fiscal year 2005.

Save ENERGY Save MONEY

Dec. 7, 2005—A USDA Energy Initiative was launched to help farmers and ranchers with high energy costs. Many conservation measures can significantly reduce fuel use and other energy-related costs. Conservation practices such as no-till can save farmers 217 million gallons of fuel and up to $480 million per year, while other practices such as irrigation water management can reduce diesel consumption by 80 million gallons and save farmers up to $180 million per year. Key conservation practices include crop residue management, nutrient management, irrigation water management, precision agriculture, pesticide management, intensified grazing systems and windbreaks/shelterbelts.

Links…

USDA news release: “USDA Announces Energy Initiative to Help Farmers and Ranchers with High Energy Costs” (Dec. 7, 2005) en Español

USDA fact sheet: “USDA Energy Commitments and Highlights" en Español

NRCS “Save ENERGY, Save MONEY” web site

NRCS Energy Estimator
An online "Energy Estimator" can help producers with practical, money-saving and energy efficient decisions.

News

2006 Newsroom Archives

USDA Partners with Bureau of Indian Affairs for Conservation Programs on Indian Lands