USDA Extends Public Comment on New Conservation Security Program

Mary Cressel (202) 690-0547

WASHINGTON, March. 25, 2003-USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced the extension of the public comment period for the advance notice of proposed rulemaking for the Conservation Security Program (CSP). This is a new program authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill.

The public comment period will end on April 3, 2003, for the advance notice, which was published in the Federal Register on Feb. 18, 2003.

“This extension will give the public and interested organizations more time to comment on key issues that have been raised regarding implementation of the program,” NRCS Chief Bruce Knight said. “The public’s comments are essential to developing a proposed rule that will enable USDA to implement the best program possible.”

CSP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to conserve and improve soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life on tribal and private working lands-cropland, grassland, prairie land, improved pasture and rangeland, as well as certain forested land that is an incidental part of an agriculture operation.

Comments must be received in writing by e-mail to FarmBillRules@usda.gov or by mail to NRCS Conservation Operations Division, P.O. Box 2890, Washington DC 20250, Attn: Conservation Security Program. The advance notice and additional information on CSP can be found at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002.

#