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Ag Producers in 6 Central Pennsylvania Counties Eligible for Funding to Develop and Implement Conservation Plans

Topics
Pennsylvania
Publish Date
Conservation Planning

The Delisting Ag-Impaired Streams in Central PA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project is accepting applications for funding for fiscal year 2023

The Delisting Ag-Impaired Streams in Central PA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project is accepting applications for funding for fiscal year 2023. This agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Chesapeake Conservancy and 26 local partners aims to rapidly restore agriculturally-impaired streams, with the goal of “delisting” waterways from Pennsylvania’s list of impaired waterways.

Program activities

This RCPP provides financial and technical assistance to develop and implement conservation plans that identify conservation practices needed to address natural resource concerns related to the project.

Applications will be ranked according to their contribution to the RCPP project goals to address resource concerns related to nutrients transported to surface water, aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms, and terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates.

Applying for assistance

Funding is provided through a competitive process. NRCS accepts applications for its conservation programs year-round, but sets state-specific ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding. These dates account for producer needs and staff workload, and ensure potential participants have ample opportunity to apply. Interested participants and entities should apply by March 1, 2023, to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Applications received after this ranking date will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.

To be eligible, farms must be located within Huntingdon, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Union, and Snyder Counties. Highest priority will be given to farms within small focal tributaries within the following watersheds: Elk Creek, Pine Creek, Halfmoon Creek, Spruce Creek, Aughwick Creek, Herod Run, Warriors Mark Run, Pine Run, Fishing Creek, Turtle Creek, Cold Run, Conley Run, Potato Run, Susquehecka Creek, and Mahantango Creek. Determine if your farm is within a priority geography by viewing this map.

To determine eligibility and request more information: Producers should contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office directly to schedule an initial site visit.

Contact

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