Middle Columbia Steelhead Partnership RCPP Applications Deadline Announced

SPOKANE, Wash. (October 18, 2023) – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will accept applications starting immediately, until November 17, 2023 for the “Middle Columbia Steelhead Partnership” Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project. This RCPP includes lands in Kittitas, Yakima, Klickitat and Skamania Counties.

The Middle Columbia Steelhead Partnership RCPP is a program led by the Yakama Nation in partnership with 15 local, state and federals entities, including Kittitas County Conservation District, North Yakima Conservation District and Washington Water Trust. NRCS and the partners will provide technical assistance and funding for land management activities. Funding is available for practices that improve insufficient water/drought, field sediment and nutrient loss, and aquatic and terrestrial habitat. Common practices include: sprinkler system, pipeline, pumping plant, fish screen, fish passage, tree and shrub planting, brush management, weed treatment, fencing, habitat development/management,and streambank and shoreline protection.

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to plan and implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air, and related natural resources on agricultural ground. Eligible producers and entities interested in applying for financial assistance through this special RCPP sign-up may apply now.  

RCPP funding is limited, and applications will be subject to a ranking system. To be eligible, it is important that interested parties visit their local Farm Service Agency offices as soon as possible to ensure that their farm records are established. All applicants must have their farm records established and their eligibility paperwork completed with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) to participate in NRCS programs.