USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New Mexico announced November 8^th as the deadline to sign up for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This deadline applies to the 1893- San Juan Phreatophyte Removal Project, the 1905- Eastern NM Grassland Initiative, and the 2553- New Mexico Ogallala Preservation & Conservation project. 

Participants can apply for RCPP funding if they fall within the geographic priority areas for each project. Participants can apply by visiting their local USDA Service Center and submitting their Conservation Program Application (NRCS-CPA-1200).  Producers who have established profiles in farmers.com may submit their application online.  Producers need to receive a farm and tract number from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) by the application deadline. 

More Information

1893- San Juan Phreatophyte Removal Project

The San Juan Soil and Water Conservation District aims to protect and reduce wildfire risk by removing non-native Russian olive and Salt Cedar infestations in identified high-priority areas. The project will also undertake native plant and tree restoration activities to help restore riparian habitat and improve hydrology, involve the community in restoration and monitoring activities, and encourage a renewed connection with the river.

Treatment of non-native woody invasive species will reduce overall fuel loading and thus fire intensity, turning a catastrophic, high-intensity wildfire that runs through the tree canopy into a low to moderate fire that may have beneficial effects to a riparian understory and reduce the likelihood that a wildfire would threaten lives or property.

Available: $152,230 

Activity Types: Land Management

Resource Concerns: Degraded Plant Condition, Fire Management, and Terrestrial Habitat

1905- Eastern NM Grassland Initiative

The New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts aims to increase suitable and occupied habitat to meet critical habitat needs of Lesser Prairie-chicken. Habitat improvements will occur through chemical and physical destruction of Mesquite patches across five priority areas identified using a mesquite density model and a study by scientists at New Mexico State University.

 Lesser Prairie Chicken priority areas will be treated to maximize restoration or creation of LEK areas, brood rearing and foraging areas. Mesquite and associated woody species density will be significantly reduced in treatment areas which will have benefits for grassland nesting birds and other wildlife species.

Available: $217,039

Activity Type: Land Management

Resource Concerns: Degraded Plant Condition, Fire Management, Soil Quality Limitations, and Terrestrial Habitat

2553- New Mexico Ogallala Preservation & Conservation

The New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts aims to help Eastern New Mexican farmers convert irrigated cropland to dryland crops, pasture, or native grasslands to reduce groundwater pumping form the Ogallala Aquifer and maintain sustainability of agricultural communities. The Ogallala Aquifer in Eastern NM will cease to be a viable source of water for all users, with the possible exception of domestic use, within 10-15 years if all current uses continue at the same rate. Many local farmers witnessed declines in excess of 50 feet since irrigation began. In some areas, only 30 feet or less of saturated thickness remains in the local aquifer. The Ogallala Aquifer is currently the only source of potable water for cities, industry, and agriculture in the project area. Agriculture utilizes 93% of local groundwater, with the remaining 7% used for domestic and commercial purposes. Reducing aquifer decline is critical to sustain local economies. Creating less water intensive agricultural economies will help ensure viable communities into the future. This initiative will assist agricultural users to conserve water, preserve the aquifer, reduce erosion, and sequester carbon.

Available: $1,735,182 

Activity Type: Land Management & Entity Held Easement

Resource Concerns: Long Term Protection of Land, Source Water Depletion, Terrestrial Habitat, and Wind/Water Erosion.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.