2017 EQIP National Water Quality Initiative in Montana - Deep Creek

Through the National Water Quality Initiative, NRCS offers financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers in small watersheds to improve water quality where this is a critical concern. With the help of partners at the local, state and national level, NRCS identified priority watersheds in Montana where on-farm conservation investments will deliver the greatest water quality benefits.

Farmers and ranchers located in the Deep Creek Watershed in Broadwater County are eligible to apply for assistance through the National Water Quality Initiative for FY2017.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. Cutoff dates are established to allow for ranking, prioritization, and selection of applications for funding. February 24, 2017 is the application deadline for agricultural operators to be considered for FY 2017 funding through this initiative. To get started, make an appointment at your local USDA Service Center.

Applicants that operate as an entity are required to have a DUNs number and have that number registered with SAM.gov prior to submitting their application for consideration. Read the following for details on DUNs numbers and SAM.gov registration:

• How to Get a DUNS Number and Register with SAM

Applicable Conservation Practices

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) eligible landowners receive assistance for installing conservation systems that help avoid, trap and control run-off in this high-priority watershed. These practices may include nutrient management, cover crops, conservation cropping systems, filter strips, and in some cases, edge-of-field water quality monitoring. Practices are not limited; all conservation practices on all land uses are available for consideration for technical and financial assistance.

Detailed information on conservation practice standards and specifications can be found in Section IV of the Field Office Technical Guide.

Payment Rates

• FY 2017 EQIP Practice Payment Schedule for Montana (regular and Historically Underserved [HU]) (PDF; 301 KB) Historically Underserved participants may receive the higher payment rates (listed as HU on the schedule.) See the Small & Limited and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers page for the NRCS definition of the Historically Underserved.

Detailed information on Cost Data can be found in Section I of the Field Office Technical Guide.

Ranking Criteria

• FY 2017 National Water Quality Initiative - Deep Creek Ranking (PDF; 16 KB)

Additional Information

National NRCS Water Quality Initiative web page.

"Deep Creek Returns." Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks video on early conservation work in the Deep Creek watershed.

Map of Deep Creek Watershed

Source: Broadwater County Local Working Group, geographic priority area 2013-2017. Assisted by Justin Meissner, NRCS.

Contact

Justin Meissner, District Conservationist
Phone: 406-266-3146
Email: Justin.Meissner