The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is again offering funding to agricultural producers impacted by wildfires in 2011. “With the recent announcement by Governor Sandoval that USDA has approved his request for disaster designation of Nevada counties, I am offering financial assistance to help farmers and ranchers restore the lands damaged last fall,” said Bruce Petersen, Nevada state conservationist for the NRCS.
Petersen stated that the 2011 fires severely impacted lands that provide critical habitat for several wildlife species of concern including sage-grouse, and negatively impacted livestock grazing operations dependent on these areas for forage.
Eligible conservation practices include fencing to protect sensitive areas, grazing management, erosion control structures, and rangeland seeding on both private and public land.
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements under the Farm Bill’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Payment rates for practices are based on a percentage, usually 75 percent, of the typical costs for installation of the practices. Beginning, limited resource and socially disadvantaged producers may be eligible for higher payment rates not to exceed 90 percent.
NRCS will coordinate treatment alternatives and activities with public land management agencies for applicants who include public lands.
For more information or to apply for funding, contact your local NRCS office or go online to http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov.
