A greater sage-grouse male struts at a lek (dancing or mating ground) near Bridgeport, CA to attract a mate.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering an additional application batching period for agricultural producers to apply for funding to implement conservation practices on their private land and public land allotments. Producers are encouraged to apply for Sage Grouse Initiative funds available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by June 19, 2015. Applicants who apply by the deadline will be considered in the Fiscal Year 2015 funding.
EQIP is a voluntary, financial assistance program that helps fund conservation practices to protect cropland, rangeland, water resources, soil resources and wildlife habitats.
“EQIP is adaptable to meet various needs of our landowners and address their natural resource challenges,” said Dennis Workeman, Acting Nevada NRCS State Conservationist. “We are pleased to be able to provide an additional opportunity for agricultural producers to sign up for projects that are so critical to the Sage Grouse conservation efforts here in Nevada.”
USDA Financial Assistance Programs like EQIP give producers the opportunity to improve their rangeland resources in harmony with protecting critical Sage Grouse habitats. Practices may include: prescribed grazing, fencing, water developments, brush management and upland wildlife habitat management.
“Applications for EQIP are accepted year-round on a continuous basis with periodic closing dates being announced so that applications can be ranked and funded,” said Gary Roeder, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs.
Applicants must meet USDA program eligibility requirements for land eligibility and person eligibility, including Adjusted Gross Income limitations for individuals and entities seeking to participate. Applications received before 4 p.m. on June 19, 2015 will be considered in the next FY 2015 ranking period.
Farm Bill programs have strict payment limits, and the amount of financial assistance producers may receive varies by program and will depend on future allocations received under the Farm Bill authority. Limited resource producers, beginning farmers and ranchers, or socially disadvantaged agricultural producers may be eligible for up to 15 percent higher payments, not to exceed 90 percent of the estimated cost to install the practice.
To learn more, contact your local NRCS office or go online to: www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov.
SOURCE: NRCS.
