NRCS to Hold a Third Batching Period for Selected Fund Pools

RENO, May 1 ─ NRCS plans to conduct a third batching period for selected fund pools of 2013 funding for 2008 Farm Bill Programs.  There are several state and national initiatives that funds may still be available for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program - Working Lands for Wildlife (WHIP-WLFL), and the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program.

NRCS accepts program applications on a continual basis with announced batching periods for ranking and selection of applications for funding.  The final FY 2013 batching period where applications will be considered for funding is scheduled for May 17, 2013.  Applications are accepted at local NRCS - Field Service Center Offices.

For more information, call Gary Roeder, Assistant State Conservationist - Programs, (775) 857-8500 ext. 105.

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Water Quality Initiative Application Deadline is May 17, 2013

RENO, May 1 -- The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has received $349,000 in financial assistance for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) National Water Quality Initiative for fiscal year 2013.  The funds are to help Nevada producers implement conservation practices that benefit water quality resource concerns.  The funds are targeted to applicants with farming operations in the Soda Lake-Carson River, Stillwater Marsh, South Branch-Carson River and Sheckler Reservoir 12 digit hydrological unit watersheds located in Churchill County.   The funds are further targeted toward water quality impairments due to confined animal feeding operations and dairies.  Applications must be received by May 17 to be considered in this round of funding.

EQIP offers farmers and ranchers a variety of options to improve water quality” said State Conservationist Bruce Petersen. “This investment in conservation helps improve environmental health by reducing nutrient and pathogen loading into streams and waterbodies.  This effort should also strengthen the local economy of this rural community and reduce the threat of stringent regulations”.

EQIP Water Quality Initiative funding can provide financial assistance for a variety of conservation activities, including the development of a comprehensive nutrient management plan, waste storage and treatment lagoons, buffers, diversions, fencing, structures for water control and pipelines to protect contaminants from entering streams and drainage systems.

Farmers and ranchers wanting to explore all the options for improvement of their animal and waste handling facilities are also eligible to apply for a Conservation Activity Plan (CAP) to be developed by an approved Technical Service Provider (TSP) to more fully explore the conservation treatment options and refine their long term plan or strategy to improve water quality.  Conservation activity plans allow the landowner to hire the TSP of their choice and NRCS reimburses the landowner at least a portion of costs when the plan is completed.

EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis.  The closing date to participate in the 2013 EQIP Water Quality Initiative where applications can be ranked and funded is May 17, 2013.

To participate in EQIP, an applicant must be an individual, entity or joint operation that meets EQIP eligibility criteria. Applicants can sign up at their local NRCS service center.

For more information, contact the Fallon, Nevada - USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Office in the USDA Service Center located at 111 Sheckler Road or call (775)423-5124 ext. 114.

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Nevada ranchers find way to cut costs through more efficient use of water

RENO, Feb. 12 -- Agriculture in Nevada is dominated by the livestock industry because desert and mountain rangelands dominate the state’s landscape. Since rangelands do not have the water or the soils to produce crops or other abundant vegetation, ranchers use livestock to harvest some of the vegetation and convert it into a saleable product – meat. However, with meat prices increasing at a slower rate than inflation, ranchers are looking to reduce their rapidly inflating input costs.

Pumping water is one of those input costs that ranchers can control. According to Jim Gatzke, district conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Caliente, improving water systems on the range can eliminate fuel costs associated with water hauling and generator-powered pumps as well as increase access to feed.

Water is commonly the limiting factor on Nevada rangelands, and distances between water sources are generally far. Typically, water is found in springs and creeks in the mountains and foothills while the valley bottoms are dry. In addition, water is of insufficient quantity or quality and may not be available when needed. Since the beginning of grazing in Nevada, ranchers have developed wells and diverted springs or creeks to provide water for livestock. In the 21st century, ranchers are replacing, revamping and adding to old water delivery systems.      

With the increased costs of fuels, many ranchers are looking to renewable energy to send water to the troughs. “Solar powered pumps are becoming the preferred renewable method because solar energy in the desert is more consistent than the wind,” said Gatzke.

Willow Creek Ranch owners Russell and David Fitzwater have installed five energy efficient watering facilities on their private land and public allotments near Eureka in a collaborative effort with the Bureau of Land Management and NRCS. The solar panel pumping plants, new pipeline, and water storage tanks and troughs have provided the Fitzwaters with an efficient and effective livestock watering system. “Solar energy has eliminated our gas bill, while giving us the ability to have fresh, dependable water every day,” said Russell Fitzwater.

Solar pumps consist of a submersible pump designed to use solar energy, a pump controller, and mounted solar panels. Although initial costs are high, the lower maintenance costs of solar pumps make them more economical than windmills or generators. Solar pumps are ideal for low pressure and low flow uses like livestock water systems. Solar pumps are designed based on the water needs of livestock and the energy required to pump the water. If livestock use the range in the winter, the solar pump will be designed based on the solar energy available in the winter, taking into account factors such as short day length and low sun angle.

Finally, USDA offers financial incentives for installing solar pumps that defray or defer the initial cost.

For more information, contact your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office. Offices can be found online www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact.

 

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NRCS Accepting Applications for Conservation Easements under Farm and Ranchland Protection Program

Applications Due March 1, 2013

RENO, Dec. 21 -- The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for fiscal year 2013 funding for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP). The purpose of FRPP is to protect agricultural use and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting non-agricultural uses of the land with conservation easements.

The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 1, 2013 to be considered in the first ranking period for fiscal year 2013 funding. However, applications are accepted on a continual basis. Applications received after that date will be accepted and considered for funding if funds are available after first cycle applications are processed.

Landowners interested in participating in the program work through an eligible nongovernmental organizations, State, Tribal, or local government that has an existing farm or ranch land protection program. The eligible nongovernmental organization, State, Tribal, or local government then submits the FRPP proposal to NRCS State Conservationist Bruce Petersen.  Participating organizations are required to provide at least 25% matching funds with NRCS contribution not to exceed 50% of the fair market value determined by an appraisal of the property offered for the program.

Nongovernmental organizations, State, Tribal, or local governments that have an existing farm or ranch land protection programs are encouraged to contact their local NRCS District Conservationist or call Gary Roeder, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, at (775) 857-8500 x 103 to obtain more information to determine if the FRPP is a good fit to their land preservation objectives.

NRCS also announced that authorizations for the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) and the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) expired on Sept. 30, 2012. “No new applications for these programs can be accepted but we will continue to service prior-year contracts,” said Petersen.

For more information, contact Gary Roeder, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, at (775) 857-8500 x 103, your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office or visit the national Web site at www.nrcs.usda.gov.

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Applications for Conservation Funding Due Feb. 15, 2013

RENO, Dec. 21 -- The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has received more than $8 million in financial assistance for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2013.  The funds help Nevada producers implement conservation practices under the agency’s largest Farm Bill conservation program.  Applications must be received by Feb. 15 to be considered in the next round of funding.

“EQIP offers farmers, ranchers and forestland managers a variety of options to conserve natural resources while boosting production on their lands,” said State Conservationist Bruce Petersen. “This investment in conservation helps improve environmental health and the economy of rural communities in Nevada.”

EQIP provides financial assistance for a variety of conservation activities, such as irrigation water management, rotational grazing systems, pest control and much more.

Additionally, NRCS offers special initiatives through EQIP, including:

• On-Farm Energy Initiative: helps producers conserve energy on their operations.

• Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative: helps producers install high tunnels designed to extend the growing season into the cold months, increase productivity, keep plants at a steady temperature and conserve water and energy.

• Organic Initiative: helps producers to install conservation practices on certified organic operations or those working toward organic certification.

• Sage-Grouse Initiative – helps sustain working ranches and conserve greater sage-grouse in the West

• Working Lands for Wildlife – helps restore habitat for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher in southern Nevada

EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis but periodic closing dates are announced so that the applications can be ranked and funded.  The next closing date is Feb. 15, 2013.

To participate in EQIP, an applicant must be an individual, entity or joint operation that meets EQIP eligibility criteria. Applicants can sign up at their local NRCS service center.

For more information, contact your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office or NRCS website.

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NRCS announces drought help for ranchers, farmers and wildlife

Apply by Aug. 17

RENO, Aug. 8 – Bruce Petersen, Nevada state conservationist for the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, has announced that financial assistance is available for agricultural producers impacted by the drought conditions the state is experiencing.  Ranchers and farmers should submit applications by Friday, Aug. 17 at their local USDA Service Center. 

"Nevada is one of the hardest hit states and our livestock herds are in dire need of water and forage. This funding will help producers keep their cattle healthy and protect rangeland," said Petersen.  A map of the drought areas in Nevada is located at: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?NV,W.  According to the July 31 U.S. Drought Monitor, 19 percent of Nevada is in extreme drought and almost 79 percent is in severe drought.

NRCS is addressing emergency issues associated with livestock production and recovery efforts aimed at restoring lands within extreme drought areas through the Farm Bill’s Environmental Quality Incentives and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Programs.  

"With this funding, we hope to provide some immediate relief for ranchers, livestock and wildlife," said Gary Roeder, NRCS assistant state conservationist.  Farmers and ranchers can apply for numerous practices designed to provide immediate drought relief and to help with recovery from the drought. These practices include prescribed grazing, livestock watering facilities and water conservation practices.

Eligible producers also can re-apply for financial assistance to re-install or re-apply failed conservation practices due to drought and modify existing contracts to re-schedule planned conservation practices.

"NRCS will work closely with producers to ensure successful implementation of planned conservation practices," Roeder said. "Where conservation activities have failed because of drought, NRCS will look for opportunities to work with farmers and ranchers to re-apply those activities."

Applications are being taken at local USDA service centers.  Applications are accepted on a continuous basis but applications received by Aug. 17 will be considered in the first funding cycle. 

For more information, call your local USDA service center listed in the telephone book under U.S. Department of Agriculture or online at http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov/contact.

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NRCS, Private Landowners Protect Large Swath of Sage-Grouse Habitat in Northern Nevada 

RENO, June 13 ─ Over 6,000 acres of some of the best sage-grouse habitat in Nevada are being protected and restored through the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP). The land provides wet meadow habitat that is critical to the birds for brood-rearing and is located in the area surrounding Duck Lake, a terminal lake basin in northern Washoe County, Nev.  Sage-grouse, migratory birds and other wildlife from Nevada, California and elsewhere in the West will benefit from the agreement between private landowners and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

“Sage-grouse and other wildlife species rely on private landowners, particularly in the agricultural community, who maintain large areas of intact meadows and sagebrush communities,” said Bruce Petersen, Nevada NRCS state conservationist.  “This agreement will ensure that the habitat will be available to wildlife for years to come.” 

Under the WRP agreement, the landowners will restore and protect 6,296 acres of habitat located along the Pacific Flyway.  The area has also been identified as an important bird conservation area by the Intermountain West Joint Venture in their Bird Habitat Conservation Plan. The NRCS in California worked with the landowners to identify the conservation measures that will be implemented, while the NRCS in Nevada prepared the financial agreement.

 

When property is enrolled in WRP, the landowner retains ownership, while agreeing to restore and manage a certain portion of the land as wetlands. Program participants voluntarily restrict agricultural and other activities for compatibility with the wetland management, but retain title, quiet enjoyment, recreational uses, access control and water rights not necessary for wetland management.

 

Since 2011, four Nevada landowners have voluntarily enrolled almost 10,000 acres of wetlands for restoration through WRP to benefit sage-grouse habitat.  

 

For more information, contact your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

 

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USDA to conduct second outreach meeting in rural Nevada

RENO, May 10 ─ USDA agencies are joining together to conduct their second public meeting to reach customers in the most rural areas of Nevada. The meeting will be held in Ely, June 5, at the Bureau of Land Management office, at 1:00 pm.  The meeting is being hosted by USDA Rural Development, Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service.   

USDA agencies offer loan, cost share and technical services in the areas of agricultural production, affordable housing, community infrastructure and business development.  Anyone interested in learning about these USDA programs is invited.

“We’re reaching out to Tribal entities, agricultural producers, small businesses, new and prospective homeowners, community leaders, basically anyone who would like to learn more about USDA services or who already receives assistance from USDA,” said Sarah Adler, Nevada state director for USDA Rural Development. “Our goal is to assist in building thriving producers, businesses and communities throughout rural Nevada.”

The BLM office is located at 702 N. Industrial Way, Ely NV 89301; phone: 775-289-1800.

For more information, call Liz Warner at (775) 857-8500 x 105.

 

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USDA to conduct outreach meetings in rural Nevada

RENO, April 11 ─ USDA agencies are joining together to conduct public meetings to reach customers in the most rural areas of Nevada. Anyone interested in learning about USDA programs is invited.

USDA agencies have loan, cost share and technical services in the areas of agricultural production, affordable housing, community infrastructure and business development.  

Sarah Adler, Nevada state director for USDA Rural Development, said the meetings are aimed at providing targeted, collaborative outreach to rural Nevadans.  “We’re reaching out to Tribal entities, producers, small businesses, new and prospective homeowners, community leaders, basically anyone who would like to learn more about USDA services or who already receives assistance from USDA,” said Adler. “Our goal is to assist in building thriving producers, businesses and communities throughout rural Nevada.”

The first meeting will be held in Round Mountain, May 3, beginning at 1:00 pm, at the Round Mountain Public Library.  Residents from the surrounding areas are encouraged to attend.

For more information, call Liz Warner at (775) 857-8500 x 105.

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USDA Financial Assistance Available to Restore Lands Impacted by 2011 Wildfires

RENO, March 21 -- 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.

America’s farmers and ranchers are one of our nation’s greatest assets.  Not only do we rely on our American agriculture for our food, feed, fiber, and fuel, our agricultural producers preserve our environment and help drive our national economy. Please take a minute to thank a farmer or rancher for all they do.

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USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Announces Sign-Up Period for Conservation Stewardship Program
Deadline extended to January 27

WASHINGTON, December 15, 2011 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced that the ranking period cut-off date for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is January 27, 2012. Producers interested in CSP should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline so that their applications can be considered during the first ranking period of 2012.

“CSP is one of our most popular conservation programs, and we expect to receive many applications,” NRCS Chief Dave White said. “I encourage all farmers and ranchers who are interested in applying to contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible so they can meet the deadline.”

CSP is offered in all 50 states, and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-ups. The program provides many conservation benefits including improvement of water and soil quality, wildlife habit enhancements and adoption of conservation activities that address the effects of climate change. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest land and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe.

A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help potential applicants determine if CSP is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, contract obligations and potential payments. It is available from local NRCS offices and on the CSP Web page.

As part of the CSP application process, applicants will work with NRCS field personnel to complete the resource inventory using a Conservation Measurement Tool (CMT). The CMT determines the conservation performance for existing and new conservation activities.  The applicant’s conservation performance will be used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments.

In 2010 alone, nearly 21,000 applicants enrolled in CSP, putting additional conservation on 25.2 million acres, about the size of the state of Kentucky, to improve water and soil quality, enhance wildlife habitat and address the effects of climate change.

 Visit the NRCS National Web site, and connect with an NRCS office near you.