USDA provides funding for two conservation programs

The United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications for two voluntary programs that promote conservation in the CNMI. Both programs are funded through the 2002 Farm Bill.

The first program, the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, or EQIP, is open for farmers and ranchers and promotes sustainable agriculture and environmental quality. EQIP is neither a grant nor a loan, but rather a cost-share program that pays a percentage of the costs to install recommended conservation practices. Most contracts pay 50 percent, but limited resource and/or beginning farmers may be eligible for 90-percent cost-share.

EQIP also pays incentive money to encourage farmers to carry out sustainable management practices.

The second program is the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, or WHIP. The purpose of WHIP is to create, restore, enhance, or protect wildlife habitat and natural areas. WHIP is open to all eligible landowners or leaseholders, and cost-share rates are typically 70 percent.

NRCS will develop all WHIP contracts in consultation with the CNMI divisions of Fish & Wildlife and Forestry, and priority will be given to projects that positively impact threatened or endangered species.

Both cost-share programs are applied competitively, and funding is allocated based on the number and kinds of practices that the successful applicant elects to install according to an NRCS approved conservation plan. The conservation plan identifies the appropriate conservation practices needed to address the land’s resource concerns. The prescribed practices are subject to NRCS technical standards adapted for local conditions. Each applicant’s eligibility will be determined according to national criteria, but U.S. citizenship is not required to participate. Some lands leased from the government may be eligible, but areas under a year-to-year lease are not eligible.

NRCS provides free technical assistance to all land users whether they are involved with Farm Bill programs or not. Scott Crockett, District Conservationist for the CNMI says, “We want to help people manage their natural resources in a sustainable way. Our cost-share programs enable people to apply conservation practices that they might otherwise not be able to afford. It’s a win-win situation for our clients and the environment.”

The next allocation of funding for EQIP and WHIP will take place after Nov. 16, 2005. Applications are available at the USDA Service Center located in the DY Building on Beach Road, South Garapan. Residents of Tinian and Rota may apply by contacting the Saipan office and arranging a meeting.

For more information on these and other USDA programs please visit us online at www.pb.nrcs.usda.gov, or call the NRCS office at 236-0888 or 236-0880.
The USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. (PR)