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Money available for conservation efforts
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Posted on Jan 30 2006
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for two conservation programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program is open to farmers and ranchers to promote sustainable agriculture. USDA stressed that this program is not a grant, not a loan, but a cost-share program. The program will pay 50 percent, 90 percent, or 100 percent of the costs to install recommended conservation practices.
The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, on the other hand, is open to all landowners to create, restore, enhance, or protect wildlife habitat and natural areas. Again, this is not a grant, not a loan, but a cost-share program. It will pay 75 percent or 100 percent of the costs to install recommended conservation practices.
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 Natural Resources Conservation Service provides free technical assistance to all land users. Deadline for the submission of applications is on Feb. 17, 2006
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 visit the NRCS online at www.pb.nrcs.usda.gov, or call the NRCS office at 236-0888 or 0880. (PR)
