|
Vigo County SWCD |
|
Conservation on the land for today, tomorrow, and the future. |
|
Conservation Programs |
CRP, EQIP, WRP & WHIP |
|
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides technical and financial assistance to eligible farmers to address soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on their lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. The program provides assistance to farmers in complying with Federal and State laws, and encourages environmental enhancement. The program is funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers CRP, and NRCS provides technical land eligibility determinations and conservation planning. The Conservation Reserve Program reduces soil erosion, protects the Nation's ability to produce food and fiber, reduces sedimentation in streams and lakes, improves water quality, establishes wildlife habitat, and enhances forest and wetland resources. CRP encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as grass waterways, native grasses, wildlife plantings, trees, filter strips and riparian buffers. Farmers receive an annual rental payment for the term of the contract. Cost sharing is provided to establish the vegetative cover practices. Eligible CRP Practices: CP9 Shallow Water Areas for Wildlife CP16A Shelterbelt Establishment CP23A Wetland Restoration, Non-Floodplain CP27/28 Farmable Wetlands Program CP29 Marginal Pastureland Wildlife Habitat Buffer |
|
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) was reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) to provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. EQIP offers contracts with a minimum term that ends one year after the implementation of the last scheduled practices and a maximum term of ten years. These contracts provide incentive payments and cost-shares to implement conservation practices. Persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may participate in the EQIP program. EQIP activities are carried out according to an environmental quality incentives program plan of operations developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or practices to address the resource concerns. The practices are subject to NRCS technical standards adapted for local conditions. The local conservation district approves the plan. EQIP incentive payments may be provided for up to three years to encourage producers to carry out management practices they may not otherwise use without the incentive. However, limited resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers may be eligible for higher cost-share rates. Farmers and ranchers may elect to use a certified technical service provider for technical assistance. An individual or entity may not receive, directly or indirectly, cost-share or incentive payments that, in the aggregate, exceed $450,000 for all EQIP contracts entered during the term of the Farm Bill. EQIP is a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants to install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land |
|
The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is the Nation’s premier wetlands restoration program. It is a voluntary program that offers landowners the means and the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) manages the program as well as provides technical and financial support to help landowners that participate in WRP. Program objectives are:1) to purchase conservation easements from, or enter into cost-share agreements with willing owners of eligible land, 2) help eligible landowners, protect, restore, and enhance the original hydrology, native vegetation, and natural topography of eligible lands, 3) restore and protect the functions and values of wetlands in the agricultural landscape, 4) help achieve the national goal of no net loss of wetlands, and to improve the general environment of the country. The emphasis of the WRP program is to protect, restore and enhance the functions and values of wetland ecosystems to attain: 1) first and foremost, habitat for migratory birds and wetland dependent wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, 2) protection and improvement of water quality, 3) lessen water flows due to flooding, 4) recharge of ground water, 5) protection and enhancement of open space and aesthetic quality, 6) protection of native flora and fauna contributing to the Nation’s natural heritage and 7) contribute to educational and scholarship. Additional information:These Documents require Microsoft Word These Documents require Adobe Acrobat |
Wildlife Habitat Incentives ProgramThe Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land. Through WHIP USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service provides both technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 5 to 10 years from the date the agreement is signed. WHIP has proven to be a highly effective and widely accepted program across the country. By targeting wildlife habitat projects on all lands and aquatic areas, WHIP provides assistance to conservation minded landowners. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 reauthorized WHIP as a voluntary approach to improving wildlife habitat in our Nation. Program administration of WHIP is provided under the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Program PrioritiesFiscal Year 2008 NewProgram InformationThese documents require |
