NRCS Accepting Applications For Programs
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Montana is accepting applications for Ag Lands Easements, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Regional Conservation Partnership Program and Wetlands Reserve Easements.
To be considered for funding in the current cycle, producers and landowners should apply by:
• ALE Inflation Reduction Act: Oct. 4
• EQIP: Oct. 25
• RCPP Land Management and Rentals: Oct. 11
• RCPP Entity Held Easements: Nov. 1
• ALE Farm Bill: Nov. 29
• WRE Farm Bill: Nov. 1
• CSP Classic: Dec. 27 CSP Classic: NRCS enrolls eligible, high-ranking applications based on dollars rather than acres. Higher payment rates are now available for certain conservation activities, including cover crops and resource conserving crop rotations. CSP now provides specific support for organic and for transitioning to organic production activities and a special grassland conservation initiative for certain producers who have maintained cropland base acres. All land in an agricultural operation must be enrolled to be eligible.
EQIP Initiatives: Community Ag – High Tunnels and conservation plans tailored to small-scale producers. Roosevelt County Tree TIPAssist producers in establishing/ renovating trees in areas to benefit habitat for wildlife. Miles City area taking soil health to the next level TIP- Improve soil health on cropland and minimize soil health disturbance. This will be achieved by using Conservation Harvest Management, with possible stripper header coupled with no-till where needed.
• Montana Grassland Restoration TIP - To establish perennial vegetation in marginally productive areas of cropland to increase the diversity of nonnative grass monocultures.
Migratory Bird Resurgence – Improve waterfowl habitat on wetlands of two acres or less within working cropland.
National Organic Initiative – Assistance with transitioning to organic farming plus practices for existing organic farmers.
On-Farm Energy: improving energy efficiency on the farm.
WRE: Privately held farmed or converted wetlands that were previously degraded due to agricultural use. Priority will be given to applications with the potential to protect and enhance wildlife habitat. Variable term easements are available.
For additional information, contact your local USDA service center at 406-487-5232, Ext. 120.
