2008 Farm Bill Conservation Programs Available for Comment

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public comment on numerous conservation programs in the 2008 Farm Bill. The public can view interim final rules and comment on the following programs:

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program – comment deadline April 17 (updated in the Federal Register on March 12, 2009.)

• Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program – comment deadline April 17 (updated in the Federal Register on March 12, 2009.)

• Grassland Reserve Program – comment deadline March 23

• Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program – comment deadline March 17
• Wetlands Reserve Program – comment deadline March 16

The Technical Service Provider process is also available for public review and comment, and the deadline for comments is March 17.

All of these interim final rules can be viewed at the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service's Web site (www.nrcs.usda.gov); at the official government regulation Web site (www.regulations.gov); and at the Federal Register (www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/).

EQIP provides technical assistance and payments to help crop and livestock producers address environmental concerns through conservation improvements on agricultural and non-industrial private forest lands. Farmers and ranchers can use EQIP to farm in an environmentally friendly manner and still meet their agricultural production goals. It is designed to produce significant environmental benefits to the public, such as improved soil, water and air quality; and enhanced wildlife habitat.

WRP provides technical and financial assistance to eligible landowners to address wetland, wildlife habitat, soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on private agricultural land. The program provides landowners financial incentives to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property. This voluntary program strives to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values and optimize wildlife habitat on every enrolled acre. To date, more than two million acres have been enrolled in the program.

FRPP protects productive agricultural land. It provides funding to purchase conservation easements to limit conversion of farm and ranch lands to non-agricultural uses. To participate in the program, landowners agree to limit the use of their land for non-agricultural purposes and to develop and implement a conservation plan.

WHIP provides financial and technical assistance to private landowners to develop and improve high quality habitat for fish and wildlife on private agricultural lands, non-industrial private forest lands, and Indian lands. Producers receive assistance to develop upland, wetland, riparian and aquatic habitat areas on their property.

EQIP, WRP, FRPP, and WHIP are administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. GRP is administered by NRCS and the Farm Service Agency. GRP helps landowners restore and protect grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands and provides assistance for rehabilitating grasslands. The program emphasizes support for working grazing operations; enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity; and protection of grassland and land containing shrubs and forbs under threat of conversion. GRP and all of these programs administered by NRCS are voluntary.

TSPs are individuals, private businesses, non-profit organizations or public agencies outside of USDA that help agricultural producers apply conservation practices on their land. These certified professionals provide convenient access to technical services, quality work and professional one-on-one technical assistance to landowners and producers who need technical assistance.

Since its inception in 1935, NRCS’ conservation delivery system continues a unique partnership, delivering conservation that respects local needs, while accommodating state and national interests. For more information on NRCS, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov.
 

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