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| Michigan NRCS News ReleasesMichigan Watersheds Targeted in USDA Water Quality InitiativeTwo Michigan watersheds are included in the National Water Quality Initiative announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on May 8. The national initiative will make conservation funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture available to farmers in two Michigan watersheds, located in Clinton and Calhoun counties. Using funds from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to producers for implementing conservation practices such as cover crops, nutrient management, filter strips and conservation tillage. NRCS has $684,000 in conservation funding available for farmers in the Pigeon Creek Watershed in Calhoun County and the Hayworth Creek Watershed in Clinton County. Applications must be submitted by June 15, 2012 in order to be considered for this funding opportunity. Links... News Release (May 9, 2012) NRCS-Michigan National Water Quality Initiative Information USDA Conservation Assistance Available for Great Lakes BasinMichigan Watersheds Targeted for Phosphorus ReductionMore than $5 million is available to Michigan agricultural producers and landowners to improve and protect the waters and resources in the Great Lakes Basin, announced Garry Lee, state conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Applications to install specific conservation practices through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) are being accepted for priority ranking through June 8, 2012. Michigan producers in the Saginaw Bay Watershed and the Western Lake Erie Basin can apply at their local USDA office for funding to improve conservation on agricultural land. Funding for wildlife habitat improvement is also available in these areas in addition to northern Michigan in areas near Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local NRCS specialists who can provide technical assistance to help determine the best conservation practices to improve and protect the resources on their land. Links... News Release (May 4, 2012) Final Applications for NRCS Organic Initiative Due June 1USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Garry Lee reminds potential applicants to contact their local NRCS office soon to find out if they are eligible for the agency’s Organic Initiative. Applications for the final ranking period of 2012 are due at NRCS offices by close of business on June 1, 2012. “This is a great opportunity for organic producers to add new conservation activities that will improve their land and protect our natural resources,” said Lee. Nationwide, NRCS has nearly $50 million in financial and technical assistance available to certified organic producers, those who want to make the transition to organic production and producers who sell less than $5,000 in organic products annually. Links... News Release (April 20, 2012) NRCS-Michigan EQIP Organic Initiative NRCS Honors Volunteers During National Volunteer WeekApril National Volunteer Week is April 15-21, 2012. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is celebrating National Volunteer week by thanking and honoring its Earth Team volunteers for their service to conservation. Earth Team is the agency’s volunteer workforce. Nationally in fiscal year 2011, over 22,000 people donated 435,653 hours of service to NRCS worth $9.3 million. NRCS Acting State Conservationist Kevin Wickey said Earth Team Volunteers are making an environmental impact in Michigan. Last year 76 volunteers donated 2,564 hours in Michigan. “That’s worth more than $54,000 of benefit to our customers and the taxpayers,” said Wickey. “These are impressive numbers and we are grateful for the help, but we also recognize much more conservation work needs to be done.” Links... News Release (April 11, 2012) NRCS-Michigan Earth Team web page USDA Conservation Financial Assistance Available for SE Michigan FarmersThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is making conservation financial assistance available to farmers in southeast Michigan as part of an effort to improve water quality in Lake Erie. Farmers have until April 27, 2012 to apply for the assistance at their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office. “This is a good opportunity for farmers in the Western Lake Erie Basin to implement additional conservation activities that will not only help improve water quality but also improve soil quality on their land and help them reduce fuel and fertilizer costs,” said Kevin Wickey, acting state conservationist for NRCS. The USDA has allocated $440,000 in financial assistance for producers in the Michigan portion of the Western Lake Erie Basin priority area. The area includes all of Lenawee and Monroe counties and portions of Hillsdale, Jackson, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The financial assistance is available for producers to implement selected conservation activities that help prevent fertilizers and sediment from agricultural land from entering Lake Erie. Links... News Release (March 19, 2012) Environmental Quality Incentives Program Web page Applications for NRCS Organic Initiative Due March 30The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service reminds potential applicants to contact their local NRCS office soon to find out if they are eligible for the agency’s Organic Initiative. Applications for the second ranking period of 2012 are due at NRCS offices by close of business on March 30, 2012 Nationwide, NRCS has nearly $50 million in financial and technical assistance available to certified organic producers, those who want to make the transition to organic production and producers who sell less than $5,000 in organic products annually. Links... News Release (March 6, 2011) USDA Seeking Proposals for Conservation Innovation GrantsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has $225,000 in conservation innovation grants funds available for projects in Michigan. The purpose of the grants is to develop and adopt innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. To be considered for funding, grant proposals must be sent to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in East Lansing or electronically submitted through www.grants.gov by March 30, 2012. The maximum funding for individual grants is $75,000 that can cover up to 50 percent of the project cost. Links... News Release (Feb. 2, 2012) Michigan CIG Announcement on Grants.gov (includes link to application and instructions) USDA Announces New Wetlands Conservation AssistanceFunding Applications for Wetlands Habitat Improvement Accepted until Feb. 10, 2012USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting Michigan State Conservationist Gary O’Neill announced today the availability of Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) funding to enter into agreements with eligible partners to carry out high priority wetland protection, restoration and enhancement activities on eligible lands. Links... News Release (Jan. 17, 2012) Michigan Wetlands Reserve Program Web page USDA Extends Conservation Stewardship Program Sign-Up to January 27USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White announced that the cut-off date for the current Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) ranking period has been extended to Jan. 27, 2012. Producers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship are eligible for CSP payments. Administered by NRCS, CSP provides many conservation benefits including improved water and soil quality, enhanced wildlife habitat and conservation activities that address the effects of climate change. Links... News Release (Jan. 12, 2012) Deadline for USDA Conservation Innovation Grant Pre-proposals Jan. 31Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack reminds applicants that Jan. 31, 2012, is the last day to submit project pre-proposals for fiscal year 2012 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Pre-proposals support large-scale demonstration projects that test and prove original approaches to conserving America’s private lands. “These conservation grants continue to generate exciting new ideas that help farmers and ranchers run sustainable and profitable operations and address high-priority natural resource concerns,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We are proud to encourage the advancement of innovative conservation methods that will benefit producers, the public and the economy for years to come.” Links... News Release (Jan. 5, 2012) USDA Seeking Applications from Farmland Protection OrganizationsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is encouraging established farmland protection organizations to apply for financial assistance through its Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP). Organizations must submit an application by March 9, 2012 to be considered for funding. Farmland protection organizations purchase development rights or easements on agricultural land. Landowners selling their development rights retain ownership of the land but it cannot be diverted to non-agricultural use. Through FRPP, farmland protection organizations can receive up to 50 percent of the cost of purchasing easements from landowners. Links... News Release (Dec. 22, 2011) USDA Announces Sign-Up Period for Conservation Stewardship ProgramUSDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that the ranking period cut-off date for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is January 13, 2012. Producers interested in CSP should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline so that their applications can be considered during the first ranking period of 2012. CSP is offered in all 50 states, and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-ups. The program provides many conservation benefits including improvement of water and soil quality, wildlife habit enhancements and adoption of conservation activities that address the effects of climate change. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest land and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe. Links... News Release (Dec. 12, 2011) USDA Announces Ranking Dates for Three Major Conservation InitiativesThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the ranking dates for the On-Farm Energy, Organic and Seasonal High Tunnel conservation initiatives. Farmers must submit a completed application in advance of the specified ranking dates to be eligible for financial assistance under these initiatives. The three initiatives offer technical and financial assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program. NRCS accepts applications for financial assistance on a continuous basis throughout the year. There will be three ranking periods for the Organic, On-Farm Energy and Seasonal High Tunnel initiatives, all ending on February 3, March 30 and June 1, 2012. At the end of a ranking period, NRCS ranks all submitted proposals for funding consideration. Links... News Release (Dec. 9, 2011) USDA Offers Incentives for Bird Habitat RestorationThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has financial assistance available for landowners to improve or establish specialized bird habitats. Private landowners in the Saginaw Bay, Western Lake Erie Basin and the Tacoosh/Whitefish watersheds are eligible for the assistance but must submit an application before Jan. 20, 2012. Funding for the initiative is provided through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and is targeted to grassland and woodland birds threatened by habitat loss. The financial assistance is available to landowners for establishing or improving grassland and young forest habitat. Interested landowners, including owners of agricultural and recreational land, can apply at their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office. Links... News Release (Dec. 9, 2011) USDA Releases Great Lakes Conservation AssessmentA new USDA study shows that
farmers using combinations of erosion-control and nutrient-management practices
on cultivated cropland are reducing losses of sediment, nitrogen and phosphorous
from farm fields and decreasing the movement of these materials to the Great
Lakes and their associated waterways. News Release (Oct. 14, 2011) These documents require Adobe Acrobat
Full CEAP Great Lakes Report USDA Funding to Combat Bovine TB Reaches $1.5 MillionThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has allocated an additional $500,000 in conservation financial assistance to help stop the spread of bovine tuberculosis in northern Michigan. The financial assistance is available to livestock producers in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Oscoda and Otsego counties from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Producers applied for the conservation financial assistance during a sign-up period in May. With an initial allocation of $500,000, the agency received 75 applications requesting over $1.76 million in financial assistance. With this latest funding, NRCS can fund $1.5 million of the funds requested. Links... News Release (July 29, 2011) USDA Initiative Targets Water Quality in Saginaw BayThe U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service has $550,000 in conservation financial assistance for landowners in the Saginaw Bay Watershed available through the Presidential Initiative - America’s Great Outdoors. The Saginaw Bay Watershed contains all or portions of 22 Michigan counties. Rural landowners, agricultural producers and non-industrial private forestland owners in the Saginaw Bay Watershed can apply for the conservation financial assistance at their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office until July 22. The financial assistance is available to eligible applicants for installing conservation practices that help prevent nutrients and sediment from reaching the Saginaw Bay. Links... News Release (July 5, 2011) USDA Allocates Additional $1.2 Million for Agricultural Water ProgramThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has allocated an additional $1.2 million in conservation financial assistance to agricultural producers in the St. Joseph and Kalamazoo watersheds in southwest Michigan. The financial assistance will be provided by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service through its Agricultural Water Enhancement Program. The Agricultural Water Enhancement Program provides program payments to producers who implement conservation measures that conserve water or protect water quality. The additional funding will bring the total funding for the program to over $3 million during 2011. Links... News Release (June 30, 2011) USDA Allocates Additional Funds to Help Stop Spread of Bovine TBThe U.S. Department of Agriculture allocated an additional $500,000 in financial assistance to livestock producers in 11 Michigan counties to help prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis. Financial assistance is available through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to livestock producers in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Oscoda and Otsego counties. With this latest funding, NRCS will provide $1 million in financial assistance during fiscal year 2011 to combat bovine tuberculosis in these 11 counties. Links... News Release (June 30, 2011) USDA Hosting Meeting on Conservation Initiative for Saginaw BayThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is hosting a public meeting on June 22, 2011, to gather input from local citizens on a new initiative to improve water quality in the Saginaw Bay. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is hosting the meeting from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel, One Wenonah Park Place in Bay City. During the meeting, NRCS and USDA Forest Service representatives will gather public input on how to best utilize conservation funding provided through the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative. The America’s Great Outdoors Initiative will allocate federal funds to help improve water quality in the Saginaw Bay. Links... News Release (June 13, 2011) USDA Providing Conservation Funds through Great Lakes Restoration InitiativeThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is making dedicated conservation technical and financial assistance available to Michigan landowners as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The funds will be targeted to priority areas that will most benefit the Great Lakes water and wildlife resources. The GLRI funding will be available to Michigan landowners and agricultural producers through existing NRCS conservation programs. A sign-up for GLRI conservation financial assistance will be held between June 1 and July 1, 2011. Agricultural producers, private landowners and Indian tribes are eligible to apply. Landowners receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation activities on their land that conserve soil, water, air and wildlife resources. Links... News Release (June 1, 2011) USDA Allocates $500,000 to Help Stop Spread of Bovine TBThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $500,000 in financial assistance available to livestock producers in 11 Michigan counties to help prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis. Financial assistance will be available through the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service to livestock producers in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Oscoda and Otsego counties. Producers can apply for the financial assistance between May 2 and May 31. Links... News Release (April 28, 2011) USDA Offers Second Round of Conservation Funding for Organic ProducersThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering organic producers another opportunity to receive financial assistance for implementing new conservation measures. The USDA will conduct a second round of 2011 Organic Initiative funding for producers who submit applications by May 20, 2011. The USDA’s Organic Initiative reserves conservation financial assistance for producers to plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns in ways that are consistent with organic production. Some conservation practices eligible for financial assistance include planting cover crops, establishing integrated pest management plans and implementing nutrient management systems consistent with organic certification standards. Links... News Release (April 11, 2011) Environmental Quality Incentives Program Web page - Includes eligible practices and payment schedule USDA Extends Deadline for Conservation Innovation GrantsPotential applicants have an extra week to submit their proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has extended the deadline for submitting proposals for state-level Conservation Innovation Grants from March 4 to March 11. NRCS has $225,000 in conservation innovation grants funds available for projects in Michigan. The purpose of the grants is to develop and adopt innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. Links... News Release (March 1, 2011) Environmental Quality Incentives Program Web page Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Assistant Attorney General West Announce Process to Resolve Discrimination Claims of Hispanic and Women FarmersSecretario de Agricultura Vilsack y Fiscal General Adjunto West Anuncian Proceso para Resolver Reclamaciones de Discriminación contra Agricultores Hispanos y Mujeres AgricultorasLinks... News Release (Feb. 25, 2011) USDA Seeking Proposals for Conservation Innovation GrantsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has $225,000 in conservation innovation grants funds available for projects in Michigan. The purpose of the grants is to develop and adopt innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. To be considered for funding, grant proposals must be sent to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in East Lansing by March 4, 2011. The maximum funding for individual grants is $75,000 that can cover up to 50 percent of the project cost. Links... News Release (Feb. 22, 2011) Link to Environmental Quality Incentives Program Web page (contains links to full grant announcement and application materials) USDA Offers Conservation Funding to Organic ProducersAgricultural producers who are organically certified or are transitioning to organic production are eligible for conservation financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Organic Initiative. In Michigan, just over $1 million in financial assistance is available in for producers who apply by March 4, 2011. Links... News Release (Dec. 22, 2010) USDA Seeking Partners to Promote ConservationThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking partnership proposals from organizations interested in promoting conservation on agricultural and private non-industrial forest land. Organizations selected to participate will promote new conservation activities to landowners and producers. The USDA is accepting proposals from partner organizations interested in participating in the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative and the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program. Both programs are administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Organizations eligible for these programs include Indian tribes, state and local governments, agricultural or forest owner associations or non-governmental organizations with experience working with agricultural producers or forestland owners. Proposals for both programs must be received by Jan. 28, 2010. Links... News Release (Dec. 22, 2010) USDA Seeking Applicants for Wetland Restoration ProgramLandowners who would like to restore former wetlands on their property are encouraged to contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA is accepting applications for a program that provides financial assistance for restoring wetlands and purchases permanent or long-term easements on land that is enrolled. The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Landowners who enroll land in the program receive financial assistance of up to 100 percent of the cost of restoring land that was once wetland habitat back to its previous condition. Program participants also have the option of selling a permanent or 30-year easement of the restored wetlands to the USDA. Applications for WRP are accepted on a continuous basis by NRCS and applications received by Feb. 2 will be considered for funding in 2011. Applicants seeking to enroll land in 2011 should contact their local USDA Service Center as soon as possible to begin the application process. Links... News Release (Dec. 16, 2010) NRCS-Michigan Wetlands Reserve Program Web page USDA Announces Cut-Off Date for 2011 Conservation FundsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a cut-off date of Jan. 19 for 2011 financial assistance from two conservation programs. The programs provide financial assistance for installing conservation practices and for improving wildlife habitat. “Landowners and agricultural producers should contact their local USDA Service Center as soon as possible if they are seeking financial assistance during 2011,” said State Conservationist Garry Lee of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Financial assistance is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program which are administered by NRCS. Applications for both programs are accepted on a continuous basis however only applications received by the cut-off date will be ranked and considered for funding. Links... News Release (Dec. 10, 2010) USDA Announces Funding for Farmland Preservation OrganizationsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications from eligible organizations for matching funds to preserve farmland from conversion to non-agricultural use. The funding is available through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program. The program provides up to 50-percent matching funds to farmland preservation organizations to purchase land development rights. Eligible entities must submit applications on or before February 16, 2011, to receive consideration for funding in fiscal year 2011. Links... News Release (Nov. 22, 2010) USDA Offering Grants to Protect and Restore WetlandsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has $25 million in grant funds available for partner organizations to manage land enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) or to assist landowners in enrolling land into the program. The grants funds are available through the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The purpose of the program is to restore and protect wetland habitat through cooperative agreements with partner organizations. Nongovernmental organizations, American Indian tribes, and state and local governments are eligible to apply for grants on a competitive basis. Grant proposals must be received by the NRCS-Michigan state conservationist by Dec. 17 to be eligible for funding. Links... News Release (Nov. 18, 2010) Update: Deadline Extended Until Jan. 21, 2011USDA Announces 2011 Deadline for Conservation Stewardship ProgramThe U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Jan. 7, 2011 will be the final day for landowners and producers to submit applications for the next selection of Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) participants. All types of agricultural producers are eligible to enroll in CSP including private non-industrial forest landowners, specialty crop producers, livestock producers and row crop farmers. Applications for the program are accepted at local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis but only those received by Jan. 7 will be considered for funding until the next selection date is announced. Links... News Release (Oct. 13, 2010) Great Lakes Restoration Sign-Up in Three Priority AreasThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has financial assistance for wildlife habitat improvement through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Financial assistance is available for 75 percent of the estimated cost to implement designated conservation practices. Landowners in three designated priority areas are eligible to apply for GLRI funding. Applications received by Oct. 29 will be ranked and considered for funding. Links... News Release (Oct. 5, 2010) New USDA Stewardship Program to Deliver $11 Million to Michigan FarmersA new U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation program will pay Michigan agricultural producers over $11 million over the next five years for their conservation efforts. Results of the first Conservation Stewardship Program sign-up included 271 contracts awarded in Michigan for a total of 104,846 acres. All types of agricultural land were enrolled in the program including 73,497 of crop land, 28,429 acres of forest land and 2,920 acres of pasture. Nationally 10,630 Conservation Stewardship Program contracts were awarded including 12,688,937 acres. Links... News Release (July 21, 2010) NRCS-Michigan Conservation Stewardship Program Web page USDA Modifies Conservation Stewardship ProgramSign-up extended to June 25thUSDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced changes to the Conservation Stewardship Program that expand access, increase payment limits, and promote greater environmental benefit while maintaining program goals. NRCS also extended the current enrollment period for CSP an additional two weeks, now closing June 25, 2010, when applications will be scored, ranked, and funded. CSP pays participants for conservation performance – the higher the performance, the higher the payment. Producers get credit both for conservation measures they have already implemented and for new measures they agree to add. CSP is offered in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-up, with announced cut-off dates for ranking and funding applications. Links... News Release (June 4, 2010) NRCS-Michigan Conservation Stewardship Program Web page USDA Providing Conservation Funds through Great Lakes Restoration InitiativeThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $8.9 million in conservation technical and financial assistance available to Michigan landowners as part of President Obama’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The funds will be targeted to priority areas that will most benefit the Great Lakes water and wildlife resources. “The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is pleased to have a role in this initiative to protect the important natural resources of the Great Lakes. NRCS will be focusing its efforts on addressing non-point source pollution, farmland preservation and critical habitats within Michigan,” said Salvador Salinas, NRCS acting state conservationist. The $8.9 million in GLRI funding will be available to Michigan landowners and agricultural producers through existing NRCS conservation programs. A sign-up for GLRI conservation financial assistance will be held between June 1 and July 1, 2010. Agricultural producers, private landowners and Indian tribes are eligible to apply. Landowners receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation activities on their land that conserve soil, water, air and wildlife resources. Links... News Release (May 12, 2010) USDA Seeking Applicants for Conservation Stewardship ProgramMichigan agricultural producers and non-industrial private forest land owners have until June 11, 2010, to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture 2010 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) sign-up. Producers accepted into the program receive annual payments for implementing and maintaining conservation activities on their land. All types of agricultural producers are eligible to enroll in CSP including forest land owners, specialty crop producers, livestock producers and row crop farmers. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service administers CSP and is currently accepting applications. Applications received after the June 11cut-off date will not be considered for funding until another selection period is announced. NRCS-Michigan can enroll up to 159,555 acres into the program during 2010. Links... News Release (May 11, 2010) USDA Announces Assistance to Improve Water Quality and QuantitySt. Joseph River and Kalamazoo River Watersheds in Michigan and Indiana to Receive $3.4 MillionThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has over $3.4 million in financial assistance available for agricultural producers in southwest Michigan and northeast Indiana. The funds may be used for conservation practices that improve water conservation and water quality. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is providing the financial assistance through the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program. Producers can sign-up for the program between April 26 and June 11. AWEP promotes ground and surface water conservation and improves water quality by helping farmers and ranchers implement agricultural water enhancement activities. Links... News Release (April 26, 2010) USDA Seeks Proposals for Conservation Innovation GrantsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering Conservation Innovation Grants to support innovation in agricultural conservation practices. The USDA is accepting grant applications until June 4, 2010, with individual grants of up to $75,000. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is funding and selecting recipients for the Conservation Innovation Grants. Individuals, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and federally-recognized Indian tribes are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted to the NRCS state office in East Lansing. Links... News Release (April 22, 2010) Michigan Conservation Innovation Grant Web page USDA Accepting Partnership Proposals for Water Conservation FundsNatural Resources Conservation Service Chief Dave White today announced the availability of $20.7 million in financial assistance funding for new Agricultural Water Enhancement Program projects. The AWEP funding will help producers conserve surface and ground water and improve water quality on agricultural land. "Working with our partners we will see more water conservation on working lands and more opportunities to improve water quality,” said White. The projects are implemented by NRCS entering into partnership agreements with eligible entities. Applicants submit proposals designating a project area in need of financial assistance to improve agricultural water conservation practices. The deadline for partner organizations to submit a proposal is May 17, 2010. Successful proposals receive designated financial assistance funds through the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Links... News Release (April 5, 2010) USDA Conservation Sign-Up Begins for Three Michigan AreasAreas located in NW lower peninsula and ThumbThree areas in Michigan are eligible for over $900,000 in U.S. Department of Agriculture financial assistance to address local natural resource concerns. The assistance is being made available through the USDA’s Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative. The USDA entered into 5-year cooperative agreements with the Nature Conservancy, the Conservation Resource Alliance and the Huron Conservation District. The $900,000 in financial assistance will be available to rural landowners, agricultural producers and American Indian tribes in areas designated by the organizations. Applications for financial assistance through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative will be accepted between March 22 and April 16 at local USDA Service Centers. The Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative is administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Links... News Release (March 18, 2010) $1 Million in USDA Conservation Assistance Available for Organic ProducersThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has set aside over $1 million in conservation financial assistance for Michigan organic producers and producers transitioning to organic production. “The objective of this initiative is to assist Michigan organic producers to improve their conservation practices and make them eligible to compete for USDA financial assistance,” said Garry Lee, state conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. The program provides financial assistance of up to 75 percent of the estimated cost to implement designated conservation practices. Producers must submit an application by March 12 to be eligible for the 2010 organic initiative funds. Links... News Release (Feb. 10, 2010) USDA Offering Financial Assistance for High TunnelsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has financial assistance available to landowners interested in constructing high tunnels to increase the availability of locally grown produce. The assistance is available through a pilot program that utilizes financial assistance from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. High tunnels are made of ribs of plastic or metal pipe covered with a layer of plastic sheeting and are easy to build, maintain and move. High tunnels provide a protected environment for vegetables or other crops and are mainly used to increase temperature in early spring and fall for extended crop production. NRCS-Michigan is participating in the 3-year pilot program that will verify if high tunnels are effective in reducing pesticide use, keeping vital nutrients in the soil, extending the growing season, increasing yields, and providing other benefits to growers. The program will provide financial assistance for the construction of one high tunnel per farm. The high tunnel must be constructed from a pre-manufactured kit and have an interior height of at least 6-feet. Links... News Release (Jan. 22, 2010) USDA Announces Conservation Funds for Air QualityOver $1.3 million in conservation financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available to farmers in eight Michigan counties that do not meet federal air quality standards. The financial assistance is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The program provides financial assistance to farmers for implementing conservation measures that improve air quality. The assistance is available to farmers in Allegan, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The eligible counties did not meet federal air quality standards for particulate matter and/or ozone. Links... News Release (Jan. 19, 2010) USDA Announces Cut-Off Date for Conservation ProgramsMichigan farmers and landowners must submit their applications by February 19 to be considered for 2010 funding from two U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announced the cutoff date for selecting applications for its Environmental Quality Incentives Program and its Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. NRCS accepts applications for both programs year-round but only eligible applications submitted by February 19 will be ranked and considered for 2010 program funds. Links... News Release (Jan. 6, 2010) USDA Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program Selection Date AnnouncedThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking applications from farm land preservation organizations for its Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program. The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program is administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and provides matching funds of up to 50 percent to organizations that preserve existing farm and pasture land by purchasing development rights. Eligible entities must submit their applications by Feb. 17, 2010 to receive consideration for funding in fiscal year 2010. Eligible entities can include state, tribal or local governments and non-governmental organizations that meet eligibility requirements. Only entities with an established farm land protection program and have the authority to hold, monitor, manage and enforce easements are eligible for the program. The entity must also have the funds available to match the 50 percent matching funding from the USDA. Links... News Release (Dec. 11, 2009) USDA Seeks Local Input on Conservation PrioritiesThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking local input from residents, landowners and organizations that will help determine how USDA conservation program funds are utilized in Michigan. Volunteers are sought to serve on local workgroups that will help identify and prioritize natural resources concerns. Input from the locally-led workgroups will be used in the development of ranking questions for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service financial assistance programs. These programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). The ranking questions determine which applications submitted by agricultural producers and landowners will be selected for funding. Links... News Release (Dec. 2, 2009) Sign-Up Begins for USDA Conservation Stewardship ProgramContinuous Enrollment for Producers Begins Aug. 10Michigan agricultural producers and forest owners can begin signing up for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new Conservation Stewardship Program on August 10 with the first signup period cutoff scheduled for September 30. The voluntary program offers program payments to producers that maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional ones on their operations. The Conservation Stewardship Program is a new program created under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. CSP is administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Lands eligible for the program include cropland, grassland, improved pastureland, rangeland, non-industrial private forestland and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe. Eligible applicants may include individual landowners, legal entities, and Indian tribes. Under the new program producers will enroll their entire agricultural or forestry operation into the program. Producers who are accepted in the program will receive program payments based on the existing conservation measures they maintain and new conservation measures they agree to implement. Links... News Release (Aug. 6, 2009) USDA Announces $58 Million to Improve Water Quality and Quantity in Agricultural ProductionSt. Joseph River and Kalamazoo Watersheds in Michigan to Receive $1.5 MillionU.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Dave White announced nearly $58 million for water conservation and water quality improvements on agricultural working lands. The funding includes $1.5 million targeted to producers in the St. Joseph River and Kalamazoo River watersheds in southwest Michigan. “We must take steps to protect and preserve our water resources, and the Obama Administration is committed to using this program to provide financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to improve water conditions on their land,” said White. The Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) promotes ground and surface water conservation and improves water quality by helping farmers and ranchers implement agricultural water enhancement activities. With the services and resources of other conservation partners, AWEP allows the Federal Government to leverage investment in natural resources conservation. The $1.5 million in funding for Michigan will be used as financial assistance for producers to implement conservation measures that reduce water use and improve water quality. Eligible producers have from August 3 to August 21 to apply for the financial assistance at their local USDA Service Center. The St. Joseph River and Kalamazoo River watersheds in Michigan include Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties and portions of Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Eaton, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kent and Ottawa counties. Additional AWEP funding is available for Indiana counties within the watersheds. Links... News Release (July 31, 2009) Agriculture Secretary Announces $18 Million in Conservation Innovation GrantsThree Grants Awarded in MichiganAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $18.4 million in Conservation Innovation Grants to fund 55 projects to develop and refine cutting-edge technologies and approaches to help farmers and ranchers conserve and sustain natural resources. Vilsack made the announcement in a speech at the Soil and Water Conservation Society annual meeting in Dearborn on Monday. The Conservation Innovation Grant program is designed to speed the transfer and enhance use of technologies and methods that show promise in solving the nation's top natural resource problems by targeting innovative, on-the-ground conservation. Approved projects address issues such as water quantity and quality, grazing lands, soil and forest health, and air quality. In Michigan, grants were awarded to the Clinton Conservation District, Michigan State University and Coveyou Farms, LLC in Petoskey. Links... News Release (July 14, 2009) Three Areas in Michigan Selected for USDA Conservation Initiative
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