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NEWSUnited States Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of agriculture seeks public comment on several conservation programsDOVER, Del., Jan. 27, 2009—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comments on several conservation programs under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill). The proposed or interim final rules for programs have been published in the Federal Register and are available for review. The interim final rules for the following conservation programs administered by NRCS currently have open comment periods: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP), Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP). An interim final rule for Technical Service Providers (TSP) is also available. All interim final rules can be found by visiting http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2008/interim-rules.html. "Our programs are designed to assist landowners in their efforts to improve environmental quality through the enhancement, restoration and/or preservation of our natural resources,” said Delaware NRCS State Conservationist Russell Morgan. “We are encouraging farmers and other individuals to participate in this rulemaking process because their comments will be used to determine the final rules." The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is USDA’s largest conservation program for working agricultural lands. EQIP now includes non-industrial private forestland as an eligible land use and provides payments for conservation practices related to organic production. It also provides for increased payment rates to historically underserved producers, including limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. USDA is seeking public comment on the rule through March 16, 2009. The Wetlands Reserve Program (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. The comment period for the interim final rule on WRP closes March 16, 2009. The Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) is designed to help landowners restore and enhance forest ecosystems to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species, improve biodiversity, reduce the risk of catastrophic fire, and enhance carbon sequestration. Restoring and protecting forests contributes positively to the economy of our nation, provides biodiversity of plant and animal populations, and improves environmental quality. USDA is seeking public comment on the rule through February 13, 2009. The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) is a voluntary conservation program that protects productive agricultural land. It provides funding to purchase conservation easements to limit conversion of farm and ranch lands to non-agricultural uses. NRCS establishes cooperative agreements with non-governmental organizations, states, federally recognized tribes and local governments to support their efforts to protect land in agricultural use. NRCS provides up to 50 percent of the appraised fair market value of the conservation easement. The period for public comments will end on March 17, 2009. The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land. Some amendments to the program include the following: limiting contracts to private agricultural land, non-industrial private forest land and tribal lands; increasing the percentage of funds of long-term agreements from 15 to 25 percent; establishing annual payment limitations of $50,000 to a person or legal entity. The period of public comment for this rule ends on March 17, 2009. The Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP) helps landowners restore and protect grassland, pastureland 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. The public is invited to review the new interim final rule and submit comments until March 23, 2009. NRCS is seeking public comment on changes to the Technical Service Provider (TSP) process, designed to help farmers and ranchers apply or implement conservation practices on their operations. 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. Public comments must be submitted by March 17, 2009. 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. It is an efficient, interdependent, locally-based conservation support system. For more information on NRCS conservation programs available in your community, stop by your local USDA service center, or visit NRCS online at www.de.nrcs.usda.gov. # |
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