FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 CONTACT: Tulelake NRCS Office – 530-667-4247 extension 106

   November 12, 2010, deadline                                                                                                         

Conservation Programs Deadline Set For 2011 Funding

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California has set the application deadline for Fiscal Year 2011 Farm Bill conservation programs funding as November 12, 2010.

The deadline includes California’s general  Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). Deadlines for the EQIP Organic Initiative, Agriculture Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) and Sage Grouse Initiative have yet to be determined.

California NRCS’s statewide EQIP program priorities eligible for this sign up include, but are not limited to:

• Water Quality – Animal Feeding Operations (AFO)
• Water Conservation / Drought Response
• Wildlife Habitat Improvements
• California Air Quality
• Grazing Lands Management
• Forest Lands Management

To date in 2010, California NRCS has obligated over $74 million in EQIP funds for over 5,600 contracts and 821,000 acres statewide. However, the number of applications received this past year far exceeds the amount of funding available.

NRCS is anticipating similar funding for 2011. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to start their application process as soon as possible to ensure consideration for this funding cycle.

NRCS invites agricultural, forestry and livestock producers to apply before the November 12, 2010, deadline, by visiting the Tulelake NRCS office, located in Tulelake, 611 Main St. Phone number 530-667-4247, extension 106

– NRCS –