Natural Resource Conservation Service Program Updates

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing fiscal year 2023 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for key programs such as Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Local Work Group (LWG), WaterSMART, and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). While NRCS accepts applications for these programs year-round, producers and landowners should watch this spot for specifics on program application guidelines.

Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD) is leading the effort on finalizing details on the RCPP project with NRCS for the 80.6 and 84.7 and looking at which lateral(s) to consider for the FY2023 RCPP. We will be working closely with producers and partners on developing new proposals which are due in August.

For our RCPP EL 80.6 and 84.7 On-Farm Project we recently sent out a Notice of Award to contract the required cultural resources work. CBCD is in negotiations with a contractor and will provide more information once a contract is executed. We hope to get that work started within the next month and we'll be in touch with producers every step of the way. We understand its growing season and will do everything possible to minimize disruptions to crops.

With multiple NRCS funding opportunities available, including FY23 RCPP and Local Working Group project proposals, CBCD is planning applications for on-farm projects with laterals that are in the design phase. We are working closely with OGWRP Partners to coordinate funding with the anticipated completion of the PL-566 Watershed Plan and EIS Adoption so that construction of the public and on-farm systems is timed appropriately.

Through conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency, and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat the impacts of climate change.

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Please feel free to contact us with questions – We are here to Help.

Contact: Harold Crose - CBCD, harold-crose@columbiabasincd.org

Contact: Jon Paul Pierre - NRCS, jonpaul.pierre@usda.gov