The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a
funding opportunity for wetland protection, restoration and enhancement
activities on eligible lands in Massachusetts. Proposals for projects are due by
February 10, 2012. Funding comes through the agency’s Wetlands Reserve
Enhancement Program (WREP), with up to $17 million available nationwide.
The Massachusetts state office of the United States
Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is now
accepting applications from state and local units of government, federally
recognized Tribes, and non-governmental organizations for the Farm and Ranch
Lands Protection Program (FRPP). FRPP provides up to 50 percent matching funding
for the purchase of conservation easements on agricultural lands.
Applications are due Monday, April 2, 2012.
NRCS has announced that the cut-off date for the current
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
ranking period has been extended to January 27, 2012. Farmers who
maintain a high level of conservation on their land and agree to adopt higher
levels of stewardship are eligible for CSP payments.
NRCS has announced three rounds of funding for four conservation program in
Massachusetts. These federal programs, authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill,
provide financial and technical help to farmers and forest land owners to
protect soil, water and other natural resources.
Outreach is part of NRCS' daily business. We work to ensure that programs
and services are made accessible to all customers, while placing special emphasis on those
who may be underserved. Historically, underserved audiences have included minorities,
tribes, women, the disabled, new farmers, limited resource farmers and
small-scale farmers. Underserved audiences can also include other groups of
customers, such as new immigrant or refugee farmers or organic producers. We'd
like to reach you too.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership
in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural
resources and environment.