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Massachusetts NRCS Programs
NRCS is inviting licensed foresters and experienced organic
planners to become certified
Technical Service
Providers (TSP).
Farm Bill Conservation Programs
If you own or manage farmland or forest land, run a greenhouse, or grow
shellfish or other specialty crops in Massachusetts, then the 2008 Farm Bill
conservation programs can help you address natural resource concerns and
opportunities on your land.
Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) - AMA
helps mitigate the risk of drought to farms through new irrigation systems.
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) -
CSP is a voluntary program that encourages agricultural and forestry
producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional
ones on their operations.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
- EQIP helps promote farm and forest production by enhancing the
environmental quality of soil, water, air, plants and animals.
EQIP Air Quality & Energy Initiative - NRCS
is now offering technical and financial assistance for conservation practices
related to on-farm energy efficiency. Farmers can get help identifying ways to
conserve energy on their farms through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP),
also known as an on-farm energy audit and to implement AgEMP-recommended
measures.
EQIP High Tunnel Pilot Project
- NRCS is conducting a
three-year high tunnel, pilot project.
Agricultural producers can apply to receive financial and technical
assistance to help NRCS test the conservation benefits and effects of
high tunnels (also known as hoop houses) in practical, real-world situations.
EQIP Organic Initiative -
NRCS is now offering technical and financial assistance for conservation
practices related to organic production through the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative.
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) -
FRPP works in partnership with the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation
Restriction (APR) program to protect agricultural lands through the purchase
of development rights.
Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) - GRP offers
compensation for landowners to protect, restore and enhance grasslands.
Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) - WRP promotes the
protection and restoration of wetlands through the purchase of easements and
enhancement activities.
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)
- WHIP helps improve fish and wildlife habitat and restore natural
ecosystems.
State Technical Committee
The
State Technical Committee advises the NRCS
State Conservationist on the technical guidelines necessary to implement the
conservation provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill.
NRCS Landscape Initiatives - Conservation Beyond Boundaries
Clean water, abundant wildlife, and productive agriculture are
interconnected. Conservation doesn’t have man-made boundaries. That's why NRCS
is addressing natural resource priorities on a landscape scale. Our conservation
solutions benefit both landowners and the environment, provide wildlife habitat
and improve agricultural production. That’s conservation beyond boundaries.
New England / New York Forestry Initiative - read about our region's own
Landscape Initiative on the national NRCS website or download the following fact
sheet.
National Water Quality Initiative in Massachusetts
- the Palmer River in southeastern Massachusetts has been selected as the Bay
State's priority watershed.
Acrobat
Reader is required for the following publications.
New England/New York Forestry Initiative Fact Sheet - This New England/New
York Forestry Initiative Fact Sheet provides information on the background,
area, needs, and benefits of this Initiative to improve and protect the forests
of the New England and New York region.
National Water Quality Initiative in Massachusetts Fact Sheet - this
fact sheet provides information on Massachusetts' priority watershed and
explains the initiative's practices, partnerships, producer benefits and
public benefits, as well as how to apply.
Program Publications
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A Guide to the 2008 Farm Bill Conservation Programs in Massachusetts
This four-page pamphlet explains the 2008 Farm Bill and the federal
conservation programs authorized under the legislation. It includes
program priorities, a chart providing key information on each program,
and contact information for NRCS and conservation district offices.
Note: this publication is designed
to print on 11x17 paper, double-sided and folded in half.
Acrobat
Reader is required for the following publication.
Download
the Farm Bill Guide
in PDF format |
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Understanding the 2008 Farm Bill Conservation Programs
This eight-page handbook provides everything you need to know when
applying for or participating in the following programs.
Includes information on the application, ranking and contract processes,
landowner responsibilities, conservation compliance and public vs.
private information.
- Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
- Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)
Download the handbook in PDF format |
Conservation Programs & Practices for...
Through the
2008 Farm Bill, NRCS is now offering conservation practices in the following areas:
"Conservation Programs and Practices" Fact Sheets in PDF
format
Acrobat
Reader is required for the following publications.
Programs and
Practices for Clean Air & Energy in Massachusetts
Programs and
Practices for Forest Land
in Massachusetts
Programs
and Practices for
Greenhouses in Massachusetts
Programs and Practices for
High Tunnels
in Massachusetts
Programs and Practices for
New England Cottontail Habitat in
Massachusetts
Programs and
Practices for
Organic Farming
in Massachusetts
Other Programs
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