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NRCS Extends Application Period for 2008 Conservation Security Program in Gunpowder – Patapsco Watershed until May 30Maryland Media Liaison: Applications will be accepted beginning April 18, 2008 through May 30, 2008 (Annapolis, MD), May 7, 2008 — USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Arlen Lancaster today announced that the application period for the 2008 Conservation Security Program (CSP) will be extended by two weeks with applications now being accepted through May 30, 2008. In Maryland, there is one watershed eligible to participate in CSP this year – the Gunpowder – Patapsco Watershed which covers most of Baltimore County, about one-half of Carroll and Harford Counties, and a small portion of Anne Arundel and Howard Counties. A small portion of the watershed also extends into York County, Pennsylvania. “NRCS recognizes the inopportune timing of this year’s sign-up and that farmers and ranchers are busy in their fields. We want to give them as much time as possible,” Lancaster said. “We are extending the sign-up as much as possible to allow producers adequate time to gather natural resource information and complete the required self-assessment and applicant interview. This two-week extension represents the fullest accommodation we can make and deliver a program this year.” Natural disasters—such as excessive spring rains and flooding in certain parts of the country that caused delays in planting—also played a role in the decision to extend the sign-up, Lancaster said. As a result, many farmers and ranchers had little time to gather their records to meet the CSP sign-up requirements. CSP, a voluntary program, encourages and rewards producers who practice outstanding stewardship on working agricultural land by offering financial incentives that increase with the level of conservation effort. Soil and water quality are the primary focus of this program; however, program goals also include improved wildlife habitat, air quality, and environmentally responsible energy production. Farmers within this watershed are being recognized for their outstanding land stewardship and are being offered a unique opportunity to participate in USDA’s Conservation Security Program (CSP). Now is the time for farmers and land operators within the eligible watershed to begin preparing for CSP by reviewing and gathering their farm records. This includes:
Farmers can begin the application process for CSP by filling out a self-assessment workbook to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for CSP. Self-assessment workbooks are available in paper copy at USDA Service Centers located within the watershed and online at www.md.nrcs.usda.gov. After completing the self-assessment workbook, farmers should contact their local NRCS office to schedule an appointment to discuss their application. Through CSP, NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes on private working lands. Working lands include cropland, hayland, improved pasture, as well as forested land that is an incidental part of an agriculture operation. When enrolled in CSP, farmers will also have opportunities to improve wildlife habitat, undertake on-farm energy conservation and improve nutrient and pest management activities. Additional information about CSP is available from your local USDA Service Center listed below or at www.md.nrcs.usda.gov. NRCS in Anne Arundel County 410-571-6757 x.3 |
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