Conservation funding is now available for private landowners in Alaska to help restore, enhance, and protect natural resources such as soil, water, wildlife habitat and more.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces fiscal year 2023 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for two programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). All NRCS programs are voluntary and producers may apply for NRCS conservation programs at any time.
EQIP applications are ranked for funding in batches periodically throughout the year. In Alaska, NRCS is offering two batching periods for EQIP in fiscal year 2023: November 18, 2022 and February 24, 2023. All applications determined eligible and high priority by close of business on a given ranking date will be considered in the current funding cycle.
For CSP applications there is one application deadline set for December 16, 2022. Applications for CSP must include a map of eligible land and ineligible land as determined by the applicant for the application to be considered complete. All complete applications submitted by close of business December 16 will be evaluated for eligibility.
Farmland and forestland operators and owners who are interested in applying for assistance should contact their local NRCS office for more information and to begin the conservation planning process. NRCS develops conservation plans which evaluate resource concerns, while considering the land management goals of the operation.
“If you operate a farm or manage forest land and want to improve your land, we can help,” said Alan D. McBee, State Conservationist for NRCS in Palmer. “You can discuss your vision for your land with one of our conservation planners, who will explain the conservation planning process and how to apply for financial assistance.”
EQIP Options
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is the most frequently used NRCS program in Alaska and is an excellent starting place for producers who are new to working with the agency. EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners and producers to adopt more than 170 different conservation practices to address a wide variety of natural resource concerns. More information is available on the Alaska EQIP webpage. Some of the most popular conservation practices adopted in Alaska through EQIP include:
- Tree/Shrub Establishment
- Forest Stand Improvement
- Trails and Walkways
- Aquatic Organism Passage
- High Tunnel System
- Fence
- Stream Habitat Improvement and Management
- Road/Trail/Landing Closure and Treatment
- Cover Crop
- Pasture and Hay Planting
- Irrigation System, Microirrigation
- Irrigation Water Management
- Structures for Wildlife
- Conservation Crop Rotation
- Nutrient Management
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is designed for producers who are already doing conservation on their property who desire to take their efforts to the next level through comprehensive conservation and advanced conservation activities. CSP enrolls the entire property into a 5-year contract and offers annual payments. CSP payments do two things: they reward landowners for the conservation efforts they are already doing, and they help landowners adopt additional conservation activities. For example, if you have been planting a cover crop, you may decide to try an enhancement for multi-species cover crop or implement a deep-rooted cover crop to break up soil compaction.
Additional Payments for Historically Underserved Producers
For all NRCS assistance programs, special provisions are available for historically underserved producers. This includes Veteran farmers, beginning farmers, limited resource farmers and socially-disadvantaged farmers. For example, through EQIP, historically underserved producers are eligible for advance payments to help offset costs related to purchasing materials or contracting services up front. In addition, historically underserved producers can receive higher EQIP payment rates.
Contact
Ranking dates and the application process are subject to change. To request assistance and get started with the application process for any of these financial assistance programs, contact your local NRCS Field Office and schedule a consultation.
- Delta Junction: (907) 895-4241
- Fairbanks: (907) 479-3159
- Homer: (907) 235-8177
- Juneau: (907) 586-7220
- Kenai: (907) 283-8732
- Kodiak: (907) 486-5598
- Wasilla: (907) 373-6492
Original source can be found here.
