The Delisting Ag-Impaired Streams in Central PA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project is accepting applications for funding for fiscal year 2023. This agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Chesapeake Conservancy and 26 local partners aims to rapidly restore agriculturally-impaired streams, with the goal of “delisting” waterways from Pennsylvania’s list of impaired waterways.
Program activities
This RCPP provides financial and technical assistance to develop and implement conservation plans that identify conservation practices needed to address natural resource concerns related to the project.
Applications will be ranked according to their contribution to the RCPP project goals to address resource concerns related to nutrients transported to surface water, aquatic habitat for fish and other organisms, and terrestrial habitat for wildlife and invertebrates.
Applying for assistance
Funding is provided through a competitive process. NRCS accepts applications for its conservation programs year-round, but sets state-specific ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding. These dates account for producer needs and staff workload, and ensure potential participants have ample opportunity to apply. Interested participants and entities should apply by March 1, 2023, to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Applications received after this ranking date will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.
To be eligible, farms must be located within Huntingdon, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Union, and Snyder Counties. Highest priority will be given to farms within small focal tributaries within the following watersheds: Elk Creek, Pine Creek, Halfmoon Creek, Spruce Creek, Aughwick Creek, Herod Run, Warriors Mark Run, Pine Run, Fishing Creek, Turtle Creek, Cold Run, Conley Run, Potato Run, Susquehecka Creek, and Mahantango Creek. Determine if your farm is within a priority geography by viewing this map.
To determine eligibility and request more information: Producers should contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office directly to schedule an initial site visit.
- For producers in Union County, Jill Weaver, jill.weaver@usda.gov
- For producers in Centre and Clinton Counties, Amanda Coleman, amanda.coleman@usda.gov
- For producers in Lycoming County, Ryan Koch, ryan.koch@usda.gov
- For producers in Huntingdon County, Bob Whittaker, bob.whittaker@usda.gov
- For producers in Snyder County, Brandon Ford, brandon.ford@usda.gov
Original source can be found here.
