United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service		 Wyoming Go to Accessibility Information
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NEWS RELEASE 

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Box 33124
100 East B Street
Casper, Wyoming  82601

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Cheryl Grapes, (307) 233-6762
                Paul Shelton, (307) 233-6763

NRCS OFFERS SIGN-UP FOR 2009 CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

CASPER, Jan. 6, 2009 - Agricultural producers may submit applications for fiscal year 2009 conservation programs to Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices through Feb. 6, 2009.  Private landowners are encouraged to sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program. 

Applications on file that were not selected for contracts in 2008 may be carried-over.  Applicants should contact the local office if they wish to maintain or change their application.

“We are pleased to begin the new calendar year by offering a sign-up to Wyoming’s private land managers for these four Farm Bill conservation programs,” said Xavier Montoya, state conservationist.  “Completing the application process now helps our employees better manage their workload for the upcoming field season as they plan to help people help the land.”

The programs are available on a continuous sign-up basis, and applications received after Feb. 6, will be deferred and held for consideration at a future date as funding becomes available.

The conservation programs offer financial and technical assistance for a variety of conservation practices available to private landowners who wish to voluntarily participate.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals.  EQIP provides financial incentives to install or implement structural and management conservation practices on eligible agricultural land.  Examples of how EQIP may be used to improve the health of the land include installing water quality improvements, such as livestock waste management systems; enhancing grazing lands management through fencing and water developments; and increasing water conservation by improving irrigation systems. 

The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) offers financial incentives to create high quality wildlife habitat that supports state and local priorities.

The Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) offers landowners assistance to restore and protect wetlands and associated uplands through permanent easements, 30-year easements and cost-share only restoration agreements.  The program is designed to achieve maximum wetland functions and values while obtaining optimum wildlife habitat.

The Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program is available in Wyoming and 15 other states where participation in the Federal Crop Insurance Program is historically low.  It provides financial assistance to agricultural producers to voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality and erosion control. 

Applications are available at your local USDA Service Center or NRCS Field Office listed under United States Government in your community phone directory.  For more information go to http://www.wy.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/index.html.

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 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.  (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).  To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C.  20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.