The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA Tuesday announced it is now accepting applications to help agricultural producers improve water and air quality, build healthier soil, and achieve other environmental benefits in Centre, Clinton and Lycoming Counties in Pennsylvania.  The deadline for applications is February 16.

Through USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnerships Program (RCPP), NRCS is partnering with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA to assist farmers establish conservation practices to improve soil health, reduce erosion and nutrient loss, and control stormwater runoff to local streams draining into the Chesapeake Bay through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) programs.

Agricultural producers wanting to enhance current conservation efforts are encouraged to apply for CSP.  Through CSP, NRCS helps private landowners build their business while implementing conservation practices that help ensure the sustainability of their entire operation.

Examples of management practices include continuous no-till planting, diverse crop rotations, integrating grazing with crops, planting multi species cover crops, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

These will help to promote soil organisms and biodiversity. Many of these practices improve plant productivity by improving access to soil nutrients, reducing demands for supplemental fertilizer, increasing soil water holding capacity, and protecting from drought and high-volume rain events.

Funding is also available through EQIP to address resource concerns on these farms. Agricultural producers can also apply for the agency’s EQIP program and interested producers should visit their local NRCS service center for sign-up information.

While applications for CSP are accepted year-round, applications must be received by February 16, 2018 to be considered for this funding period and will be accepted until funds are depleted. Producers interested in applying should contact their local USDA NRCS Service Center, listed below--

-- Centre and Clinton Counties: Mill Hall NRCS Field Office, 216 Spring Run Road, Room 102, Mill Hall, PA 17751-9587 or call 570-726-3196, ext. 3           

-- Lycoming County: Mountoursville NRCS Field Office, 542 County Farm Road, Suite 204,  Montoursville, PA 17754-9209 or call 570-433-3902, ext. 3.

For more information on technical and financial assistance available to farm and forest landowners, visit the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA webpage.

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[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]

2/5/2018