NRCS Announces Early Sign-Up for Conservation Programs in Virginia

RICHMOND, VA.—October 4, 2005 — The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing an early sign-up period for three federal conservation cost-share programs: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).  The sign-up period is from October 1, 2005 until January 13, 2006.

EQIP helps farmers improve production while protecting environmental quality by addressing such concerns as soil productivity, prescribed grazing, animal waste, and forestry concerns.  WHIP provides assistance to landowners who want to improve fish and wildlife habitat or restore natural ecosystems on their land.  WRP offers an opportunity for landowners to voluntarily protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their property. 

NRCS State Conservationist M. Denise Doetzer is encouraging farmers to call or visit their local USDA service center to schedule a time to begin the conservation planning process.  “By working with the NRCS field staff to develop a conservation plan, Virginia landowners will be more knowledgeable and better prepared in knowing what BMPs or conservation programs to apply for,” said Doetzer.

Last year, more than $13 million was available to Virginia’s landowners through EQIP, WHIP, and WRP.  Depending on the program, landowners may receive between 50 and 75 percent cost-share for conservation practices.

USDA service center locations are listed on-line at http://offices.usda.gov or in the phone book under Federal Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture. General program information is available on the NRCS Virginia website at www.va.nrcs.usda.gov under Programs.

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