USDA Announces Sign-Up for 2006 Conservation Security Program

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Richmond, VA.—February 2, 2006 — USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist M. Denise Doetzer today announced the 2006 Conservation Security Program (CSP) sign-up will be held February 13 to March 31, 2006.  CSP sign-up is only open to producers in the North Fork of the Shenandoah Watershed which includes parts of Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Warren Counties in Virginia, and Hardy County in West Virginia.

CSP is a voluntary conservation program that supports ongoing stewardship of private agricultural lands by providing payments for maintaining and enhancing natural resources.  "NRCS is committed to providing a fair and equitable program that rewards Virginia’s leading conservationists," said Doetzer. "This year, applicants can sign up prior to most planting decisions.  We see this as a way to encourage more conservation leaders to apply for the program."

To be eligible for CSP, most of a producer's agricultural operation must fall within the boundaries of the selected watershed. The sign-up will only include those producers who do not have an existing CSP contract. Producers begin the application process by filling out a self-assessment to determine if they meet the basic  qualifications for CSP. Self-assessment workbooks are available at USDA Service Centers within the watershed and online at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/.

Producers should schedule an appointment to discuss their application with the NRCS local staff to determine if they meet specific CSP eligibility requirements.  Applicants will need to bring the completed self-assessment workbook and other documentation including a map of the farm, a description of the production system, grazing management plan, nutrient management plan, AD-1026A from Farm Services Agency, soil tests within the past five years, and copies of agreements for rented or leased land.

Two Virginia watersheds -- the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and the Piankatank-Wicomico were included in the preliminary selection of 110 watersheds for fiscal year 2006 based on the President's budget request.   The North Fork of the Shenandoah River was retained on the approved list, when the total number was reduced to 60 watersheds nationwide based on available funds. 

The privately-owned land currently enrolled in CSP, since its conception three years ago, covers nearly 11 million acres in 220 eligible watersheds in all 50 states and the Caribbean Area.  Additional information about CSP is available from your local USDA Service Center or at www.va.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CSP2006.htm.

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