2006 Conservation Security Program Sign-Up Closes Soon

CSP sign-up ends March 31, 2006

Contact: Pat Paul, 804/287-1681

Harrisonburg, VA—March 21, 2006 — Producers in the North Fork of the Shenandoah Watershed have until Friday, March 31, 2006 to sign up for the Conservation Security Program (CSP).  CSP is a voluntary conservation program, administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service that provides reward payments for maintaining and enhancing natural resources on private agricultural lands.  CSP is only open to producers located in the selected watershed, which includes parts of Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Warren Counties in Virginia, and Hardy County in West Virginia. 

"I encourage all Valley farmers who practice excellent conservation and take pride in their agricultural operation to sign up,” said NRCS District Conservationist Bill Patterson. "Ultimately that is why we have the program—to reward our top conservation leaders.”   

To be eligible for CSP, a majority of a producer's agricultural operation must fall within the boundaries of the selected watershed.  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 Harrisonburg, Woodstock and Stephen City Service Centers or online at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/.

After completing the workbook, 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.

2006 marks the second year for CSP in Virginia.  Last year, Virginia funded 164 CSP contracts for $8.3 million.  The privately-owned land currently enrolled in CSP in Virginia covers more than 60,000 acres in three watersheds. Additional information about CSP is available from your local USDA Service Center or on our Virginia NRCS Programs page.

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