Pennsylvania NRCS is now accepting proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). CIG provides farmers the opportunity to address some of Pennsylvania's most pressing natural resources conservation needs through innovative measures. The deadline for applications is May 4, 2009.
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NRCS Will Restore Flood-Prone Lands with Recovery Act Funding

March 9 - March 27, 2009 is the sign-up period for the floodplain easement component of the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). Up to $145 million will be available to eligible landowners nationwide as part of President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Funding will create jobs and restore an estimated 60,000 acres of frequently flooded land to its natural state.
                                                                        

Pennsylvania agricultural producers located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed can now apply for special assistance under the new Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI). Recently authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, this new initiative offers technical and financial assistance to producers to install agricultural practices to help control erosion, and to minimize excess nutrient and sediments in order to restore, preserve, and protect the Chesapeake Bay.
 

The EQIP Air Quality Initiative provides both technical and financial assistance to farmers interested in improving the air quality of their operations. The financial assistance can include incentive payments for management activities, and cost-share for the installation of certain conservation practices.

More information on Air Quality               More information on EQIP
 

With the help of Charles and Patricia McCain from Girard, Pennsylvania, and other farmers across the country, the U.S. Department of Agriculture was able to reach a milestone of 2 million acres enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), a significant contribution toward increasing the Nation’s wetlands.
 

 Pennsylvania Farmers Help USDA Reach National Conservation Milestone (Word file)
 

 PA Ag Producers Urged to Apply Now for Federal Conservation Programs (pdf)
 USDA Holds Chesapeake Bay Listening Session (pdf)
 

 USDA Announces 2008 Conservation Security Program Sign-up
 

 Agencies Release a Plan to Prevent and Control Biological Invasions in the Raystown Branch of the Juniata Watershed
 

 USDA Initiative Benefits Farmers and Technical Service Providers
 Pennsylvania Completes Soil Survey Milestone
 

 NRCS Urges Producers to "Put Planning First"
 Pennsylvania Ag Producers Urged to Apply Now for Federal Conservation Programs
 

 Pennsylvania Receives Additional Funding for Conservation Security Program
 

 USDA Initiative Benefits Farmers and TSP's
 NRCS Funds Innovative Project in Pennsylvania
 

 NRCS Chief Discusses USDA Conservation Proposals
 

 January 2007 (documents require Adobe Acrobat)

  PA to Receive Additional Funding for Flood Cleanup Efforts

  Sign-Up For Conservation Innovation Grants Announced
  Farmers Apply Now For Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
 

  Three Pennsylvania Watersheds selected for 2007 conservation security program (CSP)