DATE: January 26, 2004

Comments Sought for New NRCS Conservation Security Program Proposal

Harrisburg, PA –The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, has recently posted the proposed rules for the new Conservation Security Program on the Federal Register and is looking for comments on these rules by March 2, 2004.

Authorized through the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, the most recent Farm Bill, the program is designed as an entitlement program to recognize and reward farmers who are working to the highest level of conservation on their land, as well as to provide incentives to those farmers who have begun that process. It will focus on supporting conservation efforts on working agricultural lands.

“We are excited about recognizing the efforts of Pennsylvania farmers,” said Jack Bricker, acting state conservationist. “There are good things taking place on the land and this program will allow us to recognize the people that are doing what’s necessary to take care of our natural resources.”

CSP had a program cap of $3.773 billion from 2003 through 20013 which was removed in the 2004 Appropriations Bill which has yet to be passed. The

2004 program is capped at $41.4 million in that legislation. The appropriation process determines how much money is available nationally each year and then the NRCS allocation process determines how much money is available in each state. The program guidelines are based on periodic signups with eligibility requirements that include using priority watersheds and the ranking of applications to “reward the best.”

Interested parties can comment in writing, or by attending one of the national listening sessions to be held throughout the United States.

· February 10—Lansing, Michigan

· February 11—Ft. Pierce, Florida

· February 11—Des Moines, Iowa

· February 11—Augusta, Maine

· February 11—Greenwood, Mississippi

· February 26—Madison, Wisconsin

A copy of the proposed rules, information on the listening sessions, and addresses for sending comments can be found on the NRCS website at http://www.pa.usda.gov. If you do not have access to the Internet and would like a copy, please contact your local NRCS office or contact the NRCS State Office in Harrisburg at 717-237-2100.

NRCS is known for working with land owners and managers, townships and other organizations to conserve and improve the natural resources. Their efforts are in complement with conservation districts which are local county units of state government that are led by locally appointed, volunteer directors. NRCS is proud to be part of the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership.

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To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.