Source: USDA NRCS | June 3, 2019
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) efforts supported by the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture (OPJV) – Grassland Restoration Incentives Program (GRIP) Partnership.
This special Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) EQIP initiative is open to applicants in the following Texas counties that have been approved as focal counties that represent high priority opportunity areas for bird and other wildlife conservation: Archer, Austin, Baylor, Callahan, Clay, Colorado, Delta, Dewitt, Edwards, Ellis, Fayette, Fannin, Gonzales, Hunt, Karnes, Kinney, Lamar, Lavaca, Montague, Navarro, Real, Red River, Shackelford, Stephens, Throckmorton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Washington, Wilson and Wise.
The application deadline is July 8, 2019. All applications must be received by NRCS field offices by the deadline date to be considered for this funding cycle. All interested and eligible producers in the focal counties are encouraged to work with local partner organizations or NRCS eligible counties to apply.
The NRCS EQIP assists landowners and producers who voluntarily implement conservation and management practices that aim to improve the conservation elements of their agriculture and grazing lands.
“The overall EQIP offers agricultural producers and forest landowners payments for actively managing, maintaining, and expanding conservation activities like prescribed grazing, brush management, herbaceous weed control, and pollinator habitat – all while maintaining active agriculture production on their land,” said Texas NRCS Acting State Conservationist Kristy Oates
Jim Giocomo, Coordinator of the OPJV, said, “We are excited to be working closely with Texas NRCS and our many OPJV partners to address the decline of grassland bird populations. Restoring and managing our grasslands in a healthy manner is not only beneficial for birds and many other wildlife species, it often is vital for keeping the land productive and profitable.”
For more information please visit NRCS Texas EQIP web page, contact a local USDA service center or visit GetStarted.