Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) - Colorado

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) - Colorado is sponsored by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Helps agricultural producers implement conservation practices to improve environmental health.

Conservation Stewardship Program Grants – Western Landowners Alliance Conservation Stewardship Program Grants Conservation Stewardship Program Applications Due by May 31 Office of Communications (202)720-4623 Voluntary program allows producers to maintain or increase productivity of their operations while also conserving natural resources WASHINGTON, May 1, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Natural Resources Conservation Service ‘s Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) will provide nearly $175 million in funding for up to 12.

6 million additional acres of enrollment this year. “The Conservation Stewardship Program is different than other USDA financial assistance programs,” said Vilsack. “CSP offers payments to producers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship.

It’s about conservation activities on the entire operation focusing on multiple resource concerns. ” Vilsack explained that although applications are accepted all year, farmers, ranchers and forestland owners interested in CSP should submit applications by May 31 to their local NRCS office to ensure they are considered for this year’s funding.

The voluntary program allows producers to go the extra mile in conserving natural resources while also maintaining or increasing the productivity of their operations. Playing a significant part in conserving and improving our nation’s resources, producers enrolled an additional 12. 1 million acres in CSP last year, bringing the total number of acres to more than 50 million.

Many of the CSP enhancements improve soil quality, which helps land become more resilient to extreme weather. Several other improvements are available for producers, including intensive rotational grazing, intercropping and wildlife friendly fencing. Because of the extreme weather in 2012, more interest and participation in the cover crop enhancements is expected this year, according to NRCS experts.

A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if the program is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, stewardship threshold requirements and payment types. For the checklist and additional information, visit the CSP website ( http://www.

nrcs. usda. gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp/ ) or visit your local USDA NRCS office.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave. , SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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