Florida NRCS News

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NRCS ANNOUNCES $30 MILLION CONTRIBUTION TO EVERGLADES RESTORATION

USDA PROVIDES $5.8 MILLION TO FIVE STATES FOR NATURAL DISASTER RECOVERY

Emergency Watershed Protection Program Funds Tackle Project “Wait List”

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2003—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced $5.8 million in emergency funding for watershed protection projects in Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi and Tennessee resulting from tornados and violent storms. 

“The Bush Administration remains committed to protecting the environment.  These emergency funds will help restore critical watersheds while responding to the needs of landowners and rural communities,” Veneman said.

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USDA ANNOUNCES SIGN-UP FOR NEW GRASSLAND RESERVE PROGRAM

GAINESVILLE, FL, June 19, 2003--Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced that the first sign-up for the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) will begin nationwide on June 30, 2003. The 2002 Farm Bill amended the Food Security Act of 1985 to include authorization for this program.

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USDA RELEASES PAYMENT RATES FOR TECHNICAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
“Not to Exceed” Payment Rates Established for Each State

GAINESVILLE, August 13, 2003—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today released “not to exceed” payment rates for certified technical service providers to offer technical services for certain conservation practices. 

The 2002 Farm Bill expanded the availability of technical assistance to producers by encouraging the use of third parties—called technical service providers—to assist USDA in delivering conservation technical services to farmers and ranchers.

USDA OFFERS LONG-TERM PROTECTION FOR ESSENTIAL PLANT AND ANIMAL HABITAT

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2003-Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced a new conservation tool to help farmers and ranchers restore and protect wildlife habitat – 15-year agreements for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).

“For farmers, ranchers and others interested in conservation, this is an exciting addition to this popular conservation program,” said Veneman. “We can cost share on recurring practices over a longer period and can meet the need in the wildlife community.”

USDA RELEASES FIRST ANNUAL NATIONAL RESOURCES INVENTORY

 GAINESVILLE, July 11, 2003—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today released results from its new annual National Resources Inventory (NRI).  The NRI provides comprehensive and statistically reliable information on various natural resource conditions and trends on nonfederal lands. Today’s announcement marks the first release of data since the NRI began a transition from a 5-year to an annual survey.

USDA Releases Final Rule on Environmental Quality Incentives Program (5/30/2003)

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA, May 30, 2003—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has released the final rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).  The 2002 Farm Bill reauthorized and amended the program.

The final rule, published in the Federal Register on May 30, 2003, describes how the program will be implemented.  A total of $11.9 million dollars in fiscal year 2003 funds has been made available for EQIP in Florida.

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Online Environmental Stewardship Events and Service Opportunities

The Bush Administration has launched EarthDay.gov, a Web site that provides Americans a comprehensive guide to environmental service opportunities and Earth Day events sponsored by the federal government, including events hosted by USDA agencies. The site is the first interagency effort to create a comprehensive federal resource for citizens who want to participate in Earth Day and other year-round environmental activities.