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Meetings Scheduled for New Conservation Program
A series of informational meetings are now scheduled for later this month to help farmers and ranchers in the Clearwater and North Fork of the Clearwater watersheds learn more about the new Conservation Security Program (CSP). They will be: · Nov. 22, 7 p.m., Ferdinand, Assumption Catholic Church parish hall · Nov. 29, 7 p.m., Kamiah Welcome Center · Nov. 30, 8 a.m., Craigmont City Hall CSP rewards those producers practicing good stewardship on their property. Money is available for agricultural operations of all sizes including cattle ranches, fruit orchards and grain producers. Last year alone, producers in Idaho County received $1.6 million in payments while, statewide, producers received over $4 million. The program contracts run from five to ten years, depending on the producer’s conservation practices and tier level of eligibility. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is implementing CSP in phases. The 2006 sign-up will include producers whose largest percentage of land is in the Clearwater and North Fork of the Clearwater watersheds. Producers in the Malad area of Southern Idaho are also eligible. A sign-up is expected to begin yet this fall or winter. Application requires producers to show records of chemical application, soil samples and, for cattle, grazing plans. The requirements and general sign-up strategies will be discussed at the meetings. Each attendee will be provided a workbook to begin the process. Follow-up meetings will be necessary with the local NRCS staff to complete the sign-up. Other meetings will be held around the region: · Lewiston Community Center, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. & 5 p.m. · Weippe Community Center, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. · Orofino Junior High, Nov. 22, 7 p.m. · Orofino Community Center, below the Pizza Factory, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. · Lapwai Sacred Heart Church—Parish Hall, Nov 29, 9 a.m. & 5 p.m. · Latah County Fairgrounds, Moscow, Nov. 30, 7 p.m. · Kendrick Fire Hall, Dec. 1, 8 a.m. · Deary Fire Hall, Dec. 1, 2 p.m. · Latah County Fairgrounds, Moscow, Dec. 5, 8 a.m. For more information on the meetings, contact the local NRCS office in Grangeville at 208-983-1046. For more information on CSP, visit www.id.usda.gov . |
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