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Natural Resources Programs Fact Sheet--1996 F... Page 1 of2 UNITED STAlES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE l:J 1-' t.D c.'j r~(lrl.r in r,.rtlll"T~hir f'lT ;1 J1(":..Ilthy L.wd ~SDA 1:199& 8.111 ~ farm Conservation Provisions ".,. u.s. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Fact Sheet Programs Financial, Technical, and Educational Assistance for Landowners Introduction The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers landowners financial, technical, and educational assistance to implement conservation practices on privately owned land. Using this help, farmers and ranchers apply practices that reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance forest land, wetlands, grazing lands, and wildlife habitat. IncentIves offered by USDA promote sustainable agricultural practices, which protect and conserve valuable farmland for future generations. USDA assistance also helps individuals and communities restore natural resources after floods, fires, or other natural disasters. The following are brief overviews of cost-share programs managed by USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Forest Service. For more details, contact your local USDA Service Center. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program reduces soil erosion, protects the Nation's ability to produce food and fiber, reduces sedimentation in streams and lakes, improves water quality, establishes wildlife habitat, and enhances forest and wetland resources. It encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as tame or native grasses, wildlife plantings, trees, filterstrips, or riparian buffers. Fanners receive anannual rental payment for the term of the multi-year contract. Cost sharing is provided to establish the vegetative cover practices. Emergency Consenration Program The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers for the restoration of farmlands on which normal farming operations have been impeded by natural disasters. ECP also helps with funds for carrying out emergency water conservation measures during periods of severe drought. Emergency conservation assistance is available for removing debris and restoring permanent fences, terraces, diversions, irrigation systems, and other conservation installations. Conservation problems that existed before a disaster are not eligible. Emergency Watershed Protection Program The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program is designed to reduce threats to life and property in the wake of natural disasters. It provides technical and cost sharing assistance. Assistance includes both removing and establishing vegetative cover; gully control, installing streambank protection devices; removing debris and sediment; and stabilizing levees, channels, and gullies. In subsequent storms, EWP projects protect homes, businesses, highways, and public facilities from further damage. The Secretary of Agriculture may purchase floodplain easements under EWP. ED\'ironmental Quality Incentives Program The EnVIronmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) works primarily in locally identified conservation priority areas where there are significant problems with natural resources. High priority is given to areas where State or local governments offer financial, technical, or educational assistance, and to areas where agricultural improvements will help meet water quality objectives. Activities must be carried out according to a conservation plan. EQIP offers contracts that provide incentive payments and cost sharing for conservation practices, such as manure management Friday, January 10, 1997 3:39 PM