WIU Organic Research Program--Aug 12, 2010
The WIU Organic Research Program will be hosting its annual Allison Farm field day on Thursday August 12th. The theme this year is Cropping System Strategies for suppressing weeds, saving energy and weather-proofing your farm. The key note speaker will be Dr. Matt Liebman, Professor of Agronomy at Iowa State University.

Tusayan Ranger District Releases Travel Management Project Environmental Assessment for Public Comment
The Kaibab National Forest has released the Tusayan Ranger District Travel Management Project Environmental Assessment for public review and comment. The document and accompanying maps are available on the Kaibab National Forest website.

Pile Burns this week on Coconino National Forest

USDA-NRCS Funds Available to Improve Water Quality and Quantity for Rangelands
The Yolo County Resource Conservation District and other California Rangeland Coalition partners have been awarded $ 3.75 million, over the next 5 years, from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agricultural Water Quality Enhancement Program (AWEP).

First Sign-up Enrollment Successful for Montana Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) officials in Montana report 222 contracts obligated for the first sign-up period for participation in the Conservation Stewardship Program. The enrollment represents 926,476 acres of private or tribal agricultural lands in Montana. These selected acres are comprised of 57% rangeland, 36% cropland, 5% pastureland and 2% non-industrial private forestland.

Funding Opportunity for Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (OASDFR) Competitive Grants Program
The USDA, through the Office of Advocacy and Outreach, is making available 4.7 million dollars as a second round of funding formerly referred to as the 2501 Program.

Forest Service Seeks Input on Proposed Facility and Parking Area at Young Life’s Lost Canyon Youth Camp Near Williams'
The Kaibab National Forest is seeking public input on a proposed project to construct a facility and parking area at Young Life’s Lost Canyon Youth Camp about two miles south of Williams.

Forest Service Seeks Input on Proposed Facility and Parking Area at Young Life’s Lost Canyon Youth Camp Near Williams'
The Kaibab National Forest is seeking public input on a proposed project to construct a facility and parking area at Young Life’s Lost Canyon Youth Camp about two miles south of Williams.

Williams Ranger District Prepares for Pile Burning
As a continuation of the Kaibab National Forest prescribed fire program, fire specialists are preparing to ignite slash piles on the Williams Ranger District this week. Depending on environmental conditions and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality approval, burning may take place on Wednesday, July 28 on the Spring Valley and Frenchy units.

Sitka Forest Service Employees Aim to Drive Out Hungere/
The Sitka Office of the Tongass National Forest is working to make this a “summer of food” for local people and families in need of food assistance. Sitka Forest Service employees are participating in the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) sponsored “Feds, Farmers and Friends Feed Families,” a summer long food drive by federal employees.

Fire Activity Increases on Juniper Fire
Activity on the Juniper Fire, 18 miles northeast of Williams, has increased slightly after a few days without precipitation. Over the weekend, the fire grew by 30 acres for a total of 470 acres. The lightning-caused fire is being managed for resource objectives.

Wash Fire Update
After operations were completed on the Wash Fire Sunday and after the burning period ended, the total size of the fire was reported at 200 acres. The fire started July 22 and is located 15 miles southeast of Tusayan.

Wash Fire on Tusayan Ranger District
A new fire was detected on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest, July 22 by the Red Butte Lookout. The lightning-caused fire is progressing slowly 15 miles southeast of Tusayan. It has grown to a little over one acre.

Wash Fire Update
The Wash Fire, 15 miles southeast of Tusayan, has grown to approximately 20 acres. The Red Butte Lookout detected the lightning-caused fire on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest July 22.

USDA to Help Farmers and Ranchers Expand Habitat for Migrating Birds

Williams Ranger District Prepares for Pile burning
The Juniper Fire did not grow today; it is approximately 415 acres. The lightning-caused fire is being managed for resource objectives 18 miles northeast of Williams.

Kaibab National Forest Information - Williams Ranger District Prepares for Pile burning
Kaibab National Forest fire managers announce plans to burn slash piles in various locations of the forest in the next few weeks. The recent moisture, higher humidity and the outlook for the current weather pattern to continue, is providing an opportunity for fire crews to implement the burns. If conditions allow and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality approves the requests, burning may begin Friday, July 23.

Tim Charnon selected as new Glacier District Ranger
The Chugach National Forest – Glacier Ranger District welcomes Tim Charnon as the new District Ranger for the Girdwood Office.

2010 Conservation Stewardship Program Contracts Funded in Arkansas - 289 Contracts signed for more than $4.45 million
Arkansas farmers and landowners are receiving $4,454,954 through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Stewardship Program for conservation measures they have taken on their land.

Arkansas Agricultural Producers Sign-Up in Large Numbers to Provide Assistance for Migrating Birds
Arkansas NRCS State Conservationist Michael Sullivan provided an update on the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative (MBHI). Because interest by landowners to participate in this initiative has been vast, NRCS will begin priority ranking of the applications on July 23, which is one week before the scheduled August 1st cutoff date.

International Farm Transition Network Annual Conference
The International Farm Transition Network will host their annual conference July 20-23, 2010 at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. This three day meeting will bring together agricultural professionals, farmers, citizens, and service providers to discuss and learn about exciting projects in farm transition.

Update on Kaibab National Forest Lightning Fires
Fire crews continue to respond to fires that started from lightning on the Williams Ranger District Friday. In addition to yesterday’s activity, engine, fuels, and helitack crews are hiking into remote locations to work on fires on Government Hill, 11 miles northeast of Williams, and Bill Williams Mountain, just south of town.

John Muir Cabin Closed Soon for Renovations
Renovations on the John Muir Cabin, located on the Juneau Ranger District, will begin July 19 and continue through the month of August.

Peterson Lake Trail in Juneau Under Repair
Significant repairs to the first 1/4 mile of the Peterson Lake Trail will impact Juneau-area hikers starting July 19. Repair work will continue through the middle of August.

Goldstein Appointed First Director of New Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center
Dr. Michael Goldstein, a wildlife ecologist, has been appointed the first director of the new Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center in Juneau. The center was recently established to help facilitate coastal temperate rainforest research and education and is a consortium of six public agencies including the University of Alaska Southeast.

Kaibab National Forest Releases Decision on Williams Ranger District Travel Management Analysis
Based on public comments and the analysis done by resource specialists, Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Mike Williams has selected Alternative 3 as the alternative to implement. It will allow travel on approximately 1,114 miles of roads on the Williams Ranger District.

500 Wisconsin Farmers Enroll in Conservation Stewardship Program
Over 500 Wisconsin farmers and landowners enrolled in the new Conservation Stewardship Program during the first sign-up in 2010. These contracts will yield more than $3.36 million in payments this year. Four hundred of these were farmers enrolling cropland and pasture, and 113 enrolled woodlands, a new option this year.

Montana USDA Agency Offices Participate in the “Feds, Farmers and Friends Feed Families” Food Drive
Montanans are being urged to participate in a Summer food drive announced by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. The event is designed to help local food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens meet increasing demands during a period of the year donations dip.

California Receives $2.5 Million for Conservation Partnership Projects
The USDA NRCS California State Office received approximately $2.5 million to fund seven projects through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI). CCPI helps farmers and ranchers on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands achieve natural resource benefits such as clean air, clean water, productive soils and abundant wildlife.

Study shows forestry best management practices prevent erosion
John Tuttle and David Gwaze were prepared for bad news when they launched a seven-year study of how controlled logging to achieve forest-management objectives affects erosion and water quality in Missouri’s Ozark forests. Instead, they got a pleasant surprise.

USDA Announces Effort to Improve Access to Private Land for Recreation
New Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Will Expand Recreation Opportunities Through State and Tribal Programs

USDA Announces Projects to Protect Natural Resources In the Mississippi River Basin
Farmers and landowners in numerous counties in Arkansas have until August 1, 2010, to submit applications to receive cost-share assistance to implement conservation practices through four Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) projects.

California Receives $6 Million for Water Enhancement Projects
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) California State Office received approximately $6 million for Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) projects to improve water quality and quantity on hundreds of farms throughout the state.

USDA Announces Projects to Improve Water Quality and Quantity for Agricultural Operations
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced support for farmers and ranchers in 10 states to conserve water and improve water quality on agricultural working lands through the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), which leverages additional resources and services from conservation partners.}¡

Resource Study finds soil erosion in Montana decreasing – land converted from ag-land to developed land increasing
A newly released report indicates a 27 per cent increase over a 25 year period in the amount of developed land in Montana. The report compiled by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) National Resources Inventory (NRI) was based on land-use patterns between 1982 and 2007 .

USDA to Help Farmers and Ranchers Expand Habitat for Migrating Birds
Public-private effort will increase wetland habitat in Arkansas for migratory birds heading towards the Gulf of Mexico

Local Development Council can use Safe Harbor Agreements to Help Restore Threatened Wildlife Species
The Color Country Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) was recently granted a Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) that will allow the Cedar City-based nonprofit group to establish safe harbor agreements with landowners who develop a conservation plan that benefits threatened and endangered wildlife species.

Healthy watersheds can sustain water supplies, aquatic ecosystems in a changing climate
The U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station has published a report about the role of forests in the stewardship of water in a changing climate.

Forest Service releases decision on Petersburg Outfitter and Guide Plan
The U.S. Forest Service today released the decision notice and finding of no significant impact for the Petersburg Ranger District’s Outfitter and Guide Management Plan Environmental Assessment.

Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests Will Implement Fire Restrictions June 23
Officials with the Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests will implement fire restrictions on Wednesday, June 23 across the three forests. Due to high fire danger, these restrictions are deemed necessary to protect public health and safety and prevent human-caused wildfires.

Alaska Regional Forester Names Two New Top Staff Members
Alaska Forest Service Regional Forester Beth Pendleton recently announced selection of new regional directors for the Information Management program and the Wildlife, Fisheries, Ecology, Watershed and Subsistence program.

Reel in the memories with Family Fishing Days on the Tongass
Taking the family fishing? While you’re grabbing your fishing gear, don’t forget your camera, because there is nothing to compare to a child’s look of amazement and excitement when they hook their first fish.

Five-year report highlights status of Washington’s forest resources
Report provides information on resources, forest structure, disturbance, and forest products

Montana's Summer Streamflow Outlooks Improve
May’s cool wet weather has improved this summer’s stream flow outlooks. Stream flow forecasts west of the Divide average 78 percent and east of the Divide average 88 percent. May mountain precipitation in the Columbia River Basin was 131 percent of average, Missouri River Basin was 134 percent of average, St. Mary was 119 percent of average, and Yellowstone River Basin was 142 percent of average.

Dan Moller Cabin closed for replacement
U.S. Forest Service officials at the Juneau Ranger District would like to alert recreationists that the Dan Moller Cabin is now administratively closed in preparation for its replacement later this month.

Great Lakes Restoration Funds for Ohio
$6.4 Million Now Available for Conservation in the Lake Erie Watershed Sign-up June 1 – July 1, 2010

Kaibab National Forest Releases Hat Allotment Environmental Assessment
The Kaibab National Forest has released its Hat Allotment Environmental Assessment for public review and comment. The document is posted on the Kaibab National Forest website.

USDA Re-Delegates Authority to Forest Service to Approve Personal Use Timber Collection in Alaska National Forests
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack signed a decision memo today re-delegating authority to the Forest Service to issue free personal use permits for timber in inventoried roadless areas to Alaska settlers, miners, residents and prospectors.

‘Canopy Connections’ program receives national award to keep kids climbing, learning
Students will take their learning and outdoor experiences to new heights on the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, thanks to an award from the USDA Forest Service.

USDA Agencies Pursue Jobs and Community Stability for SE Alaskan Communities while Developing New Approach to Forest Management in the Tongass
Agencies developing a framework to support a diversified economy around forest restoration, renewable energy, subsistence, tourism and recreation, fisheries and mariculture while sustaining and transitioning a viable timber economy

NRCS Cultural Resource Activity Report - October, 2009 through May, 2010
NRCS WA continues to work to develop relationships with partners and Tribes to builds a strong culture resource program that preserve, protects, promote share historical resource of this state.

NRCS Initiative to Improve Agricultural Energy Conservation and Efficiency
Individual Energy Audits will Help Producers Reduce Energy Use

Grass is Greener for Landowners Restoring Wetlands
New grazing land option is now available for Montana landowners who restore wetlands.

USDA Announces Additional Funding for Three Conservation Programs
Added Funds to Help Farmers, Ranchers and Landowners Protect Agricultural and Forest Land

USDA PROMOTES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG NATION'S YOUTH THROUGH EXPANDED PROGRAMS
Secretary Vilsack Urges Kids to Get Outdoors and Get Active as part of First Lady Michelle Obama's 'Let's Move!' Campaign

USDA Releases New Data on Soil Erosion and Development of Private Lands
Latest National Resource Inventory for Non-Federal Lands shows significant reduction in soil erosion on cropland and dramatic increase in developed acreage

New Forest Service Economic Recovery Act-funded Hoonah cabin ready for guests
Residents and visitors of Hoonah can now reserve the newly constructed Forest Service cabin at Eight Fathom Bight. This cabin, funded with stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provided much needed jobs to the local community.

County Grant Opportunity
A limited number of technical assistance grants are available to Washington state counties and their partners for the development of farmland preservation programs.

Kaibab National Forest Smoke Information
Fuelwood Season To Begin May 3 on Williams and Tusayan Districts

Texas Launches New Front in War on Invasive Species
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department today launched a public awareness campaign asking people to help control one of the most dangerous invasive aquatic species the state has ever known — giant salvinia.

Study reveals that logging debris suppresses development of an invasive competitor, Scotch broom
Is it possible, that the debris remaining on the ground after logging may actually suppress competing vegetation resulting in a positive effect on the survival of Douglas-fir seedlings?

USDA Forest Service Continues Discounts at Campgrounds
USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced today his decision not to implement proposed changes to fees charged to holders of passes at Forest Service campgrounds operated by private businesses.

New Mexico Governor Signs Natural Heritage Conservation Act
Governor Bill Richardson today signed the Natural Heritage Conservation Act, a bill to protect land, water, wildlife, and working farms and ranches across New Mexico.

Working Lands Initiative (WLI) includes a new program effective Jan. 1
The state hopes a new initiative to preserve farmland can "cluster farms together" and encourage farmers, businesses and local governments to invest in agriculture.

Tongass Motor Vehicle Use Maps available now
Ketchikan, AK—Users of motor vehicles on the Tongass National Forest should stop by their local ranger district to pick up the current copy of the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), available now. There is a separate MVUM for each district or unit.

POC for Logjam Project Law Suit Info Named
The Department of Justice has named Andrew Ames as the spokesperson for the Tongass Conservation Society v. USFS

Montana Participates in High Tunnel Pilot Study
Montana is participating in a 3-year, 38 state study designed to verify if high tunnels, also known as hoop houses, are effective in reducing pesticide use, keeping vital nutrients in the soil, extending the growing season, increasing yields, and providing other benefits to growers.

Donated Conservation Easements Protect 21,000 Acres Along Critical Georgia Waterways
Governor Sonny Perdue announced 13 conservation easement donations from private landowners to the state of Georgia as part of the Georgia Land Conservation Program (GLCP).

Unique Partnership Promotes Conservation through Ranching
A group of ranching and conservation organizations have formed a broad-based coalition to enhance ranching practices that consider important conservation issues throughout the West.

$1.4 Million Awarded to Public/private Partnerships for Land Conservation
47 Land Trust Organizations and Communities Across New York to Benefit

MAJORITY OF BOTH PARTIES BACK LAND CONSERVATION BILL
Majorities of both Democratic and Republican house members have co-sponsored Conservation Easement Incentive Act, H.R. 1831

Program matches aging farmers with their replacements
It's an increasingly popular idea across the country as a growing number of states try to pump fresh blood into graying fields. The job is to connect fresh-faced wannabes from all over the country with Iowa farmers preparing for retirement — or merely pondering it. This is farm matchmaking, a down payment on the future of rural America.

Counties hold key to Williamson Act's future
The loss of Williamson Act protection could mean that some of the land that gets farmed in California "won't be worth farming any longer."

California state budget cuts have suspended a land conservation program that has been hailed as a key to preventing sprawl and easing economic pressure on farmers and ranchers.
The 44-year-old Williamson Act provides tax breaks to agricultural landowners who sign 10-year contracts (renewed annually) not to develop their property.

2010 Woodland Steward Series
Forest Conservation Education intended for the general public, landowners and other professionals and students.

USDA-NRCS Funds Available to Improve Water Quality and Quantity for Rangelands
The Yolo County Resource Conservation District and other California Rangeland Coalition partners have been awarded $ 3.75 million, over the next 5 years, from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agricultural Water Quality Enhancement Program (AWEP).

First Sign-up Enrollment Successful for Montana Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) officials in Montana report 222 contracts obligated for the first sign-up period for participation in the Conservation Stewardship Program. The enrollment represents 926,476 acres of private or tribal agricultural lands in Montana. These selected acres are comprised of 57% rangeland, 36% cropland, 5% pastureland and 2% non-industrial private forestland.

Funding Opportunity for Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (OASDFR) Competitive Grants Program
The USDA, through the Office of Advocacy and Outreach, is making available 4.7 million dollars as a second round of funding formerly referred to as the 2501 Program.

USDA to Help Farmers and Ranchers Expand Habitat for Migrating Birds

2010 Conservation Stewardship Program Contracts Funded in Arkansas - 289 Contracts signed for more than $4.45 million
Arkansas farmers and landowners are receiving $4,454,954 through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Stewardship Program for conservation measures they have taken on their land.

500 Wisconsin Farmers Enroll in Conservation Stewardship Program
Over 500 Wisconsin farmers and landowners enrolled in the new Conservation Stewardship Program during the first sign-up in 2010. These contracts will yield more than $3.36 million in payments this year. Four hundred of these were farmers enrolling cropland and pasture, and 113 enrolled woodlands, a new option this year.

Wetland Complex in South Central Nebraska Receives Federal Funding for Conservation
Dave White, Chief of the USDA NRCS announced Monday that the Rainwater Basin wetland complex is the recipient of funding through the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program. This multi-year project will allow center pivot irrigation systems to travel across restored wetlands and upland buffers within the Rainwater Basin.

California Receives $2.5 Million for Conservation Partnership Projects
The USDA NRCS California State Office received approximately $2.5 million to fund seven projects through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI). CCPI helps farmers and ranchers on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands achieve natural resource benefits such as clean air, clean water, productive soils and abundant wildlife.

USDA Announces Effort to Improve Access to Private Land for Recreation
New Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Will Expand Recreation Opportunities Through State and Tribal Programs

USDA Announces Projects to Protect Natural Resources In the Mississippi River Basin
Farmers and landowners in numerous counties in Arkansas have until August 1, 2010, to submit applications to receive cost-share assistance to implement conservation practices through four Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI) projects.

California Receives $6 Million for Water Enhancement Projects
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) California State Office received approximately $6 million for Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) projects to improve water quality and quantity on hundreds of farms throughout the state.

USDA Announces Projects to Improve Water Quality and Quantity for Agricultural Operations
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced support for farmers and ranchers in 10 states to conserve water and improve water quality on agricultural working lands through the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), which leverages additional resources and services from conservation partners.}¡

USDA to Help Farmers and Ranchers Expand Habitat for Migrating Birds
Public-private effort will increase wetland habitat in Arkansas for migratory birds heading towards the Gulf of Mexico

EQIP deadline news release
Deadline for popular conservation program set for August 13

USDA Announces Projects to Protect Natural Resources in the Mississippi River Basin
USDA announced the selection of 76 projects in 12 States that will help landowners and producers within the Mississippi River Basin voluntarily implement conservation and management practices that prevent, control, and trap nutrient runoff from agricultural land.

NRCS Issues Final Rule for Conservation Stewardship Program, Extends Deadline
The USDA NRCS has published the final regulations governing the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, CSP is a voluntary program that offers payments to producers who exercise good land stewardship and want to improve their conservation performance.

USDA Issues Final Rule for Conservation Stewardship Program - Sign-up extended to June 25th
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has published the final regulations governing the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, CSP is a voluntary program that offers payments to producers who exercise good land stewardship and want to improve their conservation performance.

USDA Issues Final Rule for Conservation Stewardship Program - Sign-up extended to June 25th
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has published the final regulations governing the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

USDA Issues Final Rule for Conservation Stewardship Program - Sign-up extended to June 25th
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has published the final regulations governing the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, CSP is a voluntary program that offers payments to producers who exercise good land stewardship and want to improve their conservation performance.

USDA Issues Final Rule for Conservation Stewardship Program - Sign-up extended to June 25th
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has published the final regulations governing the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, CSP is a voluntary program that offers payments to producers who exercise good land stewardship and want to improve their conservation performance.

USDA Issues Final Rule for Conservation Stewardship Program
Current Sign-up Extended to June 25th

USDA Issues Final Rule for Conservation Stewardship Program
Changes expand access, increase payment limits, and promote greater environmental benefit while maintaining program goals

Great Lakes Restoration Funds for Ohio
$6.4 Million Now Available for Conservation in the Lake Erie Watershed Sign-up June 1 – July 1, 2010

NRCS Initiative to Improve Agricultural Energy Conservation and Efficiency
Individual Energy Audits will Help Producers Reduce Energy Use

USDA Announces Additional Funding for Grassland Reserve Program
Arkansas Receives $800,000 to Fund Applications

USDA Announces Funding for Wetlands Conservation Assistance
Arkansas Receiving $10,177,680 for Wetland Restoration

Grass is Greener for Landowners Restoring Wetlands
New grazing land option is now available for Montana landowners who restore wetlands.

USDA Announces Additional Funding for Three Conservation Programs
Added Funds to Help Farmers, Ranchers and Landowners Protect Agricultural and Forest Land

Conservation Stewardship Program Sign-Up Currently Underway.
Nebraska landowners and operators still have time to sign up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) at their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office.

County Grant Opportunity
A limited number of technical assistance grants are available to Washington state counties and their partners for the development of farmland preservation programs.

Working Lands Initiative (WLI) includes a new program effective Jan. 1
The state hopes a new initiative to preserve farmland can "cluster farms together" and encourage farmers, businesses and local governments to invest in agriculture.

USDA, IRS partner to reduce farm fraud
The USDA is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service to reduce fraud in farm programs and streamline payment limits for family farmers.

USDA to launch high tunnel pilot study to increase availability of locally grown foods
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced a new pilot project under the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels - also known as hoop houses - to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way.

USDA to launch high tunnel pilot study to increase availability of locally grown foods
Funding available for producers to participate in 3-year project. USDA’s NRCS recently announced a new pilot project under the “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels – also known as hoop houses – to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way.

USDA Launches High Tunnel Pilot Study To Increase Availability of Locally Grown Foods
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced a new pilot project under the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels–also known as hoop houses–to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way.

USDA Works With South Dakota To Improve James River Water Quality
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds in signing an agreement that will improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, aid flood control and enhance wildlife habitat in the state’s James River Watershed.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces $1.7 Billion in Conservation Reserve Program Rental Payments
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA will distribute approximately $1.7 billion in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rental payments to participants across the country in fiscal year 2010.

NRCS ANNOUNCES STRONG INTEREST IN NEW CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (CSP)
Chief Dave White today announced that NRCS has received nearly 21,300 applications to participate in the new Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These applications cover more than 33 million acres, nationwide.

Program Helps Farmers Protect Land
Any landowner in the county who wants to do the right thing for local streams, neighbors' well water, and the health of the Chesapeake Bay can get a lot of help from the government.

MAJORITY OF BOTH PARTIES BACK LAND CONSERVATION BILL
Majorities of both Democratic and Republican house members have co-sponsored Conservation Easement Incentive Act, H.R. 1831

AMERICAN JOBS AND CLOSING TAX LOOPHOLES ACT OF 2010 TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF THE REVENUE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE "AMERICAN JOBS AND CLOSING TAX LOOPHOLES ACT OF 2010," FOR CONSIDERATION ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Prepared by the Staff of the JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION May 28, 2010

Tax breaks for land conservation in Illinois signed into law
SB 17 provides tax incentives for conservation management of woodlands, prairies, wetlands and other undeveloped lands

Search the Cooperative Conservation Database

View a sampling of Success stories