Conservation Programs
The Natural Resources Conservation Service works hand-in-hand with county residents to encourage the wise use of our natural resources on both agricultural and non-agricultural land. There are many programs available through the state and federal government that can assist private landowners with natural resource conservation on their land. The following are brief descriptions of some of the programs available. Additional resource information can be found on the NRCS web site at www.nrcs.usda.gov.
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
The Conservation Reserve Program offers long term rental payments and cost share assistance to establish permanent vegetative cover on cropland that is highly erodible or contributing to water quality problems. Acreage offered for enrollment is evaluated for environmental benefits and contract costs to determine which offers will be accepted into the program. Payments will be based on prevailing local land rental rates. Rental payments will be provided for at least 10 years and upwards to 15 years on hardwood tree plantings.
The "continuous" sign-up CRP offers a non-competitive enrollment of the most environmentally sensitive areas, and provides annual rental payments and cost share assistance for establishing practices such as grassed waterways, filter strips, riparian buffers, field windbreaks, etc. The rental payments will also be provided for at least 10 years and upwards to 15 years on riparian buffers and filter strips.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) was established in the 1996 Farm Bill. It provides a voluntary conservation program for farmers who have soil, water and related natural resource concerns. EQIP offers financial, eduatonal and technical assistance to install or implement structural, vegetative and management pratices. These practices are planned in 5 to 10 years contracts. Cost share assistance may be available for up to 75% of the cost of certain conservation practices. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, forestland, and other farm lands where the program is needed. (EQIP FACT SHEET)
Wetland Reserve Program
The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program to restore wetlands. Landowners who choose to participate in WRP may sell a conservation easement or enter into a cost-share restoration agreement with USDA to restore and protect wetlands. The landowner voluntarily limits future use of land, yet retains private ownership. The program offers landowners three options: permanent easements, 30 year easements, and restoration cost share agreements for a minimum of 10 years. To be eligible, the landowner must have owned the land for at least one year, and the land must meet restoration criteria. (WRP FACT SHEET)
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
The wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private lands. It provides technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost share payments to assist in establishing and/or warm season grasses, tree, shrub plantings, livestock exclusion and others. The Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife Biologists provide the technical assistance for this program. (WHIP FACT SHEET)
Forest Incentives Program
The Forestry Incentive Program (FIP) supports good forest management practices on privately owned, non-industrial forest lands. The objective of this program is to increase the Nation's supply of timber products for the future. Eligible practices include tree planting, timber stand improvement, and site preparation for natural regeneration. Cost share assistance is available for up to 50 percent of the cost of practice installation. The Indiana Division of Forestry District Foresters provide the technical assistance for this program. (FIP FACT SHEET)
Small Watershed Program
The Small Watershed Program works through local government sponsors and helps participants solve natural resource and related economic problems related to a specific watershed. The watershed must be 250,000 acres or less. Project purposes include watershed protection, flood prevention, erosion and sediment control, water supply, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat enhancement, wetland creation and restoration, and public recreation. Both technical and cost share assistance are available. Currently, the Mariah Creek watershed in both Sullivan and Knox County is sponsored under this program.
Conservation Technical Assistance
The Sullivan County Field Office staff is available to assist landowners or operators interested in implementing conservation practices outside of any cost share assistance programs. They will work to assess your needs and help you to develop a conservation plan on your land. There is no fee for their services. Please contact the Sullivan County SWCD office for more information.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.