There’s still time to take advantage of funds now available from the federal government to help protect wetlands as well as for rural landowners and farmers to expand conservation and organic activities.
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is offering financial assistance opportunities for landowners through the Wetland Reserve Easement Program. The agency will pay a percent of the land’s value as well as restoration costs for each easement option. NRCS staff can help landowners plan and implement projects.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications through the Conservation Stewardship Program. The program encourages adoption of new technologies and management techniques in order to improve conservation while maintaining agricultural production.
Finally, the NRCS has funding available to help producers transition to organic certification through the Organic Transition Initiative. This was introduced last year and provides assistance, education, and income reimbursement for producers interested in engaging in organic transition practices.
The deadline to apply to any of these programs is March 1st. Visit the website of the USDA for applications or more information.