NRCS New York News

Updated: 10/14/2009

This area of the NRCS New York Web site will provide you with the latest updates to events and information regarding NRCS New York.

Sign-Up Deadline for New Conservation Stewardship Program Approaching

State Conservationist Astor F. Boozer reminds New York’s farmers and forestland owners that Wednesday, September 30 is the cutoff date for applications for the new Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to be considered for the current round of funding.

News article announcing Conservation Stewardship Program Sign-Up (August 14, 2009)

USDA Announces Funding to Improve Water Quality
in the New York City Watershed

$500,000 will be available in 2009 for water quality improvements on livestock farms located in parts of Delaware, Sullivan, Schoharie, Green, and Ulster Counties that are within the drainage areas of the New York City water supply reservoirs.
 

Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in New York ALERT!

The first occurrence of emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) in New York State was confirmed by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets and Department of Environmental Conservation on June 17, 2009 in Randolph, NY (Cattaraugus County).

NRCS Announces Sign-Up extension for New Organic Initiative

State Conservationist Astor F. Boozer of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces an extension for considering applications for a new organic initiative available to organic agricultural producers and those producers transitioning to organic in New York. EQIP Organic Initiative applications submitted by June 12 will be considered for 2009 program funding.

NRCS Announces Extension of 2009 Sign-Up for Conservation Assistance

State Conservationist Astor F. Boozer of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced an extension for considering applications for New York landowners for the Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). Applications submitted by May 29 will be considered for 2009 program funding.

2009 Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program Sign-Up Announced

The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) administered by the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is accepting applications for funding on a continuous basis.
 

Funding Received For New York City Agricultural Watershed Program

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $84.8 million is available to the Watershed Operations Program nationwide. Funding is provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), as part of the Obama Administration’s plans to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, jumpstart the economy and create jobs.

New York Announces Funding for Conservation Innovation Grants

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist, Astor F. Boozer announced today up to $250,000 in available funding for new technology under the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Program. CIG, a component of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), provides farmers with the opportunity, through innovative approaches, to address some of the states most pressing natural resource conservation needs.

New Conservation Initiative Benefits Farmers and the Chesapeake Bay Sign-Up Now Underway

New York agricultural producers located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed have until May 1 to apply for special assistance to reduce excess nutrients and sediment under the new Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI), announced Astor F. Boozer, New York State Conservationist for USDA NRCS. The Susquehanna Watershed comprises the New York portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

NRCS Announces 2009 Sign-Up for Conservation Assistance on Private Forestland

Private forestland owners throughout New York have until May 15 to apply for the 2009 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) according to NRCS State Conservationist Astor F. Boozer. EQIP is a voluntary conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to landowners willing to implement practices that improve natural resources on privately owned forestland.

NRCS Announces Conservation Assistance for Air Quality on Farms

State Conservationist Astor F. Boozer of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a new initiative to help farmers implement conservation practices that improve air quality. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Air Quality Initiative is a voluntary conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to landowners willing to implement practices to improve air quality on agricultural land.

Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative Grant Applications Due April 23

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the availability of up to $52.4 million of financial assistance funds nationwide for the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) for fiscal year (FY) 2009. Partner proposals must be postmarked and submitted to the appropriate NRCS State Conservationist or to the Chief no later than April 23, 2009

NRCS Offers Easement Funds for Flood Damaged Land

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will release up to $145 million to acquire and restore frequently flooded land to its natural state; create jobs in rural communities, and restore and protect an estimated 60,000 acres of flood-prone lands nationwide under its Emergency Watershed Protection Program.

The Importance of an Emergency Action Plan

When a mechanical failure resulted in liquid manure being discharged from a manure storage facility, the landowner turned to the Emergency Action Plan developed specifically for such an event.