NRCS Announces Extension of 2009 Sign Up for Conservation Assistance

SYRACUSE, New York, May 13, 2009 – 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). AMA and WHIP applications submitted by May 29 will be considered for 2009 program funding.

AMA and WHIP are voluntary conservation programs that provide financial and technical assistance to landowners willing to implement practices to improve natural resources and wildlife habitat on privately owned agricultural land. These conservation programs were authorized or amended in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill). “With the 2008 Farm Bill in place, landowners in New York will benefit from new and expanded opportunities,” said Boozer. “These opportunities will enhance conservation across the state by addressing resource concerns related to soil, water, air, plants and animals.”

The Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) in New York will focus on practices that improve irrigation efficiency through micro-irrigation. One of the primary goals of AMA is to assist agricultural producers in mitigating risk through production diversification or installation of conservation practices. AMA applicants will compete for available funds through a statewide funding pool, and must apply by May 29 to be considered for 2009 funding. In New York, WHIP focuses on establishing and enhancing grassland habitat for declining bird species, pollinators and other grassland wildlife species. Applications for WHIP must be on private agricultural or forestland, or Indian land, and must be submitted by May 29.

Applications for WHIP and AMA are competitive and are ranked based on national, state, and locally identified resource priorities and their overall benefit to the environment. Interested landowners can apply for all programs at their local USDA NRCS office.

For sign-up details or additional conservation program information contact your or visit the NRCS New York - Programs Web page.
 

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The U.S. 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, audiotape, 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.

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