Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative Grant Applications Due April 23

SYRACUSE, NY, April 9, 2009 – Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) Grants offer a unique opportunity for non-profit groups, conservation organizations and others to leverage federal funding for their local or regional conservation projects. The funding for these grants comes from the U. S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service through two of its programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). The purpose of the grant must fit within the purposes of those programs, and it must meet some natural resource priority for the state.

The CCPI funds work best to supplement or expand an existing project, since these funds are intended for eligible landowners for EQIP or WHIP conservation work. The funds are for cost-sharing only and cannot be used for staffing or other organization expenses.

Proposals for state projects must be submitted to the New York State Conservationist by April 23. Multi-state and national projects must be submitted to the NRCS National Office in Washington, D.C. by the same date. In addition, USDA is seeking comment on how CCPI can contribute toward new methods of renewable energy production and conservation, reduce the effects of climate change, and reduce net carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Comments must be submitted by April 8.

Under this program, NRCS enters into multi-year agreements with eligible partners for conservation on agricultural and non-industrial private forest lands. Partners may include state and local units of governments, producer associations, farmer cooperatives, federally recognized American Indian tribes, colleges and universities and non-governmental organizations with a history of working closely with producers.

For New York projects, $765,000 in EQIP funding, and $45,750 in WHIP funding is available this year. Multi-state projects are funded at the national level. More information for both New York and multi-state project applications, including grant application forms can be seen at the USDA NRCS Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative Web site or contact Donald Pettit, at 315-477-6503.

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.