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Web image: Photo of a managed forestNRCS Announces 2009 Sign-up for Conservation Assistance on Private Forestland

SYRACUSE, New York, April 10, 2009 – 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. “We are pleased to be able to offer forestland owners the opportunity to apply a variety of conservation and management practices that will improve the health and productivity of their forests, prevent soil erosion, and protect important habitat for at-risk wildlife species,” noted Boozer.

Through EQIP, forestland owners can apply for financial and technical assistance in one of two Forestry Focus Areas. Applicants interested in improving forest management through forest health thinning, crop tree release, controlling invasive or undesirable species or controlling erosion on forest trails and landings can apply to the Forest Management Focus Area. In order to qualify, landowners must have a current New York State DEC approved Forest Stewardship Plan. Practices for which they are seeking EQIP funding must be identified in the plan. NRCS is partnering with the New York Sate Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Division of Lands and Forests to deliver the EQIP Forest Management Focus Area. DEC foresters will work with applicants to plan practices and prepare an EQIP application.

Landowners interested in improving habitat for at-risk shrub or forest-dwelling bird species can apply to the Forest Wildlife Focus Area. NRCS technical staff will work with applicants to this focus area to develop plans that could include thinning or removing trees, pruning mast trees to increase wildlife food, or planting trees and shrubs for wildlife food and cover.

 “Forests provide valuable environmental and economic benefits, and the financial and technical assistance available through EQIP can help to ensure the long term health and sustainability of New York’s forest resources,” said Robert Davies, Director of New York DEC's Division of Lands and Forests

The program is competitive, and applications are ranked based on national and state identified resource priorities and their overall benefit to the environment. All applications must be received by the local USDA NRCS office no later than May 15, 2009 to be considered for the fiscal year 2009 funding.

Interested landowners can apply for the program at their local USDA-NRCS office. For sign-up details or additional conservation program information contact your local local USDA NRCS office or visit the NRCS New York - Programs Web page.

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