2006 Conservation Security Program (CSP)

General Program Information

The Conservation Security Program (CSP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to conserve and improve soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life on tribal and private working lands - cropland, grassland, prairie land, improved pasture and rangeland, as well as certain forested land that is an incidental part of an agriculture operation. Visit the USDA NRCS Conservation Security Program Web site to get detailed information.

The CSP has a unique role among USDA conservation programs. It identifies and rewards those farmers and ranchers who meet the highest standards of conservation and environmental management on their operations, creates powerful incentives for other producers to meet those same standards of conservation performance on their operations, and provides public benefits for generations to come.

News Release - CSP Sign-up Ends March 31

Syracuse, New York, February 1, 2006

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Acting State Conservationist Garry Lee announced the 2006 Conservation Security Program (CSP) sign-up will be held Feb. 13, 2006 to March 31, 2006 in the Oak Orchard watershed.

"NRCS is committed to providing a fair and equitable program that rewards New York's leading conservationists," Lee said. "This year, applicants can sign-up prior to most planting decisions. We see this as a way to encourage more conservation leaders to apply for the program."

To be eligible for CSP, most of a producer's agricultural operation must fall within the boundaries of the selected watershed. Applications that meet CSP's minimum requirements as set forth in the amendment to the Interim Final Rule published in the Federal Register March 25, 2006, will be placed in enrollment categories. Categories will be funded in alphabetical order until funds are exhausted. The CSP amendment to the Interim Final Rule is available for viewing at the USDA NRCS Conservation Security Program Web site. Producers begin the application process by filling out a self-assessment to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for CSP.

Self-assessment workbooks are available in hard copy at USDA Service Centers within the watershed, and electronically at the USDA NRCS Conservation Security Program Web site. After completing the self-assessment, producers should schedule an appointment to discuss their application with the NRCS local staff to determine if they meet specific CSP eligibility requirements.

USDA announced preliminary selection of the watersheds for fiscal year 2006 based on the President's budget request. Based on available funding, CSP will be offered in 60 watersheds across all 50 states, the Caribbean and Guam. The sign-up will only include those producers who do not have an existing CSP contract. 2006 marks the third CSP sign-up. The privately-owned land currently currently enrolled in CSP covers nearly 11 million acres in 220 eligible watersheds in all 50 states and the Caribbean Area.

CSP is a voluntary conservation program that supports ongoing stewardship of private agricultural lands by providing payments for maintaining and enhancing natural resources.  Payments are made using three tiers of conservation contracts. CSP will be available any year on a rotational basis in as many watersheds as funding allows. Additional information about CSP is available from your local USDA Service Center or at the USDA NRCS Conservation Security Program Web site.

The CSP is a dynamic program; special emphasis can be placed on certain environmental needs in response to the current environmental issues. For example, in addition to addressing environmental issues such as soil erosion, water quality, and wildlife habitat, the 2006 CSP will include a renewable energy component. Eligible producers will receive compensation for converting to renewable energy fuels such as bio-diesel and ethanol, for recycling 100 percent of on-farm lubricants, and for implementing on-farm energy production, including wind, solar, geothermal and methane production.

There are three tiers of payments in the CSP, with Tier III representing the highest level of conservation. The maximum annual payments for the tiers are $20,000 for a five year Tier I contract, $35,000 for a five to ten year Tier II contract, and $45,000 for a five to ten year Tier III contract.

Farmers in the Oak Orchard watershed are encouraged to begin contacting their local Natural Resources Conservation Service and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offices for program information.

Land already enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve Program and Grassland Reserve Program is not eligible to receive CSP payments. The CSP sign-up period ends March 31, 2006.

These documents require Adobe Reader.

Enhancement Cost List (PDF; 220 KB)

New York CSP 2006 Stewardship Rates

Oak Orchard (PDF; 27 KB)

• 2005 CSP Information

Contact Information

Assistant State Conservationist for Programs

Donald Pettit
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
441 South Salina Street, Suite 354
Syracuse, New York 13202
Telephone: 315-477-6503

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