Conservation Stewardship Program

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation program that encourages producers to address resource concerns in a comprehensive manner by undertaking additional conservation activities, or improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities.

Through the Conservation Stewardship Program, NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to eligible producers to conserve and enhance soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Eligible lands include cropland, grassland, improved pastureland, nonindustrial private forest lands, agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe, and other private agricultural land (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used for the production of livestock) on which resource concerns related to agricultural production could be addressed.

The Conservation Stewardship Program is offered as a continuous signup, and applications are accepted year-round with periodic ranking cutoff dates announced during the year.

The program provides equitable access to all producers, regardless of operation size, crops produced, or geographic location. Individuals, entities, and Indian tribes operating agricultural or private non-industrial private forest land may be eligible for the program.

How to Apply for USDA-NRCS Conservation Programs

Learn what steps you will need to take to prepare for, and submit, your application to become a USDA-NRCS Conservation Program participant.

If you are interested in participating in the 2012 CSP, you need to submit an application to your local NRCS office by the January 27, 2012 deadline so your applications can be considered during the first ranking period of 2012. For information regarding the CSP contact your local USDA-NRCS office or visit the National NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program Web site.

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Sarah Kron, Program Manager: CSP
Phone: 845-883-7162, extension 3
E-mail: Sarah Kron

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