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06/05/2008: "July 15 Cut-Off Date For Popular Conservation Program"

Washington’s most popular agricultural conservation program, the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), now has a new application ranking cut-off date of July 15.

EQIP is a voluntary, cost- share assistance program that helps conservation practices including those aimed at helping farmers and forest land owners improve irrigation efficiency; manage nutrient run-off and/or animal waste; improve the health of native plant communities; and reduce soil loss.

In most instances, producers who participate in the program pay for roughly half of the costs of the conservation measures or practices.



Locally, farm and forest land owners have come to rely on EQIP for assistance with conservation measures including stock watering tanks, interior fencing and covered composting bunks. State wide, in 2006 and 2007, Washington farm and forest owners qualified for more than $30 million in cost-share assistance through the program, according to the NRCS.

The new application ranking cut-off date represents an on-going agency effort to provide landowners and conservation planners additional time to develop more comprehensive conservation plans for implementing the various practices and activities funded through the program

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the San Juan Islands Conservation District Farm & Forest Planner as soon as possible to ensure eligibility and to begin the application process. “Of course, producers can apply for the program at any time,” said NRCS District Conservationist Steve Nissley. “But to be considered for fiscal year 2009 funding, they need to have their applications complete by July 15,” he said.

for more information. Call 360.378.6621 or email at info2007@sanjuanislandscd.org or visit their website at www.sanjuanislandscd.org.