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10/11/2007: "Environmental Quality Incentive Program"

( Example of a local compost facility constructed funded by the program)

A program is now available to provides financial cost sharing to private farm and forest landowners to implement conservation practices. All farm and forest owners are encouraged to sign up for the 2008 Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) now to meet the November 3 deadline. The program is administered by US Department of Agriculture-NRCS, but applicants may sign up locally.

Some examples of practices available for cost sharing are those that help reduce the impact of livestock on surface and ground water, those that conserve water through efficient irrigation system installation, tree planting and habitat restoration.

Farms must produce an annual gross sale of $1000 of agricultural products. Forestlands must have a forestry plan, or a history of timber harvest and/or forestland management activities.

To be considered for the 2008 program year, applications must be received by Friday, November 2, 2007. Applications can be made at your local San Juan Islands Conservation District, 540 Guard St., Friday Harbor. Please contact Farm Planner Bruce Gregory at (360) 378-6621 and visit their website http://www.sanjuanislandscd.org/ .