Ohio, Pa., and W.Va. watersheds in ’06 CSP

WASHINGTON – The 2006 Conservation Security Program sign-up is now through March 31.
In Ohio, the Upper Great Miami Watershed is part of the 2006 Conservation Security Program round; French Creek Watershedin northwest Pennsylvania and part of western New York, the ; and in West Virginia, the Little Kanawha Watershed.
To be eligible for the program, most of a producer’s agricultural operation must fall within the boundaries of the selected watershed.
Categories will be funded in alphabetical order until funds are exhausted.
How to sign up. Producers begin the application process by filling out a self-assessment to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for the program. Self-assessment workbooks are available at USDA Service Centers within the watershed and at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/.
After completing the self-assessment, producers should schedule an appointment with local Natural Resources Conservation Service staff to determine if they meet specific program eligibility requirements.
Third time. The sign-up will include only those producers who do not have an existing Conservation Security Program contract.
2006 marks the third Conservation Security Program sign-up. The privately-owned land currently enrolled in the program covers nearly 11 million acres in 220 eligible watersheds in all 50 states and the Caribbean.
It 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. The program will be available any year on a rotational basis in as many watersheds as funding allows.