EQIP applications still available

MARCY, N.Y. >> The last day to submit applications for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for Fiscal Year 2019 is Jan. 18, 2019.

Through the EQIP program, NRCS offers financial and technical assistance to participants to implement practices addressing priority resource concerns, including soil erosion, water quality and habitat degradation. EQIP program focus areas include the farmstead, soil management, habitat, forestry and grazing. Examples of practices implemented through EQIP include: strip cropping, grassed waterways, forest stand improvement and manure storage facilities.

Applicants applying to implement practices to address farmstead resource concerns associated with livestock operations must provide a copy of their Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan to NRCS by Jan. 18, 2019. Applicants applying to implement forest management practices must provide their Forest Management Plan by Jan. 18, 2019.

NRCS will work with applicants to review potential resource concerns on the land included in the application, and to develop a conservation plan to address the identified resource concerns.

Applications accepted after Jan. 18, 2019 will be considered in the next signup. All applications are competitive and ranked based on national, state and locally identified resource priorities and the overall benefit to the environment.

Those interested in applying for an NRCS conservation program can visit www. nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ detail/ny/programs/financial/eqip/ ?cid=nrcs144p2_027058.

You may apply by visiting your local NRCS field office, which can be located using the web site: http://offices.sc.egov.usda. gov/locator/app?state=NY.