NRCS ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR FARM AND RANCHLAND PROTECTION
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Sara Magenheimer, USDA NRCS Public Information Officer: (503) 414-3250, Sara.Magenheimer@or.usda.gov
 

PORTLAND, OR, March 24, 2007 – The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the 2007 application period for the USDA Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) that runs through April 27, 2007. Entities with an existing farm or ranchland protection program are encouraged to apply.

The Oregon NRCS has received of $318,936 in federal FRPP funding to assist states, tribes, local governments, or non-profit entities in the purchase of development rights on prime, unique, productive, or historically or culturally significant farmland.

Through FRPP, the participating entity works with farmers and ranchers who want to ensure long-term protection of their land for agricultural uses. By voluntarily entering into a conservation easement under FRPP, the participating landowner receives a fair-market payment to forgo development rights while retaining ownership and use of the property for agriculture. As a result, agricultural landowners, in partnership with a participating group, have the opportunity to preserve the productivity, scenic beauty, and historical and cultural characteristics of the land without pressure to sell due to increasing development and escalating land prices.

"This funding will enable farmers, ranchers and landowners to enhance and protect Oregon’s soil, air and water resources for the future," said Bill White, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs.

Eligible organizations that can support at least 50 percent of a proposed easement purchase and that have the ability to work with landowners through a conservation easement are encouraged to apply. Proposals for FRPP will be accepted at the NRCS State Office in Portland, Oregon through April 27, 2007. For more information about FRPP, including eligibility requirements and application materials, please visit http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov

NRCS provides voluntary technical and financial assistance to people interested in protecting and enhancing soil, water, and related natural resources on non-federal lands. NRCS staffs work in every county in the state and directly assist farmers, ranchers, and others. NRCS is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Local contact information is located in the telephone book under the federal government listing or can be found online at: www.or.nrcs.usda.gov

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