Conservation Security Program Sign-Up Underway in the McKenzie Watershed

CSP sign-up open until May 16, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Gary Briggs, USDA NRCS: (541) 967-5925 ext 110, Gary.Briggs@or.usda.gov
Bill White, USDA NRCS:  (503) 414-3273, Bill.White@or.usda.gov

Eugene, OR, April 16, 2008 – The Oregon Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today reminded agricultural producers that the sign-up period for the 2008 Conservation Security Program (CSP) is open in the McKenzie Watershed from April 18 to May 16, 2008.

Prior to signing up for CSP, producers are advised to attend one of the CSP informational workshops being held by NRCS. A number of interested growers attended the first workshop held on April 15 to learn about eligibility requirements and program benefits. Three more workshops are scheduled:

• Thursday, April 17: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Monday, April 21: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Monday, April 21: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m
  
  The workshops will be held at:

McKenzie Fire & Rescue Training Center
42869 McKenzie Hwy
Leaburg, OR

For more information about the workshops or to arrange special accommodations for attendees, contact:

Tangent NRCS Office: (541) 967-5925 ext. 3
Eugene NRCS Field Office: (541) 465-6443 ext. 3

"CSP is a unique program that offers payments for enhancing natural resources and rewarding those farmers and ranchers who are model conservationists," said Bob Graham, Oregon NRCS State Conservationist. “I encourage all interested producers in the McKenzie Watershed to complete their CSP application and interview by the sign-up deadline.”

CSP is a voluntary conservation program that supports ongoing stewardship of private, agricultural working lands and rewards those producers who are meeting the highest standards of conservation and environmental management on their operations. Over the past few years, Oregon has awarded CSP contracts in 13 watersheds, with payments totaling over $91 million.

“Oregon farmers and ranchers are outstanding conservation stewards, as shown by the high number of CSP contract recipients and dollars awarded,” says Graham. “What they do today will lead to additional environmental benefits for the nation as they share their knowledge of conservation with others.”

CSP has been offered on a rotational basis in as many watersheds as funding allows. Oregon’s McKenzie Watershed is one of 51 watersheds across the country eligible for the current sign-up. Producers with the majority of their land inside the McKenzie Watershed boundary (see attached map) have met the first criterion for CSP eligibility.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service 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 to directly assist farmers, ranchers, and others. NRCS, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 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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conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

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