As CSP Deadline Nears, Growers Are Reminded To Get Their Applications In

CSP sign-up open until May 16, 2008 to large-scale and small acreage producers in Oregon’s McKenzie Watershed
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact information:
Gary Briggs, NRCS: 541.967.5925 ext. 110, gary.briggs@or.usda.gov
Bill White, NRCS: 503.414.3273, bill.white@or.usda.gov

 

Eugene, OREGON, April 28, 2008 — The Oregon Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is reminding growers in the McKenzie Watershed they have until May 16 to complete their application materials for the Conservation Security Program (CSP).

“If you want to apply for CSP, now is the time to contact NRCS,” said NRCS Team Leader Gary Briggs. “For the program, applicants need to complete a self-assessment and gather their records, which can take a little time. We are advising interested producers to call the Eugene or Tangent NRCS office now so we can help them get their information together before the sign up closes.”

The current sign up is open in the McKenzie Watershed, which includes portions of northeast Lane County and southeast Linn County. Those who own or operate working lands – including cropland, vineyards, orchards, rangeland, and pastureland – are encouraged to apply for CSP.

“Many small acreage landowners may be eligible for CSP payments,” Briggs said. “We encourage anyone who is already applying conservation practices on their land – whether they have a large scale agricultural operation or a small farm – to apply.”

Oregon NRCS State Conservationist describes CSP as a stewardship program. “CSP rewards landowners for their stewardship and provides financial incentives to move to an even higher level of natural resource conservation,” explained Bob Graham,

“The more conservation that you have applied or are willing to add, the bigger the CSP payment,” said Graham.

To apply for CSP, potential participants must complete a CSP self-assessment workbook – available online at www.or.nrcs.usda.gov - to find out if their operation meets program requirements. Next, the producer will schedule a meeting with NRCS personnel to go over any additional documentation. NRCS will then determine if eligibility requirements are met and provide enrollment options.

For more information, contact:

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

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. 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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