SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS
 

Two Oregon Projects to Receive Funding
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Todd Peplin, NRCS Program Manager: (541) 923-4358, Todd.Peplin@or.usda.gov 

Portland, July 13, 2009—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $18.4 million in Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to fund 55 projects in 34 states and the Caribbean Area. The purpose of the grants is to develop and refine cutting-edge technologies and approaches that will help farmers conserve and sustain natural resources on their operations.

The Baker County Grassbank is one of two Oregon-based CIG projects selected for funding nationally. The project, led by the Burnt River Soil and Water Conservation District, will direct $171,939 to establish a self-sustaining pilot grassbank that will not only protect natural resources and ecological functions, but also help the community maintain the local ranching economy and traditions.

In addition, the Xerces Society, a nonprofit working to advance invertebrate conservation, will direct $255,312 to develop specifications for creating needed pollinator habitat on working lands. The project is aimed at helping farmers, ranchers and others effectively increase pollinator activity on specific crops and in the region overall.

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers CIG, which is part of the Agency's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). As a sub-set of the EQIP, CIG strives to speed the transfer and use of technologies and methods that show promise in solving the nation’s top natural resource problems.

“We are excited about these two projects in Oregon. They will expand our knowledge and expertise in grass banks and improve habitat for the pollinators that are critical for agriculture and natural resources,” explains Ron Alvarado, NRCS State Conservationist for Oregon.

The CIG program is designed as a competitive grant option to stimulate creation and adoption of new conservation approaches and technologies that protect and enhance natural resources. The program targets innovative, on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. Grants go to state and local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations and individuals. NRCS provides technical oversight for each project. Grantees provide technical assistance required to successfully complete their projects.

In addition, CIG grantees are required to provide matching funds. With NRCS and grantee funds combined, the total value of the 2009 CIG projects is more than $36.8 million nationwide.
Approved projects address traditional natural resource issues such as water quantity and quality, grazing lands, soil and forest health, and air quality. The proposals also address emerging natural resource issues, including agricultural air emissions, energy conservation, and market-based approaches to conservation.

Additional information about CIG, including summaries of approved projects, is available at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig. A listing of all fiscal year 2009 CIG projects can be found at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov.
For more information about NRCS conservation programs available in Oregon, visit: http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov, or visit the nearest USDA Service Center in your area.


 

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