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| Farm Bill Programs |
RENTAL, MANAGEMENT, AND GREEN PAYMENTS
RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT COST-SHARE TITLE XV TRADE AND TAX PROVISIONS TITLE XII CROP INSURANCE "SODSAVER" FARM BILL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS The following programs are important tools to protect, restore and enhance fish and wildlife. Sign-ups for the programs may be continuous or held annually. To determine when sign-ups are scheduled, contact the State Office of NRCS or FSA. Their websites and contact information can be obtained through either of their national websites www.nrcs.usda.gov (NRCS) or www.fsa.usda.gov (FSA). Eligibility requirements are listed for each program. However, each program has ranking criteria developed with advice from the State Technical Committees. Often ranking criteria can be found on-line at the State NRCS web site. The Conservation Reserve Program uses an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) to rank applications. Although landowners are the key decision-makers for all programs with long-term contracts and easements, there are opportunities for people leasing property to participate in programs when done with concurrence of the landowner. The 2008 Farm Bill set eligibility requirements for program participation based on the amount of income that a person or legal entity derives from different sources. A person or legal entity cannot receive benefits for commodity programs, such as direct payments and counter cyclical payments for Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE), if the adjusted gross income (AGI) of the person or legal entity from nonfarm sources exceeds $500,000. Also, a person or legal entity is not eligible for direct payments if the average adjusted gross income from farming, ranching, and forestry operations of the person or legal entity exceeds $750,000. However, the AGI is increased for conservation program participants. A person or legal entity is ineligible for conservation program benefits or payments if the AGI for nonfarm income exceeds $1,000,000, unless at least 66.66 percent of the AGI income of the person or legal entity is derived from farming, ranching, and forestry operations. The FSA Administrator or NRCS Chief may waive the AGI limit for program benefits on a case-by-case basis for the protection of environmentally sensitive land of special significance. These AGI determinations are made by NRCS and FSA in consultation with the person or legal entity. Therefore, participants should be referred to the agencies to sort out their eligibility before proceeding further with enrollment in conservation programs. TITLE II CONSERVATION PROVISIONS OF 2008 FARM BILL The following information is based upon information published on NRCS national Web sites Wetlands Reserve Program The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners and Tribes to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands and adjacent areas important to the ecological functions of these wetlands. This program has restored large tracts of wetlands including projects that exceed 10,000 acres in size. Over 2 million acres are currently enrolled in WRP. This program’s impact on wetland dependent wildlife is significant. The 2008 Farm Bill reauthorized WRP and established a new acreage cap of 3,014,200 acres by 2012. The 2008 Farm Bill provided additional guidance for the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP), a subset of WRP. The purpose of WREP is to target and leverage resources to address high priority wetlands protection, restoration, and enhancement objectives through agreements with state, nongovernmental organizations, and Indian Tribes. However, NRCS had been piloting this program for several years. In 2005, $500,000 was made available to focus on Bog Turtle habitat in the Eastern United States. The 2008 Farm Bill allows for a WREP pilot program to purchase easements that reserve the grazing rights to the private landowner. This allows landowners to retain managed grazing rights in exchange for reduced easement compensation. Funding for WREP agreements are announced where details on priority for funding, required level of partner matching funds, ranking criteria, level of available funding, and additional criteria will be listed. Landowners enrolled in WRP sell most of their use rights to USDA except for hunting, fishing, and quiet recreational use. In addition, they cannot place structures on the easement or otherwise impact wetland functions and values. Grazing and timber management, along with other uses, can be authorized by NRCS if it is deemed compatible with the easement’s wetland values. Maintenance is also eligible for cost-share assistance after the easement is restored. The Farm Bill limits the amount of WRP acreage in a county to not exceed 10 percent of the county’s total farmland acreage. A waiver can be obtained from USDA, but it is not readily granted. The program offers different enrollment options: 1. Permanent Easement is a conservation easement in perpetuity. NRCS pays 100 percent of the easement value and up to 100 percent of the restoration costs. 2. 30-Year Easementis an easement that expires after 30 years. NRCS pays up to 3. Restoration Cost-Share Agreementis an agreement to restore or enhance the wetland functions and values without placing an easement on the enrolled acres. NRCS pays up to 75 percent of the restoration costs only. These contracts are 10 years. 4. Tribal Contracts: Tribes can enter into 30-year contracts instead of easements. NRCS will pay up to 75 percent of the compensation and restoration costs. 5. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program: This aspect of the program emphasizes leveraging non-Farm Bill dollars and is subject to specific criteria when sign-ups are announced. If the easement or 30-year contract is valued at $500,000 or less, payments can be from 1 to 30 annual payments as requested by the program participant. Easements or 30-year contracts valued greater than $500,000 must have at least 5 and no more than 30 annual payments. In some circumstances, the Secretary of Agriculture can allow a waiver and make one lump sum payment. The total amount of payments a person or legal entity may receive for one or more restoration cost-share agreements may not exceed $50,000 in any one year. Eligibility
Determining Easement Value The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 directed the Secretary of Agriculture to pay the lowest of:
How to Apply NRCS is responsible for the administration of the program as well as developing the restoration plan and its implementation. Applications can be obtained at the local NRCS Service Center. Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture and forest land that contributes to the economic viability of an agricultural operation or serves as a buffer to protect an agriculture operation from non-agricultural uses. This is accomplished through easements. Open agricultural landscapes provide wildlife benefits, therefore FRPP can be a tool in protecting habitat. Enrollment authority was set at an additional 1,220,000 acres through 2012. Under FRPP, NRCS enters into cooperative agreements with selected entities and provides funds for up to 50 percent of the fair market value of the easement. Eligibility
Determining Easement Value The value of the conservation easement is determined on the basis of an appraisal using an industry-approved method, selected by the eligible entity and approved by the USDA. FRPP can contribute no more than 50 percent of the agricultural fair market value (AFMV); the cooperating entity must contribute the balance of the cost. Cooperating entities may use a landowner donation as part of their contribution; however, a cooperating entity must pay a minimum of 25 percent of the purchase price (AFMV minus landowner donation). FRPP funds may not be used for expenditures such as appraisals, surveys, title insurance, legal fees, costs of easement monitoring, and other related administrative and transaction costs incurred by the entity. How to Apply To participate, an application is submitted to a participating state, tribal, or local government or a non-governmental organization. The NRCS State Conservationist awards funds to qualified entities to pursue the easement or contract. Healthy Forests Reserve Program The Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) is reauthorized under Title VIII (Forestry) of the Farm Bill, not the Conservation Title. The purpose is to restore and protect forest ecosystems to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species, candidate species, and state-listed and/or species of special concern. Additional consideration for enrollment can be given to eligible land that will improve plant and animal biodiversity and optimize carbon sequestration in the forest ecosystem. Safe Harbor provisions of the Endangered Species Act or Candidate Conservation Agreements are sought for participants enrolled in the HFRP who agree, for a specified period, to restore or improve their land for threatened or endangered species habitat. In exchange, they minimize the impacts of future regulatory restrictions on the use of that land. The program allows agreements, easements and contracts:
Payments may be made in a single payment or no more than 10 annual payments. Not more than 40 percent of program funding shall be used for cost-share agreements, and not more than 60 percent may be used for easements. The HFRP provides financial assistance in the form of easement payments and cost-share for specific conservation actions completed by the participant. The cost effectiveness of each agreement or easement and associated restoration plans must maximize the environmental benefits per dollar expended. Congress authorized $9.75 million per year through 2012. Eligibility
Determining Easement Value An NRCS approved appraisal process. How to Apply NRCS administers the program, so assistance can be obtained through local NRCS Service Centers. Grasslands Reserve Program The purpose of the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is to assist landowners and operators to protect grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving and restoring grassland resources on eligible private lands through rental contracts and easements. GRP emphasizes supporting grazing operations; maintaining and improving plant and animal biodiversity; and protecting grasslands and shrublands from the threat of conversion to uses other than grazing. As of 2008, there are 250 easements covering more than 115,000 acres in 38 states. The 2008 Farm Bill authorized an additional 1.2 million acres by 2012, thus allowing over a million more acres to enter the program. It also gives priority for enrollment to expiring acreage from the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), but limits it to 10 percent of the total acres enrolled in any year. An approved grazing management plan is required. A grazing management plan is a document used in implementing a grazing management system. A restoration agreement may also be developed. A restoration agreement is an agreement between the program participant and the USDA or eligible entity to carry out activities and conservation practices necessary to restore or improve the functions and values of the land. A restoration agreement will include a restoration plan which is the portion of the restoration agreement that includes the schedule and conservation practices and activities to restore the functions and values of grasslands and shrub lands. Payments under the GRP restoration agreements may be made to the participant of not more than 50 percent of the cost of carrying out the conservation practices. State, local or tribal governments and nongovernment organizations that have a charter describing commitment to conserving grasslands can enter into a cooperative agreement with NRCS to own, write, and enforce a grassland protection easement. They must also acquire the easements based on a minimum 50 percent cost-share with the government. GRP funds may not be used for appraisals, surveys, title insurance, legal fees, and other related administrative and transactions costs incurred by partner entity. Eligibility
Determining Easement Value Permanent easement compensation is equal to the fair market value, less the grazing value of the land encumbered by the easement. To determine this amount, the NRCS Chief shall pay the lowest of the fair market value, the amount corresponding to a geographical cap, or an offer made by the landowner. The non-easement contracts are paid an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the grazing value of the land. How to Apply The NRCS and FSA jointly administer this program. Assistance in applying can be obtained from the local USDA Service Center. RENTAL, MANGEMENT, AND GREEN PAYMENTS The rules for the 2008 Farm Bill Conservation Reserve Program have not been published. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program for agricultural landowners that was originally established by the 1985 Farm Bill primarily for retiring highly erodible lands from agricultural production and establishing permanent covers. The wildlife benefits quickly became apparent and subsequent Farm Bills modified the programs to promote specific fish and wildlife conservation objectives. There has been extensive research on the impacts of CRP, which has indicated dramatic positive effects on many species of wildlife, especially birds. The program is large and has a variety of CRP Conservation Practices and initiatives. These practices include wetland restoration, wildlife habitat, wildlife food plots, wildlife corridors, riparian buffers, wetland restoration, trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, native grasses, tree planting, high priority species, and farmable wetlands. Through CRP, participants receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving covers on eligible farmland. Annual rental payments are based on the agriculture rental value of the land. Cost-share assistance is available for up to 50 percent of the participant’s costs in establishing approved conservation practices. There are also incentive payments for specific practices. With the concurrence of the county government, CRP contracts are for 10 to 15 years. No more than 25 percent of a county’s farmland acreage can be in CRP and the Wetlands Reserve Program. Waivers can be granted especially for the continuous sign-up conservation practices. As of 2008, there were approximately 34.7 million acres enrolled in the program; but that is changing due to increasing agricultural commodity prices coupled with non-competitive rental payments. In addition, the 2008 Farm Bill authorized a lower cap of 32 million acres. CRP offers different types of payments and incentives:
Ranking CRP Offers Offers for CRP contracts are ranked according to the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI). FSA collects data for each of the EBI factors based on the relative environmental benefits for the land offered. Each eligible offer is ranked in comparison to all other offers and selections made from that ranking. The following EBI factors are used to assess the environmental benefits for the land offered:
There are two types of sign-up for CRP: CRP General Sign-up Participants can offer land for CRP general sign-up enrollment only during designated sign-up periods. Historically this has occurred on an annual basis, but that is not necessarily how it will be offered in the future depending upon if the 32 million acre cap has been reached. Applications during the general sign-up are competitive. The general sign-up is focused on whole fields and, depending upon ecological site conditions, may be grass and forbs or trees. The majority of acres in CRP are enrolled under this sign-up. CRP Continuous Sign-up Environmentally desirable land devoted to certain conservation practices may be enrolled at any time under CRP continuous sign-up. Certain eligibility requirements still apply, but offers are not subject to competitive bidding. There are a variety of programs and conservation practices offered under continuous signup. As discussed above, annual rental payments, restoration or enhancement payments, and maintenance payments are available. In some cases groups such as Quail Unlimited, the Southeast Quail Study Group, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Wild Turkey Federation may provide outreach, technical expertise, and other assistance to help facilitate the implementation of these practices. The following are the major CRP initiatives and practices that are having significant affect on fish and wildlife conservation: Wetland Restoration Initiative (Conservation Practice 23) This practice is designed to restore functions and values of wetlands ecosystems that have been devoted to agricultural use. The objective is to prevent degradation of the wetland area, increase sediment trapping efficiencies, improve water quality, prevent erosion and provide vital habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. It is a 500,000-acre initiative that enrolls acres within the 100-year flood plain. Wetland Restoration Non-floodplain Initiative (Conservation Practice 23a) This practice is designed to restore wetlands and playa lakes that are outside the 100-year floodplain, which provide vital habitat for many wildlife species, filter runoff, recharge groundwater supplies, and sequester carbon. Playas do not require a certified wetland determination to be enrolled. The goal is 250,000 acres. Duck Nesting Habitat Initiative (Conservation Practice 37) This practice was developed to restore wetlands and wetland complexes that are located outside the 100-year floodplain that will benefit duck nesting in states within the Prairie Pothole Region. The goal is 100,000 acres of wetlands and adjacent uplands that are critical habitat and nesting cover for ducks, Sandhill Cranes, and other wildlife. With full enrollment, it is estimated that this initiative will increase duck numbers by 60,000 birds annually as well as many other species. This prediction was made before biofuels competition for agriculture land limited the number of acres that will likely be enrolled. Bottomland Hardwood Initiative (Conservation Practice 31) This practice is used to restore floodplains primarily through the restoration of bottomland hardwoods. This 500,000 acre initiative is intended to provide wildlife habitat, improve air and water quality, and provide carbon sequestration benefits. Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds (Conservation Practice 33) This practice was designed to address decreasing numbers of Northern Bobwhite and other species that depend on similar habitat. The focus is establishing cover around field edges and eligible crops. Buffer plant species may include native warm-season grass, legumes, wildflowers, forbs, and limited shrub and tree plantings as specified in the participants approved conservation plan. The acreage cap was set at 250,000 acres in specific geographic areas in 35 states. Longleaf Pine (Conservation Practice 36) The longleaf pine ecosystem once covered as much as 90 million acres of the Southeast, but through land use change and forest type conversion it has been reduced to approximately three million acres. This practice pays for the establishment and management of longleaf pine and indigenous grass and forb cover. The practice targets the restoration of 250,000 acres across nine states. State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) proposals must originate from within FSA geographically defined areas targeting specific wildlife species. Proposals are usually developed by partnerships of wildlife experts in state and federal agencies, the public, nonprofit organizations, and others. These proposals are then reviewed by the State Technical Committee, and must be approved by qualified wildlife professionals and include wildlife monitoring and evaluation plans. Proposals meeting these criteria are then submitted to the FSA National Office for final review and approval. This Conservation Practice allows the wildlife community to design a program around targeted priority species in their region. Examples of projects approved for SAFE include:
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) This CRP program focuses on helping agricultural producers retire farmland to protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat, and safeguard ground and surface water. This program is conducted in partnership with producers, tribal, and state governments and in some cases private groups. It is being used to specifically address the loss of critical habitat for threatened and endangered species and salmon. CREP projects are usually focused on conservation practices such as filter strips and forested buffers that help protect streams, lakes, and rivers from sedimentation and agricultural runoff in addition to providing habitat. A CREP project begins with eligible partners identifying an agricultural issue of regional or national significance. In cooperation with FSA, they develop a project proposal to address the issue. These projects must originate from approved geographic priority areas established by FSA. Public Access Incentive USDA has targeted 7 million acres of CRP land for public access in the next five years in participating states where landowners voluntarily agree to open CRP lands to public hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and other recreational activities. The CRP Public Access Incentive allows partnerships with existing state public access programs to identify and mark tracts of land as publicly accessible and publish maps for hunters and recreation enthusiasts. The incentive is consistent with current state public access incentives and will enhance the ability of state fish and wildlife agencies to use hunting seasons as a wildlife management tool. The CRP Public Access Incentive will be limited to CRP participants in the 21 states that already have public access programs. These 21 states are: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming. The Public Access Incentive is available to participants, with new or existing CRP contracts, that voluntarily agree to open CRP land to public hunting, recreation, wildlife viewing and other recreational activities. CRP contracts are between 10 and 15 years. Eligibility To be eligible for CRP enrollment, a participant must have owned or operated the land for at least 12 months prior to close of the CRP sign-up period, unless:
To be eligible for placement in CRP, the offered land must be either:
In addition to the eligible land requirements, cropland must meet one of the following criteria:
How to Apply FSA administers CRP with technical support provided by NRCS, state forest agencies, or other Technical Service Providers. Applications are obtained at local FSA Field Offices. Conservation Stewardship Program The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) encourages producers to address resource concerns in a comprehensive manner by improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities and undertaking additional ones. Prior to the 2008 Farm Bill, this type of assistance was provided by the Conservation Security Program. The program is authorized to enroll 12,769,000 acres each fiscal year. The contracts will cover the entire agricultural operation and be for a period of five years. Compensation to an individual or legal entity can not exceed $200,000 for all contracts entered during any five-year period. Improving wildlife habitat is sometimes chosen as an identified resource concern that can be addressed by CSP. However, addressing other resource concerns often benefits wildlife habitat by maintaining cover and reducing pollutants into adjacent bodies of water. CSP payments reward producers for:
Eligibility
How to Apply NRCS is responsible for eligibility determination, developing the stewardship plan, and administering the program. Applications can be obtained through local Field Offices. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program This program has been referred to as “Open Fields.” Under this program, states and tribal governments can apply for grants to encourage owners and operators of privately-held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily make that land available for public access for wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting or fishing, under programs administered by state or tribal governments. The 2008 Farm bill authorized $50 million during Fiscal Year 2009 through Fiscal Year 2012. However, a grant will be reduced by 25 percent if opening dates for migratory bird hunting dates in that state are not consistent for residents and non-residents. RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT COST-SHARE Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) encourages participants to develop and improve high quality habitat that supports wildlife populations of national, state, tribal, and local significance through financial and technical assistance. Cost-share up to 75 percent can be provided for establishing conservation practices to develop fish and wildlife habitat. Historically underserved producers and Indian Tribes may receive the applicable payment rate and an additional rate that is not less than 25 percent above the applicable rate, provided that this increase does not exceed 90 percent of the estimated incurred costs associated with the conservation practice. Twenty-five percent of the funds can be used to enter into long-term agreements for lands that would address issues raised by state, regional, and national conservation initiatives. These long-term agreements can incorporate a higher rate of cost-share assistance, not to exceed 90 percent. Annual payments to a person or legal entity cannot exceed $50,000 per year. The 2008 Farm Bill authorized $85 million per year funding. WHIP agreements generally last from five to ten years. The national priorities established for WHIP:
NRCS in consultation with State Technical Committees establishes priorities that are guided by the national priorities listed above. In some cases, the NRCS State Conservationist can establish priority landscapes where WHIP dollars are focused to maximize benefits. Eligibility
How to Apply NRCS is responsible for financial and technical assistance. Applications can be obtained through local NRCS Field Offices. Environmental Quality Incentives Program The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats to soil, water, air, and related natural resources such as pollinators, at risk species (i.e., any listed plant or animal species as determined by the NRCS, with advice from the State Technical Committee, to need direct intervention to halt its population decline) and threats from invasive species. This also includes forest management, energy conservation, and practices related to organic production. The program provides cost-share to producers to promote agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals, optimize environmental benefits, and help farmers and ranchers meet state, tribal, and local environmental regulations. In addition, it can replace forgone income to further a conservation objective such as delayed grazing to promote establishment of nesting cover. This is one of the largest funded programs with a Congressional authorization of $7.325 billion through 2012. The overall payment limitation is $300,000 per person or legal entity over a six-year period. However, the Secretary of Agriculture may raise the limitation to $450,000 for projects of special environmental significance. Assistance to organic production operations will be based on producers agreeing to develop and carry out organic system plans. Payments for conservation practices related to organic production may not exceed $20,000 per year or $80,000 during any six-year period. Congress authorized funding for each fiscal year as follows: $1.2 billion for 2008; $1.337 billion for 2009; $1.45 billion for 2010; $1.588 billion for 2011; and $1.75 billion for 2012. This program provides payments up to 75 percent of estimated costs associated with planning, design, materials, equipment, installation, labor, management, maintenance or training, and up to 100 percent of estimated income forgone by a producer to implement particular conservation practices. An increased payment rate is available to historically underserved producers, including limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. These groups can also receive in advance up to 30 percent of the anticipated costs needed for purchasing materials or services to implement conservation practices. The 2008 Farm Bill gave NRCS discretion to accord great significance to a conservation practice that promotes residue management, nutrient management, air quality management, invasive species management, pollinator habitat, animal carcass management technology, or pest management.
Eligibility Applicant must:
Under certain situations, federal lands can be included in program cost-share. Specifically, this would include lands where the participant’s operations and private holdings would directly benefit from the activities occurring on public lands (e.g., improved forage and habitat on lands that are part of a producer’s grazing allotment). How to Apply NRCS is responsible for technical assistance and administration of the program. Applications can be obtained at the local NRCS Service Centers. GRANTS AND OTHER PROGRAMS Conservation Innovation Grants The purpose of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Program is to stimulate innovative conservation approaches and technologies, while leveraging investment in environmental enhancement and protection in conjunction with agricultural production including forest resources. Under this competitive grant program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds are awarded to tribal governments, non-governmental organizations, or individuals to achieve this objective. Through CIG, NRCS works with other public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and the adoption of promising approaches to address some of the Nation's most pressing natural resource concerns. The focus is on “developing and transferring” this technology. CIG benefits agricultural producers by providing more options for environmental enhancement and compliance with federal, state and local regulations. The program has two administrative levels of application. The national component of the CIG competition generally seeks projects that will benefit a large geographic area (e.g., watershed, region, multi-state, or nationwide). An Announcement of Program Funding is issued annually for the specific natural resource concerns eligible for these grants. State level competitions may also be offered, based upon priorities established by the state NRCS office, and have a national cap of $75,000. Selected applicants may receive grants of up to 50 percent of the total project cost, and must provide matching non-federal funds for at least 50 percent of the project cost, of which no more than one-half (25 percent of the total project cost) may come from in-kind contributions. Up to 10 percent of CIG funds each year may be set aside for applications from beginning, limited resource, or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, tribes, or community-based organizations comprised of or representing these entities. Matching funds for grants to any of these individuals or entities may consist of up to 75 percent in-kind contributions. Eligibility
How to Apply Apply for national CIG grants through the NRCS National Office. Those states offering CIG grants will announce their sign up period and objectives independently of the national announcement. Contact the NRCS state office for additional information. Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative The Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) provides for funds to be used for targeted conservation activities and areas. CCPI is implemented through multi-year agreements with eligible partners, not to exceed five years, with partners selected through a competitive application process. Eligible partners include state, local and tribal governments, producer associations and cooperatives, institutions of higher education, and nongovernmental organizations. The amount of funds available for CCPI is six percent of the funds from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). Under CCPI, agreements funds are provided to participating producers in accordance with applicable program rules (i.e., EQIP, CSP, and WHIP). Ninety percent of funds will be allocated to projects based on the discretion of NRCS State Conservationists. The remaining 10 percent of funds will support projects based on national competition. Overhead or administrative costs of partners may not be covered by funds provided through CCPI. The purpose of CCPI is to:
Priority is given to applications that:
How to Apply CCPI agreements are competitive and can be entered into with NRCS at either the state or national level. The Request for Proposals is announced periodically on the NRCS state or national web site. CONSERVATION COMPLIANCE Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation Compliance All of the Farm Bill programs are focused on financial incentives to reward decisions that further conservation in agricultural landscapes. The Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Compliance Provisions, known as Sodbuster and Swampbuster respectively, are different in that they stress disincentives to prevent adverse affects to soil and wetland resources. Specifically, the objectives of these provisions are to reduce soil loss due to wind and water erosion, protect the Nation’s long-term capability to produce food and fiber, reduce sedimentation and improve water quality, and assist in preserving the functions and values of the Nation’s wetlands. Swampbuster is a major factor in the protection of wetlands in agricultural landscapes. During the 1970’s, over 400,000 acres per year were lost due to agricultural conversions. However, Swampbuster is one of the main reasons this loss has declined dramatically over the past two decades. Coupled with WRP and other restoration programs, there have been net gains of wetlands in agricultural landscapes in recent years. FSA administers the HELC and WC provisions of the Farm Bill and makes all program related decisions. NRCS makes technical determinations as to whether highly erodible soils and wetlands are present on a participant’s property. They also provide technical assistance, using conservation plans and maps, to determine the location of these areas and the kinds of conservation practices needed to protect the soil or wetland resources. To retain certain USDA benefits and program eligibility, fields designated as highly erodible must be protected from excessive soil erosion when used to produce agricultural commodities. If wetlands are present, a participant must certify to FSA that they have not produced crops on converted wetlands after December 23, 1985, and did not convert a wetland to make agricultural production possible after November 28, 1990, to continue to receive USDA benefits. The USDA benefits lost if in non-compliance with Swampbuster and Sodbuster are significant and can adversely affect a producer’s ability to continue production. Non-compliance also prevents producers from participating in Farm Bill programs. Participants can have benefits returned once they are in compliance by implementing a conservation system that addresses erodible soils or restores the affected wetland. TITLE XV TRADE AND TAX PROVISIONS Deduction for Endangered Species Recovery Expenditures This provision allows expenditures, to implement site-specific management measures in Endangered Species Act Recovery Plans, to be deducted subject to the limitation that deduction may not exceed 25 percent of farmer's gross farm income for year. Tax Deductions for Conservation Easements Enhanced deduction allowed taxpayers to deduct up to 50 percent of their adjusted gross income (AGI) and farmers to deduct up to 100 percent of their AGI for contributions of conservation easements, with any excess deduction carried forward for up to 15 years. This provision expired at end of 2007, but the 2008 Farm Bill extended it through December 31, 2009. TITLE XII CROP INSURANCE: “SODSAVER” The conservation community lobbied Congress to change agricultural policy to prevent native prairies and grasslands from being broken out and put into agricultural production. This loss has increased in recent years because of commodity prices. In 2007, approximately 500,000 acres of native prairie was converted, resulting in the loss of important wildlife habitat, particularly for nesting grassland birds and waterfowl. However, the final policy enacted in Title XII (Crop Insurance) of the 2008 Farm Bill fell short of their expectations because it is restricted to the Prairie Pothole Region. This occurred primarily due to a lack of data documenting the loss of native prairie in states other than the Prairie Pothole Region National Priority Area. At the election of the governor of a state in the Prairie Pothole Region National Priority Area, the Farm Bill specifically allows native sod acreage that is tilled for the production of an annual crop to be ineligible for crop insurance and noninsured crop disaster assistance benefits during the first five crop years of planting. If enacted by the Governors, this is a significant disincentive for breaking out native grasslands.
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Mule Deer, Colorado. Photo by Gary Kramer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Behring Ranch WRP Project, California. Photo by Alan Forkey, NRCS
Through the Wetlands Reserve Program NRCS established $500,000 for partnership proposals that address Bog Turtle Habitat in the eastern U.S. The Bog Turtle is a threatened species that has a potential range from New York and Massachusetts south to Tennessee and Georgia. Population declines are due mainly to loss of habitat and encroachment of vegetation. This funding was established to create additional Bog Turtle habitat, which consists of wet meadows and other shallow sunny wetlands. Bog Turtle related proposals competed for funding only with other Bog Turtle proposals. /Photo by Dennis Herman, North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences
Well-established buffer and other wildlife habitat on Iowa farm fit with terraces, pond, conservation tillage, and other practices to form a conservation system. /Photo by Lynn Betts, NRCS
Through the Healthy Forests Reserve Program, NRCS in Maine completed contract agreements with landowners to manage almost 191,000 acres of working forest lands for the benefit of the Canada Lynx. /Photo by Erwin & Peggy Bauer, USFWS
Houses encroaching on grassland in Larimer County, Colorado. /Photo by Jeff Vanuga, NRCS
Ohio has developed and conducted vegetative cover assessments on all fields enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, as required through mid-contract management (MCM). The primary purpose of MCM is to enhance the practice cover to benefit wildlife, but at the same time, ensuring protection of soil and water resources. MCM is not a method in which to get practice covers back into compliance. It is, however, an opportunity to reestablish a diverse vegetative cover in monoculture grass CRP fields between the 4th and 7th year of the contract. /Top photo by Jeff Burris, Ohio DNR
Research has shown that diverse grassland stands that include a variety native forbs and wildflowers, with a minimum of 30 percent bare ground, improves brood rearing and nesting habitat. Each field was inspected by a team which included a representative from the county USDA office and a state agency wildlife biologist. A worksheet is completed that assesses the dominant vegetation, plant diversity and structure, and potential problems with the existing cover. Management options and recommendations are listed to help improve the wildlife cover. These recommendations are then discussed with the landowner and a list of management practices are provided. Based on the assessment, these may include light discing, prescribed burning, herbicide treatments, grazing, interseeding of forbs, or a combination of different practices. /Bottom photo by Luke Miller, Ohio DNR
Prairie potholes. /Photo by Wade Bourne
The Fish and Wildlife Service found that between 1992 and 2003, CRP in the Prairie Pothole Region contributed 25.7 million additional ducks. Other studies have shown significant increases in species of conservation concern such at Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink, Henslow’s Sparrow, and Sedge Wren. Researchers estimate that without CRP, populations could decline by 2 to 52 percent for 5 grassland bird species in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota and South Dakota. The estimated combined loss ranges from 0.9 to 1.8 million birds. This is especially important because two of the species, Grasshopper Sparrow and Dickcissel, were designated as species of continental importance by Partners in Flight. /Photo by Steve Maslowski, USFWS
In 2004, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) implemented the Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds (CP33) practice as part of the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The FSA allocated 250,000 CP33 acres to 35 states to be actively managed over a period of 10 years, and charged the Southeast Quail Study Group (SEQSG) with the development of a CP33 monitoring protocol with the goal of generating measures of population response for Northern Bobwhite and other priority bird species. The FSA adopted the monitoring protocol developed by the SEQSG and encouraged states with CP33 allocation to participate in coordinated monitoring.
The CP33 monitoring program affords a rare opportunity to evaluate populations of grassland avifauna at a large geographic scale, and has revealed that the addition of CP33 upland habitat buffers in an otherwise agricultural landscape provides important habitat and invokes a positive and rapid response by populations of Northern Bobwhite and several priority songbird species. Presuming increases in abundance represent net population increases rather than redistribution of existing populations from the surrounding landscape, CP33 may have the capacity to affect large-scale population changes in many declining species. The '06 National CP33 report can be downloaded here and the '07 CP33 report can be downloaded here. /Photo by Steve Maslowksi, USFWS
Longleaf pine plantings. /Photo by Reggie Thackston, Georgia DNR
Scott county, Missouri Conservation Stewardship project. /Photo by MO Dept. of Conservation
In New York, NRCS worked with partners to target early successional habitat as their priority for Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program funds. The focal species of the initiative were Bobolink, Henslow’s Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Upland Sandpiper, Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Blue-winged Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Whip-poor-will, Brown Thrasher, Willow Flycatcher, Ruffed Grouse, and American Woodcock. In 2007 alone, this program generated over 128 applications for over 3,300 acres. In-kind assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including equipment and seed, helped make this effort more practicable for landowners.
In Texas, the Lesser Prairie-chicken occurs only on private lands. Farm Bill programs offered between 50 – 75 percent cost-share to restore or enhance habitat for this species. For some landowners, however, this was just not enough to make it worth it for them to participate. Working together, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, June Leland Wildlife Foundation, Sibley Nature Center, and Playa Lakes Joint Venture paid landowners a $20 per acre incentive for enrolling in Farm Bill programs that benefit prairie-chickens such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. /Photo by Burr Williams
In Montana, EQIP funds through a special initiative have been used to help preserve the habitat of the fluvial Arctic Grayling, a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The Upper Big Hole River in southwestern Montana is the last native habitat for this fish species in the continental United States. Several years of drought have caused low flows in the river that threatened the species survival. The funds were used to compensate landowners to shorten their irrigation season and keep the river running at no less than 20 cubic feet per second throughout the summer despite continued drought and unfavorable snow-pack conditions. /Photo by Phil Coleman
The Hopi Three Canyon Ranches project involves three ranches totaling more than 350,000 acres owned and managed by the Hopi Tribe in central Arizona. These ranches contain leased lands, federally leased lands, and private lands. A limited number of water sources, which led to uneven grazing pressure on rangelands across the ranch and degradation of wildlife habitat were the main resource concerns. The project included funding from the State’s Landowner Relation Program ($40,000), EQIP ($210,000), and the Tribe ($170,000).
This project will provide new watering facilities and provide “wildlife friendly” interior fencing to incorporate a rotational grazing program on the ranch. The ranch will ensure that water will be in available in drinkers on a year-round basis for wildlife. The project will also remove invasive brush from 1,200 acres, which will provide valuable native grassland habitat, and will install fencing to implement a rotational grazing lease on 20,000 acres. Together these practices will reduce the impacts of cattle on the areas that currently have water, and spread the grazing pressure of the cattle to all available rangeland. The specific species to benefit are Pronghorn Antelope, Desert Mule Deer, Elk, and all grassland-dependant wildlife species. /Photo by Wade Zarlingo, Arizona GFD
A Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) funded “walking wetlands” on three privately owned farms in the Klamath Basin of northeastern California. The walking wetlands project allows farmers to leave cropland fallow with periodic flooding on a rotational basis. Crops are rotated through adjacent fields and later returned to the once-drenched sites after a period of one to four years. The wetlands provide critical habitat for a number of migratory birds and other wildlife species. Although the wetlands are not permanent in any one place, they do provide a net increase in the wetland acres available for wildlife and water quality benefits. The temporary wetlands also give cropland soils a chance to rest and replenish. The 'Walking Wetlands' publication can be dowloaded here.
Fields later returned to production show improved soil quality, greater crop yields, better control of weeds and pests, and reduced need for pesticides. In addition, certified organic crops are sometimes produced on these fields immediately after they are rotated out of the flooded stage. The National Wildlife Refuge has introduced walking wetlands on lands managed or leased by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. With the Conservation Innovation Grant, additional private landowners and other producers will also have the chance to try walking wetlands on their own land. Walking wetlands may prove to be a valuable conservation strategy that helps land managers improve the sustainability of working lands in the Klamath Basin. /Photo by Gary Wilson, NRCS
The NRCS announced its first CCPI Grants award. Read the following to learn more about this program in Montana. Montana CCPI grant
