EQIP funds available for conservation work

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. EQIP is delivered and administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

EQIP offers contracts with a minimum one-year term and a maximum term of ten years. These contracts provide incentive payments and cost-shares to implement conservation practices. Persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may participate in the EQIP program. EQIP activities are carried out according to an environmental quality incentives program plan of operations developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or practices to address the resource concerns. The practices are subject to NRCS technical standards adapted for local conditions.

2006 EQIP applications must be obligated under contract by March 15, 2006. According to Clay Horton, Tribal Resource Conservationist, for applications to be evaluated for 2006 funding, they must be received by December 15, 2005. Applications may be received at any County Farm Service Center or contacting the Tribal Resource Conservationist.

“A local emphasis area (LEA) was designated in 2005 that targeted trust lands within the Chickasaw Nation,” Horton said.

The 2005 program only addressed grazing lands but will be expanded in 2006 to include resource concerns in crop land as well.

The 2005 Chickasaw Nation LEA received over 20 applications that resulted in five contracts. The contracts totaled over $28,000 and ranged from as little as $315 to over $10,500 each. “Planned practices included chemical control of mesquite to gully shaping and grade stabilization structures”, Horton said.

For operations that are not on restricted lands, the program is available through the local NRCS office and will address resource concerns identified for the local area. You may contact Clay Horton, Tribal Resource Conservationist at (580) 332-8167 or your local office. You may also find information on the internet at ok.nrcs.usda.gov