March 25, 2008

 

 

 

SUBJECT:  MGT – NRCS Field Priorities

File Code: 330-0

 

            TO:  All NRCS Employees

 

 

We now find ourselves about to enter into the third quarter of fiscal year 2008 and we are still awaiting the arrival of a new Farm Bill and final budget allocations.  As the Legislature continues to work on this important bill, we will continue to move forward as directed by our NRCS Headquarters.  This past week all states were notified of their revised 2008 budget allocation due to the extension of the current Farm Bill.  You will find listed below field priorities the Indiana NRCS Leadership Team has assembled to help us best utilize the allocation.

 

The current legal authority for NRCS to work on CRP, WHIP, WRP, GRP and EQIP-GSWC expires April 18th.  Therefore, we must direct the majority of our time and efforts to servicing these programs. All employees must be engaged in accomplishing these priority activities over the next month.  If you are under pressures to complete work other than listed in these priorities, please consult with your Area Conservationist or other appropriate Leadership Team member.    

 

Field Priorities for March 25 through April 16, 2008

 

1.                  Obligate WHIP, EQIP, WRP, and EQIP-GSWC funds into 08 contracts by April 16th.

2.                  Continue to service FY 2008 Continuous CRP and CREP applications and contracts.  Our existing Memorandum of Agreement with FSA has been extended to cover this Farm Bill extension period. 

3.                  Service active EQIP, CRP, WHIP, CSP and WRP contracts.

a)      Work to ensure all practices scheduled for 2008 are installed.  

4.                  Report progress in PRS and Points (RC&D).

5.                  Continue to accept applications for all programs.

6.                  Service funded GRP, CREP, LARE and 319 practices scheduled for FY 2008 installation.

7.                  Begin activities for completing 2008 FSA Compliance Status Reviews.

 

When we focus on our priorities it will better position our clients to take advantage of all the conservation opportunities that are available.  New guidance will be issued if action is taken by the Legislature before April 18th. 

 

Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to helping people help the land in Indiana.

 

 

 

 

JANE E. HARDISTY

State Conservationist

 

cc:        Kenneth Culp, State Director, FSA, Indianapolis, IN

            Gail Peas, Conservation Program Specialist, FSA, Indianapolis, IN

Nola Gentry, Chair, State Soil Conservation Board, Indianapolis, IN

Tammy Lawson, Director, Division of Soil Conservation, ISDA, Indianapolis, IN

            Jerod Chew, Asst Director, Division of Soil Conservation, ISDA, Indianapolis, IN

            Jennifer Boyle, Executive Director, IASWCD, Indianapolis, IN

            Jim Droege, President, IASWCD, Mount Vernon, IN