February 14, 2008
SUBJECT: MGT – NRCS Field Priorities
File Code: 330-0
TO:
All NRCS Employees
We
now find ourselves into the second quarter of fiscal year 2008 and we are
awaiting the arrival of a new Farm Bill.
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 2008 budget allocation. 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, and EQIP-GSWC
expires March 15. 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 February through March 15, 2008
1.
Obligate WHIP, WRP, EQIP, and EQIP-GSWC funds into 2008 contracts within
established timeframes.
2.
Continue to service FY 2008 Continuous CRP and CREP applications and
contracts.
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.
When
we stay focused, we 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
March 15.
Thank
you all for your hard work and dedication to helping people help the land in
/s/ Roger A. Kult {Acting For}
JANE
E. HARDISTY
State
Conservationist
cc: Kenneth Culp, State Director, FSA,
Gail Peas, Conservation Program
Specialist, FSA,
Nola Gentry, Chair, State Soil Conservation Board,
Tammy Lawson, Director, Division of Soil
Conservation, ISDA,
Jerod Chew, Asst Director, Division
of Soil Conservation, ISDA,
Jennifer Boyle, Executive Director,
IASWCD,
Jim Droege, President, IASWCD,