Conservation Security Program (CSP)

TWO Indiana Watersheds SELECTED FOR 2004 CSP SIGN-UP

INDIANAPOLIS, May 19, 2004— The St. Joseph and Auglaize watersheds in northeast Indiana have been selected as two of the nation’s 18 priority watersheds that will be used in the fiscal year 2004 Conservation Security Program (CSP) sign-up to be held this summer, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced today.

“The selection of the St. Joseph and Auglaize watersheds in this first sign-up represents a balance of resource needs, historic stewardship, potential producer eligibility, and the technology and adequate staff needed to successfully implement the program,” said NRCS State Conservationist Jane Hardisty.  “Nationally, the selected watersheds reflect a cross-section of land uses, crop regions and landscapes that will test the basic concepts in NRCS’ newest conservation program,” said Hardisty.

In order to implement CSP this fiscal year, the Natural Resources Conservation Service will begin to train employees within the priority watersheds immediately on the basics of the program; detailed training will occur once the interim final rule is published in early summer.

“A sign-up announcement will be published along with the interim final rule that will detail the specific program requirements within the priority watersheds,” Hardisty said.

Nationally, the fiscal year 2004 CSP budget of $41.4 million will allow NRCS to write 3,000 to 5,000 contracts. The contracts will be determined in a national selection process that will be described in the sign-up notice.

According to Hardisty, all CSP applications that meet the sign-up criteria will be placed in an enrollment category and considered regardless of available funding.

“Agricultural producers in the St. Joseph and Auglaize watersheds have been protecting our soil and water resources for years,” Hardisty continued. “Now they will be rewarded for that stewardship, and will become the models for future CSP participants. It’s a bright new day for conservation and I’m delighted we’re a part of this exciting first sign-up.”

CSP is a voluntary program that supports ongoing conservation stewardship of agricultural working lands and enhances the condition of America’s natural resources.  Additional information on CSP, including the Federal Register notices, public comments and frequently asked questions, is at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp. 

NEWS:

USDA Announces Interim Final Rule for the Conservation Security Program