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California NRCS News

California Media Liaisons:

Anita Brown, Public Affairs Director, Davis, CA, (530) 792-5644
Dave Sanden, Public Affairs Specialist, Red Bluff, CA, (530) 527-2667, ex. 107
Jeff Raifsnider, Public Affairs Specialist, Salinas, CA, (831) 754-1595, ex. 105

Where to Get Information About NRCS in California


Farmers Embrace Successful Air Quality Program

DAVIS, Calif., November 12, 2009–Results are in from the first year of a new air quality program for farmers: 2,523 applications were submitted for the program to clear Central Valley skies by offering incentives to retire old inefficient engines and adopt cultural practices to improve air quality. Preliminary calculations suggest that the effect these farmers will make will be an emissions reduction equivalent to removing 153,000 vehicles from California highways.

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Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Bets On Western Venue To Link Ranchers And Conservationists

DAVIS, Calif., October 28, 2009–Ranchers and conservationists share an interest in managing grazing lands for optimum ecologic health. They, and others interested in the environmental and economic implications of range management are invited to a national conference of the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative being held in Reno, Nevada, December 13-16, 2009.

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Upcoming NRCS Meeting To Give 2009 Conservation Results And Seek Input On 2010 Priorities For California

DAVIS, Calif., October 26, 2009–USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California will host a State Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) meeting on Nov. 9, 2009, to discuss 2010 priorities for Farm Bill conservation programs in California. The meeting will be held at the Stanislaus County Ag Center, 3800 Cornucopia Way, in Modesto, beginning at 10 a.m.

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New Conservation Program Gets Strong California Response

DAVIS, Calif., October 21, 2009–USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in California received a strong response to the new Conservation Stewardship Program, a 2008 Farm Bill program, made available for the first time in September 2009. The program compensates producers for high levels of stewardship and encourages them to undertake additional conservation practices and management.

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Construction Complete On Phase 1 Of Stimulus-Funded Flood Control Project

DAVIS, Calif., October 16, 2009–Flood control work has been completed on the first stretch of the stimulus-funded Lower Silver Creek project that runs from Lake Cunningham into downtown San Jose. Construction on the project began the day after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, and numerous local officials participated in a groundbreaking ceremony on August 27, 2009.

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New Conservation Easement Protects Farmland In Dixon-Davis Greenbelt

DAVIS, Calif., September 28, 2009–Solano Land Trust has purchased a conservation easement on prime farmland within the Dixon-Davis greenbelt with $4.4 million of city, state and federal funds. The purchase of the 488-acre Miles/Kidwell conservation easement caps a 5-year effort to protect a segment of the Dixon Ridge, a high quality agricultural region along the I-80 corridor, from future development.

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Eight California Groups Receive Funds For Conservation Innovation

DAVIS, Calif., August 10, 2009–A new program is available to California agricultural and forestry producers offering financial incentives to adopt additional conservation activities on their land. The Conservation Stewardship Program is a voluntary program that encourages producers to maintain existing conservation activities and add new ones.

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New Program Encourages California Producers To Be Conservation Stewards

DAVIS, Calif., August 10, 2009–A new program is available to California agricultural and forestry producers offering financial incentives to adopt additional conservation activities on their land. The Conservation Stewardship Program is a voluntary program that encourages producers to maintain existing conservation activities and add new ones.

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California Receives $18 Million for Agricultural Water Enhancement Projects

FRESNO, Calif., July 30, 2009–Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Dave White announced today that 15 organizations in California will receive funding from a new program under the 2008 Farm Bill that will help improve water quality and quantity.  The funding is being made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's new Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). 

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10 Projects Selected For Funding Through Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative

DAVIS, Calif., July 7, 2009–Ten California projects, sponsored by eight partnering organizations, have been selected for funding through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative, a new program established in the 2008 Farm Bill and administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

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Timeline Extended For Conservation Aid To Organic And Transitional Growers

FRESNO, Calif., May 29, 2009–Organic farmers and those transitioning to organic production will have extra time to apply for conservation assistance available from USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. The new timeline requires these producers to apply by June 26th for assistance in fiscal year 2009 through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

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Workshops Scheduled To Help Farmers Apply For Cost-share Funds From Air Quality Emission Reduction Program

FRESNO, Calif., May 19, 2009–A series of workshops will be held during the next few weeks to update farmers and ranchers about a new cost-share program to help reduce air quality emissions from off-road mobile or stationary agricultural sources. Fifteen workshops are scheduled in various agricultural production areas throughout the state, beginning on May 27 in Fresno and concluding on June 16 in Stockton.

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New Initiative Offers $3 Million For Organic, Transitional Growers

DAVIS, Calif., May 12, 2009–California agricultural producers who are certified organic or transitioning to organic production, may qualify for technical and financial assistance through a new initiative administered by USDA-NRCS. Three million dollars in funding will be available to eligible producers in California as part of the agency’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Deadline for applications is May 29.

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$5 Million Added To Air Quality Boost For California Agriculture

FRESNO, Calif., May 6, 2009–Dave White, Chief of the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, enriched California’s air quality resources by $5 million during his first visit to California as head of the national conservation agency. Applications are being taken until June 26, 2009.

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$10.9 Million To Help Agriculture Reduce Air Quality Emissions

DAVIS, Calif., April 30, 2009–Farmers and ranchers interested in reducing air quality emissions from off-road mobile or stationary agricultural sources are invited to apply between April 30 and June 26, 2009, for funds made available under a new air quality provision of the 2008 federal Farm Bill.

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Expanded Drought Assistance Program Now Open To Farmers/Ranchers In More Counties

DAVIS, Calif., April 30, 2009–USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist, Ed Burton, is expanding a previously announced drought assistance program to $3 million. Four additional counties have been added to the program and all eligible counties will now have until May 22, 2009 to apply. The four new counties include: Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Solano and Ventura.

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USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force To Meet In Fresno

FRESNO, Calif., April 30, 2009–California is hosting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 25-member Agricultural Air Quality Task Force in Fresno on May 6-7, 2009 at the Radisson Hotel at 2233 Ventura Street. The meeting is open to the public.

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California NRCS State Conservationist Announces Availability Of Funds Through The Conservation Innovation Grant Program

DAVIS, Calif., April 20, 2009–State Conservationist Lincoln E. Burton of the Natural Resources Conservation Service announced the availability of $375,000 to be awarded through the Conservation Innovative Grant program in California. The deadline for applying for the statewide grant competition is Friday, May 22, 2009.

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California 2009 Farm And Ranch Lands Protection Program Signup Announced

DAVIS, Calif., April 15, 2009–Applicants for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, may apply for the program for the 2009 fiscal year between now and June 15, 2009. Ranking and selection of parcels will take place immediately thereafter and funds will be obligated by July 15, 2009.

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Special 30-Day Window For Drought Assistance Offered To Farmers And Ranchers

DAVIS, Calif., April 7, 2009–Farmers and ranchers in designated counties with extreme or severe drought conditions may apply for assistance from USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service in California until May 8, 2009. Due to the extraordinary conditions NRCS will pay a higher-than-normal 75 percent cost share rate.

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New Conservation Partnership Opportunity Announced

DAVIS, Calif., March 30, 2009—USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting proposals for a unique new conservation partnership program, established in the 2008 Farm Bill. The Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative allows interested partners to propose projects that can draw from multiple conservation programs to forward conservation goals.

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Farmers In Drought Areas Advised To Leave Unplanted Fields In A "Roughed Up" State

FRESNO, Calif., March 27, 2009—Farmers in drought-stricken areas of California opting not to plant crops this year are being advised to leave their fields in "roughed up" condition to prevent soil loss due to wind erosion. Large portions of the state are currently classified by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska as experiencing severe or extreme drought. The potential for soil loss due to wind erosion in these areas could be as great as 250 tons per acre a year. Loss of irrigation water could result in vast acreages of farmland being taken out of production, resulting in many acres of bare soil.

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Flood-Prone Lands Eligible for Easements and Restoration Through National Stimulus Funding

DAVIS, Calif., March 12, 2009—Landowners of areas previously damaged in floods may apply for floodplain easements through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. Some $145 million will be available nationally with California’s share of the funds dependent on the number and quality of applications received. The voluntary easement-and-restoration projects will restore an estimated 60,000 acres of frequently flooded land across the nation and create jobs in survey work, real estate, engineering, construction, and the sale and installation of native trees and plants. The sign-up period has been extended to April 10, 2009.

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USDA Hosts Advisory Meeting On Farm Bill Conservation Priorities For California

DAVIS, Calif., February 18, 2009—USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service in California will host a State Technical Advisory Committee meeting on March 4, 2009, to continue a public dialogue on priorities and procedures appropriate for implementing conservation programs in the Golden State in 2009. The meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the California Farm Bureau conference room, 2300 River Plaza Drive, Sacramento.

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California Receives $10.9 Million To Improve Air Quality

DAVIS, Calif., January 15, 2009—California will receive $10,943,940 or about a third of the money newly made available through the federal 2008 Farm Bill to help farmers and ranchers with conservation practices to improve air quality.

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Snow Survey School To Teach Sampling – And Survival

FRESNO, Calif., December 29, 2008—Scientists, engineers, and technicians employed in the water resources arena will convene at Granlibakken Conference Center, Tahoe City, Calif., for training in snow sampling, avalanche recognition, outdoor survival, and emergency care. The class takes place the week of January 11-16, 2009. It includes an overnight snow bivouac on Wednesday, January 14, when each of the participants will be required to build a snow cave and spend the night in it.

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Applications For Habitat And Native Plant Enhancement Accepted Now

DAVIS, Calif., November 28, 2008—Those interested in establishing or improving wildlife habitat on farm or ranchland are invited to apply for help through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The new sign up period for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program begins immediately running through Friday, January 23, 2009.

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USDA-NRCS Conservation Office Of The Future On Display This Week In Riverside

RIVERSIDE, Calif., November 19, 2008—For more than 70 years, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service has delivered conservation assistance to farmers, ranchers and other landowners. Now, they are taking "conservation delivery" to a whole new level using kiosks in business locations and mobile field offices that can drive the full range of technical services right up to a customer’s farm or ranch.

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USDA-NRCS Environmental Cost Share Sign Up Extended To December 5 In California

DAVIS, Calif., October 22, 2008—Conservation cost share applications for the popular Environmental Quality Incentives Program are being accepted for funding consideration in fiscal year 2009 now through December 5, 2008, at USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offices throughout California. This is an extended date from the previously announced deadline that helps ensure a fair and equitable opportunity for customers to apply for conservation cost share assistance.

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California’s Sierra Nevada Resource Conservation And Development Councils Celebrate Collaborative Successes And Opportunities

DAVIS, Calif., September 25, 2008—Today the RC&Ds in the Sierra Nevada celebrated their recent collaborations with the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, totaling $272,252 in community assistance projects. The projects capitalize on the unique natural resource strengths of small rural communities in the Sierra Nevada and seek to translate these into sustainable economic opportunities as well.

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New Farm Bill Conservation Roll Out Begins In California With Environmental Cost Share Sign Up

DAVIS, Calif., August 7, 2008—Conservation cost share applications for the popular Environmental Quality Incentives Program are being accepted for funding consideration in fiscal year 2009 from now through November 2, 2008, at USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offices throughout California. The program, providing financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers for natural resource improvements, received a record $53,959,920 in funding in California for 2008.

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Presentación del Nuevo Proyecto de Ley de Agricultura Comienza en California con la Inscripción del Programa Ambiental de Costos Compartidos. La inscripción prosigue un nivel récord de $54 millones en contratos de conservación en California en el 2008.

DAVIS, Calif., 7 de agosto del 2008—  Las solicitudes para financiamiento bajo el programa de conservación de costos compartidos del muy popular Programa de Incentivos de Calidad del Ambiente (EQIP) ya se están aceptando para el año fiscal del 2009 desde ahora hasta el 2 de noviembre del 2008 en las oficinas del Servicio de Conservación de Recursos Naturales (Natural Resources Conservation Service - NRCS)  a través del estado de California. El programa, que ofrece asistencia técnica y financiera para agricultores y ganaderos para mejoramientos a los recursos naturales, recibió un nivel récord de fondos de $53,959,920 en California en el 2008.

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California Receives $3.6 Million To Aid Fire-Damaged Communities

DAVIS, Calif., July 31, 2008—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California will receive an initial allotment of $3.6 million in Emergency Watershed Protection funds. NRCS will use the money to move forward in helping communities that have suffered from wildfires during the past year to make needed natural resource repairs to watersheds.

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Conservation Provisions Of New Farm Bill And 2009 Priorities For California Are Topics Of Upcoming Meeting

DAVIS, Calif., July 23, 2008—The 2008 Farm Bill (Food Conservation and Energy Act of 2008) became law on May 22, and included a strong conservation component that translates into millions of dollars in technical and financial assistance for California farmers, ranchers, forest managers and organizations to protect natural resources on private lands.

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First USDA-NRCS Wetland Reserve Program Project In San Diego County Progresses

FALLBROOK, Calif., July 11, 2008—It's not common that homeowner’s associations work side-by-side with a Federal agency. But in the case of the Lakeridge Estates Homeowners Association, located in Fallbrook in San Diego County, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, that is exactly what is happening. Using the Wetland Reserve Program, over 7.5 acres of wetland will be restored on private property that will benefit migratory wildlife. The project began in Fall 2007 and will be complete in Fall 2010.

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California Soil To Be Included In New Natural History Exhibition At The Smithsonian Institution

DAVIS, Calif., July 11, 2008—The California State soil, the San Joaquin Series, will be among those included in a historic new exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The exhibition, entitled “Dig It! The Secrets of Soil,” opens July 19, and will remain on display in the Nation’s Capital through Jan. 3, 2010. Thereafter, it will travel to 10 museums nationwide until 2013.

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Ranchers, Conservation Communities Celebrate Dam Removal Project On Shasta River

MONTAGUE, Calif., May 30, 2008—The Shasta Valley Resource Conservation District, along with local landowners and other conservation partners from private, state, local and federal agencies today celebrated the completion of the removal of Araujo Dam, a small water diversion structure on the Shasta River.

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USDA Extends Sign-Up For 2008 Conservation Security Program

SALINAS, Calif., May 8, 2008—U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service today announced that producers in the Salinas Watershed will have two additional weeks to apply for the Conservation Security Program. The sign-up now ends on May 30, 2008.

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Final Round Of Stewardship Program Meetings Scheduled For Ag Producers In Salinas Watershed

SALINAS, Calif., May 1, 2008—The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service will hold its final round of workshops for producers interested in the Conservation Security Program on May 7 and 8. Agricultural producers in California’s Salinas Watershed are eligible to apply.

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Ranchers & Environmentalists Host Spring Tours In Bay Area

DAVIS, Calif., April 23, 2008—The California Rangeland Conservation Coalition, together with the UC Cooperative Extension Service and the East Bay Regional Park District, are hosting a unique opportunity for the public to visit private area ranchlands, serving key roles in regional open space and habitat efforts.

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Ag Producers In Salinas Watershed Offered Rare Opportunity In Stewardship Program

DAVIS, Calif., April 7, 2008—Farmers and ranchers in the Salinas Watershed have a rare opportunity to participate in a Farm Bill program intended to reward those who practice exemplary stewardship. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service will hold three workshops to provide information on the Conservation Security Program for interested producers.

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USDA Awards $38.7 Million In California Conservation Contracts; $4.1 Million For Erosion And Water Quality Needs In San Diego

DAVIS, Calif., March 19, 2008—Lincoln E. Burton, State Conservationist for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announced that statewide distribution of conservation cost share contracts has been completed for fiscal year 2008. According to Burton, 1,078 farmers and ranchers are receiving contracts totaling nearly $39 million under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

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Conservation Contracts Total $4 Million For Farmers Recovering From Southern California Fires

ESCONDIDO, Calif., March 7, 2008—The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Mission Resource Conservation District celebrated the completion of conservation contracts with 150 farmers to repair cropland and protect natural resources throughout San Diego County damaged by last fall’s fires.

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Yolo Land & Cattle Company Wins National Environmental Stewardship Award

RENO, Nev., February 13, 2008—The California Cattlemen’s Association, California Rangeland Trust and Natural Resources Conservation Service are excited to announce that the Hank Stone Family from Yolo Land & Cattle Company, Winters, Calif., was announced as the 2008 Environmental Stewardship Award national winner.

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San Mateo County Land Preserved For Agriculture: Level Lea Farm Has Been Owned By The Same Family Since 1860

SACRAMENTO, Calif., January 17, 2008—Historic Level Lea Farm near Pescadero will remain farmland forever under an agreement involving the landowners, state and federal government, and a local land trust.

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Conservation Partnerships Protect Marin Farmland: MALT, NRCS and the State of California Preserve Two Historic Ranches

POINT REYES STATION, Calif., January 2, 2008—Two keystone Marin ranches—Tomales Farm & Dairy and the Poncia Ranch—will remain working farmland with the help of agricultural conservation easements acquired by Marin Agricultural Land Trust at the close of 2007.

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Two USDA Agencies Direct $6.6 Million To Assist Farmers In Wake Of Fires

RIVERSIDE, Calif., November 16, 2007—The Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency, two agencies within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are announcing that they will make available $6.6 million to help farmers and ranchers recovering from southern California fires in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties.

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San Diego Community To Receive Protection From Post-Fire Mudslides

DAVIS, Calif., November 15, 2007—The Del Dios Community, a small unincorporated area of San Diego will be the site of erosion control work done through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program in the aftermath of the recent southern California fires. It is the first site to be protected using EWP following the disaster. Work will begin immediately.

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Effort To Clear Valley Air Earns National Award

FRESNO, Calif., October 11, 2007—Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner announced today that John Beyer, state air quality coordinator with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Fresno, Calif., is the recipient of the prestigious Secretary’s 2007 Department of Agriculture Honor Award for protecting and enhancing the nation’s natural resources base and environment.

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California Environmental Quality Incentives Program Sign Up Now Underway

DAVIS, Calif., August 27, 2007—Conservation cost share applications for the popular Environmental Quality Incentives Program are being accepted now through November 2, 2007, at USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offices throughout California.

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La inscripción para el Programa de Incentivos de Calidad del Ambiente de California ya está en proceso

Davis, Calif., 11 de Septiembre de 2007 – Las solicitudes para el programa de conservación de costos compartidos del muy popular Programa de Incentivos de Calidad del Ambiente (Environmental Quality Incentives Program EQIP, por sus siglas en Inglés) ya se están aceptando desde ahora hasta el 2 de noviembre de 2007 en las oficinas del Servicio de Conservación de Recursos Naturales (Natural Resources Conservation Service – NRCS) en el estado de California.

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EQIP Funds Available For Grazing Lands Damaged By Fletcher Fire

DAVIS, Calif., August 15, 2007—In response to the Fletcher Fire and potential damage to the watershed, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service today announced a special grazing lands wildfire initiative to assist private landowners impacted by the blaze.

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California Ranch Family Honored With Regional Environmental Award

DAVIS, Calif., July 23, 2007—A Yolo County family has been chosen from among ranchers in seven states as regional winners for the Environmental Stewardship Award Program. Henry and Suzanne Stone, owners of Yolo Land and Cattle, along with their sons and their wives are being recognized for their numerous innovative ranching practices enabling environmental and economic sustainability.

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Angora Fire Erosion And Runoff Risks Assessed By NRCS

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., July 13, 2007—In response to the Angora Fire and the resulting impacts to the watershed, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has mobilized a team of land management specialists to assess erosion and runoff risks to private property and to propose emergency land treatment measures.

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USDA Official To Unveil Air Quality Initiative For San Joaquin Valley Farmers

FRESNO, Calif., July 10, 2007—USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, Mark Rey, will visit Fresno on Thursday to announce a new initiative to help San Joaquin Valley farmers adopt on-farm practices to improve air quality. The new Air Quality Initiative will assist producers in adopting technologies that lower smog-producing emissions.

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Angora Fire Rehabilitation And Recovery Effort Underway In South Lake Tahoe

DAVIS, Calif., July 3, 2007—Preliminary ground rehabilitation work is underway at the Angora Fire by teams from the U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Specialists from each agency are already combing the area to evaluate damage and prepare reports that will determine what future projects will restore the area and prevent additional wildfires or environmental degradation.

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California Soil Scientist Named National Park Service Liaison

DAVIS, Calif., July 3, 2007—Susan Southard, USDA Soil Scientist in Davis, California, has been selected for a newly created position as liaison for soil survey work on National Parks throughout the Nation. Southard's agency, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, has lead responsibility for conducting soil surveys nationwide.

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California Nets $2.9 Million In State And National Conservation Innovation Grant Projects

DAVIS, Calif., June 27, 2007—State Conservationist Lincoln E. Burton announced today awards of nearly $380,000 in Conservation Innovative Grants (CIG) to six California organizations. Burton also announced that five additional CIG grants have been awarded to California organizations through the national CIG program, bringing to $2.9 million the state- and nationally-funded projects with benefits to California.

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"Faces And Places Of Conservation" Welcomes Visitors

DAVIS, Calif., April 23, 2007—Earth Day is a great time for public participation in the many ways of caring for the planet. Inspired by that public participation, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is launching an online exhibit of the many people voluntarily participating in California conservation on private land.

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News Release (PDF; 857 KB)


California Receives $2.4 Million For Farmland Protection

DAVIS, Calif., April 3, 2007—"This program helps communities preserve farm and ranch lands, wildlife habitat and cultural resources," said State Conservationist Ed Burton of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. "This is an excellent way to keep prime farmland in agriculture and, at the same time, keep farming and ranching communities thriving by relieving development pressures."

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California NRCS Announces New Conservation Program Sign-Up

DAVIS, Calif., March 12, 2007—Those interested in establishing or improving wildlife habitat have a new window of opportunity to apply for help through the California Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The new sign up period for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) begins Monday, March 12 and ends at close of business on Friday, March 23.

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News Release (PDF; 437 KB)


Conservation Planning Service Opportunity Offered In Select California Counties

DAVIS, Calif., March 7, 2007—California is providing a prioritized opportunity for eligible private landowners in select counties to receive, without charge, professional natural resource conservation planning services. The sign up for this initiative runs from March 1 to June 1, 2007.

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News Release (PDF; 467 KB)


California NRCS State Conservationist Announces Availability Of Funds Through the Conservation Innovation Grant Program

DAVIS, Calif., February 7, 2007—State Conservationist Lincoln E. Burton of the Natural Resources Conservation Service announced the availability of $375,000 to be awarded through the Conservation Innovative Grant program in California. The deadline for applying for the statewide grant competition is Friday, April 20, 2007.

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News Release (PDF; 166 KB)


Tahoe Hosts Snow School To Teach Sampling—And Survival

DAVIS, Calif., January 3, 2007—Water predictions in the West begin with accurate snow sampling, which in turn requires a mix of science and survival savvy. Scientists, engineers and technicians from 12 Western states will convene in Tahoe City from January 7-12, for training in snow sampling, avalanche recognition, outdoor survival and emergency care.

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News Release (PDF; 193 KB)


Comprehensive Approach To Pest Management Encouraged By USDA Cost Share

DAVIS, Calif., November 28, 2006—USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in California is taking applications from farmers interested in a comprehensive approach to integrated pest management. Those who successfully compete for a contract can receive up to $125 per acre.

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Butte Area Soil Survey Report Now Available

RED BLUFF, Calif., November 16, 2006—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has published the Soil Survey of Butte Area, California, Parts of Butte and Plumas Counties and is making it easily accessible to the public online.

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Natural Resources And Rural Communities Focus Of Regional Conservation Meeting

FISH CAMP, Calif., October 31, 2006—The Pacific Rim Regional Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils will hold its annual meeting November 7-9, 2006, at Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp, Calif. The theme of this year’s conference is The New Gold Rush: Sustaining Natural Resources and Supporting Rural Communities for Future Generations.

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USDA-NRCS Receives Innovators Award For IPM Program

RED BLUFF, Calif., October 24, 2006—USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service offices in Oroville, Willows, and Yuba City will receive the State of California's Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Innovator Award for their pioneering role in developing and promoting methods for pest control that reduce the risks associated with using traditional chemical pesticides.

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California NRCS Announces Sign Ups For Conservation Cost Share Programs

DAVIS, Calif., October 13, 2006—Conservation cost share applications are being accepted now through December 1, 2006, at USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offices throughout California. Two cost share programs are available to assist those interested in making voluntary improvements to natural resources.

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Frazier Park Residents Urged To Prepare For Debris Flow

BAKERSFIELD, Calif., August 17, 2006—Landowners near Frazier Park, Calif., who are concerned about runoff damaging their property as a result of this summer’s Scott Fire on Tecuya Mountain should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service for free technical advice on how to address their resource issues.

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California High School Students Take 4th Place In 2006 Canon Envirothon

DAVIS, Calif., August 4, 2006—Students from El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills took fourth place at the annual environmental education competition on July 29, held at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. This was California’s best showing in its 14-year history in the competition.

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News Release (PDF; 244 KB)


California NRCS State Conservationist Announces Award Of Funds Through The Conservation Innovation Grant Program

DAVIS, Calif., August 3, 2006—State Conservationist Lincoln E. Burton announced today awards of nearly $371,000 in Conservation Innovative Grants (CIG) to six California organizations.

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News Release (PDF; 704 KB)


NRCS Announces Signup For Wetlands Reserve Program Reverse Auction

DAVIS, Calif., July 11, 2006—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today the availability of $10 million for a Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) reverse auction initiative to identify more effective and efficient methods of reducing the cost of WRP easement acquisition.

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News Release (PDF; 234 KB)


59 CSP Contracts To Be Offered In California

DAVIS, Calif., June 20, 2006—USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist Lincoln "Ed" Burton today announced that 59 agricultural producers in California will be offered contracts through the 2006 Conservation Security Program (CSP).

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Deadline Extended For EQIP Contract Holders Participating In Energy Initiative

DAVIS, Calif., June 9, 2006—California farmers with Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contracts signed between 1996 and 2004 have a little more time to take advantage of an energy initiative announced in March.

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USDA Awards $43.5 Million In California Conservation Contracts; $10.3 Million For Dairies

DAVIS, Calif., April 5, 2006—Lincoln E. Burton, State Conservationist for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in California today announced that statewide distribution of conservation cost share contracts has been completed.

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Conservation Planning Pilot Project Results Announced

DAVIS, Calif., April 3, 2006—In California, as many as 140 customers signed up for conservation planning assistance during the recent Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Conservation Planning Pilot Project, according to initial project results announced today by State Conservationist Lincoln E. Burton.

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California NRCS State Conservationist Announces Availability Of Funds Through The Conservation Innovation Grant Program

DAVIS, Calif., March 9, 2006—State Conservationist Lincoln E. Burton today announced the availability of $375,000 in funds to be competitively awarded through the Conservation Innovative Grant (CIG) program in California.

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USDA Announces New Grants For Controlling Invasive Species On Grazing Land

DAVIS, Calif., February 22, 2006—Got ideas for halting invasive species on rangeland? Applications for grants ($50,000 to $500,000) to manage or control the spread of invasive species (non native plants, animals and insects likely to cause harm) affecting grazing land are being accepted until April 3, 2006.

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Emergency Watershed Program Repairing 4 Storm-Damaged Sites in Northern California

DAVIS, Calif., February 10, 2006—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and partners are repairing storm-eroded stream banks supporting homes and businesses in the four northern California counties of Contra Costa, Napa, Sonoma and Yolo.

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USDA Announces Sign-up For Stewardship Program

DAVIS, Calif., February 1, 2006—USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist Lincoln "Ed" Burton today announced the 2006 Conservation Security Program (CSP) sign-up will be held Feb. 13, 2006 to March 31, 2006, in the Lower Feather Watershed.

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NRCS On Target To Finish Tree Removal Project

RIVERSIDE, Calif., January 25, 2006—The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Watershed Recovery Project Team is on target to obligate $120 million to remove dead, dying and diseased trees, and ladder fuels from private lands in San Bernardino, San Diego, and Riverside counties by the end of 2006.

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USDA - NRCS Encourages Continued Application To Confined Animal Operation Initiative

DAVIS, Calif., December 5, 2005—California State Conservationist Lincoln "Ed" Burton for the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced that livestock and dairy producers should continue to apply for the California Confined Animal Operation Initiative.

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$10 Million Initiative To Help California Dairy And Other Confined Animal Operators Protect Water Quality

DAVIS, Calif., November 10, 2005—California dairy producers and other confined animal operators are encouraged to apply now for assistance through a $10 million special initiative that will share the cost of structures and management practices producers may need to protect water quality on their farms. USDA's popular Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) will provide the resources for this effort.

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USDA Announces 2005 Conservation Security Program Contracts

DAVIS, Calif., July 27, 2005—Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner today announced that USDA will offer 12,700 Conservation Security Program (CSP) contracts across the nation. These 2005 contracts being offered translate into more than a $1 billion long-term commitment to conservation over the next 10 years.

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USDA Awards Conservation Partnership Grant For North State Restoration Initiative

DAVIS, Calif., May 16, 2005—Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns awarded a $72,652 grant under the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS), Conservation Partnership Initiative (CPI) program to a partnership made up of the Pit Resource Conservation District (PRCD), the Susanville Indian Rancheria and the Lassen County Fire Safe Council, Inc, the partnership’s Principals.

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NRCS Farm Bill Update

 

Last Modified: 11/12/2009