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California to Hold Conservation Security Program Listening Sessions

Contact: Helen Flach (530) 792-5602

DAVIS, Calif., Jan. 20, 2004 - The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will hold three public listening sessions in California to gain feedback on a proposed rule to implement the new Conservation Security Program (CSP). The meetings are hosted by the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and will be held in Indio, Sacramento, and Fresno, California.

Authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill, CSP is a voluntary conservation program that supports ongoing conservation stewardship of agricultural working lands and enhances the condition of Americašs natural resources. The program is designed to reward the best conservation stewards of the most environmentally sensitive areas in targeted watersheds.

"We are holding the listening session to give the public ample opportunity to voice their opinions about the new program," said Chuck Bell, NRCS State Conservationist for California. "Last year, we used the public's ideas and suggestions to develop the proposed rule and now we are asking for comments that will help guide us in developing the final regulations for program implementation."

Public comments at the listening session will be recorded. Those who wish to speak may sign up at the listening session. The date and times are as follows:

Thursday February 12th, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Indio Service Center 82-901 Bliss Avenue, Indio, CA 92201

Tuesday February 17th, 10:00 a.m. ­ 3:00 p.m.
Resource Agency Auditorium, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Thursday February 19th, 10:00 a.m. ­ 3:00 p.m.
University of California-Fresno Center, 550 E. Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93710

Written statements will be accepted at the listening session or may be submitted by mail, e-mail or fax to Conservation Security Program Comments, ATTN: David McKay, NRCS Conservation Operations Division, P.O. Box 2890, Washington DC 20013; e-mail david.mckay@usda.gov; fax 202-720-4265.

The CSP proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on January 2, 2004; comments are due by March 2, 2004. The proposed rule and additional information on the program can be found at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/cspforums.html.

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