USDA Extends Sign-Up For 2008 Conservation Security Program

Contacts:
Monterey County, (831) 424-1036

San Luis Obispo County, (805) 434-0396

San Benito County, (831) 637-4360

SALINAS, Calif., May 8, 2008—U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced that producers in the Salinas Watershed will have two additional weeks to apply for the Conservation Security Program (CSP). The sign-up now ends on May 30, 2008. The Salinas Watershed is located in parts of Monterey, San Luis Obispo and San Benito counties.

CSP is a voluntary program. The program encourages and rewards producers who practice outstanding stewardship on working agricultural land by offering financial incentives that increase with the level of conservation effort. Soil and water quality are the primary focus of this program; however, program goals also include improved wildlife habitat, air quality, and environmentally responsible energy production. Program applicants will compete in a national funding pool.

NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster announced, "NRCS recognizes the inopportune timing of this year's sign-up and that farmers and ranchers are busy in their fields. We are extending the sign-up to allow producers adequate time to gather natural resource information and complete the required self-assessment and applicant interview."

For more information about CSP and eligibility requirements, visit the NRCS Web site at www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/2008 or contact the NRCS at your local USDA Service Center. In Monterey County, call (831) 424-1036. In San Luis Obispo County, call (805) 434-0396. In San Benito County, call (831) 637-4360.

USDA-NRCS began CSP in fiscal year 2004. Nationwide there are currently 331 enrolled watersheds covering nearly 248 million acres eligible for CSP. These numbers include the 51 watersheds in this fiscal year’s sign-up and their acreage, which were first announced in September 2006.

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