State Technical Committee Meeting Scheduled
 

The State Technical Committee will meet Wednesday May 29th, at the USDA State Office conference room, located at 800 West Evergreen Avenue, Palmer. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and adjourn at noon. Agenda items include a presentation on the NRCS National Water Quality Initiative, a progress report on the Sunshine Day Dream Gardens Conservation Innovation Grant and a review of the NRCS – Alaska Plant Materials joint projects. State Technical Committee meetings are open to the public. Landowners are encouraged to attend.

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$157,000 Set Aside for Conservation in Anchorage Bowl and Cottonwood Creek
 

Landowners and Tenants Encouraged to Apply

Interested landowners can select conservation projects such as nutrient management, cover crops, filter strips, and livestock waste management to address excess nitrogen, phosphorous, sediment or pathogens. Hobby farmers, gardeners, and owners of small animals or horses all can gain from this initiative.

News Release
Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet w/ Maps

USDA StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity
 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture will launch its “StrikeForce” initiative in 10 additional areas, including Southeast Alaska. The primary goal of the StrikeForce initiative is to increase partnership with rural communities and leverage community resources in targeted, persistent poverty stricken communities. Vilsack noted that through the StrikeForce initiative, USDA will partner with local and state governments and community organizations on projects to promote economic development and job creation.

StrikeForce does not bring additional funds to these areas.  Rather, USDA will use existing funding to carry out activities, like outreach.
 

News Release
USDA StrikeForce Website

High Tunnels
 

High tunnels, also known as hoophouses, can help extend the growing season. They provide protection to plants early and late in the season. By expanding the availability of healthy, locally grown food, high tunnels benefit both producers and consumers.

Crops in high tunnels are grown in the natural soil profile or in raised beds. NRCS can provide financial assistance to fund up to 2,178 square feet of high tunnel, which is five percent of an acre.

National Initiative
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Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
 

Signed into law by President Obama in February 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and address long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century.

More Information
USDA NRCS Recovery Website
www.recovery.gov

NRCS Alaska on GovDelivery
 

Get the information you need. Sign up for GovDelivery from NRCS and receive emails on topics of your choice. Topics to select from include: Commercial Agriculture, Small Scale Agriculture/Home Gardening (including high tunnels), Wildlife and Habitat Conservation, Farm Bill Programs (EQIP and WHIP), Erosion and Flooding Assistance, Snow Survey, Soil Survey, and News.
 

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