NATIONAL PROGRAM REWARDING CONSERVATION COMES TO ALASKA

Farmers in Lower Kenai Eligible to Apply

Palmer, AK, Nov. 2, 2004—State Conservationist Shirley Gammon today announced that the Lower Kenai Peninsula Watershed was among 202 watersheds across the nation invited to participate in a new, innovative program designed to financially reward farmers for the long-term stewardship of water, air, soil and animal resources.

The Conservation Security Program (CSP), part of the 2002 Farm Bill administered by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), was introduced last summer in only 18 watersheds in the Lower 48. This announcement marks the first opportunity for farmers in every state to participate, and Alaskan farmers will be ranked against farmers nationwide in the conservation of the natural resources on their land.

CSP features an eight-year cycle, so each year about one-eighth of the Nation’s eligible farmers will be given the chance to apply. NRCS estimates there are 449 farms and ranches in Alaska that are potentially eligible for participation in CSP: 78 potentially eligible farms are located in the Lower Kenai Peninsula Watershed.

“CSP represents a whole new direction in conservation and agricultural policy and programs,” said Gammon. “These payments for demonstrable, long-term stewardship will reward those who undertook conservation on their own initiative and who care for the resources we all share.”

Farmers can enroll in one of three tiers in the program, depending on the extent of the conservation treatment in place on their farm or ranch. Payments will be based in part on this existing conservation treatment as well as their willingness to undertake additional environmental enhancements.

Gammon said that while protecting soil and water quality is the “price of admission,” farmers will also have options to improve wildlife habitat, participate in watershed-wide stewardship programs, and improve nutrient and pest management activities.

NRCS will offer local workshops in the Homer area to more fully explain the program to interested potential participants. Workshop dates and locations will be announced at a later date.

For more information on CSP and other NRCS programs see www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs.

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