CONSERVATION FUNDING AVAILABLE TO PRIVATE LANDOWNERS

Cost-Share Funds Help Alaskans Address Natural Resource Concerns

Palmer, July 20, 2007 – State Conservationist Bob Jones today announced that Sept. 1, 2007, is the application cut-off date to apply for financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in fiscal year 2008.

NRCS’ financial and technical assistance programs help Alaska landowners address natural resource concerns, promote environmental quality, and protect valuable wetland ecosystems and wildlife habitat on property they own or control.

With 2007 financial assistance from NRCS, Alaskans will replace culverts that impede salmon passage, erect fencing that keeps livestock out of sensitive wetland areas, and construct ATV trails that prevent soil from eroding into waterways. Other projects receiving NRCS financial assistance have improved forestland health, irrigated a commercial strawberry operation, and enhanced wetland areas for migratory waterfowl.

While the exact amount of funds available is yet to be determined, Jones says he estimates to make available nearly $6.5 million – about the same as last year.

The cost-share funds are available to Alaskans through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), two programs administered by NRCS.  

WHIP helps landowners create, restore and enhance wildlife habitat on their land.  EQIP assists landowners in improving soil, air and water quality and other related resource conditions on working lands.  Working lands are those that are managed to produce food and/or fiber from eligible animal and plant sources. 

Additional information on these conservation programs, including eligibility requirements, is available at http://www.ak.nrcs.usda.gov/programs. 

Landowners who want specific information regarding program participation or who want to apply for cost share programs should contact their local NRCS Field Office. NRCS has field offices in Anchorage, Bethel, Copper Center, Delta Junction, Dillingham, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Kenai, Kodiak, Nome, Palmer and Wasilla. Contact information for the 13 field offices in Alaska is available at www.ak.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/fieldoffices.html, or by calling 907-761-7760.

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