Two Alaska Watersheds Eligible for 06 CSP Program

This year two Alaska watersheds are among the 110 eligible for the 2006 Conservation Security Program (CSP). The watersheds are the Upper Kenai Peninsula Watershed and the Anchorage Watershed. The sign-up period will take place early in fiscal year 2006.

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner made the 2006 CSP announcement last week by during the Farm Bill Forum in Anchorage. "This voluntary program recognizes farmers and ranchers for their ongoing stewardship activities on working agricultural lands," said Conner.

"Natural resource conservation efforts by America's producers benefit everyone through healthier soil, cleaner air and water and improved fish and wildlife habitat. CSP successfully demonstrates a cooperative public-private conservation partnership."

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service held the first CSP sign-up in 2004. Today's announcement brings the number of watersheds enrolled to 330 across the nation, covering 250 million acres that have been eligible for the program.

The 2006 CSP will include a renewable energy component. Eligible producers will receive compensation for converting to renewable energy fuels such as bio-diesel and ethanol, for recycling 100 percent of on-farm lubricants, and for implementing energy production, including wind, solar, geothermal and methane production.