APB agenda 041801 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PROTECTING YOUR LAND NOW Protecting the productivity and value of your land now is important. There are a variety of organizations and programs that can help you decide which alternative is best for protecting and enhancing your agricultural resource. Your local Agricultural Extension Agent or Soil and Water Conservation District staff can assist you in deciding how to best protect and manage activities on your farm. The following programs and organizations offer guidance and funding opportunities for implementing conservation and best management practices. Federal Programs Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): There are two types of CRP run by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA): the traditional CRP and continuous CRP. Depending on the type chosen, farmers enroll large or small acreage in the program for a specified contract period. Farmers cease production on the enrolled land and establish covers of grass, trees, or water to preserve soil, water, and wildlife. In return, farmers receive a rental fee, 50% cost share for conservation practices, and 25% of the cost . for restoring wetlands. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP): EQUIP, also administered by USDA,"focuses on conserving and enhancing the important soils, water, and other natural resources often harbored by farms. It provides incentive payments to farmers for up to three years for improved land management practices. EQUIP also provides cost sharing up to 75% for implementing conservation practices. Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP): Local Soil and Water Conservation District staff; MRCS, the Cooperative Extension, or FSA can assist landowners with WHIP. WHIP protects free - ranging wildlife habitat with a focus on field margins and riparian buffers. The amount of money available for each state is based on state WHIP plans and national, regional, and state habitat priorities. WHIP provides up to $10,000, or 75% of the average cost, per 5 -10 year contract to establish wildlife enhancing activities. Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP): WRP is administered through the USDA and NRCS. The program provides cost -share funding for the restoration of wetlands and riparian areas. The three enrollment options include permanent conservation easements with payment of 100% of agricultural value or established area cap and 100% of restoration costs paid by USDA; 30 year conservation easement with easement payment usually 75% of agricultural value or area cap and 75% of restoration costs paid by USDA; or restoration cost -share agreement with no incentive payment and 75% of restoration costs paid by USDA. - State Programs Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP): Along with USDA, the North Carolina Division of Soil and Water Resources runs this program aimed at protecting and restoring buffers along stream corridors on agricultural lands. The program is currently