Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Eric B. Banks, Salina, announced the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 funding for Kansas agriculture producers to renovate shelterbelts and restore forested riparian buffers under the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI).  Sign-up deadline to be considered for this FY 2013 funding is February 15, 2013.  Producers need to contact their local NRCS office to sign up.

“Through the CCPI, the Kansas Forest Service, in partnership with NRCS, can address two areas of critical forestry needs—renovating shelterbelts and restoring forested riparian buffers in Kansas,” said Banks.

“The CCPI fits nicely into the renovating and restoring efforts,” said Larry Biles, Kansas Forest Service State Forester.  “Many shelterbelts in Kansas and throughout the central Great Plains are old and are no longer providing the benefits that they used to.  This is also true of forests along rivers and streams.”

CCPI provides assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).  In Kansas, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers will receive a higher payment rate for conservation practices related to CCPI.

Additional information specific to CCPI projects, or to sign an application, stop by your USDA Service Center and visit with the NRCS staff.  The Web site offers information at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov/programs.  For more information about other natural resources conservation programs, please contact your local NRCS office or conservation district office.  The office is located at your local USDA Service Center (listed in the telephone book under United States Government or on the internet at offices.usda.gov).  More information is also available on the Kansas Web site at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.  Follow us on Twitter @NRCS_Kansas.  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.