Time running out for CSP sign-up

 

Last updated 2/24/2015 at 2:39pm



Time is running out for farmers and ranchers that want to participate in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) this year. February 27 is the deadline for the 2015 round. Producers should visit the local NRCS office before that date to initiate the application process.

The CSP rewards farmers, ranchers, and foresters for maintaining existing conservation practices and for adopting additional practices on cropland, grassland, non-industrial private forestland and tribal lands. The program pays producers for fostering clean water, better soil management, improved habitat, and other natural resource benefits.

As part of the CSP application process, applicants work with NRCS field personnel to complete a resource inventory of their land to determine the conservation performance for existing and new conservation activities. The applicant’s conservation performance will be used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments. Contracts are awarded to those offering the highest level of environmental benefits, with NRCS working down through the list of eligible applicants until acreage allocated to the particular state runs out.

In addition, producers who received a CSP contract in 2011 have the opportunity to renew their contract for another five-year period. Renewal applications must be received by March 31, 2015 to ensure a seamless transition into their next contract without a lapse in payments. Renewal contracts do not compete with new applicants.

Potential applicants can call the Center for Rural Affairs Farm Bill helpline at 402-687-2100 or email Traci Bruckner at tracib@cfra.org for assistance from staff with knowledge of program rules.

EDC reviews 2014 efforts, finalizes its plans for 2015

The Board of Directors for the Lincoln County Economic Development Council (EDC) recently met to review the work that was their focus during 2014 and to finalize plans for 2015. Some of the projects reviewed from 2014 included:

• Completion of a countywide planning project that produced a report on use and availability of broadband in Lincoln County. (www.LincolnEDC.org/BusinessResources/Broadband)

• Contracting with Lincoln County to act as the Visitor & Convention Bureau for a third consecutive year.

• Providing professional training opportunities for businesses and organizations on Marketing Your Business through Social Media, Building and Maintaining WordPress Websites, and Strengthening Board Leadership Skills.

• Receiving funding from the Dept. of Commerce Community Economic Revitalization Board that will be used to evaluate sites for a permanent facility for Edwall tech company intelliPaper.

• Working with the Bureau of Reclamation in regard to the opportunities and barriers surrounding a large staffing increase at the Grand Coulee Power Office.

• Participating on the Lincoln County Shoreline Management Plan committee to assure that the resulting plan supports the goals and objectives of Lincoln County’s Economic Development Strategy.

• Addressing youth outmigration by partnering with Odessa’s FBLA students to offer a “Local Careers” Fair to 300 students from seven regional schools and joining forces with Harrington and Wilbur business instructors to hold business plan challenges at each school.

Moving forward, the EDC board will continue to build on the county’s strategic plan for economic development. Time will also be spent addressing day care and housing issues in communities where they are hindering the ability of businesses to recruit and retain employees. The EDC and WSU Extension will also be co-hosting a second Pathways to Prosperity Conference in Odessa on April 17. The focus is on encouraging new business start-ups and growing existing businesses. Save the date and watch for details in the coming weeks.

 

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