USDA Announces First Sign-Up For The Conservation Security Program

Contact: Jasper Parker, 405-742-1243

Stillwater, June 24, 2004—The United States Department of Agriculture has announced the first sign-up for the Conservation Security Program (CSP) to begin July 6 through July 30, 2004, according to NRCS State Conservationist Darrel Dominick.

To be eligible for the CSP sign-up, the majority of a producer’s agricultural operation must reside within the Lower Salt Fork of the Arkansas River Watershed. The watershed covers parts of Alfalfa, Garfield, Grant, Kay, and Noble counties in Oklahoma, and parts of Harper and Barber counties in Kansas. This watershed is one of 18 nationally selected watersheds to start the program.

Dominick stated, “In order to begin the application process, a producer must submit a completed CSP Self-Assessment Workbook, along with Form CCC-1200. Both are available at local NRCS Field Service Centers or Conservation District offices." Obtain on-line CSP Self-Assessment Workbook. Applicants must also document stewardships completed for 2002 and 2003.

The CSP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes on Tribal and private working lands. Working lands include cropland, grassland, prairie land, improved pasture, and range land, as well as forested land that is an incidental part of an agriculture operation. CSP provides payments to producers who maintain and enhance their natural resources. Depending on the amount of conservation now on the land, producers may be eligible for one of three tiered payments.

< Back to Archived News Releases