Meetings Set For 2005 Conservation Security Program

Contact: Jasper Parker, 405-742-1243

Stillwater, Oklahoma March 18, 2005—The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is holding informational meetings to explain the newest soil and water conservation program to area landowners. Sign-up for the Conservation Security Program (CSP) begin March 28, 2005 through May 27, 2005.

“The Conservation Security Program effects many farmers who have been applying conservation practices, and who might like to do more work if needed,” said State Conservationist M. Darrel Dominick. "Landowners can attend any of the information meetings to learn if they qualify for the new USDA program."

The Conservation Security Program is a stewardship program providing 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.

The tiered payments are: Tier 1-soil and water concerns addressed on part of the farm operation; Tier 2- soil and water concerns addressed on the entire agriculture operation may qualify for a 5 to 10 year contract; and Tier 3, those landowners who have all their natural resource concerns addressed on the entire agriculture operation may qualify for a 5 to 10 year contract with the highest stewardship payments.

To be eligible for the CSP sign-up, the majority of a producer’s agricultural operation must reside within selected watersheds. The watersheds are: the Lower Cimarron-Skeleton Watershed, the Lower Neosho Watershed, the Little River Watershed, and the Lower Salt Fork of the Arkansas Watershed.

CSP will continue to be offered each year, on a rotational basis, in as many watersheds as funding allows. See additional information on CSP in Oklahoma; or information including the Federal Register notices, public comments and frequently asked questions, is at  the national NRCS website. Locate your local NRCS Field Service Center.

All programs and services of the Natural Resources Conservation Service are provided in a nondiscriminatory manner.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s Target Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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