USDA Announces Second Sign-up For The Conservation Security Program

Contact: Jasper Parker, 405-742-1243

Stillwater, Oklahoma March 18, 2005—The United States Department of Agriculture has announced the second sign-up for the Conservation Security Program (CSP) to begin March 28, 2005 through May 27, 2005, according to State Conservationist M. Darrel Dominick, for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oklahoma.

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.

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 County Conservation District offices." Obtain on-line CSP Self-Assessment Workbook.

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.

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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