Oklahoma Signup for 2006 Conservation Security Program Announced

Contact: Jasper Parker, 405-742-1243

Stillwater, Oklahoma Feb. 1, 2006 — USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist M. Darrel Dominick today announced the 2006 Conservation Security Program (CSP) signup will be held Feb. 13, 2006 to March 31, 2006, in the Poteau River, Spring River, and Upper Beaver River Watersheds.

"NRCS is committed to providing a fair and equitable program that rewards Oklahoma’s leading conservationists," said Dominick. "This year, applicants can signup prior to most planting decisions. We see this as a way to encourage more conservation leaders to apply for the program."

To be eligible for CSP, most of a producer's agricultural operation must fall within the boundaries of the selected watershed. Applications that meet CSP's minimum requirements as set forth in the amendment to the Interim Final Rule published in the Federal Register March 25, 2005, will be placed in enrollment categories. Categories will be funded in alphabetical order until funds are exhausted.  The CSP amendment to the Interim Final Rule is available for viewing at the NRCS National Website.

Producers begin the application process by filling out a self-assessment to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for CSP. Self-assessment workbooks are available in hard copy at USDA Service Centers within the watersheds, or you may obtain an electronic version on-line CSP Self-Assessment Workbook. After completing the self-assessment producers should schedule an appointment to discuss their application with the local NRCS Field Service Center staff to determine if they meet specific CSP eligibility requirements.

USDA announced preliminary selection of the watersheds for fiscal year 2006 based on the President's budget request. Based on available funding, CSP will be offered in 60 watersheds across all 50 states, the Caribbean and Guam. The signup will only include those producers who do not have an existing CSP contract.

2006 marks the third CSP signup. The privately-owned land currently enrolled in CSP covers nearly 11 million acres in 220 eligible watersheds in all 50 states and the Caribbean Area.

CSP is a voluntary conservation program that supports ongoing stewardship of private agricultural lands by providing payments for maintaining and enhancing natural resources. Payments are made using three tiers of conservation contracts. CSP will be available any year on a rotational basis in as many watersheds as funding allows. See additional information on 2006 Conservation Security Program or contact 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, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (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 to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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