EQIP Statewide Program Implementation - FY 2008

The FY 2008 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in Oklahoma closely follows the model process that was employed during the last program year. Distribution of the fund allocation has been made to the following areas of emphasis:

Equity Base Allocation

Equal distribution to Oklahoma’s 88 Conservation Districts to address priority natural resource issues identified through the locally-led conservation process. These priorities are in each county level program description.

Locally-led State Priorities

Utilizing the natural resource priorities identified through the locally led process, the Oklahoma State Technical Committee prioritized the following natural resource concerns, as being significant to the State of Oklahoma. Additional allocation to Districts that have identified the following as priority resource concerns.

• Management of Eastern Redcedar on Rangeland
• Surface Water Concerns from Nutrients and Organic Contaminants
• Classic Gully Erosion on Grazingland
• Sheet and Rill Erosion on Cropland
• Streambank Erosion
• Irrigation Water Management

Animal Waste Management for Animal Feeding Operations

Statewide AFO/CAFO Resource Concerns - An allocation has been set-aside to fund animal waste management applications statewide. These funds will be available only to existing and expanding beef, dairy, or swine confined feeding operations. A lower priority will be given to operations that are planning expansion beyond current levels or capacity, and all applications for new facilities and poultry operations are ineligible for evaluation under the Statewide AFO/CAFO Resource Concern Criteria. This now allows AFO/CAFO operations to apply for EQIP financial assistance for the storage, treatment, and utilization of animal waste.

Statewide Irrigation Water Conservation

The State Technical Committee recommended offering ground and surface water conservation funding statewide to provide irrigators an opportunity for cost-share assistance to increase system efficiency and provide for water savings.

Statewide Manure Transfer Resource Concerns

Potential environmental concerns relative to the management of animal wastes in Oklahoma‘s Nutrient Limited Waters (NLW) and Scenic River watersheds continues to be a high priority for the State Technical Committee. As a result, new Statewide Manure Transfer Resource Concerns have been developed to address the two primary objectives: (1) Create an incentive to distribute animal manure to areas of the state that have historically not used animal manure as a fertilizer; and (2) Promotion of a long-term market for animal manure as a fertilizer around the state.

Lagoon Closure Set-aside

This set-aside is to be used to assist in the closure of waste treatment lagoons and waste storage ponds where confined animal production operations were discontinued voluntarily, involuntarily, or by termination of an industry contract. The Lagoon Closure Concerns provides funding for closure of waste impoundments (treatment lagoons, waste storage ponds, under barn storage pits, and other associated waste facilities) in an environmentally safe manner, that are no longer used for their intended purpose.

Local Emphasis Areas

With the passage of the 2002 Farm Bill, the requirement for priority areas was eliminated. However, local NRCS personnel have requested, and the State Technical Committee recognizes, that a focus should be maintained on prioritizing treatment when the locally-led process indicates a specific geographic area where a special natural resource conservation emphasis is needed. These special emphasis areas are called Local Emphasis Areas (LEAs), and approximately 15% of the state allocation will be obligated for funding LEAs. Local Emphasis Areas are listed under the counties where they are located.

American Indian and Underserved Community Outreach

American Indian Tribes (10) and communities that have not historically participated in USDA conservation programs (5), identified through NRCS assistance with the Tribes or through the locally-led process across the state, were provided an allocation to address their natural resource issues and concerns. Ten percent of the Oklahoma's allocation will be directed at these natural resource issues and concerns.

Eligibility

Producers engaged in livestock or crop production on eligible land may apply for the program. Eligible land includes cropland; rangeland; pastureland; private non-industrial forestland; and other farm or ranch lands, as determined by the Secretary.

How To Apply

Applications are accepted throughout the year and are ranked and selected during designated periods. For additional information and assistance, contact your local NRCS Field Service Center.

Contacts

Last Reviewed/Modified: 12/13/2007

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