Source:  Natural Resources Conservation Service, 12/8/10
 

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced January 14 2011 as the extended deadline to qualify for funding through 2011 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) in North Carolina. Landowners who wish to participate in this ranking and funding cycle should have their applications submitted to their local NRCS Field Office by close of business Friday the 14th.

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program administered by the NRCS. The program supports North Carolina farmers who have set compatible goals in both production agriculture and environmental quality. Through EQIP, farmers may receive financial and technical help to plan, design and install structural conservation practices, and to plan and implement management practices on eligible agricultural land.

The broad objectives of WHIP in North Carolina are to provide assistance to participants for the protection, restoration or enhancement of upland wildlife habitat, aquatic wildlife habits, threatened and endangered species, fisheries, and other types of habitat.

All applications that are received by January 14 will be ranked. The ranking system uses a combination of national, statewide and local criteria to help determine which applications are the most environmentally beneficial projects. Those projects that are ranked highest will be funded during this funding cycle. We encourage all those who wish to participate to continue to submit applications throughout the year in anticipation for future opportunities.

For more information about EQIP and WHIP, and eligibility, contact NRCS today, or visit us on the Web at www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov.

Delivering Farm Bill conservation programs and “Helping People Help the Land” through finical and technical assistance is part of a cooperative conservation effort between many groups including NRCS, North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the Resource Conservation and Development Councils.