The following federal assistance programs are designed to promote conservation activities, habitat protection or restoration on your land through grants, cost share, or technical assistance.

NRCS Announces Farm Bill Ranking Period
NRCS offers voluntary conservation program opportunities through the Farm Bill. Applications for the EQIP, CBWI, WHIP, and AMA programs are accepted at any time. The first ranking cut-off is October 29, 2010. Applications will be evaluated and ranked following this date based on funding.

USDA Announces Conservation Innovation Grants in Montana and 45 Other States
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the winning proposals for the 2010 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). CIG invests in innovative, on-the-ground conservation technologies and approaches, with the eventual goal of wide-scale adoption to address water quality and quantity, air quality, energy conservation, and environmental markets, among other natural resources issues.

California Receives $2.7 Million for Conservation Innovation Grants
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) California State Office received approximately $2.7 million to fund 11 projects through the National Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program.

USDA Announces Recipients of Conservation Innovation Grants in Arkansas
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the winning proposals for the 2010 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). Two Arkansas projects are receiving $388,865. Two other Arkansas projects are receiving funds shared with other states.

The Wilds receives USDA grant for demonstration project.
The Secretary of Agriculture’s recent announcement of Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) funding for 61 projects in 43 States included a $404,000 grant to the Wilds in Muskingum County.

State and Federal Government Join to Announce Conservation Program
Lt. Governor Becky Skillman today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted an expansion of Indiana’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), nearly quadrupling the number of acres eligible for conservation.

North Dakota NRCS proposes designating Major Land Resource Areas 53A and 53B for the Reserved Rights Pilot .
The Reserved Rights Pilot, allows landowners to enroll lands in the Wetland Reserve Program that meet basic program eligibility requirements. Producers retain grazing rights with an NRCS approved grazing system on the property during the 30 years easement period.

USDA Announces Effort to Improve Access to Private Land for Recreation
New Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Will Expand Recreation Opportunities Through State and Tribal Programs

Working Lands Initiative (WLI) includes a new program effective Jan. 1
The state hopes a new initiative to preserve farmland can "cluster farms together" and encourage farmers, businesses and local governments to invest in agriculture.

USDA, IRS partner to reduce farm fraud
The USDA is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service to reduce fraud in farm programs and streamline payment limits for family farmers.

USDA to launch high tunnel pilot study to increase availability of locally grown foods
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced a new pilot project under the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels - also known as hoop houses - to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way.

USDA to launch high tunnel pilot study to increase availability of locally grown foods
Funding available for producers to participate in 3-year project. USDA’s NRCS recently announced a new pilot project under the “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels – also known as hoop houses – to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way.

USDA Launches High Tunnel Pilot Study To Increase Availability of Locally Grown Foods
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced a new pilot project under the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels–also known as hoop houses–to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way.

USDA Works With South Dakota To Improve James River Water Quality
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds in signing an agreement that will improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, aid flood control and enhance wildlife habitat in the state’s James River Watershed.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces $1.7 Billion in Conservation Reserve Program Rental Payments
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA will distribute approximately $1.7 billion in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rental payments to participants across the country in fiscal year 2010.

NRCS ANNOUNCES STRONG INTEREST IN NEW CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (CSP)
Chief Dave White today announced that NRCS has received nearly 21,300 applications to participate in the new Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These applications cover more than 33 million acres, nationwide.