| The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced that the 2006
Conservation Security Program sign-up will be held from Feb. 13 to March 31, 2006
for the Little Kanawha Watershed.
For Roane County this includes the farms in the
Reedy Creek, Spring Creek, Henry Fork, and Lower West Fork watersheds." says
Sam Sheets, District Conservationist. "The Conservation Security Program
rewards farmers who are doing a good job of managing their natural resources and
also provides cost share for additional practices which may be needed to improve
the operation," said Sheets.
"When we had our informational meetings in December we thought the Lower
Greater Kanawha watershed (Pocatalico area of Roane County) would be included
this year but due to lack of funds it was dropped for this sign-up period. This may
be advantages to the Pocatalico farmers because it gives them more time to get there
soil test and farm records needed to sign up for this program."
"Farmers in the Little Kanawha watershed who are interested in receiving
payments for doing a good job of soil and water conservation need to sign up now!"
says Herb Andrick, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs. "This program is
not available every year! They need to sign up now even if only part of their
operation meets the criterion at this time."
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 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 "A" through "E" will be funded in alphabetical order until funds are
exhausted. The CSP amendment to the Interim Final Rule is available for viewing
at www.nrcs.usda.gov
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, and
electronically at www.nrcs.usda.gov
After completing the self-assessment
producers should schedule an appointment to discuss their application
with the NRCS local staff (927-1023) to determine if they meet specific CSP
eligibility requirements. | 
