USDA Selects Watersheds for 2006 Conservation Security Program

Three West Virginia Watersheds Selected

MORGANTOWN WV, August 30, 2005– The West Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces that three watersheds will be eligible for the 2006 Conservation Security Program (CSP). The watersheds and counties involved are:

"This voluntary program recognizes farmers for their ongoing stewardship activities on working agricultural lands," said West Virginia State Conservationist, Ronald L. Hilliard, "Natural resource conservation efforts by America's producers benefit everyone through healthier soil, cleaner air and water and improved fish and wildlife habitat. CSP successfully demonstrates a cooperative public-private conservation partnership."

The 2006 CSP includes a renewable energy component. Eligible producers may receive compensation for converting to renewable energy fuels such as bio-diesel and ethanol, for recycling 100 percent of on-farm lubricants, and for implementing energy production, including wind, solar, geothermal and methane production.

The program is offered each year on a rotational basis in as many watersheds as funding allows. Nationwide, 110 new watersheds were added to the program, bringing the number of watersheds enrolled to 330 across the nation, covering 250 million eligible acres. NRCS held the first CSP sign-up in 2004.

The sign-up period is expected to occur this fall. A map of the new watersheds and eligibility requirements are on the Web at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp. For additional information on CSP, contact your local USDA Service Center, listed in the telephone book under U.S. Department of Agriculture, or your local conservation district.

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