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NRCS Seeks Comments on Environmental Quality Incentives Program

MORGANTOWN WV, February 18, 2005–The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking comments from West Virginia landowners and organizations on the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). "The EQIP final rule requires NRCS to periodically review and update the priorities utilizing input from the public and affected stakeholders to ensure the program continues to address national resource needs," said Lillian Woods, West Virginia State Conservationist. “The NRCS will hold three public listening sessions in West Virginia to get feedback on updating the national Environmental Quality Incentives Program priorities”. We also invite comments on our other programs.

NRCS is looking for a wide array of public and stakeholder input from these sessions. Feedback from agricultural organizations, environmental groups, commodity organizations, agencies, individuals and others is encouraged. All comments received will be recorded and forwarded for national review and consideration in developing the 2006 EQIP and beyond. If a sign language interpreter or other special accommodations are necessary, contact Charlotte Wertz, State Administrative Officer, at (304) 284-7551. 

Listening Session Date Meeting Location
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
7 p.m.		 South Branch Inn
1500 US 220 North, Moorefield, WV
Thursday, March 3, 2005
7 p.m.		 Brier Inn
540 N Jefferson Street, Lewisburg, WV
Tuesday, March 8, 2005
7 p.m.		 Jackson County Fairgrounds
Route 62 (previously Route 33) Cottageville, WV

Comments can be compiled in written format and/or presented at the listening session. Public comments at the listening sessions will be limited to five minutes per speaker. In addition to the West Virginia listening sessions, the Federal Register and the NRCS national website, www.nrcs.usda.gov, can be used to submit written comments. The culmination of the State listening sessions will be a national public listening session scheduled for the spring of 2005.

The following questions will be used to guide comments on the EQIP national priority portion of the session:

  • What emerging natural resource issues are not addressed by the current national EQIP priorities?
  • What modifications, if any, are needed to the four existing National priorities (water quality, air quality, erosion, and wildlife habitat)? Do these existing priorities continue to reflect the critical national resource needs and concerns? Should more or less emphasis be placed on these priories?

    • For more information, please contact your local USDA Service Center, listed in the telephone book under U.S. Department of Agriculture, or your local conservation district. Information also is available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov/

    Name Position Address Phone Fax Email
    Carol Lagodich Public Affairs Specialist USDA-NRCS
    75 High St., Rm. 301 Morgantown, WV 26505    		 (304) 284-4826 (304) 284-4825 Carol.Lagodich@wv.usda.gov

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