Lower Kanawha Watershed CSP Meetings Scheduled

MORGANTOWN WV, Nov. 21, 2005—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is sponsoring three informational meetings to explain the newest soil and water conservation program to area landowners and operators.

 “The Conservation Security Program rewards farmers in this watershed who have been implementing conservation practices and who might like to do more work if needed,” said Valerie Hannon, NRCS District Conservationist in Point Pleasant, WV.

The Conservation Security Program (CSP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes on Tribal and private working lands. Working lands include cropland, grassland, and improved pasture, as well as forested land that is an incidental part of an agriculture operation. The program provides equitable access to benefits to all producers, regardless of size of operation, crops produced, or geographic location.
 
"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 Lower Kanawha Watershed is one of 110 nationally selected watersheds to participate in this program. Producers in the Lower Kanawha Watershed may be eligible to participate in the program. The Watershed encompasses parts of Jackson, Kanawha, Mason, Putnam, and Roane Counties.
 
Three informational meetings have been scheduled in December to explain the program to area landowners and operators. The scheduled meetings are:

Please join us at the scheduled meeting to find out if you are eligible for the 2005 CSP.

Valerie Hannon, Roane District Conservationist, is leading the Lower Kanawha Watershed CSP program. She can be reached at 304-675-2020 ext 19. 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 is also available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/csp_index.html

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