Signatures on the Land

NRCS programs and services help landowners protect key resources

This year the Natural Resources Conservation Service turned 75 years old. Established in 1935, at the height of the dust bowl, employees of the (then) Soil Erosion Service began helping people help the land through locally based, voluntary conservation assistance. Not surprisingly, Washington’s farmers, ranchers and tribes have been there from the beginning and were among our nation’s first working lands conservationists.

They probably didn’t know it at the time, but those pioneers were sowing the seeds of America’s legacy of conservation. Today, that legacy continues through the work and dedication of NRCS’ customers, tribes, employees and conservation partners.

President Franklin Roosevelt said “The nation that destroys its soil, destroys itself.” I believe that. And I know many of our customers believe that, as well, because they make their livelihoods from the soil’s immense bounty. They understand better than anyone the potential—and fragility—of this remarkable resource.

Through the years, the men and women of the NRCS have been asked to administer new programs, and our customers and tribes have been offered the opportunity to participate in them. Through these programs and services we’ve been able to help protect the soil and other natural resources upon which our customers depend for their businesses, culture, way of life—and upon which our nation depends for its continued vitality.

As populations increase, production is becoming more critical—as is the parallel endeavor of conserving and protecting our natural resources. Signatures on the Land provides an at-a-glance look at just some of those conservation achievements here in Washington.

As you read the highlights, you’ll see it was a record year for conservation. The numbers are impressive. Yet, we understand that behind every conservation plan and contract there’s a farmer, a family, a business, a community and a nation.

We’re delighted to be a part of those local communities—as we help people help the land. And we’re proud, along with our customers, tribes and partners, to do our part in continuing America’s great legacy of conservation.

—Roylene Rides at the Door, State Conservationist

2010 Conservation Accomplishments at a Glance

Irrigation efficiency improved: 52,000 acres
Watershed conservation plans: 62
Cropland/grazing land conservation plans: 380,000 acres
Soil survey acres mapped: 288,000
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans: 22 written, 19 applied
Wetlands created, protected or restored: 1,300 acres
Grazing land and forest land protected through conservation: 208,000 acres
Cropland conservation applied to improve soil quality: 188,000 acres
Plant materials technical documents prepared/transferred to customers: 20
Cultural resources undertakings reviewed: 2,405
Omak Recovery Act funds to improve fish passage: $668,000
Water supply forecasts issued: 339

2008 Farm Bill Programs

While NRCS’ technical assistance provided the resources for sound conservation planning, a portfolio of voluntary conservation programs authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill provided financial and technical assistance funding to farmers and ranchers to implement needed conservation measures. Following is a brief overview of some of those programs.
 

Conservation Programs at a Glance

Environmental Quality Incentives Program  (EQIP)
Through EQIP farmers may receive financial and technical help with structural and management conservation practices on agricultural land.
New contracts: 463
Acres: 163,000
Financial assistance: $15.8 million (includes Sage Grouse Initiative)

EQIP Sage Grouse Initiative
Contracts: 74
Acres: 19,500
Financial assistance: $2.5 million

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program  (WHIP)
WHIP provides financial incentives to develop habitat for fish and wildlife on private lands.
New contracts: 42
Acres: 104,000
Financial assistance: $615,000 initial; $1.1 million final

Grasslands Reserve Program  (GRP)
Easements: 1
Acres: 305
Financial assistance: $570,000 initial; $1.1 million final

Conservation Stewardship Program  (CSP)
Applications: 118
Acres Allocated: 193,000 initial; 263,000 final
Financial assistance: $13 million initial; $17.6 million final

Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program  (FRPP)
This program provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farm and ranchland in agricultural uses. Working through existing programs, USDA partners with state, Tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations to acquire conservation easements or other interests in land from landowners.
Parcels: 15
Acres: 3,355
Funding: $2.8 million initial; $6.2 million final

Agricultural Water Enhancement Program
Agreements: 4
Landowner contracts: 14
Acres: 3,389
Funding: $0 initial; $1.8 million final

Conservation Innovation Grants Program  (CIG)
This program is intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production.
Number awarded: 4
Funding: $158,000

Wetlands Reserve Program  (WRP)
WRP offers landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property.  Through this program, NRCS provides technical and financial support to help landowners with their wetland restoration efforts.
Easements: 2
Agreements: 2
Acres: 204
Funding: $250,000

Conservation Security Program
Active contracts: 245
Acres: 351,000
Funding: $5.1 million

Floodplain Easement Program
Easements: 4
Acres: 273
Funding: $1.2 million


 

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