"Indiana NRCS Accepting Applications for Two Targeted Projects" - via Natural Resources Conservation Service Indiana
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Indianapolis, IN, April 14, 2016 — Jane Hardisty, State Conservationist for Indiana’s USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today that NRCS is accepting producer applications for funding for two landscape conservation projects. NRCS is investing dollars in conservation practices through the Joint Chief’s Landscape Restoration Partnership – Hoosier Hills and Highlands Oak Community Restoration Project and the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Development Project.
“Both of these conservation projects are vital for conserving and protecting our natural resources here in Indiana,” said Hardisty. “They enhance the locally driven process to better address regionally important conservation goals that go beyond localities.”
Joint Chief’s Landscape Restoration Partnership – Hoosier Hills and Highlands Oak Community Restoration Project: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are working together to target conservation and restoration to improve the health and resiliency of forest ecosystems where public and private land meet. This project is designed to provide a financial incentive through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to forest land projects with a focus on oak community restoration. This project will be available on private forest land in 18 counties in southern Indiana including: Bartholomew, Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Lawrence, Orange, Washington, Brown, Crawford, Dubois, Greene, Martin, Morgan, Monroe, Owen, Perry, and Putnam. Applications must be received by June 17, 2016 to be considered for current funding.
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Development Project: The monarch butterfly has suffered from significant population declines over the past two decades. This project will allow NRCS to work with partners and clients to increase monarch habitat on private agriculture lands. This effort is focused on planting milkweed and other nectar-rich forbs and reducing pesticide use in proximity to monarch habitat through the EQIP program. All counties in Indiana are eligible for this project. Applications must be received by June 17, 2016 to be considered for current funding.
Through these two landscape projects, NRCS and its partners can effectively coordinate the delivery of assistance where it will have the most impact, accelerating the benefits of voluntary conservation programs, such as cleaner water and air, healthier soil and enhanced wildlife habitat. These projects will assist agricultural producers in improving the environment while maintaining a vibrant agricultural sector.
To learn more about the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Development Project, visit:http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/plantsanimals/pollinate/?cid=nrcseprd402207
To learn more about the Joint Chief’s Landscape Restoration Partnership – Hoosier Hills and Highlands Oak Community Restoration Project, visit:http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/newsroom/features/?cid=stelprdb1244394
For more information about NRCS and other technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or contact your District Conservationisthttp://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/in/contact/local/.
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CONTACTS:
Jane Hardisty, State Conservationist, 317.295.5801 (jane.hardisty@in.usda.gov)
Susan Meadows, Acting ASTC-Programs, 317.295.5892 (susan.meadows@in.usda.gov)
Kris Vance, Public Affairs Specialist, 317.295.5822 (kris.vance@in.usda.gov)
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