anyone use the USDA NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program?

[thebugguy]

Howdy folks-

I was just wondering if anyone here has participated in the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). I'm having our district forester from the Kansas Forestry Service out to our place tomorrow to have a look and make timber stand improvement recommendations. If I understand correctly, the Feds will pay me a one time reimbursement of $55 per acre to make improvements on my forest.

I'm a little conflicted about this: I'm wary of all the paperwork involved, I'm not sure I'm going to agree with the forestry practices they will suggest/require, and I just don't like the thought of an outside interest (the Feds) having an opinion about what I should or shouldn't do with my property. On the other hand, getting money for doing something that I probably should do anyway seems attractive. And, it's the perfect incentive to produce sellable firewood from the thinned trees.

Anyone have any experience with this program? Any pluses or minuses I should be aware of?

Thanks,

thebugguy

[Ravenlost]

We participate in a USDA wetlands reclaimation program. They paid most of the cost for us to plant 33 acres in trees. We get paid a yearly stipend for 15 years and then we can do as we please with the trees. Their involvement has been minimal, as was the paperwork. They came to inspect the property to make sure it was properly prepared pre-planting (we had to bush hog it) and they came out after we planted to see that it had been planted properly. Haven't seen or heard from them since, except when they direct deposit money into our bank account.

I think the amount of involvement depends on your county office personnel. Ours are extremely laid back!

[Windy in Kansas]

I wasn't aware of the program you mentioned. I have been reading about carbon credits but not much available for much of Kansas. The deadline for applying for them is Friday.

When you learn more, please consider posting with info.

[Jenn]

Originally Posted by Ravenlost

We participate in a USDA wetlands reclaimation program.

Us too- dunno details except some restriction on grazing.

[thebugguy]

Windy (and others)-

First, here is a website with a bunch of UDSA/NRCS programs available in Kansas:

Kansas NRCS programs

A more general listing of programs (not just available in Kansas) is here .

I had the district forester out to my place yesterday, and we had a good long walk and talk. In the end, she suggested not applying for a federal USDA/NRCS program, but rather for a state-administered Timber Stand Improvement Project. The positives of this program are 1. much less red tape, 2. faster turnaround time, and 3. almost guaranteed funding. The drawback is that it is nearly out of funds (in fact, there is only money left because some people dropped out of the program) and may not be re-instated next year.

Very, very briefly, you sign a 2 year contract to perform "timber stand improvement practices" (mostly crown-release thinning, among other things) on a set number of acres (whatever you think you can get done in 2 years). You keep track of hours (and dollars spent) improving your acres, and then get re-imbursed up to $56.25 per acre. In the end you get paid for improving your forest while simultaneously generating a pile of firewood.

Let me know if you want to know more...

cheers,

thebugguy

[Ralph in N.E.Oh]

I have had 4 projects through "EQUIP". It took a long time to qualify. If you farm responsibly, you don't score too high. I got some water lines, fence, a feeding pad and a manure storage bunker. The monies are awarded and you must pay your "cost share". Some are paid 50% Farmer-50% EQUIP other projects are 25% Farmer and 75% EQUIP. The paperwork is not too bad once you get in the system. I see my USDA guys at least annully, but usually much more often. They usually stop to see progress and just to say Hello.

My farm is just on the outskirts of a small town and right next to a large creek that empties into the Grand River. I wanted to make sure that I farmed in an environmentally friendly manner. I do it for me and my family, but also for the other people with whom I share the planet. My farm has benefitted greatly from sound farming practices and good management. I could go on for many hours just about handling manure/compost, but I'll save you all for now. I think that some time during my farming life, I may be challenged for farming as the town grows around me. I want the USDA's blessing if only for this reason...the fact that they want to share money for projects that I want to do anyway, just makes it better.