Wisconsin Ag Connection - NRCS Planning Conservation Local Work Group Meetings

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NRCS Planning Conservation Local Work Group Meetings
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/02/2015

The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Wisconsin is holding Local Working Group meetings in many counties around the state this summer. State Conservationist Jimmy Bramblett says 21 meetings will be held in July and August to gather input and help set priorities for USDA conservation programs under the 2014 farm bill.

"Local Working Groups offer a seat at the table for interested individuals and groups to advise NRCS on how best to set priorities and locally implement conservation programs," Bramblett said. "Members are diverse with an interest and focus on local agriculture and natural resource issues."

The main program discussed at the meetings will be the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the primary federal conservation program for agricultural and forest lands. EQIP offers technical and financial assistance to help landowners with needed conservation practices for water quality, soil health, wildlife and other natural resources. As of May, Wisconsin has received $19.6 million in EQIP funding for conservation practices this year.

Local Working Group meetings are open to the public. Anyone interested in becoming a member and participating in LWGs should contact the NRCS District Conservationist in their county.

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