Water Quality Initiative applications due May 17

The Natural Resources Conservation Service has received $349,000 in financial assistance for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) National Water Quality Initiative for fiscal year 2013.

The funds are to help Nevada producers implement conservation practices that benefit water quality resource concerns. The funds are targeted to applicants with farming operations in the Soda Lake-Carson River, Stillwater Marsh, South Branch-Carson River and Sheckler Reservoir 12 digit hydrological unit watersheds located in Churchill County. The funds are further targeted toward water quality impairments due to confined animal feeding operations and dairies. Applications must be received by May 17 to be considered in this round of funding.

“EQIP offers farmers and ranchers a variety of options to improve water quality” said state Conservationist Bruce Petersen. “This investment in conservation helps improve environmental health by reducing nutrient and pathogen loading into streams and waterbodies. This effort should also strengthen the local economy of this rural community and reduce the threat of stringent regulations.”

EQIP Water Quality Initiative funding can provide financial assistance for a variety of conservation activities, including the development of a comprehensive nutrient management plan, waste storage and treatment lagoons, buffers, diversions, fencing, structures for water control and pipelines to protect contaminants from entering streams and drainage systems.

Farmers and ranchers wanting to explore all the options for improvement of their animal and waste handling facilities are also eligible to apply for a Conservation Activity Plan (CAP) to be developed by an approved Technical Service Provider (TSP) to more fully explore the conservation treatment options and refine their long term plan or strategy to improve water quality.

EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis. The closing date to participate in the 2013 EQIP Water Quality Initiative where applications can be ranked and funded is May 17.

To participate in EQIP, an applicant must be an individual, entity or joint operation that meets EQIP eligibility criteria. Applicants can sign up at their local NRCS service center.

For information, contact Fallon’s NRCS Office in the USDA Service Center at 111 Sheckler Road or call 775-423-5124, ext. 114.