The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will hold an online informational meeting on Funding Opportunities through the Conservation Stewardship and DCR Stewardship Programs on Monday September, 12, 2022 at 6pm
NRCS’ Conservation Stewardship Program helps agricultural producers, including private forest landowners. take the conservation activities on their operations to the next level though a five-year contract. It provides a payment (minimum $1500/year) for maintaining the current conservation efforts on the land and for implementing new conservation activities. At least one new activity is required to participate in the program.
Harry Webb, long-time woodland owner in Hardwick received a CSP contract in 2018. NRCS will explain the eligibility requirements, payment structure and available conservation activities.
This is a timely meeting as there will be an application deadline this fall. CSP is great for forest landowners that have already implemented practices on their own or through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
The online meeting will also discuss how DCR’s Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program (FSP) can help landowners manage, enhance, and protect the inherent ecosystem values of their forest. This workshop will provide the background of the FSP and the programming currently in-place to assist landowners in addressing biodiversity and habitat (e.g., Foresters for the Birds), climate change adaptation and resilience (e.g., Climate Forestry), and other opportunities from the DCR’s Working Forest Initiative.
To take part in this meeting, register by emailing or calling Kate Parsons, Resource Conservationist, NRCS at kate.parsons@usda.gov or 413-253-4380 by September 9th.