2008 FARM BILL RULES PUBLISHED

Contact: Christina Coulon, 614-255-2471

COLUMBUS, January 23, 2009 - The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces the interim final rules for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), and the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) were published on January 15 and 16, 2009, in the Federal Register. The complete text of these rules can be seen on the Federal Register’s website at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/.

There is a 60-day comment period during which USDA is soliciting input on various provisions of the rules. While the majority of the provisions for each program remain largely unchanged, there are several areas for which USDA is soliciting ideas, particularly for EQIP. These areas include –

• Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). Seeking comments and suggestions on new innovative practices that may be approved for payment, such as, but not limited to, improvements in mobile or stationary equipment, including engines, and the use of slow and controlled release fertilizers. NRCS also welcomes comments about how the CIG air quality provisions should be implemented.

• NRCS requests public comment on the current definition of “at-risk species.” Specifically, NRCS seeks public comment on how to tailor the definition to better assist species in greatest need. *(Also for WHIP)

• NRCS requests comments from the public on what type of comprehensive planning activities should be eligible for payment under EQIP.

• NRCS is interested in comments on the criteria for determining acceptable watershed-wide projects, particularly with respect to what should be included in a comprehensive water resource assessment and what should be considered in determining effective water conservation and management strategies at the watershed scale.

Comments may be submitted via e-mail by visiting http://www.regulations.gov. To send comments via mail, address comments to:

WRP – Easements Programs Division
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Wetlands Reserve Program Comments
P.O. 2890, Room 6819-S
Washington, DC 20013
Fax – (202) 720-9689
Submit comments on or by March 16, 2009

EQIP – Financial Assistance Programs Division
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 5237-S
Washington, DC 20250-2890
Fax – (202) 720-4265
Submit comments on or by March 16, 2009

WHIP – Financial Assistance Programs Division
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program Comments
P.O. Box 2890, Room 5237-S
Washington, DC 20013
Fax – (202) 720-4265
Submit comments on or by March 17, 2009

FRPP – Easements Programs Division
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Farm and Ranch Lands Program Comments
P.O. 2890, Room 6819-S
Washington, DC 20013
Fax – (202) 720-9689
Submit comments on or by March 17, 2009

For more information, visit www.oh.nrcs.usda.gov. Rules for additional Farm Bill conservation programs will be posted soon.

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