2005 EQIP Funding Consideration Deadline Announced

By Petra Barnes

State Public Affairs Specialist

December 3, 2004

Allen Green, State Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, has announced that applications received through December 17, 2004 will be considered for enrollment in the 2005 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications received after December 17, 2004 will be considered during subsequent enrollment periods later in 2005 or early 2006.

"Since EQIP was established in 1997 there has never been a better opportunity for landowners to receive financial assistance through the program. In 2004, we were able to fund applications that had been waiting for funding for over three years." states Dennis Alexander, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, Lakewood, CO. "I encourage landowners who have considered utilizing the program to submit an application by December 17th.

Interested applicants may apply at the NRCS field office that services their county. Field offices are located in USDA Service Centers across the state. Applications can be completed in person or downloaded from the NRCS website at www.nrcs.usda.gov and submitted by facsimile or mailed to a local NRCS office.

EQIP is a cost-share program that provides financial assistance for conservation systems such as animal waste management facilities, irrigation system efficiency improvements, fencing and water supply development for improved grazing management, riparian protection, and wildlife habitat enhancement.