USDA to Hold Public Listening Session February 11 on Conservation Security Program

DES MOINES, IOWA January 20, 2004—The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service will hold a public listening session in Des Moines, Iowa, to gain feedback on a proposed rule to implement the new Conservation Security Program (CSP).  The meeting will be held on February 11, 1 p.m., at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 4800 Merle Hay Road.

Authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill, CSP is a voluntary conservation program that supports ongoing conservation stewardship of agricultural working lands and enhances the condition of America’s natural resources.  The program is designed to reward the best conservation stewards of the most environmentally sensitive areas in targeted watersheds.

“We are holding the listening session to give the public ample opportunity to voice their opinions about the new program,” said Leroy Brown, NRCS State Conservationist for Iowa.  “Last year, we used the public’s ideas and suggestions to develop the proposed rule and now we are asking for comments that will help guide us in developing the final regulations for program implementation.”

Public comments at the listening session will be limited to five minutes per speaker.  Those who wish to speak may make arrangements in advance by calling Shelly DuBay at 515-284-6655 or Linda Wells at 515-284-4262 by February 9. They may also sign up at the listening session or at the Iowa NRCS website at www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov. 

People with disabilities requiring accommodations including alternative formats, large print or sign language interpreters should contact Shelly DuBay by 3 p.m. on January 29.

Written statements will be accepted at the listening session or may be submitted by mail, e-mail or fax to Conservation Security Program Comments, ATTN: David McKay, NRCS Conservation Operations Division, P.O. Box 2890, Washington DC 20013; e-mail david.mckay@usda.gov; fax 202-720-4265.

The CSP proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on January 2, 2004; comments are due by March 2, 2004.  The proposed rule and additional information on the program can be found at www.nrcs.usda.gov. 

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