Signup in all six Conservation Security Program (CSP) watersheds in Iowa will continue through May 27. All watershed producers and landowners, who participated in a CSP workshop and believe they meet the basic eligibility requirements, are encouraged to return their completed application materials to their local USDA Service Center as soon as possible.

At least 40,000 farmers in the North Raccoon, Turkey, Upper Wapsipinicon, Platte, Blue Earth and East Nishnabotna watersheds were among those invited to participate in the first nationwide signup which began March 28.

“The CSP application process can take several hours to complete,” said Rick Van Klaveren, State Conservationist in Iowa. “With just a few weeks left and planting season well underway, the signup deadline will be here before we know it.”

The 2005 CSP signup involves nearly one-half of all Iowa’s 99 counties. Maps of each watershed can be found at www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov/csp.

Nationally, CSP is being made available on private agricultural land in 220 watersheds, covering about 185 million acres, in every state and the Caribbean. The national $202 million budget will allow NRCS to offer an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 contracts to eligible farmers and ranchers.

CSP takes a different approach than traditional USDA conservation programs. CSP represents the first time agricultural producers are being paid not just to fix a problem but in recognition of their ongoing stewardship and to maintain and further enhance that conservation commitment, said Van Klaveren.

CSP is administered by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

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For more information:
Laura Greiner, State Public Affairs Specialist
515-323-2207