USDA NRCS to Hold EQIP Listening Sessions

DES MOINES, IOWA February 28, 2005—The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold two public listening sessions to gain feedback on priorities for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).  The meetings will be held from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 9 and 10.  The March 9 meeting is in Carroll at the Swan Lake Conservation Agriculture Education Center. The March 10 meeting is in Hiawatha at the Linn County Farm Bureau Conference Center.

Current national EQIP priorities include reduction of non-point source pollution, reduction of emissions, reduction in soil erosion and sedimentation and promotion of at-risk species habitat conservation. NRCS is specifically looking to find out which emerging natural resource issues are not addressed by the current national EQIP priorities. The agency would also like to know what modifications, if any, are needed to the four existing National priorities.

“We are holding these listening sessions to give the public ample opportunity to voice their opinions about EQIP priorities,” said Rick Van Klaveren, NRCS State Conservationist for Iowa.  “This input will be used as help review and update national EQIP priorities, as required by the EQIP final rule.” 

Public comments at the listening session will be limited to five minutes or less per speaker.  The public can ensure a speaking time by requesting to speak ahead of the meeting. Speaking order will be determined by the order of requests received.  Those who wish to speak may make arrangements in advance by contacting either Shelly DuBay (515-284-6655) or Linda Wells (515-284-4262) by March 7. Speakers are also welcome to sign up the day of the session and hand in their comments at the registration table.

Written statements will be accepted at the listening session or may be submitted by mail, e-mail or fax  by March 10 to Linda Wells, EQIP Priority Comments, 693 Federal Building, 210 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309, email to Linda.wells@ia.usda.gov or fax to 515-284-4394.

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