CSP Workshops Scheduled in South Skunk River Watershed

October 25, 2005

To help potential Conservation Security Program (CSP) participants learn more about the program and the application process, NRCS offices in the South Skunk River Watershed are holding 13 CSP workshops Nov. 14 through. 28. CSP signup dates have yet to be announced.

The South Skunk River is one of three Iowa watersheds to be included in the 2006 CSP. It includes parts of Webster, Hamilton, Boone, Hardin, Story, Polk, Marshall, Jasper, Marion, Mahaska, Keokuk and Jefferson counties. Meetings will be held in the following locations:

Monday, Nov. 14, 4 – 6 p.m.
DMACC Auditorium
600 N 2nd Ave W
Newton, IA     

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Pella Memorial Building
829 Broadway St.
Pella, IA      

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Keokuk County Expo Hall
Sigourney, IA  

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 7 –  9 p.m.
McFarland Park - Story Co.
Conservation Center
56461 180th St.
Ames, IA       

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Ellsworth Community Center
1700 DeSota St.
Ellsworth, IA  

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Maxwell Area Community Center
84 Main St.
Maxwell, IA    

Thursday, Nov. 17, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
First State Bank
413 East St.
Lynnville, IA
       
Thursday, Nov. 17, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Mahaska Co. Extension Office
212 North I
Oskaloosa, IA
       
Monday, Nov. 21, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Maxwell Area Community Center
84 Main St.
Maxwell, IA
       
Monday, Nov. 21, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Mahaska Co. Extension Office
212 North I
Oskaloosa, IA
       
Monday, Nov. 21, 7– 9 p.m.
Ellsworth Community Center
1700 DeSota St.
Ellsworth, IA  

Tuesday, Nov. 22, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.     
McFarland Park - Story Co.
Conservation Center
56461 180th St.
Ames, IA       
.
Tuesday, Nov. 22, 7 – 9 p.m.
Pella Memorial Building
829 Broadway St.
Pella, IA      

The South Skunk Watershed Team is also hosting meetings geared specifically for the needs of woman landowners and producers. These meetings, which are open to the public, are listed below:

Thursday, Nov. 17, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Pella Memorial Building
829 Broadway St.
Pella, IA
       
Monday, Nov. 21, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
McFarland Park - Story Co.
Conservation Center
56461 180th St.
Ames, IA       

All known producers and landowners in the watershed will be sent a letter about the workshops. If you don't receive a letter and believe you may be eligible for CSP, please contact your local field office.

CSP is a tremendous opportunity for farmers who practice good soil and water conservation and are willing to do more. The purpose of CSP is to reward the best conservation farmers and motivate others to become good stewards of the land. This unique program, for those who meet the basic eligibility requirements, offers payments from five to ten year contracts. Payments maximums range from $20,000 to $45,000 per year.

The CSP application process is different than other USDA programs. All applicants are required to complete a self-assessment workbook to determine on their own whether or not they are likely to be eligible for the program. This process will be discussed at the meetings.

For more information go to www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov.

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Contacts:
Laura Greiner
State Public Affairs Specialist
Iowa NRCS
515-323-2207