Update on Conservation Program Implementation

2014 Farm Bill

EQIP – Environmental Quality Incentives Program• Authorized $1.3 B 2014 to $1.75 B 2018• 7/28 Status: $298 M Obligated in > 14 K Contracts;

> 63 K applications in reviewCSP – Conservation Stewardship Program• Authorized 10 M acres / yr• Status: Sign-up closed Feb. 2014; > 14 K Applications

for > 12 M acres; Obligations by Sept. 2

Opportunities for Working Lands

2014 Farm Bill

ACEP – Agricultural Conservation Easement Program• Consolidates:

– *FRPP-Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program – *GRP-Grasslands Reserve Program,– WRP-Wetland Reserve Program

• Authorized $400 M 2014; $425 M 2015• Status: Signup Completed

(>1450 applications; $546 M requests) *Agriculture Land Easements (protect ag. lands) 3

Opportunities for Working Lands

2014 Farm Bill

Conservation Compliance• Re-linked to Insurance Premium

Subsidies• Wetland Mitigation Banks ($10M)

ACEP – Agricultural Conservation Easement Program• WRE-Wetlands Reserve Easements• ALE-Agricultural Land Easements

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Protecting Grasslands and Wetlands

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2014 Farm Bill

Regional Conservation PartnershipProgramConsolidates:Chesapeake Bay Watershed Init.Coop. Cons. Partnership Init.Ag. Water Enhancement ProgramGreat Lakes Basin Program

Funding:$220 – 250 M / yrState, National, Critical Conservation Area Funding Pools

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2014 Farm Bill

Regional Conservation PartnershipProgram

Status:APF - 5/27/14Pre-proposals - 7/14/14 (> 580)Full proposal invitations - Aug.

Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Historically Underserved and Veterans

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Watershed Dam Rehabilitation

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Annual Benefits:• $2.2 B• 47 M AmericansFunding:• $12 M 2014• $250 M Farm BillProjects Identified (P, D, C):• 150 dams, 26 states• 500 dam assessments• Increased capacity

Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentives Program

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Competitive Grants$40 M total; $20 M 2014

Status:• APF - 5/1/14• Closed - 6/16/14• Awards - August

More Timelines

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• Wetland Mitigation Bank Listening Sessions: DC 7/23-24, IA 7/28, MN 7/29, SD 7/30, ND 7/31

• Regulation adjustments to accommodate: RCPP, VPA-HIP, Watershed – Aug.

• Publish Regs. for Public Comment: EQIP, ACEP, CSP – Sept.

2014 Farm Bill

Farm Bill EQIP: Fact Sheet:

2014 Farm Bill

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Resources and Requirements

2014 Farm Bill

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