The U.S.D.A. hopes its incentive programs will entice more land owners to make their properties more environmentally friendly, especially in areas with critical habitats for mule deer and other native species.
U.S.D.A.’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (N.R.C.S.) in Wyoming is currently accepting applications for enrollment into the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (E.Q.I.P.) specifically for the Big Game Conservation effort. E.Q.I.P. is a voluntary Farm Bill program that provides financial assistance for conservation systems such as fencing, water supply development, riparian protection, and wildlife habitat enhancement.
This cycle, the N.R.C.S. has added a priority area encompassing much of the Wind River Reservation. These areas are essential habitats and migration corridors for the state’s struggling mule deer herds.
Courtesy U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service
Producers interested in implementing conservation practices to improve natural resources on their private agricultural land have until Monday, February 27, 2022, to submit applications.
Producers must have farm records current with the Farm Service Agency and submit a complete program application to N.R.C.S. to be considered for financial assistance through E.Q.I.P. Applications are accepted at all Wyoming N.R.C.S. offices located in U.S.D.A. Service Centers across the state.
To find out more information about E.Q.I.P., please visit the Wyoming E.Q.I.P. webpage. To locate an N.R.C.S. field office near you, please visit the Wyoming U.S.D.A. Service Center webpage.
When visiting with N.R.C.S. staff about the E.Q.I.P. program, landowners are encouraged to inquire about N.R.C.S.’s comprehensive conservation plans. The Agency continually strives to put conservation planning at the forefront of its programs and initiatives. Conservation plans provide landowners with an extensive inventory and assessment of their resources, as well as an appropriate start to improving the quality of soil, water, air, plants, and wildlife on their land.
