Agricultural landowners in Lampasas and Burnet counties interested in participating in the Environmental Quality Program can stop by the Natural Resources Conservation Service office and submit an application if they have not done so already.

“EQIP is a continuous sign-up program, but some producers may not have signed up yet,” said Rick Cantu, NRCS district conservationist. “Ag producers submitting their applications early have more time to work with NRCS on the development of a conservation plan for their property. These conservation plans serve as the basis for any EQIP long-term contract that is developed.”

EQIP promotes agricultural production and environmental quality. Through the program, farmers and ranchers receive financial and technical assistance to help install conservation practices, and to implement management systems that promote conservation. Financial assistance is provided in the form of flat-rate payments based on a schedule for each conservation practice. NRCS provides technical assistance for conservation planning and implementation.

For 2010, conservation practices that address natural resource concerns on rangeland will be considered high priority. In the past, most EQIP funds in Lampasas and Burnet counties have been spent on addressing the encroachment of plant species such as ash juniper (cedar), mesquite and prickly pear on rangelands. Funding also is available for addressing other rangeland issues such as watering facilities, and for addressing natural resource concerns on pastureland and cropland.

Because of limited funding, all EQIP applications must go through a screening and ranking process. Applications will continue to be selected until all the county-based funds are utilized. Applications not selected for 2010 funding will be deferred until 2011. It is anticipated that some EQIP contracts may be awarded as early as mid-March.

To find out more about the EQIP program in Lampasas and Burnet counties, contact the NRCS office in Lampasas at 556-5572 ext.3, or in Burnet at 512-756-4651. Information about Texas NRCS conservation technical assistance and programs is available at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov.