Conservation project applications due Oct. 20

SPOKANE VALLEY – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s deadline for environmental incentives applications is Oct. 20.

The environmental incentives program is a voluntary, technical and financial assistance program designed to help farmers, ranchers, forestland owners and tribes with conservation planning and implementation.

Funds can be used for irrigation efficiency, animal waste management, native plant health removing fish passage obstructions, reducing erosion and improving wildlife habitat.

The program usually covers about half of the costs of eligible environmental projects.

In most instances, participants can expect to pay roughly half of the costs associated with implementation of the conservation measures or practices.

Applications must be filed by Oct. 20; all supporting eligibility documentation is required by Nov. 17.

“Interested participants are encouraged to apply for 2024 funding,” said Keith Griswold, assistant state conservationist. “Please do not wait until the last day to submit your application or attain FSA eligibility determination. It could reduce your chances to treat your identified resource concerns in 2024.”