NRCS Encourages Planning Now for Conservation Benefits and Future Funding Opportunities

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been working with farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners for almost 90 years. NRCS delivers conservation solutions so our private land managers can protect natural resources and feed a growing world.

The local NRCS staff can help to figure out current problems, assess the condition of the land, and determine options for improvement all based on individual operational goals. A conservation plan is a customized collaboration between the planner and the customer. A final plan may include land use maps, soils information, inventory data, recommended practices, and other tools and resources to help landowners make management changes or install other conservation practices.

“NRCS provides assistance to help ag producers implement conservation practices that improve their land and their bottom line, making our rural communities stronger,” said Shilo Messerly, NRCS District Conservationist for Phillips County.

In Phillips County, conservation funding is available for the following programs and initiatives, in addition to statewide and national opportunities.

•Phillips County Wetland Reserve Easement Targeted Implementation Plan (TIP)

• Conversion Aversion TIP

•Big Game Habitat Improvement Regional Conservation Partnership Program Project

•Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative

• Reining in Soils TIP

•Save Our Soils Great Falls Area TIP

•Windmill Reduction Act TIP

• Sage Grouse Initiative

To learn more about all these opportunities, and others that may be available, visit NRCS at the Phillips County USDA Service Center. The office is located at 1120 U.S. Hwy 191 S, call 406-654-1334 x 104, or email [email protected].

NRCS accepts conservation program applications year-round. Start planning now. Additional information, including full TIP proposals, is available on the NRCS Montana website at http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov. Click on What’s Available in My County.