NRCS announces EQIP Conservation Incentive Contracts deadline extension

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced July 9 it is extending the application deadline for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program – Conservation Incentive Contracts (EQIP-CIC) in California to July 14, 2021.

“Due to overwhelming response to this new pilot program and many requests, I am approving a 48-hour extension to the original deadline,” said NRCS State Conservationist Carlos Suarez. “Through EQIP-CIC, NRCS is offering conservation practices that can help producers recover from the impacts of drought while building resiliency. These practices provide other key benefits, including mitigating impacts from climate change and reducing the risk and threat from wildfire.”

Conservation Incentive Contracts offer conservation activities that producers implement to address resource concerns. Through this pilot program, NRCS California has $22,774,000 for drought-related conservation practices. Practices include forest management plans, tree/shrub establishment, brush management, prescribed grazing, pasture and hay planting, wildlife habitat, livestock watering systems, and cover crops.

There is still time to apply. If NRCS receives a program application request by telephone, email, or letter, an NRCS representative can prepare the application form (Form NRCS-CPA-1200), using the date NRCS received the request in order to establish the application cut-off deadline has been met, with either a copy of the request, or a note about the application request if received verbally.

For more information on the new pilot EQIP-CIC and the July 14, 2021 application deadline, contact a local field office to schedule an appointment. Our office locator is available at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ca/contact/.