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Extension and land conservation staff report tree sales, watershed outreach and NRCS funding updates
Summary
Staff from Richland County extension and land conservation reported tree-sale availability, producer-led watershed work and NRCS program activity including Conservation Stewardship Program applications and EQIP approvals.
County extension and land conservation staff reported several outreach and conservation activities, and NRCS staff briefed the committee on federal program activity.
Anastasia and extension staff described a producer-led watershed effort and cover-crop trials in neighboring counties and said producers from Richland attended field days. Staff reported a recent tree pickup and that leftover trees would be offered for county plantings if not claimed. Extension announced a public listing session planned for May 21 to gather feedback on programming and priorities.
Josh, an NRCS representative, said the Conservation Stewardship Program ranking deadline produced about 16 applications in Richland County (many forestry applications and several agricultural projects). He reported three additional EQIP preapprovals for the county and said annual compliance review letters (5% spot checks) are being scheduled for field visits after planting.
Why it matters: NRCS programs, producer-led watershed groups and extension outreach underpin local conservation practices and funding. The committee noted the Inflation Reduction Act had driven increased funding in past years but that some new money remains on hold, which affected program uptake this year.
Staff said they are working with state Department of Agriculture staff and regional partners on nutrient-management plans, certification of practices and project approvals. The committee endorsed continued outreach to watershed groups as a path to voluntary practice adoption.
