NRCS Colorado Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) - 2012

General EQIP Sign-up Information On-Line

EQIP sign-up information is available online. On the Colorado Watershed Map, click on the geographic area where your farm or ranching interest is located. This will take you to the application information for that area, the ranking criteria used to evaluate your application, and a link to Applications for the EQIP program - NRCS-CPA-1200 and NRCS-CPA-1202.

Colorado Watershed Map
Click on your geographic area for more EQIP information

The above Colorado Watershed Map shows the following 10 watershed areas in Colorado:

2012 Ogallala Aquifer Initiative

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Colorado will provide approximately $1,800,000 to conserve the water in the Ogallala Aquifer. The NRCS will fund this initiative through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Interested agriculture producers are encouraged to visit their local NRCS field office and fill out a 2012 EQIP application.

2012 Sage Grouse Initiative

Colorado landowners within several western slope counties are encouraged to visit with their local NRCS field office and inquire about developing a conservation plan that when implemented will help reduce the threats to the Sage Grouse.  NRCS will utilize its Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentive’s Program (WHIP) to implement the initiative and although a conservation plan isn’t required for enrollment, all applications which include an NRCS approved conservation plan, will receive priority status for enrollment consideration. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

2012 Colorado Lesser Prairie Chicken Initiative

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Colorado will focus on the reduction of threats to lesser prairie chicken in the southeastern portion of the state. Prairie chickens are ground-dwelling birds, native to sand sage rangelands of the American West. Over the decades they have experienced a significant decline in population and habitat. Landowners in Baca, Prowers, Kiowa, and Cheyenne counties are encouraged to visit with their local NRCS field office and inquire about developing a conservation plan that consists of implementing and/or maintaining a grazing system that will manage forage for livestock while enhancing lesser prairie chicken habitat. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

2012 Organic Initiative

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Colorado has funds in fiscal year 2012 set aside to assist organic farming operations and individuals transitioning to organic farming.

The 2008 Farm Bill highlights the availability of financial and technical assistance to help producers of all commodities meet their conservation goals, including producers transitioning to organic farming and currently certified organic producers. The assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the EQIP program helps producers plan and implement conservation practices to allow their organic operations to be environmentally sustainable. EQIP is primarily used to provide financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices to address soil, water, air, plant, animal, and energy resources. A new organic provision targets organic producers and producers transitioning to organic production:

• Assistance is for conservation practices related to organic production
• Assistance is limited to $20,000 per year and $80,000 during a six year period
• Producers are required to develop and carry out an Organic System Plan (OSP) or carry out practices consistent with an OSP
• Producers must be pursing an organic certification or in compliance with their organic certification

2012 Air Quality Initiative

Colorado Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is assisting agricultural producers with reducing ozone precursors [oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC)] emissions from agricultural sources. The primary goal is to achieve and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) within the designated nonattainment areas of Colorado.

The NRCS is providing payments for participants implementing conservation practices on their lands that benefit air quality. The priority is to reduce emissions by removing existing, high polluting combustion systems and replacing with new, cleaner technologies. Funding for this initiative is provided through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Additional information about program can be found at NRCS at your local USDA Service Center.