Conservation fundingThis program offers conservation funding for a variety of practices that improve fish habitat, replenish groundwater and reduce sediment loading to streams within the Maple River Watershed. Increasing water infiltration on agricultural lands reduces surface runoff of sediment and nutrients from fields and provides more stable temperatures for fish in rivers and streams.
Program funding is available until 2023. We will announce the first sign-up in spring 2019. Browse this page for more information on practices offered, contact information, FAQs and more. |
Important Dates for 2019
April 17: Sign-up opens May 17: Sign-up closes Aug 1: Contract start date |
How it Works
1. Discuss goals and work with technician on a conservation plan 2. Complete Maple RCPP pre-screening and submit application with technician 3. NRCS ranks applications according to resource concerns 4. Establish contract(s) with NRCS and implement practice(s) 5. Verify practice(s) to receive payment |
Local Contacts
Interested in learning more? Contact one of the Maple RCPP partners below for more information.
FAQs
How is this different than a traditional EQIP program?
Conservation financial assistance for this program is provided through the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program. However, targeted funding is allocated for applicants in the Maple RCPP as opposed to competing with producers statewide. This program also offers a select set of EQIP practices (see below) that focus on improving fish habitat in the watershed, enhancing groundwater replenishment, and reducing sediment loading to streams.
Conservation financial assistance for this program is provided through the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program. However, targeted funding is allocated for applicants in the Maple RCPP as opposed to competing with producers statewide. This program also offers a select set of EQIP practices (see below) that focus on improving fish habitat in the watershed, enhancing groundwater replenishment, and reducing sediment loading to streams.
What practices are offered?
This program offers practices such as irrigation water management, drainage water management, water control structures, residue and tillage management for no till or reduced till, filter strips and grassed waterways. Additional practices may be eligible. Check back in spring for a complete list of practices and payment rates. Practices must address resource concerns on your land. Note that you cannot receive financial assistance for a practice on land where it was already in use.
This program offers practices such as irrigation water management, drainage water management, water control structures, residue and tillage management for no till or reduced till, filter strips and grassed waterways. Additional practices may be eligible. Check back in spring for a complete list of practices and payment rates. Practices must address resource concerns on your land. Note that you cannot receive financial assistance for a practice on land where it was already in use.
How long are contracts?
Contracts may be up to three-years in length. Check back in spring for details.
Contracts may be up to three-years in length. Check back in spring for details.
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone engaged in agriculture who owns or has documented control of agricultural land within the Maple River Watershed is eligible to apply for the program. Specifically, you must:
Anyone engaged in agriculture who owns or has documented control of agricultural land within the Maple River Watershed is eligible to apply for the program. Specifically, you must:
- Control or own eligible land
- Comply with adjusted gross income limitation (AGI) provisions
- Be in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements
- Develop an NRCS EQIP plan of operations
How do I submit an application?
Work with a technician at your local conservation district or USDA Service Center to apply. Note that applications are accepted at any time, but are only reviewed at certain points throughout the year. Check back for sign-up dates.
Work with a technician at your local conservation district or USDA Service Center to apply. Note that applications are accepted at any time, but are only reviewed at certain points throughout the year. Check back for sign-up dates.
How are applications selected?
Applications will be ranked based on national, state and local priorities. Check back in spring for more details on criteria that will be used to rank applications.
Applications will be ranked based on national, state and local priorities. Check back in spring for more details on criteria that will be used to rank applications.
What's required to get paid?
Your practice must meet NRCS standards to receive payment. Each practice has its own standards and required record-keeping. Your local technician will explain these requirements when you sign your contract. Make sure you understand what records you must keep. As a rule of thumb, keep all receipts, seed tags, and other documentation related to practices you implement through this program.
Your practice must meet NRCS standards to receive payment. Each practice has its own standards and required record-keeping. Your local technician will explain these requirements when you sign your contract. Make sure you understand what records you must keep. As a rule of thumb, keep all receipts, seed tags, and other documentation related to practices you implement through this program.
I have more questions about EQIP. Where can I learn more?
Talk to technicians at your local USDA Service Center or conservation district, visit the Michigan NRCS EQIP site, or view EQIP fact sheets below to learn more.
Talk to technicians at your local USDA Service Center or conservation district, visit the Michigan NRCS EQIP site, or view EQIP fact sheets below to learn more.