USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service is beginning to crank up financial assistance programs aimed at improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. New York and Delaware were some of the first states to receive monies through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative.

Projects will be targeted to specific conservation districts, so watch locally for more details. Eligible producers may apply for any of the three programs, which may be approved for assistance. Click on them for more details.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)

Delaware conservation district gets $450,000

BAY CLEANER-UPPERS: Specific Delaware poultry farm practices to be funded include manure storage, composters and windbreaks.

This week, for example, Delaware's NRCS announced the award of $450,000 to the Sussex Conservation District. "By working with the Sussex Conservation District, we can increase the number of opportunities available for producers to address natural resource concerns and further improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed," notes State Conservationist Russell Morgan.

The federal funds will assist Delaware poultry producers in Sussex County's congressional district one to put into place best management practices that improve air quality, soil conditions, soil erosion and water quality. Sign-up for this enrollment period ends July 16.

Practices eligible for financial assistance include manure storage buildings, heavy use area poultry pads, composters, poultry windbreaks and others. For more details, contact Sussex Conservation District at 302-856-3990.