The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is seeking applications from farmers and landowners in targeted areas in central and southeastern Pennsylvania for funding to help improve water quality, enhance soil health, and protect agricultural viability through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

Created by the 2014 Farm Bill, RCPP connects partners with producers and private landowners to design and implement voluntary conservation practices that benefit natural resources, agriculture and the economy. 

NRCS funding to producers and landowners is made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Awarded funds will be dedicated to installing conservation practices in selected areas to accomplish the agricultural and natural resource goals of the project.

In addition to USDA financial assistance, partners will expand on conservation efforts by contributing funds and in-kind services such as outreach and technical assistance.

Funding for EQIP contracts is available through the following projects. Applications are being accepted continuously until the next cutoff:

• Chester County Conservation District: Planning and implementation of conservation practices with a focus on riparian buffers in the Chester County portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Planning and implementation of manure management projects in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry and York counties.

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Planning and implementation of soil health practices in Centre, Clinton and Lycoming counties.

Source: NRCS