News Release Regarding Batching Dates for NRCS Programs

 Contact: Fay Garner, Public Affairs Specialist, 334-887-4506

or John Curtis, Resource Conservationist, 334-887-4539

Signup Batching Periods Announced for Conservation Programs

Auburn, Ala., September 10, 2013 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett announced that October 18, 2013, is the signup batching date for producers for 2014 funding for the following conservation programs:

·                     Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

·                     Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) which includes the Agricultural

           Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), organic farming, and high tunnels

·                     Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), including Longleaf Pine and

           Gopher Tortoise Initiative

·                     Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) 

·                     Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)

There will also be a second batching on February 28, 2014, for the following conservation programs:

·                     Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) 

·                     Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis; however, selecting applications for funding is completed periodically through batching periods with specific cutoff dates.

In the CSP, EQIP and WHIP programs, eligible producers may receive a payment based on the statewide average cost of the installation of the conservation practice. 

Socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers are eligible for a higher payment based on the statewide average cost of the installation of the conservation practice. In addition, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers can receive up to 30 percent advanced payment for purchasing materials or contracting. 

GRP and WRP are conservation easement programs where landowners receive payments for developing and protecting wetlands and grazing lands.

Interested producers should visit their nearest USDA Service Center to determine eligibility. NRCS field offices are listed in the telephone directory under U.S. Department of Agriculture or on-line at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov. General program information is available on the Alabama NRCS website at www.al.nrcs.usda.gov. Individuals are not eligible until they have completed the Farm Bill eligibility requirements. 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to:  USDA Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).

Lovebugs Causing Complaints from Homeowners Across the County

Lovebug adult.  Photo by Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org

The Winston County Extension Office has been getting numerous calls about lovebugs from annoyed homeowners.  The flies are related to gnats; they are about a quarter of inch long and are black, except for some orange on the midsection of body.  The insects develop in decaying vegetation, and there is little that can be done to reduce their population.  The best strategy to avoiding problems inside the home is to make sure doors and windows seal tightly.  The abundant rainfall may be a factor in the high populations this year.  These periods of high activity related to the mating season may last four weeks.  See this publication from the University of Florida about lovebugs.

Feral Swine Workshop

Click on this link for a printable flyer.

Recreational Fish Pond Workshop

For a printable flyer, click here.

Feral Swine Hunt on Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area Begins September 2

Hunting season is right around the corner! There is a feral swine hunt on the Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area scheduled for September 2 - 14 this year. For this feral swine hunt a state hunting license and a Black Warrior WMA Map Permit are required. The Map Permit (map and regulations, 2 pages) can be printed by visiting www.outdooralabama.com. For this special feral swine season, the firearms and archery equipment are as specified for the WMA Stalk Gun Deer Hunts. Hunter orange requirements apply. Dogs are not allowed. The hunt is during daylight hours only. The feral swine hunt is open on Zone A and Zone B of the Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area.

Bankhead Liaison Panel Meeting Scheduled for August 29

A public meeting of the Bankhead Liasion Panel will be held Thursday, August 29, 2013. The meeting begins at 6:00 PM and will be held at the First National Bank in Double Springs. The public is encouraged to attend this public meeting to learn more about the management of and issues affecting your National Forest. Agenda items for Thursday night's meeting include At Risk Rare Species Conservation, the Greater Collier Watershed Forest Health & Restoration Project including shortleaf pine woodland restoration, Horse trail maintenance project updates, and local Fall Landowner Worshop Series information. For additional information about the meeting or the Bankhead Laision Panel, please call the Bankhead District office at (205) 489 - 5111.

Invasive Plant Control Workshop in Haleyville

A printable copy of the flyer is available here.