LAKEPORT, Calif., April 20, 2009 – State Conservationist Lincoln E. Burton of the Natural Resources onservation Service (NRCS) announced that the deadline for the 2009 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) sign-up has been extended to May 22.

EQIP offers funds to producers for practices ranging from animal waste systems to windbreaks to irrigation systems that conserve water.

Applications are scored and ranked based on a locally modified scoring system striving to get the best environmental benefits. It gives each county an opportunity to focus EQIP dollars and prioritize conservation work to address its most pressing resource needs.

“For the 2008 EQIP signup, Lake County farmers and ranchers were awarded contracts enrolling pproximately 10,000 acres into the EQIP program,” said District Conservationist Korinn Woodward.

EQIP funds are a way for landowners to solve a resource problem such as fixing a nuisance gully. It can also be used to address regulatory concerns like water quality rules or to receive incentives for water conservation.”

The primary resource concerns being addressed in Lake County are:

• Crop land: water quantity – irrigation water management and irrigation system efficiency mprovements, and water quality – spray drift buffers, organic production and erosion control;

• Grazing land: water quality – access road improvements, erosion control, cross fencing, watering facilities, and forage quality/production – brush management, pasture seeding, and cross fencing;

• Other: wildlife – habitat and stream improvements for clear lake hitch; and air quality – diesel engine replacements;

• New: The 2008 Farm Bill allows for up to $20,000 per year in conservation assistance for producers transitioning to organic production.

Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early to avoid unforeseen delays, and assure their application can be considered for funding this year.

Landowners wanting more information about EQIP and how it can be used to install conservation measures on their property should contact their local NRCS office at 889 Lakeport Blvd, Lakeport, telephone 707-263-4180, Extension 17.

Specific information about EQIP in Lake County can also be found on the Internet at www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov.