NRCS announces first application deadline for Neighborhood Solutions RCPP

By Andi Anderson

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced that Friday, June 14, 2024, will be the first application batching deadline for the Neighborhood Solutions Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) in Fiscal Year 2024. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, with those received after the deadline considered for the next batching date as funding allows.

The Neighborhood Solutions Project is a collaborative effort between NRCS, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC), and the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA). The initiative aims to address resource concerns associated with the expansion of the poultry industry in eastern Oklahoma.

Potential Practices:

The following practices may be utilized to address these resource concerns:

• Waste Storage Facility
• Animal Mortality Facility
• Composting Facility
• Nutrient Management
• Roof Runoff Structures
• Conservation Cover
• Tree/Shrub Establishment
• Vegetative Barriers
• Diversions
• Critical Area Plantings

Eligibility

Eligible participants are poultry producers and neighbors in the following counties:

• Craig
• Ottawa
• Delaware
• Cherokee
• Adair
• Sequoyah
• Mayes
• Muskogee
• LeFlore
• Haskell
• McCurtain

Applicants must:

• Have records established and up to date with the Farm Service Agency.
• Own or operate agricultural land.
• Be treating a primary resource concern for this project.

How to Apply

Interested participants should contact their local NRCS Field Office to apply. GRDA will assist with initial assessments, and the local NRCS Field Office will provide the GRDA point of contact. NRCS will conduct field inventories, eligibility checks, and rank applications received by the deadline.

RCPP is a partner-driven conservation approach that allows NRCS and partners to co-invest in solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural and non-industrial private forest lands. This program enables eligible partners to focus NRCS funding and leverage their funding on significant conservation issues in specific regions.

For more details on NRCS programs and technical assistance, visit the NRCS Oklahoma website or contact your local NRCS Field Office. For information about RCPP and becoming a partner, visit the NRCS Oklahoma RCPP page or email the Regional Conservation Partnership Program Coordinator at tiffany.nelson1@usda.gov.

Photo Credit: usda-nrcs