March meeting set to determine area’s local conservation goals

    A Local Working Group that provides advice on the priorities for many U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, at the Upper Republican Natural Resources District Imperial office.
    The public is encouraged to attend and express their natural resource concerns. Ideas generated from the public will help the USDA tailor its natural resource programs to meet the needs identified locally.
    Due to public health concerns the meeting may be held as an online video conference. Participants are asked to RSVP by calling 308-882-4263 ext. 3 or email andrew.keep@usda.gov.
    There is a Local Working Group in each Natural Resources District (NRD). Membership includes federal, state, county, tribal and local government representatives according to Andre Keep, District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) whose agency guides the Local Working Group. Keep is housed in the Imperial office.
    The Local Working Group recommends to the NRCS State Conservationist how conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) would be used most effectively in their area.
    Recommendations can include special target areas, cost share rates on conservation programs, which conservation practices should have cost assistance or how many dollars could be needed. This work group also offers local input into how federal dollars are spent.
    For more information about the NRCS, visit the local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.