Boost conservation with New York CSP and EQIP programs

By Blake Jackson

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) offers financial and technical assistance to farmers and forest landowners in New York to expand their conservation efforts and adopt climate-smart practices.

Through CSP, landowners can earn payments for implementing practices like cover crops, forest stand improvement, and pollinator habitat while maintaining agricultural or forest production.

New York is using the ACT NOW process for all CSP ranking pools in FY25, which allows for faster application approval and contract obligation for eligible applications that meet or exceed a minimum ranking score.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides similar support for farmers and forest landowners to implement conservation practices that address resource concerns like climate resiliency, soil health, and water quality.

EQIP offers financial and technical assistance for various practices, including cover crops, reduced tillage, pasture management, and forest stand improvement.

New York is also using ACT NOW for the High Tunnel and Conservation Planning Activity ranking pools in FY25.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) focuses on accelerating conservation efforts in watersheds affecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, while the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) targets on-farm conservation investments to improve impaired watersheds.

The Golden-Winged Warbler (GWWA) initiative supports landowners in improving forest health and diversity to benefit this at-risk bird.

The Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program helps agricultural producers in urban areas manage risk and address natural resource issues through conservation.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides additional funding for CSP and EQIP, allowing for increased investment in climate-smart practices.

To apply for CSP or EQIP, submit applications at your local NRCS Service Center. All applications are competitive and ranked based on various factors. Applications received after November 1, 2024, will be considered in the next batching period.

Photo Credit: usda-nrcs