ALBUQUERQUE, May 20, 2019 – Agricultural producers have an opportunity to enroll in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) through two New Mexico Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) projects. Producers must submit a complete application to a local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office by June 21, 2019, to participate this year.

About the Regional Conservation Partnership Program

RCPP provides funding for locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat, and protect agricultural viability. The two RCPP projects in New Mexico that include CSP funding are the agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the Pecos watershed and the agreement with the East Rio Arriba Soil and Water Conservation District for the Rio Chama watershed. A maximum of 11,833 acres in the Pecos watershed will be enrolled and a maximum of 10,000 acres in the Rio Chama watershed.

Priority for the RCPP project in the Pecos watershed is given to applications in Chaves, Eddy, Lea and Otero counties that improve water quality, conserve water and improve habitat for wildlife along the Pecos River. Priority for funding for the RCPP project in the Rio Chama watershed is given to applications that improve forest health, improve native plant condition, protect habitat for at risk species, and improve soil health.

More Information

The CSP program rules apply to CSP applications funded under the RCPP agreements. Agricultural producers can visit the New Mexico CSP webpage for more information on how to apply and the program requirements. Agricultural producers need to submit a complete application to their local USDA service center by June 21 to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2019.