(Hamilton, NY – March 2013) New York farmers and landowners, located in the Chesapeake Bay priority watersheds, have until April 19, 2013 to apply for 2013 conservation program funding under the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI). Applications are competitive and are ranked based on national, state and locally identified resource priorities and overall benefit to the environment.
In New York State, CBWI funds are used to treat water quality resource concerns on cropland, pastureland, and farmsteads. CBWI is targeted to assist with the reduction of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay from private lands. The CBWI program provides cost share assistance to producers to install conservation practices that minimize sediment and nutrient runoff to help restore, preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay. In New York, the CBWI program offers funding and technical assistance to producers in the Upper Susquehanna Watershed.
“We are pleased to offer the CBWI program in New York in 2013. Although we have successfully implemented many conservation practices in this watershed, more conservation work can always be done to help improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay,” said Donald Pettit, NRCS State Conservationist.
To apply for CBWI, visit your local NRCS field office- which can be located using the website http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=NY.
General information regarding NRCS New York Conservation Programs can be found at: http://www.ny.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/.