Applications are now being accepted for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program.

Administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, these programs are designed to help producers and landowners improve conservation efforts on land that they own or manage, according to a news release.

EQIP and CSP both help to offset costs of conservation efforts and provide landowners with guidance to conduct activities using best management practices.

Popular activities supported by the programs include creating habitat for wildlife, improving timer production in woodlands, creating infrastructure to support rotational grazing and confined animal operations, integrating cover crops into crop production systems, and extending the growing season for specialty crops using high tunnels, the release stated.

Application deadlines are Feb. 16 and April 5, respectively.

NRCS and partner staff can help land owners to identify natural resource concerns and discuss ideas for improvement.  For more information for Geauga County residents, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Orwell at 440-437-5888 or find another county’s local service center online.