NRCS Hosts Regional Conservation Partnership Program Workshop For Conservation Partners

COLUMBIA, S.C., March 23, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Carolina held a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) workshop for conservation partners March 22 at the South Carolina Farm Bureau Building in Cayce.

The RCPP workshop provided an opportunity for conservation partners across the state to come together during the three-hour informational, hands-on workshop to learn about the overall goal of RCPP, eligibility requirements, and the application process.

“RCPP is a locally-driven program that puts partners in the driver’s seat to implement conservation activities”, said Ann English, NRCS state conservationist in South Carolina. “By working closely with our conservation partners, we are able to leverage federal funding and deliver solutions to tough natural resource challenges.”

Through RCPP, NRCS works side-by-side with conservation partners and agricultural producers to conserve natural resources, leading to cleaner and more abundant water, healthier soil, enhanced wildlife habitat and other natural resource benefits. The program also empowers local organizations and communities to pitch their own projects, providing these communities the opportunity to have a voice and ownership in protecting and improving our natural resources.

“We have seen success in South Carolina with RCPP,” said English. “For this new round, we hope to bring even more conservation partners to the table and continue to expand our reach in putting more conservation on the ground.”

Created by the 2014 Farm Bill, RCPP investments of nearly $600 million have already driven 199 partner-led projects, which includes funding of nearly $15 million for three projects in South Carolina. USDA is now accepting proposals for Fiscal Year 2017, for the third round of RCPP funding. Pre-proposals are due May 10. For more information on applying, visit the national RCPP website.

Article  by Sabrenna Bryant, USDA NRCS South Carolina, Public Affairs Specialist

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