NRCS Cost Share Program

NRCS/USDA Programs, Easements, Watershed Programs, Initiatives

USDA Programs

USDA Cost-Sharing Support

The federal 2014 Farm Bill, administered by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, provides for a variety of cost-share programs for environmental stewardship programs on agricultural lands, with an emphasis on working land conservation projects. The HSWCD helps eligible producers and landowners secure these grants in their work to voluntarily implement practices to protect soil, water, air, wildlife habitats and related natural resources. From structural and management projects, to mobile irrigation labs, the HSWCD is your source for finding the aid you need.

NRCS PROGRAMS:

CSP (Conseration Stewardship Program)

Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, we can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. We can help you identify natural resource problems in your operation and provide technical and financial assistance to solve those problems or attain higher stewardship levels in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.

How It Works

If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals.
NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts, using new conservation practices or activities, based on management objectives for your operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations.
For example, if you have been planting a cover crop, you may decide to try an enhancement for a multi-species cover crop or implement a deep-rooted cover crop to break up soil compaction and further improve the health of your soil.
CSP offers annual payments for implementing these practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts. Want to take it a step further? CSP also offers bundles where you can select a suite of enhancements and receive a higher payment rate.

CSP Information

EQUIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) Program

EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as:

Improved water and air quality
Conserved ground and surface water
Increased soil health
Reduced soil erosion and sedimentation
Improved or created wildlife habitat
Mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility

EWP (Emergency Watershed Protection) Program

Link to all Watershed Programs

OVERVIEW

The EWP Program offers technical and financial assistance to help local communities relieve imminent threats to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms and other natural disasters that impair a watershed. EWP does not require a disaster declaration by federal or state government officials for program assistance to begin. The NRCS State Conservationist can declare a local watershed emergency and initiate EWP program assistance in cooperation with an eligible sponsor (see the Eligibility section below). NRCS will not provide funding for activities undertaken by a sponsor prior to the signing of a cooperative agreement between NRCS and the sponsor.

Contact:

Hillsborough County

Plant City Service Center - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

201 S. Collins St, Suite 201

Plant City, FL 33563

Phone: (813) 752-1474

Plant City Service Center - Farm Service Center (FSA)