The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently taking applications from farmers, ranchers and foresters wishing to participate in the 2010 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

The program offers financial and technical assistance to implement measures that will address soil erosion, brushy vegetation, wildlife habitat, forest management, water quantity and quality. The EQIP program offers funds on a cost-share basis to producers of food or fiber for practices that range from nutrient/irrigation management, brushing/ thinning, grazing management systems that will increase off stream stock water, cross fencing and forest stand improvement.

To access the complete list of practices visit, www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov click on the programs link, then EQIP, then Mariposa County.

Applications are ranked and scored based on a locally modified scoring system striving to get the best environmental benefits. The primary resource concerns being addressed in Mariposa County include water quality, water quantity, soil erosion, soil health, and reduction of wildfire hazards.

Producers wanting more information about the EQIP program and how it can be used to implement conservation measures on their property should contact Dawn Afman, district conservationist or Stacey Williams, soil conservationist Tech. at the NRCS Mariposa office located at 5009 Fairgrounds Road or by telephone at 966-3431. Specific information about the EQIP program in Mariposa County can also be found on the internet at: www.ca.nrcs.us-da.gov/programs.