Is anybody here involved in any of the NRCS programs where they provide you funding for various work on your land? Im supposed to meet with them in the coming weeks to discuss options. I’m looking at trying to spray Chinese privet, hack and squirt a bunch of sweet gums, cut fire breaks, etc.

I’d to hear any experiences and pro’s and con’s.

Just get in writing the exact list and descriptions of what you can not do once you agree to the program, whichever program it is, there are several of them and they change with every election. Carefully think about the things you cannot do because even a small violation could affect your program status. Most of the time a violation is just a stop doing or dont do it again letter, but in flagrant cases they will take some tough actions.

I have done thousands of hours of NRCS contract work, and I have also participated in their programs. Become good friends with the DC and other folks at their office. Some of those folks will be there forever and others are just passing through. Most of them will be as helpful as they can be.
The folks at the HQ in Auburn have always been a pleasure to work with but some have retired and they have new people in there who I have not met.

Thanks. This would be the St. Clair Co office that I would be meeting with. They were very friendly on the phone.

Pm me if you want specific details.

Also, Once you agree to whichever program, keep in mind that all the programs come with visitors to your property. Some programs only have one visitor once a year. Other programs can have teams of people show up randomly while you are close to popping a nice buck.

I worked in an NRCS office for several years helping deliver these programs. I’ve enrolled my own property in CSP. I assist with many applications annually and implementing the actual work too. They are great programs. The money is going to someone, so you might as well apply and take your piece of the pie.

EQIP and CSP are the two programs that deliver conservation funding for wildlife and forestry.

I’ve been in the program for years and didn’t burn in the specified times before. Never had a visitor to my knowledge.

I will be getting paid for fire breaks and burning in the future though.

They typically require documentation of each practice completed, including pictures or a site visit by one of their employees or a contracted TSP.

Well I may or may not have had help burning the first time from a state guy so maybe that’s why?

For most programs, things are trouble free and the benefit is easy to assess.
Some of the more involved programs like a big WRP conservation easement can involve a lot of people and time but in those cases a really big check is also part of it.

Depending on program and I’d go over it with a fine tooth comb

When my sis bought the farm it as in 2 programs, WHIP and wetland hardwood initiative. The previous landowner had it in and had not kept up with the hardwoods. At sale they checked it and we had to replant or pay back all that the previous landowner had received from the federal government. I bulldozed it down at completion of contract.
I was told sometimes when lands are under contract it may be hard to sale since the program continues with new landowner and the new landowner is responsible.

There’s one hardwood initiative down there that is lifetime and another I think is 15 yr or 30 yr.

I have used various NRCS/USDA cost share programs for Chinese Privet spraying, firebreak construction and burning and long leaf pine “restoration”. The frustration is always in waiting on the approval for the application, after that everything has always worked out as long as I followed the contract specifications. In each instance there has been a physical “eyes on” inspection of the project before and after. One thing to remember, cost share funds may be considered income and therefore taxable. Talk to the NRCS or an accountant to understand the impact.

My county was in the Gopher Tortoise habitat enhancement several years ago which meant you could apply for funds for firebreak construction and a controlled burn. Never seen a Gopher Tortoise on my place but I applied and was approved. Did the required habitat work and received the funds.

Are the programs designed to share cost or are there some that pay for all the cost?

Some of the programs pay for the vast majority if not 100% of the project.

The LL program I’m in was 80-20.

Most of the programs I have done through NRCS have been 80/20. But I do the work instead of hiring it out. Most of the time I come out ahead.

I been through a couple rounds with EQIP plans. One I actually came out ahead on and the other cost me a little. Guess they evened out. They just announced a new one for quail population I plan to look into.

Blackwater Reb - Do you have a link to the quail population program? I am lucky enough to have some quail on my place and would like to see what the program covers.

I have used several of their programs and had great experiences. Would have done the LL program on my clear cut replant but my place is not great for them.