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2003 Environmental Quality Incentive Program

Local Work Group Summary for Roswell

Introduction:

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Roswell Field Office (FO) Local Work Group (LWG) met February 26th 2003. The LWG discussed and agreed by consensus to the following items.

Resource Concerns:

The group agreed the resource concerns Grazing lands, Water resources, and Livestock manure mgt. adequately addresses the main resource problems in the FO area.

Fund Distribution:

The LWG recommended the funds to be allocated as follows;

  • Grazing lands 50%
  • Water Resources 25%
  • Livestock Manure Management 25%

The possibility of some adjustments of these percentages was discussed with the group. The work group was in concurrence that exact percentages are not practical and that due to total applications or final contract request some adjustments will need to be made.

Cost Docket: Refer to Cost Docket

Eligible Practices: Refer to Eligible Practice... List

Cost Share Rates:

The group recommended all cost share rates be set at 50% except for brush management.  Due to the high cost of brush mgt. and the limited short term return to the producer the LWG recommended the rate be set at 75% to encourage continued participation. It was felt that a majority of the benefits are related to the total watershed health and therefore more public than private. It should also be note the existing GPAs already have 75% C/S rates and that the adjacent Field Offices (Artesia – Carrizozo) are requesting the 75% rate.

Practice Limits:

The LWG recommends that a single contract practice limit of $100,000 be set on Grazing Lands and a $65,000 single practice limit be set on the Water Resources. A  limit was not set on Livestock Manure Management.

Ranking Criteria:

The attached ranking criteria was reviewed and approved by the LWG (attached criteria for Grazing lands, Water resources, and Livestock manure mgt.).

The following criteria will be used in the case of a tie:

  1. Preference for individuals that do not have existing contracts (also added to ranking criteria).
  2. Acre-inches saved = % efficiency change (FIRS) X consumptive use (CU) X acres in system.
  3. Percentage of total tract in contract.

Time Frames:

Currently all contracts are planned to be approved by July 3, 2003.

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