LOCAL WORKING GROUP MEETING PLANNED 

Local meetings open to individuals interested in setting natural resources goals for Nebraska.

            A Local Working Group that provides advice on the priorities for many U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs will meet at 1:00 pm (MST) on Wednesday March 8^th, 2017 at the Upper Republican Natural Resources District building 511 E 5^th St., Imperial, NE.

            The public is encouraged to attend and express their natural resource concerns.  Ideas generated from the public will help the U.S. Department of Agriculture tailor their natural resource programs to meet the needs identified locally. 

            There is a Local Working Group in each Natural Resources District (NRD).  Membership on the Local Working Group includes Federal, State, county, Tribal or local government representatives according to Andrew Keep, district conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) whose agency guides the Local Working Group. 

            The Local Working Group recommends to the NRCS State Conservationist how conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) would be used most effectively in their area.  This recommendation can include special target areas, cost share rates on conservation programs, which conservation practices should have cost assistance, or how many dollars could be needed.  This work group allows local input into how Federal dollars are spent.

            For more information about the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the programs and services they provide, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.