Federal Programs
There are several popular USDA programs available for private landowners through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
- Conservation Stewardship Program (CStP) – Rewards farmers and foresters for doing a good job, encourages added practices. Modest payment per acre per year for 5 years. Activities include thinning, wildlife habitat, understory crops.
- Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) – provides assistance to growers and landowners who want to install measures to protect the soil, water, air, and other natural resources on their working land. Conservation practices include tree planting, drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors, fish screens, pest consultants, no-till, erosion control.
- EQIP Organic Initiative – Special EQIP funding available to organic growers that are certified organic or transitioning organic. Practices include nutrient management, cover crops, pest management, tree planting.
- EQIP Forest Initiative – Plan good forestry practices with help of a certified consultant. Funds must be used to develop a Forest Stewardship Plan.
- Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) – provides assistance to growers and landowners in the Upper Tualatin River and Gales Creek Watersheds to install conservation practices. Practices include tree planting, nutrient and pest management, no-till, drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors, and cover crops.
- Practices cost-shared in 2012 include: tree planting, nutrient management, no-till, drip irrigation, and cover crops.
- Farm and Ranch Protection Program (FRPP) – Protect farmland from development through an easement.
- Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) – Restore wetlands, with focus on wet prairies in farmland.
For more information about the above programs, please visit Oregon NRCS Programs or call your local NRCS office at 503-648-3174.
Upcoming Deadlines for EQIP Initiatives sign-ups!
- If you’re interest in irrigation projects, please use this application packet.
- For all other projects, please use this application packet.
- If you own forest land and are interested in a forest management plan, please use this application packet.
State Programs
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) – Grant programs are available that address habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement.
- Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) – A state agency that offers grant programs aimed at on-the-ground restoration to address local streams, rivers, wetlands, and natural areas.
