Input gathered at Local Work Group Meeting to direct EQIP Program The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) was created by the 1996 Farm Bill and subsequently reauthorized with the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills.

EQIP offers contracts to help landowners and operators develop conservation plans and implement conservation practices.

Program practices and activities are carried out according to an EQIP plan of operations developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or measures needed to address identified natural resource concerns.

The practices are subject to Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) technical standards adapted for local conditions. Part of the process involves a Local Work Group (LWG) meeting to lay out plans for the 2011 program.

The Kleberg-Kenedy Soil and Water Conservation District and the USDANatural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) invite the public, and any organization or agencies with an interest in agriculture or conservation to attend a Local Work Group Meeting/Listening Session to be held at 401 East King Avenue, Ste. 100 in Kingsville. This meeting will be at 9 a m. on Monday, Aug. 9.

The purpose of this meeting is to receive input from a broad range of local agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals that have an interest in natural resource conditions and needs in Kleberg and Kenedy Counties.

This free event is open to everyone.

Attendees can also learn about federal and state programs that provide technical and financial assistance for conservation planning, learn the difference between conservation plans and Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) contracts, and about the programs that were implemented in 2010 in Kleberg and Kenedy Counties.

The Kleberg-Kenedy SWCD encourages everyone to attend, especially those who farm, ranch, own or operate nonindustrial private forest land, professionals representing agricultural and natural resource interests, and individuals representing a variety of disciplines in the soil, water, wetland, plant, forestry, and wildlife sciences who are familiar with agricultural and natural resource issues in the local community.

“We encourage folks to participate in the process,” Kleberg-Kenedy SWCD Board Director Ernest Bippert Jr. said. “It has been a valuable program in my farming operations over the years.”

The EQIP Program has provided an incentive for participants to carry conservation and protect their natural resources,” SWCD Board Chairman John Prukop said. “It has been a successful program.”

For more information, call the USDA-NRCS office in Kingsville at 592- 0309 Ext. 3.

NRCS office locations and program information can be found on the Texas NRCS Web site at www. tx.nrcs.usda.gov.