Transcript HH Bennett - Wisconsin Land+Water

The Regional Conservation
Partnership Program
Tom Krapf
Assistant State
Conservationist
NRCS - Wisconsin
Natural Resources Conservation Service
What is RCPP?
The Regional Conservation Partnership
Program (RCPP) is a new program that
mobilizes partnerships to multiply
investments to reach common
conservation goals.
RCPP is a new 2014 Farm Bill conservation program:
First round of pre-proposal submissions for projects,
organizations submitted over 600 applications
NRCS invited 210 projects to submit full proposals
for a final evaluation; 200 projects ultimately
submitted full proposals for consideration.
NRCS will be able to fund about 100 projects, or less
than 20 percent of applications.
RCPP Vision?
RCPP offers new opportunities for NRCS to work
with partners to encourage:
• locally driven innovation
• create high-performing solutions
• accelerate the conservation mission
• launch bold ideas
• demonstrate the value and efficacy of
voluntary, private lands conservation
Measure of Success
NRCS will measure the environmental
successes of RCPP through the following four
criteria:
1. Solutions
2. Contributions
3. Innovation
4. Participation
Measure of Success
 Stated clear goals and objectives of the proposed
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project area.
Clearly showed proposed area on a map.
Demonstrated understanding of the science involved
in the project.
Integrated multiple programs to meet objectives.
Well defined targeted areas and approach.
Included a thorough monitoring plan to assess the
environmental outcomes.
Proposal was concise and clear.
Measure of Success
 Significant contributions clearly outlined by
partner and type (financial, in-kind etc.).
 Clear use of leveraging funds of lead partners
and others.
 Clear and significant leveraging of non-Federal
financial and technical resources.
 Met NRCS’ goal of doubling conservation
investment with partner contribution.
 Demonstrated how administrative costs would
be covered by partners.
 Clear budget table.
Measure of Success
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Utilized new technologies and innovation.
Well defined use of safe harbor for the project.
Use of environmental markets.
Demonstrated a new approach to solve the identified
concern.
Documented support identified from the industry and
scientific communities.
Expanded list of partners and partnership.
Good use of partnerships.
New partners and/or partnership arrangements.
Funding Pools
NATIONAL
For nationwide and
multistate projects.
These receive 40
percent of funding.
CRITICAL
CONSERVATION
AREAS
For projects in eight
geographic areas
chosen by the Secretary
of Agriculture. These
receive 35 % of funding.
STATE
For projects in a
single state. These
receive 25 percent of
funding.
Authorities
RCPP assistance is delivered in accordance with the rules of these
“covered programs”:
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
• Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP)
• *Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act
*available in Critical Conservation Areas only
Announcement for Program
Funding APF
 NRCS anticipates publishing an annual APF
to award new projects each year.
Eligible Partners
Eligible partnering organizations include:
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An agricultural or silvicultural producer association or other group of
producers;
A state or unit of local government;
An Indian Tribe;
A farmer cooperative;
A water district, irrigation district, rural water district or association
or other organization with specific water delivery authority to
producers on agricultural land;
A municipal water or wastewater treatment entity;
An institution of higher education;
An organization or entity with an established history of working
cooperatively with producers on agricultural land, as determined by
NRCS, to address –
o Local conservation priorities related to agricultural production,
wildlife habitat development, or nonindustrial private forest land
management, or
o Critical watershed-scale soil erosion, water quality, sediment
reduction, or other natural resource issues
Partner Responsibilities
Partners are responsible for:
• Defining the scope of the project
• Conducting outreach and education
• Assisting landowners and producers with NRCS
applications
• Leveraging NRCS financial or technical
assistance
• Conducting and providing an assessment of the
project costs and conservation effects
• Other duties as specified in the partnership
agreement.
Information Resources
For more Information visit:
Wisconsin NRCS Website
www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov
Under Programs/Farmbill/RCPP
Questions may be submitted via email to:
[email protected]
Use Subject Line: RCPP
Wisconsin NRCS RCPP Contacts
Jimmy Bramblett
State Conservationist
[email protected]
608-662-4422 ext. 222
Tom Krapf
Assistant State Conservationist –
Financial Assistance Programs
[email protected]
608-662-4422 ext. 232
Questions?
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.