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Arkansas 2013 State EQIP Sign-Up and Application Information

Applications Were Due by Nov. 16, 2012 - News Release

General Program DescriptionEnvironmental Quality Inventives Program: Photo of NRCS District Conservationist and farmer

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program process in Arkansas was derived from a local led and partners effort. With the help of partners and locally led groups the Natural Resources Conservation Service identified eight funding categories. EQIP will also give additional attention to groundwater decline problems, and increased assistance for forestry landowners.

Applications for EQIP are taken at a local USDA Field Service Centers. The 2013 sign up period ends Nov. 16, 2012. However, applications are accepted at anytime. NRCS, with the assistance from the farmer/rancher, will determine individual environmental ranking points, according to the NRCS Application Ranking Tool (AERT).

All applications will be entered into Protracts at the local offices.  At the end of the ranking period, the NRCS State Office will then select a preapproved applications for funding. Anyone selected for funding will need to work closely with NRCS to develop a contract or agreement within strict time frames that will be provided upon notice of selection.

Local and Statewide Funding

The local categories are intended to focus on the primary resource issues in a localized area, as identified by the locally-led conservation workgroup representatives for each county.  The statewide categories are designed to address the resource concerns of water quality issues related to animal manure management and sedimentation, improved management of irrigation water and reduction in ground water use, reduction of erosion and improvement of wildlife habitat.

All applications will be evaluated for funding based on a state developed procedure to optimize environmental benefits.  Applications ranking highest in a funding category will be funded subject to availability of program funds. 

Primary Issues Addressed by EQIP

EQIP continues to address those primary resource concerns that were identified by locally led groups.  These are:

  • Water Quality, animal waste;
    • Water Quality, sediment, including erosion control;
  • Water Quantity, irrigation (especially groundwater decline);
  • Soil Quality, erosion;
  • Plant Health, forests;
  • Water Quality, forests;
  • Plant Health, grazing land; and
  • Wildlife Habitat concerns.

Initiatives and other Programs under EQIP

Payment Schedules

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Additional Information

Contact

Corey Farmer, Resource Conservationist
Phone: (501) 301-3122

Last Modified: 03/20/2013

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