News

Regional Conservation Program updates up for public comment

USDA has released its interim rule for public comment on the Regional Conservation Partnership Program which leverages funding to improve conservation management on sensitive lands.

The 2018 Farm Bill increased funding for the program by an additional $200 million through fiscal year 2023, made it a standalone program, and simplified the application process. 

Funding pools are now available for states and in Critical Conservation Areas like the Great Lakes Region, Mississippi River Basin, and the Prairie Grasslands Region.

Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, the Ranking Member of the Senate Ag Committee, says she created the Regional Conservation Partnership Program in the 2014 Farm Bill to use public-private partnerships to improve land and water and applauds USDA for following through on improvements to streamline and expand the reach of partnerships as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill.

Comments will be accepted until April 13.