The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California will hold the next State Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) meeting on Oct. 16, 2014. The STAC is invited to recommend natural resource priorities for NRCS California to consider as the Agency implements Farm Bill conservation programs in fiscal year 2015. The meeting will be held at the USDA building in Davis from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We always look forward to these meetings,” says State Conservationist Carlos Suarez. “The STAC provides valuable insight into the conditions and needs of natural resources on private lands in California communities and helps us make informed decisions in prioritizing our finite funds and technical assistance.”
NRCS California just finished Farm Bill contracts with private landowners for fiscal year 2014. Almost $100 million was invested in contracts with farmers, ranchers, and private forest owners to conserve and protect water, improve the health of the soil, manage manure on dairies and other confined animal facilities, enhance wildlife habitat and improve the health of rangeland.
The meeting’s agenda includes the following:
- Brief review of 2014 priorities, initiatives, and funding including drought
- Roll out of a new application, ranking and contract process to better accommodate conservation planning and to fund projects on a year-round basis
- STAC input on NRCS natural resource priorities for 2015
- Information on an initiative to address Tribal resource needs
- Information on easement, communications and other USDA programs.
The USDA building in Davis is located at 430 G Street. The meeting will be held in Room 229. For more information on NRCS programs, visit www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov.
Since its inception in 1935, NRCS has worked in partnership with private landowners and a variety of local, state and federal conservation partners to deliver conservation based on specific, local needs.