News
Cost-share conservation funds available for Humboldt, Marin, Sonoma dairies

July 27, 2009, Modesto, Calif. – Western United Dairymen (WUD), Natural Resource
Conservation Service (NRCS) and Humboldt County Resource Conservation
District (HCRC) have partnered to offer assistance to dairy producers
in Humboldt, Marin and Sonoma counties.

July 27, 2009, Modesto, Calif. – Western United Dairymen (WUD), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Humboldt County Resource Conservation District (HCRC) have partnered to offer assistance to dairy producers in Humboldt, Marin and Sonoma counties. The project will allow producers to identify key conservation practices that are needed and offer practical solutions. 

The three counties are among ten California counties selected for funding through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI), a new program established in the 2008 Farm Bill.  CCPI projects will receive funds through USDA conservation programs administered by NRCS such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). 

In Humboldt County, $300,000 in funding is available to eligible dairies in 2009. The cost-share rate is 75% per individual participant performing structural and management improvements. A 50% cost-share rate will be applicable to the purchase of equipment. Eligible Humboldt County dairy producers will be able to apply for various conservation practices. Some of the conservation practices include: waste storage facilities, heavy use area protection, roof runoff control structures, waste transfer pipelines, liquid manure storage bladders, wastewater pumps, traveling guns, manure spreaders, aerators and Nutrient Management Plans.

In Marin and Sonoma counties, a successful applicant will receive funds to hire and work with a certified nutrient management planner to write and apply a comprehensive nutrient management plan.  In Marin and Sonoma counties, $120,000 will be distributed over two years: $60,000 in 2009 and $60,000 in 2010.

The application period in all three counties is July 15- July 30, 2009. For more information regarding eligibility contact the Humboldt County RCD or the NRCS field office in Humboldt County at (707) 422-6058. Both locations can be found at 5630 S. Broadway St., Eureka, CA 95503. A second HCRCD office is located in Scout's Hall in Ferndale at (707) 786-9766, or contact Paul Martin at WUD at (707) 763-8874. In Marin and Sonoma counties, to make an appointment to file an application, contact Felcia Hanley at (707) 794-1242 x125.  If you have questions about the program, contact Charlette Epifanio at (707) 794-1242 x105.