Champaign, IL – The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service recently announced changes for the nation’s biggest conservation program, the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). NRCS State Conservationist Ivan Dozier says, ”CSP is better than ever, easier to use, and offers more options for working land solutions. To tell farmers and landowners about the changes and new opportunities, we are holding three public meetings in Illinois in early December. I encourage anyone currently involved with CSP and anyone who wants to learn more to attend one of these meetings and get the details.” Meetings are free to attend and are open to the public.

NRCS has seen great success with farmers who use the Conservation Stewardship Program and the Environmental Quality Incentives Programs to implement conservation solutions, make water quality improvements, and address natural resource issues on their land. “We have new information and more options to offer Illinois farmers. The best way to find out more is to attend one of these meetings,” says Eric Gerth, Assistant State Conservationist for Financial Assistance Programs.

Any attendee who requires special onsite accommodations, please contact Paige Buck at NRCS Public Affairs at (217) 353-6606 or email paige.buck@il.usda.gov by December 1st.

Eligible producers can find out more about CSP online at www.nrcs.usda.gov/csp. To sign up for CSP, visit your local NRCS Field Office. CSP sign-up begins November 14, 2016, and runs through February 3, 2017.