On Monday, April 26th, the USDA announced had awarded $330 million in 85 locally driven, public-private partnerships to address climate change, improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. Projects are awarded through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
More below:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/newsroom/releases/?cid=NRCSEPRD1769025
https://nrcs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=ab6aa86f9aea48e2af92ed165450d110
Summary of RCPP projects awarded in Arkansas:
AR-LA CDN Open Pine Landscape Restoration
Lead Partner: American Bird Conservancy
Lead State: ARPartner States: LAAward: $5,900,000Funding Pool: S/MCCA (if applicable): N/A
Project Summary
The AR-LA Conservation Delivery Network (CDN) Open Pine Landscape Restoration partnership will advance the recovery of species of conservation concern by implementing Desired Forest Condition management practices across 30,000 acres of private lands in Arkansas and Louisiana. American Bird Conservancy and 19 partners plan to use several innovative tools and approaches to target conservation fund to lands critical for the protection of species such as Northern Bobwhite, Henslow’s and LeConte’s sparrows, Louisiana Pine Snake, and Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Partnerships with the U. of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and other entities, along with a tailored program and incentive package, will help ensure that Historically Underserved farmers participate meaningfully in the project
KKAC - AR-MS Conservation & Social Consortium
Lead Partner: KKAC Foundation
Lead State: ARPartner States: MSAward: $2,500,000Funding Pool: Mississippi River BasinCCA (if applicable): CCA
Project Summary
KKAC Foundation and partners will increase conservation easement enrollments by socially disadvantaged landowners in Arkansas and Mississippi, while addressing water quality and wildlife habitat resource concerns on those lands. Socially disadvantaged producers have historically faced obstacles in enrolling in NRCS easement programs--this project would set aside funding strictly for these landowners. Project partners will support landowners through all parts of the easement process, focusing on resolving heirs' property issues and providing information about improving the natural resource base of the landowners' properties.
Pilot to Test & Evaluate Private Sector Investment
Lead Partner: Restore the Earth Foundation, Inc.
Lead State: ARPartner States:Award: $7,400,000Funding Pool: CCACCA (if applicable): Mississippi River Basin
Project Summary
Restore the Earth Foundation and partners propose to use wetland easements to restore marginal cropland to its previous forested condition. Arkansas has a substantial backlog of producers interested in wetland easements--this project will help make a meaningful dent in the backlog. Project partners have committed to purchasing carbon credits associated with project activities. Participating producers will receive a share of the proceeds and the balance will be reinvested in additional projects.