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Wildfire recovery aid offered for Eastern Oregon farmers

Recovery strategies facilitated by this funding range from controlling invasive plant species and soil erosion to protecting water quality.

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The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oregon is offering $2 million in emergency funding to help agricultural producers in Eastern Oregon recover from recent wildfires. This funding, part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), is aimed at assisting farmers and livestock producers with the implementation of conservation practices on lands affected by fires.

Eligible counties for this emergency funding include Baker, Crook, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, and Wheeler. The NRCS emphasizes that the funding can support various recovery efforts, such as minimizing invasive plant growth, protecting water quality, and aiding in plant recovery through grazing deferment and range plantings to control soil erosion.

Greg Becker, NRCS State Conservationist in Oregon, stressed the importance of the agency's role in recovery efforts. "The NRCS can be a valuable partner in utilizing conservation measures to not only recover from wildfires but also to minimize the impact of future fire events," said Becker. He highlighted that NRCS staff are ready to work directly with landowners to assess damages and develop tailored recovery strategies.

The application period for this wildfire recovery funding is from August 16 through September 9, 2024. Producers interested in applying or seeking additional information on other available USDA disaster assistance should contact their local USDA Service Center. Applications for EQIP and other conservation programs are accepted year-round, but specific signup dates apply for each funding cycle.

For more detailed guidance, producers can visit the farmers.gov website, where they can manage conservation plans, apply for programs, and access various tools and resources designed to assist in disaster recovery.

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