USDA ANNOUNCES SIGN-UP FOR CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced that $20 million nationwide will be dedicated to Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) in 2009. The CIG program is designed to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.

This competitive grant program helps advance environmental goals that also contribute to and protect local economies.

Applicants should explain the geographic area that the project would benefit including information about the natural resource concern. Applicants should also describe the innovative technologies or approaches, which will be used to address the natural resource conservation concern. Other requirements are identified in the Announcement of Program Funding.

To view the complete Announcement of Program Funding, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/ .

To apply electronically visit: http://www.grants.gov/
For more information about NRCS conservation programs online, visit: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov or visit the nearest USDA Service Center in your area.
Since its inception in 1935, the NRCS conservation delivery system has advanced a unique partnership with state and local governments and private landowners delivering conservation based on specific, local conservation needs, while accommodating sate and national interests.