Natural Resources Conservation Service – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Logan River Watershed Project in Cache County, Utah
Document Number: 2024-05091
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-03-11
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Utah State Office announces its intent to prepare a watershed plan and EIS for the Logan River Watershed Project located within the Logan River Watershed in Cache County, Utah. The proposed watershed plan will examine alternative solutions to reduce water loss and increase efficiency in the current agricultural water delivery system, provide flood control and protection, and enhance recreational facilities in portions of Logan, North Logan, and Hyde Park cities and portions of unincorporated Cache County, Utah between and to the west of the cities. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Federal, State agencies, and Tribes.
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
Document Number: 2024-02077
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-02-02
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is giving notice that it intends to issue a series of revised conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP). NRCS is also giving the public an opportunity to provide comments on the specified conservation practice standards in the NHCP.
Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Final Restoration Plan 4 and Environmental Assessment: Restoration of Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats; Nutrient Reduction (Nonpoint Source); and Provide and Enhance Recreational Opportunities; and Finding of No Significant Impact
Document Number: 2024-00167
Type: Notice
Date: 2024-01-09
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
In accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Oil Spill Final Programmatic Damage Assessment Restoration Plan and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision, and the Consent Decree referenced below, the Federal and State natural resource trustee agencies for the Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group (MS TIG) have prepared and are making available to the public the ``Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group Final Restoration Plan 4 and Environmental Assessment: Restoration of Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats; Nutrient Reduction (Nonpoint Source), and Provide and Enhance Recreational Opportunities'' (Final RP4 and EA); and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The Final RP4 and EA analyzes projects to partially restore wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats; reduce nutrient pollution (nonpoint source); and provide and enhance recreational opportunities to compensate for lost recreational use in the Mississippi Restoration Area resulting from the DWH oil spill. The Final RP4 and EA evaluates a reasonable range of project alternatives under OPA, the OPA Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) regulations, and NEPA and the NEPA implementing regulations, and selects seven projects for funding and implementation. A No Action alternative is also evaluated for each of the restoration types. The estimated cost to implement MS TIG's proposed action (seven preferred alternatives) is $26.4 million. Of this amount, $18,500,000 will be funded from the Wetlands, Coastal and Nearshore Habitats restoration allocation, $5,000,000 from the Nutrient Reduction restoration allocation, and $2,853,000 from the Recreational Use restoration allocation.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed Plan, in Stafford, Pratt, Rice, Reno, and Edwards Counties, Kansas
Document Number: 2023-28592
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-12-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Kansas State Office in cooperation with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kansas Department of Health and the Environment (KDHE), Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), and Big Bend Groundwater Management District 5 (GMD-5) (project sponsor), announces its intent to prepare a watershed plan and EIS for the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed Plan, in Stafford County, KS. The proposed watershed plan will examine alternative solutions for GMD-5 to provide agricultural water management measures to Rattlesnake Creek and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analysis relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes.
Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee Meeting
Document Number: 2023-28143
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-12-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold a public meeting of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC). UAIPAC will convene to discuss proposed recommendations for the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices. UAIPAC is authorized under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended.
Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee Meeting
Document Number: 2023-23877
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-10-30
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold a public meeting of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC). UAIPAC will convene to discuss proposed recommendations for the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices. UAIPAC is authorized under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended.
Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Draft Restoration Plan 4 and Environmental Assessment: Restoration of Wetlands, Coastal and Nearshore Habitats; Nutrient Reduction (Nonpoint Source); and Provide and Enhance Recreational Opportunities
Document Number: 2023-18774
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-08-31
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
In accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Oil Spill Final Programmatic Damage Assessment Restoration Plan and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision, and the Consent Decree, the Federal and State natural resource trustee agencies for the Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group (MS TIG) have prepared the ``Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group Draft Restoration Plan 4 and Environmental Assessment: Restoration of Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats; Nutrient Reduction (Nonpoint Source), and Provide and Enhance Recreational Opportunities'' (Draft RP4 and EA). In the Draft RP4 and EA, MS TIG proposes projects to partially restore wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats; reduce nutrient pollution (nonpoint source); and provide and enhance recreational opportunities to compensate for lost recreational use in the Mississippi Restoration Area as a result of the DWH oil spill. The Draft RP4 and EA, a No Action alternative is also evaluated for each of the restoration types. The approximate cost to implement the MS TIG's proposed action (seven preferred alternatives) is $26.4 million. We invite public comments on the Draft RP4 and EA.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Lower Little Tallapoosa River Watershed Carroll County, Georgia
Document Number: 2023-18688
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-08-30
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Georgia State Office, announces its intent to prepare a watershed plan and EIS for the Lower Little Tallapoosa River 25A (also commonly known as Indian River), located in Carroll County on Indian Creek approximately 5 miles upstream of its confluence with Turkey Creek and approximately 14 miles northwest of Carrollton in the proximity of Bowdon, Georgia. The proposed watershed plan will examine alternative solutions to flood prevention and agricultural water management measures for the Carroll County Water Authority (CCWA) service area. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analysis relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Federal and State, agencies, and Tribes.
Information Collection Request; Conservation Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance
Document Number: 2023-16060
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-07-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act requirement, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Outreach and Partnership Division (OPD) is requesting comments from all interested individuals and organizations on a new information collection request associated with Conservation Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance. The approved recipients will report the equity information to NRCS OPD on the underserved producers and communities who receive conservation assistance and students who are interested to pursue agriculture, natural resources and related sciences careers.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Joint System Canal Project, Jackson County, OR
Document Number: 2023-15212
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-07-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Oregon State Office announces its intent to prepare a Watershed Plan and EIS for the Joint System Canal Project, located approximately 4 miles east of Eagle Point, in Jackson County, Oregon. The proposed Watershed Plan will examine alternatives through the EIS process for modernizing the Joint System Canal to improve agricultural water management. Medford Irrigation District (MID) is the sponsoring local organization for the project and Rogue River Valley Irrigation District (RRVID) is a partner organization. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, and analyses relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes.
Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee Meeting
Document Number: 2023-14026
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-07-03
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold a public meeting of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC). UAIPAC will convene to discuss proposed recommendations for the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices. UAIPAC is authorized under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended.
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
Document Number: 2023-13929
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-06-30
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is revising specific conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP). This notice provides an overview of the planned changes and gives the public an opportunity to offer comments on the proposed changes to the specific conservation practice standards.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the St. Mary Canal Modernization Project, Glacier County, MT
Document Number: 2023-13130
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-06-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Montana State Office, in coordination with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, announces its intent to prepare a Watershed Plan and EIS for the St. Mary Canal Modernization Watershed Project (Milk River Project), located east of Babb, in Glacier County, Montana. The proposed Watershed Plan will examine alternatives through the EIS process for improving the St. Mary Canal system to provide for agricultural water management. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Upper Maple River Watershed Plan, North Dakota
Document Number: 2023-13129
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-06-21
Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, Deparment of Agriculture
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) North Dakota State Office, announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the Upper Maple River Watershed located within Cass, Barnes, Steele, and Griggs Counties, North Dakota. NRCS will examine alternative solutions through the EIS process to provide watershed protection. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the Proposed Action from all interested individuals, Federal and State Agencies, and Tribes.
Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2023-10217
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-05-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC). The UAIPAC advises the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices. The 12 members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture are expected to serve a 3-year term. This specific nomination period includes four vacancies, including: the urban producer representative; the higher education or extension program represenative; the business and economic development representative; and a representative with related experience in urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices.
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
Document Number: 2023-08842
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-04-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is giving notice that we intend to issue a series of revised conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP). NRCS is also giving the public an opportunity to provide comments on specified conservation practice standards in the NHCP.
Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee Meeting
Document Number: 2023-06536
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold a public meeting of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC). UAIPAC will reconvene to continue the discussion of the interim recommendations for the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices. UAIPAC is authorized under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended.
Request for Public Input About Implementation of the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative and the National Water Quality Initiative
Document Number: 2023-04762
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-08
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) requests public input for NRCS to use in refining the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watershed Initiative (MRBI) and the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) to better protect and improve water quality. NRCS also requests comments on how we can streamline and improve MRBI and NWQI to increase efficiencies and expand access for underserved communities and producers. Finally, NRCS requests comments on how we can engage with partners to provide technical assistance for MRBI and NWQI implementation. This effort will help NRCS identify and prioritize improvements to MRBI and NWQI starting in fiscal year (FY) 2024.
Request for Nominations to the Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research
Document Number: 2023-04703
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-08
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Secretary of Agriculture invites nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for a 2-year term on the Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research, typically referred to as the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF), established by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to provide recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on agricultural air quality issues. This notice solicits nominations for membership to AAQTF.
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
Document Number: 2023-03897
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-02-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is reopening the comment period for 45 days to allow the public to provide comments on the specified conservation practice standards to be revised in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP) published on December 19, 2022.
Response to Western Water Quantity (WWQ) Listening Session
Document Number: 2023-03278
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-02-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) hosted a virtual, open, public listening session, on December 17, 2020, with remote participation only, for public input about water quantity in the western United States as it relates to existing NRCS programs. NRCS provided stakeholders both an opportunity to give oral testimony during the listening session and a 30-day public comment period for additional input. NRCS received comments from 66 stakeholders, including representatives from national organizations, individuals or organizations from 13 western States, and one Indian Tribe. This notice responds to comments received during the listening session and the subsequent public comment period, which closed on January 19, 2021, and identifies the actions that NRCS has taken and will be taking in the months ahead.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Graveyard Wash Flood Retarding Structure Assessment, Graham County, Arizona
Document Number: 2023-03268
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-02-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Arizona State Office announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the Graveyard Wash Flood Retarding Structure Assessment located within the Frye CreekStockton Wash Watershed in Graham County, Arizona. NRCS will examine alternative solutions through the EIS to bring the Graveyard Wash flood retarding structure (FRS) into compliance with current Federal and State standards. The EIS will also serve as the necessary environmental documentation for any cooperating agencies and contact with potential cooperating agencies will be initiated. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the Proposed Action from all interested individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Wood River Watershed, Custer County, Dawson County, Buffalo County, Hall County, and Merrick County, Nebraska
Document Number: 2023-02779
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-02-09
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Nebraska State Office announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the Wood River Watershed Project in the proximity of Oconto, Nebraska, downstream to Grand Island, Nebraska. The EIS process will examine the potential impacts of alternative solutions to reduce flood risk and damages caused by flooding to the communities and agricultural lands throughout the watershed. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes.
Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee Meeting
Document Number: 2023-01853
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-01-30
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold a public meeting of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC). UAIPAC will convene to discuss interim recommendations for the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices. UAIPAC is authorized under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the West Fork Battle Creek Watershed Plan, Carbon County, Wyoming
Document Number: 2022-28245
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wyoming State Office, in coordination with the USDA Forest Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the West Fork Battle Creek Watershed Plan in the proximity of Savery-Little Snake River in Wyoming. The proposed Watershed Plan includes construction of a dam and reservoir on the West Fork of Battle Creek to provide for rural agricultural water management. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the Proposed Action from all interested individuals, Federal and State Agencies, and Tribes.
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
Document Number: 2022-27441
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is giving notice that it intends to issue a series of revised conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP). NRCS is also giving the public an opportunity to provide comments on specified conservation practice standards in the NHCP.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the McGriff Lakes-Sutter Basin Watershed Flood Control and Flood Safety Project Sutter County, California
Document Number: 2022-27083
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) California State Office announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the McGriff LakesSutter Basin Watershed Flood Control and Flood Safety Project, which is located approximately 30 miles northwest of Sacramento in the proximity of Knights Landing, California. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues and alternatives to be addressed in the EIS from all interested individuals, Tribes, and Federal, State and local Agencies and jurisdictions. The EIS process will examine alternative solutions to modernize the existing Karnak Drainage Facility, portions of which are over 100 years old, to continue to provide reliable flood protection for the Reclamation District No. 1500 (RD 1500) service area. The Reclamation District service area includes over 60,000 acres of agricultural farmland, the community of Robbins and surrounding rural areas, and California State Route 113, a designated emergency route through the watershed. The primary purpose for this watershed plan is to provide reliable and long-term flood prevention and damage reduction to the RD 1500 service area and improve public safety and emergency access. Although the existing Karnak Drainage Facility has been well maintained, the required repairs for the pump stations are becoming more costly while the reliability of the facility is decreasing because parts needed for repair and continued operation are no longer available and must be custom fabricated. The aging infrastructure and lack of parts availability puts all land within the RD1500 service area at risk in the event of a significant rainfall event. Without adequate and reliable flood control, millions of dollars in agricultural products would be at risk, the designated emergency route would be in jeopardy of flood closures, and substantial property damage and potential loss of life are possible in the community of Robbins and surrounding areas.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the North Branch Park River Watershed Plan, North Dakota
Document Number: 2022-27077
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-12-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) North Dakota State Office, announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the North Branch Park River Watershed located within Pembina, Walsh, and Cavalier Counties, North Dakota. NRCS will examine alternative solutions through the EIS process to provide flood damage reduction and watershed protection. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the Proposed Action from all interested individuals, Federal and State Agencies and Tribes.
Request for Public Input About Implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act Funding
Document Number: 2022-25292
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-11-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) requests public input for NRCS to use to inform how NRCS will implement funds received under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to fund the deployment of climate-smart practices on US farms, ranches, and forestlands through four Farm Bill conservation programs. NRCS is also requesting input on funding to quantify carbon sequestration and carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions at the field scale. NRCS is specifically interested in public input and recommendations that NRCS can use to improve, expand, and/or build on scientifically-designed quantification systems to monitor and quantify improvements in soil carbon, reductions in nitrogen losses, and the reduction, capture, avoidance, or sequestration of carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide emissions, associated with agricultural production. In implementing the IRA, NRCS is interested in supporting program implementation and improving program delivery by effectively leveraging partners to increase outreach and expand access to underserved producers. This effort will help NRCS identify and prioritize process improvements for the delivery of funding made available under IRA and the overall administration of the NRCS conservation programs. NRCS will look to identify immediate changes that can be implemented for funding available for fiscal year (FY) 2023 and will continue to identify and adopt additional changes in future years.
Determination of the Primary Purpose of the New York Suffolk County Septic Improvement Program (SIP)
Document Number: 2022-24937
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-11-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
USDA is providing public notice that the Secretary of Agriculture has determined that cost share payments made by the New York Suffolk County SIP are primarily for the purpose of conserving soil and water resources or protecting and restoring the environment. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) was assigned technical and administrative responsibility for reviewing the New York Suffolk County SIP and for making appropriate recommendations for the Secretary's determination of primary purpose. The Secretary's determination permits recipients of cost share payments to exclude such payments from gross income to the extent allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.
Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee Meeting
Document Number: 2022-24020
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-11-04
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold a public meeting of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC). UAIPAC will convene to discuss interim recommendations for the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices. UAIPAC is authorized under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended.
Determination of the Primary Purpose of Florida's Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) Program
Document Number: 2022-24017
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-11-04
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
USDA is providing public notice that the Secretary of Agriculture has determined that cost share payments made by the Florida's SOIRL Program are primarily for the purpose of conserving soil and water resources or protecting and restoring the environment. NRCS was assigned technical and administrative responsibility for reviewing Florida's SOIRL Program and for making appropriate recommendations for the Secretary's determination of primary purpose. The Secretary's determination permits recipients of cost share payments to exclude such payments from gross income to the extent allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.
Information Collection Request for Volunteer Program-Earth Team
Document Number: 2022-20933
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-09-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is requesting comments from all interested individuals and organizations on an extension of a currently approved information collection associated with Volunteer Program Earth Team. The Volunteer Interest and Placement Summary and the Timesheet forms are used by the respondents. The information NRCS collects on the forms is used to match the skills of individuals, who are 14 years of age or older and interested in volunteering for opportunities that will further NRCS's mission.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Clear Branch Dam Rehabilitation Project, Hood River County, Oregon
Document Number: 2022-20164
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-09-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Oregon State Office, as Lead Federal Agency, in partnership with the Forest ServiceMount Hood National Forest (Forest Service, Cooperating Agency), and the Middle Fork Irrigation District (Project Sponsor, Owner, Operator), announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the Clear Branch Dam Rehabilitation Project (Rehabilitation Project) in the proximity of Parkdale, unincorporated Hood River County, Oregon. The purpose of the Rehabilitation Project is to provide a clean dependable water supply for the Upper Hood River valley in Hood River County, Oregon, as authorized in the 1962 Middle Fork Hood River Watershed Work Plan. There is a need to rehabilitate Clear Branch Dam to meet current dam safety and environmental compliance standards for NRCS, the Forest Service, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and other regulatory agencies. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues and potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Tribes, and Federal and State Agencies.
Notice of Availability of the Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Funding Opportunity
Document Number: 2022-16704
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-08-04
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRCS is announcing the draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity is available for public review and comment.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Cove-East Fork Virgin River Watershed Plan, Kane County, Utah
Document Number: 2022-06579
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-03-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Utah State Office announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the Cove-East Fork Virgin River Watershed Plan EIS Project located within the East Fork Virgin River Watershed in Kane County, Utah. The EIS process will examine alternative solutions to provide adequate irrigation water in Kane and Washington counties during summer months, local water-based recreation, and green energy opportunities. This EIS will also serve as the necessary environmental documentation for development of a new Black Knoll borrow pit and potential expansion of the existing Bald Knoll borrow pit. Both pits are located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered public lands and require BLM authorization. The BLM will be a cooperating agency in the development of this EIS. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the Proposed Action from all interested individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes.
Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee Virtual Meeting
Document Number: 2022-04859
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-03-08
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the first meeting of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC). UAIPAC was established to advise the Secretary on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices; and other aspects of the implementation of Section 12302 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill). UAIPAC will also develop recommendations and advise on policies, initiatives, and outreach administered by the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP); evaluate ongoing research and extension activities related to urban, indoor, and other innovative agricultural practices; identify new and existing barriers to successful urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices; and provide additional assistance and advice to OUAIP as appropriate.
Information Collection Request; Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities
Document Number: 2022-04176
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-02-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit Corporation, Natural Resources Conservation Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is requesting comments from all interested individuals and organizations on a revision and an extension of a currently approved information collection request associated with the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant activity. The purpose of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities is to support the production and marketing of climate-smart commodities through a set of pilot projects that provide voluntary incentives through partners to producers and landowners, including early adopters, to implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on working lands; measure and quantify, monitor and verify the carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits associated with those practices; and develop markets and promote the resulting climate-smart commodities. Additional information on the partnerships is available at https://www.usda.gov/climate-solutions/climate-smart-commodit ies.
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
Document Number: 2022-00853
Type: Notice
Date: 2022-01-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRCS is giving notice that it intends to issue a series of revised conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP). NRCS is also giving the public an opportunity to provide comments on specified conservation practice standards in NHCP.
Proposed Revisions to Section 1 of the Field Office Technical Guides for Several States
Document Number: 2021-20474
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-09-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRCS is giving notice that it is proposing to revise Section 1 of the Field Office Technical Guides in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Caribbean Area, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii and Pacific Islands Area, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The proposed changes include hydrology indicators for the identification in each of these States of farmed wetlands (FW) that are not playas, pocosins, or potholes. These indicators will be used by NRCS to identify FWs while completing wetland determinations for USDA program eligibility purposes.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Gould Wash Flood Protection Project, Washington County, Utah
Document Number: 2021-11646
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-06-03
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Utah State Office announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the Gould Wash Flood Protection Project within the Warner Draw Watershed in Washington County, Utah. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues and alternatives to be addressed in the EIS from all interested all interested individuals. The EIS process will examine existing flood control measures and evaluate additional (new) alternatives identified during scoping.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Upper Price River Watershed Project, Carbon County, Utah
Document Number: 2021-11645
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-06-03
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Utah State Office announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the Upper Price River Watershed Project within the Upper Price River Watershed in Carbon County, Utah. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues and alternatives to be addressed in the EIS from all interested individuals. The EIS process will examine existing flood control measures and evaluate additional (new) alternatives identified during scoping.
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
Document Number: 2021-07686
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-04-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRCS is announcing the reopening and 2-week extension of the comment period to give the public an opportunity to provide comments on specified conservation practice standards in National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP). The comment period will end on April 22, 2021.
Notice of Request for an Extension of Existing Information Collection Package
Document Number: 2021-06167
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-03-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that NRCS will request an extension for a currently approved information collection for Long-Term Contracting forms.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Coon Creek Watershed, La Crosse, Vernon, and Monroe Counties, Wisconsin
Document Number: 2021-06050
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-03-24
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wisconsin State Office announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the Coon Creek Watershed Project in the proximity of Cashton, Westby, Bloomingdale, Coon Valley, and Chaseburg, Wisconsin. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues and alternative to be addressed in the EIS from all interested all interested individuals. The EIS process will examine existing flood control measures and evaluate additional (new) alternatives identified during scoping.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the West Fork Kickapoo Watershed, Monroe and Vernon Counties, Wisconsin
Document Number: 2021-06049
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-03-24
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wisconsin State Office announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the West Fork Kickapoo Watershed Project in the proximity of Cashton, Westby, Viroqua, and Liberty, Wisconsin. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues and alternatives to be addressed in the EIS from all interested individuals. The EIS process will examine existing flood control measures and evaluate additional (new) alternatives identified during scoping.
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
Document Number: 2021-05005
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-03-09
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRCS is giving notice that it intends to issue a series of revised conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP). NRCS is also giving the public an opportunity to provide comments on specified conservation practice standards in NHCP.
Guidance for Identification of Nonindustrial Private Forest Land (NIPF)
Document Number: 2020-27703
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-12-17
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRCS is requesting input about guidance it intends to provide its agency staff concerning the identification of NIPF for NRCS conservation programs. NRCS welcomes input from the public prior to NRCS incorporating the guidance into the NRCS conservation program manual. This guidance will be used by staff to identify NIPF and relates to eligibility for certain NRCS programs.
Notice of Availability of the Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group Final Restoration Plan II and Environmental Assessment: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats and Oysters and Finding of No Significant Impact
Document Number: 2020-20354
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-09-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
In accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Final Programmatic Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Final PDARP/PEIS), Record of Decision, and Consent Decree, the Federal and State natural resource trustee agencies for the Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group (MS TIG) prepared a Final Restoration Plan II Environmental Assessment: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats and Oysters (RPII/EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The RPII/EA describes the restoration project alternatives considered by the MS TIG that meet the Trustees' goals to restore and conserve habitat and replenish and protect living coastal and marine resources. The MS TIG evaluated these alternatives under criteria set forth in the OPA natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) regulations and also evaluated the environmental consequences of the restoration alternatives in accordance with NEPA. The MS TIG selected four restoration projects in the RPII/EA for implementation in the Mississippi Restoration Area, which are consistent with the Trustees' selected programmatic alternative in the PDARP/PEIS. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of the availability of the RPII/EA and FONSI.
Request for Nominations to the Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research
Document Number: 2020-19783
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-09-08
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Secretary of Agriculture invites nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for a 2-year term on the Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research, typically referred to as the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) established by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to provide recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on agricultural air quality issues. This notice solicits nominations for membership on AAQTF.
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