LINCOLN, Nebraska -- A Local Working Group that provides advice on the priorities for many U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs will meet virtually via Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at 10 a.m. The meeting is hosted by the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District.

There is a Local Working Group in each Natural Resources District (NRD). Membership on the Local Working Group includes Federal, State, County, Tribal or local government representatives according to Cory Schmidt, District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), whose agency guides the Local Working Group. 

“The Local Working Group recommends to the NRCS State Conservationist how conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), or Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) would be used most effectively in their area. These recommendations can include special target areas, cost share rates on conservation programs, which conservation practices should have cost assistance, or how many dollars could be needed,” said Schmidt. “This work group allows local input into how Federal dollars are spent”, he added.

Typically, Nebraska NRCS obligates anywhere between $45 million to over $75 million dollars to farmers and ranchers statewide through NRCS conservation programs. These programs help landowners and operators make natural resource improvements to their land, water, or wildlife. This funding was allocated according to the priorities set by the Local Working Group.

The public is encouraged to attend and express their natural resource concerns. Ideas generated from the public will help the U.S. Department of Agriculture tailor their natural resource programs to meet the needs identified locally. Public wishing to access the virtual meeting, may do so by calling the Lower Platte South NRD office at (402) 476-2729 for log-in information.