2004 Conservation Security Program (CSP)

General Program Information

In the summer of 2004, NRCS will begin phase one of the Conservation Security Program (CSP). CSP is an exciting, new private lands conservation program authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill. CSP is the capstone conservation program offered by NRCS and is designed to reward producers who are already doing a good job of conservation and to motivate others. In this initial phase, CSP is being offered in 18 watersheds across the country - one of which is in both Montana and North Dakota.

• Conservation Security Program Factsheet
• CSP in the Lower Yellowstone Watershed Factsheet

Selected Watershed

The Lower Yellowstone River (HUC 10100004) has been chosen as a CSP priority watershed for 2004. The Lower Yellowstone River watershed covers nearly 3.5 million acres in eastern Montana and western North Dakota, with 2.97 million acres in Montana. The area encompasses portions of six counties in Montana: Prairie, Dawson, Richland, Wibaux, McCone, and Fallon; and two counties in North Dakota: McKenzie and Golden Valley. The watershed includes 147 miles of river, including the confluence of the Yellowstone River and the Missouri River near the site of Fort Union. A Lower Yellowstone River Watershed Map outlines the general watershed area.

Payment and Cost-share Information

The following links provide information on the potential payments that an eligible participant could receive if program guidelines are met.

NEW! The 2004 CSP Enhancement Job Sheets page contains a detailed job sheet for each enhancement eligible for payment in the Lower Yellowstone Watershed.

Application Sign-up Information

• CSP Application Process Factsheet
• CSP Sign-up Announcement

This document requires Acrobat Reader.

Conservation Security Program: Self-Assessment Workbook (PDF; 942 KB)
CSP Lower Yellowstone Watershed Wildlife Habitat Self-Assessment Tool (PDF; 1.28 MB)

The Interim Final Rule, program fact sheets, key points, and other information can be found on the national Conservation Programs webpage.  Information on the program can also be found on the national CSP webpage or by contacting your local NRCS field office listed below.

News Releases

June 14, 2004
Conservation Security Program Sign-up Period Announced (Montana)

August 27, 2004
USDA Announces Selection of First CSP Applications; 49 Contracts Selected in Lower Yellowstone Watershed (Montana)Lower Yellowstone Watershed Selected for 2004 CSP Sign-Up (North Dakota) (148KB)

Montana Program Contacts

Carrie Mosley, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs
Phone: 406-587-6967
Email: Carrie.Mosley

Erik Suffridge, Program Specialist
Phone: 406-587-6849
Email: Erik.Suffridge

North Dakota Program Contact

Tom Coleman, Assistant State Conservationist for Operations
Phone: 701-530-2002
Email: Tom.Coleman