2011 Environmental Quality Incentives Program

The purposes of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are to promote agricultural production, forest management, and environmental quality as compatible goals; optimize environmental benefits; and help farmers and ranchers meet Federal, State, Tribal, and local environmental regulations. 

Through EQIP, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forest land owners who face threats to soil, water, and air quality; wildlife habitat; surface and groundwater conservation; energy conservation; and related natural resources on their land.

Flood Damage Recovery Assistance through EQIP
Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), NRCS is offering both technical and financial assistance for a number of conservation practices that will allow the floodplain to recover from the damages caused by severe flooding. Montana farmers and ranchers have from September 15 to November 15, 2011 to sign-up with NRCS for the current EQIP program.

News Release: USDA Agencies Offer Flood Recovery Assistance to Montana Farmers, Ranchers
Fact Sheet: 2011 Flood Damage Recovery Special Initiatives

The application period for flood recovery assistance through the current EQIP is September 15, 2011 to November 15, 2011.

The general application deadline for FY 2012 EQIP ended June 1, 2011. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for funding in the next funding cycle.

Program Eligibility

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program is open to agricultural producers engaged in livestock production, including forestry, or owners of agricultural lands, non-industrial private forest lands, or other lands on which agricultural products, livestock, or forest-related products are produced and natural resource concerns may be addressed.

• 2011 Applicant Eligibility for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program
• 2011 Land Eligibility for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Application Process

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Cutoff dates will be established to allow for ranking, prioritization, and selection of applications for funding.

Eligible applicants may apply for EQIP by completing an application, form NRCS-CPA-1200 and appendix at any USDA Service Center by phone, email, fax, or letter.

How EQIP Works in Montana

• 2011 EQIP Funding Distribution
• 2011 EQIP Ranking Criteria
• 2011 EQIP Special Initiatives
  • 2011 Montana Organic Production EQIP Special Initiative

Prior-Year EQIP (Archives)

• 2010 Environmental Quality Incentives Program Information Archival Purposes Only
• 2009 Environmental Quality Incentives Program Information Archival Purposes Only
• 2008 Environmental Quality Incentives Program Information Archival Purposes Only
• 2007 Environmental Quality Incentives Program Information Archival Purposes Only

Links to Other Useful Documents

If you encounter any problems with the files provided on this page, please contact Kris Berg at 406-587-6849.

The following documents require Adobe Reader.

Internet Query Tool for EQIP Ranking of Impaired Waters, Dewatered Streams List, Threatened and Endangered Species, and Wells Data (PDF; 24KB)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Dewatering Concern Areas (PDF; 99KB)

For More Information

For more information and updates about EQIP, please refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Web site, the national NRCS EQIP Web site, or contact one of the Montana NRCS personnel listed below.

Contacts

Kris Berg, Program Specialist
Phone: 406-587-6849
Email: Kris.Berg

Tim Ouellette, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs
Phone: 406-587-6794
Email: Tim.Ouellette

Last Modified: 12/09/2011