NRCS Announces Second Sign Up for Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative

Eric B. Banks, State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for Kansas, announced that applications for the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative (LPCI) will again be accepted through May 17, 2013.

This second sign up, according to Banks, gives producers another opportunity to improve the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (LEPC) habitat while promoting the overall health of grazing lands and the long-term sustainability of Kansas ranching opportunities.  Another option that may be available toKansas producers is for expired or expiring Conservation Reserve Program acres to be maintained in permanent cover and used for grazing.  Conservation practices, such as fencing, watering facilities, and others are available for financial assistance to aid in developing and enhancing existing cover.    

Eligible areas are located in the following Kansas counties:  Barber, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Ellis, Finney, Ford, Gove, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kiowa, Lane, Logan, Meade, Morton, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush, Scott, Seward, Sherman, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, and Wichita.

All applications need to be submitted before May 17 to be considered in the second sign up.

Additional information specific to LPCI is available from your local U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center (USDA), from NRCS staff, or at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/lpci.