FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2009
For More Information Contact: Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606

2009 Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) Opportunities

Champaign, IL—The Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) is a voluntary initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to owners/operators of agricultural land and nonindustrial private forest lands. Under CCPI, the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) enters into partnership agreements that focus technical and financial resources on conservation priorities in watersheds or areas of special significance. CCPI is not a grant program, bur rather seeks to devise and implement watershed-sized (big picture) solutions to pressing natural resource concerns found in agriculture and rural settings. Using programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), NRCS supports and encourages group efforts that join together action and funds of federal, state, local and private entities. To learn more, NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle urges interested groups to visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ccpi.

Since 2009 CCPI funds are accessed through EQIP, WHIP and CSP, only producers/private landowners who are eligible for these programs are able to participate in existing or special local projects. According to Gradle, “Eligible producers or groups are identified in an approved partnership agreement and may apply for program assistance. Applicants must be a federally recognized state or local unit of government, a non-governmental organization/group, group of individuals, or Indian tribe. Selected applicants may receive financial assistance of up to 50% of the total project cost. Applicants must provide non-federal matching funds.

Groups and projects considered include multi-year agreements (not to exceed five years); priority is given to projects that involve a high number of producers; leverage local and private resources with financial and technical resources of others; deliver applied, on-the-ground conservation solutions; and provide innovation in method, construction and delivery.

For 2009 nationwide, NRCS will direct $52.4 million in financial assistance funds for CCPI, $5.8 million of which will be directed towards financial assistance funds for multi-State or national projects. CCPI application deadline for fiscal year 2009 is April 23, 2009. Partner proposals must be postmarked and submitted no later than April 23, 2009.

Gradle clarified again that CCPI is not a grant program but one where approved eligible partners enter into multi-year agreements with NRCS to enhance conservation outcomes on agricultural lands and private nonindustrial private forest lands. The intent of CCPI projects is for NRCS to leverage investment in natural resources conservation along with services and resources of local, non-Federal partners.

The program is open to local units of government, producer associations, farmer cooperatives, institutions of higher education, and non-governmental organizations with a history of working cooperatively with producers. Individual producers are not eligible to submit partner proposals. Proposals for CCPI partnership agreements must be sent to the Illinois NRCS State Conservationists for evaluation and approval.

Assistance provided enables participants to install and maintain conservation practices, including the development and adoption of innovative conservation. Requirements and a Request for Applications can be accessed online at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ccpi/

According to Gradle, “I know we have a number of innovative thinkers and groups in the State of Illinois. I’d encourage groups and partners to check into CCPI before the deadline comes up—it might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. To learn more about CCPI, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ccpi.

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