The Conservation Security Program: A New Conservation Program That Rewards Historic Land Stewards Who Have Applied and Managed Effective Conservation Systems

Authors

Hank Henry, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2005

Comments

Published by The Wildlife Society, in cooperation with USDA's National Resources Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency. Published in the Fish and Wildlife Benefits of Farm Bill Programs: 2000–2005 Update.

Abstract

The Conservation Security Program (CSP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes on tribal and private working lands. Working lands include cropland, grassland, prairie land, improved pasture, and rangeland, as well as forested land that is an incidental part of an agriculture operation. In the first sign-up, CSP was offered in 18 watersheds located in 22 states. In 2005, the program is available in all 50 states, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. The program provides equitable access to benefits to all producers, regardless of size of operation, crops produced, or geographic location.