The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will be holding a Local Working Group meeting at the Nemaha Natural Resource District Office 62161 Hwy 136 Tecumseh, NE 68450, February 23, 2023 from 9am to 12pm to discuss natural resource conservation program priorities.  The meeting is open to the public. 

For individuals needing special accommodations, please contact Jeremiah Schutz at (402) 335-3377 Ext 112

There is a Local Working Group in each Natural Resources District (NRD). Local Working Group members include Federal, State, county, Tribal or local government representatives. According to Rob Lawson, state conservationist with Nebraska NRCS, these working groups provide local input into how Federal dollars are spent.

“The Local Working Group recommends to the NRCS State Conservationist how conservation programs would be used most effectively in their area. Recommendations can include special target areas, which conservation practices should have cost assistance, or how many dollars could be needed,” said Lawson. 

Nebraska NRCS obligates funds to farmers and ranchers through conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). These programs help landowners and operators make natural resource improvements to their land, water, or wildlife. This funding is allocated, in part, according to priorities set by Local Working Groups.

For more information about the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the programs and services they provide, visit your local USDA Service Center.