News Release

For Immediate Release

December 7, 2006

Grant Proposals for National Competition for Innovative Conservation Technologies Sought

Colchester, VT…..The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is seeking proposals for the national competition of the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program that might stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.

CIG rewards the creation of new and innovative approaches to manage natural resources more effectively and efficiently. Applicants who might provide practical solutions to conservation and resource management issues on a local, regional or national scale are sought.

Funding for CIG is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and all proposed projects must involve EQIP-eligible producers. Up to $20 million is available and will be awarded through a nationwide competitive grants process for single or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years. Funds are subject to the $450,000 EQIP payment limitations.

There are three CIG categories available in 2007: the Natural Resource Concerns Category; Chesapeake Bay Watershed Category; and Technology Category. CIG will fund projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations.

Applicants should explain how large a geographic area the project would benefit. These projects may be watershed-based, regional, multi-state, or nationwide in scope. Applications should describe the use of innovative technologies of approaches, or both, to address a natural resource conservation concern. Applications must be received by February 2, 2007.

For more information go to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service works in partnership with the American people to conserve and sustain natural resources on private lands. An Equal Opportunity Employer