New USDA Funding for Wildfire Prevention and Land Restoration in Southern Front Range Counties

The USDA has introduced new funding opportunities under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through the Joint Chief’s Landscape Restoration Partnership Project in Colorado's Southern Front Range. Clint Evans, the State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Colorado, leads this initiative. The project aims to enhance collaboration among the NRCS, the U.S. Forest Service, agricultural producers, and forest landowners.

The initiative targets conservation and restoration on both public and private lands in Pueblo, Custer, Huerfano, and Las Animas counties. The planned activities include vegetation treatment near towns such as Cuchara, Aguilar, Stonewall, Wetmore, Westcliffe, Beulah, and Rye to reduce wildfire risks, improve water quality and supply, and enhance habitats for endangered species.

This partnership model leverages combined resources and expertise from various stakeholders to maximize environmental benefits throughout the Southern Front Range.

Landowners interested in participating have until May 17, 2024, to apply for funding through the NRCS's ACT NOW process. This system speeds up the application process, helping landowners quickly determine if their projects qualify for funding, which aids in the swift and effective implementation of conservation practices.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.