$75,000 in Conservation Planning Funds Available for White River & Ottauquechee Districts

White River Junction, VT — USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Vermont has approved a new Local Funding Pool of $75,000 in federal funds to expand access to high-quality, upfront conservation planning. These funds will be available during the 2026 fiscal year to support landowners and producers in the White River and Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation Districts.

The funding will help eligible participants access technical assistance and prepare for long-term, whole-farm conservation efforts. Priority practices include grazing management plans, soil health system designs, forest management plans, pollinator habitat planning, and support for organic transition. A full list of eligible planning practices is available on request.

This initiative stems from priorities identified in the region’s Local Working Group Report, which emphasizes the need to grow Vermont’s conservation workforce, support Technical Service Providers (TSPs), and expand access to proactive conservation strategies.

Who Can Apply:
Eligible applicants include those who own or lease agricultural or forest land in Orange and Windsor Counties, as well as the towns of Granville, Hancock, Pittsfield, and eastern Chittenden. There is no acreage minimum or maximum.

How to Apply:

1. Establish Eligibility: Call (802) 295-7942 to register with the Farm Service Agency and receive your Farm and Tract numbers.

2. (Optional) Request Local Support: Contact White River NRCD for a free consultation to help determine which plans or designs are best suited for your operation.

3. Submit NRCS Form 1200 by August 22, 2025: On Question 2 of the form, select “EQIP” and write in “Local Funding Pool.”

White River NRCD staff are available to assist with the application process.

For questions or technical assistance, contact: whiterivernrcd@gmail.com

To view the Local Working Group Report or explore eligible practices, visit the White River NRCD website or find your local Conservation District here.