Objectives
The objectives of this report are to communicate the methods that individual states use to access Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds for forestry-related activities as well as to identify and share related successes. This summary can be used to inform program managers and decision makers as to how EQIP is operating in the west. The details and state summaries will provide the stimuli for new ideas and opportunities to increase application of EQIP program funds for forestry-related activities.

To obtain the information for this report, in June of 2006, a survey was sent to the 17 western states and 6 Pacific Island Territories (see Map 1) inquiring about their EQIP implementation and successes. As well, information on EQIP funding was obtained by the US Forest Service and the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Background
EQIP is a voluntary program that provides assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats to soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Through EQIP, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides assistance in a manner that promotes production and environmental quality as compatible goals, optimizes environmental benefits, and helps landowners meet Federal, State, Tribal, and local environmental requirements. EQIP was reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill). Funding for EQIP comes from the Commodity Credit Corporation.

When the reauthorization of EQIP added nonindustrial private forests as eligible land, funding was made available for landowners implementing agroforestry and other forestry practices. These practices include: prescribed burning, riparian forest buffers, firebreaks, forest site preparation, pest management, tree/shrub establishment, forest stand improvement, windbreak/shelterbreak establishment, forest harvest trails & landings, and brush management.

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Environmental Quality Incentives Program