The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has two main branches of financial assistance programs: the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). EQIP is generally the starting point for most people applying to for cost-share as it involves a variety of broader management practices that are commonly needed in forests, such as noxious weed control or pre-commercial thinning. CSP usually comes into play when the forest is already in good shape and could use a few more detail-oriented enhancements to take it to the next level.

"Cost-share" requires the landowner to pay the upfront costs of the project which is then partially reimbursed based on set rates by NRCS, therefore sharing the overall cost of implementation. For EQIP, these rates are based on the types of practices being done and over how many acres. For CSP, annual payments at a minimum of $1500 are paid for maintaining the projects in good standing plus the rate of the practice implementation per acre. The costs and percentage of reimbursement is outlined prior to the project initiation in a contract with NRCS. Contracts will include all specifications which the projects must meet in order to be eligible for payment. Projects are inspected by NRCS at completion for those specifications and reimbursement will be approved once the project passes inspection.

Applying to either of these programs does not commit you to following through on the program if you do not have the resources for it at this time or it ends up not suiting your needs. The deadline for EQIP applications is generally in the autumn, where the deadline for CSP applications is generally in the early spring. There is also no guarantee of funding for any project as funding amounts and competition for funds can vary from year to year. If funding is awarded, it is usually available for the year after the application was submitted.

Conservation Districts (CDs) are non-regulatory, special purpose districts who serve the local community by providing assistance to landowners and the general public in regards to natural resources. Two foresters, Margaret Kreder and Alex Chacon, provide forestry-related technical assistance. The forester positions are funded through two different grant programs which were created to assist with providing technical assistance to small forest landowners and connect them with the resources, especially those provided by NRCS, in order to help them best care for their forest land.

We, the CD Foresters, are also able through these agreements to aid NRCS by liaising with landowners/operators who are coming into the programs providing guidance when applying, assisting NRCS with planning documentation, as well as providing technical information during project implementation. Due to laws about privacy for personal information, NRCS cannot directly share information about an ongoing project with CD Foresters without express written permission given by the landowners/operators. In order to help us provide this assistance to you and access the funding that allows us to continue to provide these services, when the application for the program is submitted please email the NRCS agent the following:

  "I/we consent to NRCS sharing information regarding our application and future EQIP/CSP projects arising from said applications with Margaret Kreder and Alex Chacon, the area conservation district foresters." 

If you do not already, it is essential to enroll with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in order to get a Farm Number. Even if you are not an agricultural producer/do not have agricultural lands you will need a Farm Number as that is the means the agencies under the USDA use to establish an identity for you and will use to for any current future projects. You will be required to provide your Adjusted Gross Income as the financial assistance programs are only eligible to producers under a certain income level. This step will take about 3 weeks to process.

The application for EQIP or CSP uses the same form and should be filled out using the FSA Farm Number created in the previous step. On the form there is the opportunity to identify whether you would like to apply for EQIP or CSP. These two programs can be enrolled in simultaneously as long as the projects do not overlap, but you will likely be directed towards one or the other based on the condition of your forest and the type of project you're interested in.

This form packet provides instructions on the various parts of the application. If you have never enrolled in an NRCS program previously, you will likely need to fill out all areas as applicable within the form. If you have previously worked with NRCS, you may only need to fill out part of it, so check with your local NRCS Field Office.

For those in Mason County, the local NRCS Field Office is the Bremerton Field Office located at 500 Pacific Ave, Suit 301, Bremerton, WA 98337. Send your application and questions to Sean McDonagh (sean.mcdonagh@usda.gov, 360-813-9707).

For those in Thurston County, the local NRCS Field Office is the Olympia Field Office located at 1835 Black Lake BLVD SW STE B

Olympia, WA 98512. Send your application and questions to Rebecca Anderson-Bellanca (rebecca.anderson@usda.gov, 360-704-7741).

Please also copy Margaret Kreder (mkreder@masoncd.org) and Alex Chacon (achacon@masoncd.org) when submitting the application form along with the statement of consent for communication listed above so we can continue to provide you with updates and assistance through the process.

Applications can also be submitted in person or by mail. If sending by mail, it's recommended to contact your local NRCS Office to let them know to expect your application.

Our programs' funding allows us to provide planning services for forest properties and we may be able to write a forest plan or update an existing forest plan free of charge to the landowner in order to meet the criteria for eligibility.

Larger properties which we may not have capacity for may need to reach out to another agency or private consulting forester in order to have their plan written or updated with the pertinent information. WSU Forestry Directory is a great resource for finding a professional who can provide planning services. EQIP also has a category for cost-share of a plan done by a Technical Service Provider (TSP). TSPs are largely private consulting foresters who have been trained and vetted by NRCS if you would like financial assistance to get a forest plan in place in order to participate EQIP or CSP.

If you already have a recent plan which meets the standards for NRCS planning then you are good to go!

This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement PC-01J22301 through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

This material is based upon work supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under number 68-0546-17-519. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.