Environmental Quality Incentives Program
The Lake County RCD and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have worked closely since our agency was formed in 2016. Working under an agreement through the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, the Lake County RCD works to implement the flagship NRCS program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agriculture producers and forest landowners to address natural resources concerns:
- Oak and conifer forest restoration
- Oak and conifer tree planting
- Improved or newly created wildlife habitat
- Improved water and soil quality
At no cost, NRCS will provide technical assistance to landowners through the Lake County RCD on the best management practices that will help them make more informed decisions on caring for and restoring their lands. NRCS and the Lake County RCD will work on-on-one with landowners to develop Forest Management Plans and/or obtain funding for practices and activities to help them solve forest-related issues.
Applications for EQIP are accepted on a continuous basis. For regular EQIP, landowners should apply before November to be considered for the current funding cycle.
The deadline for EQIP-IRA applications has been extended to February 16, 2024. EQIP-IRA funding in California is for climate beneficial projects in forestry and agriculture. You can learn more about the climate smart mitigation activities funded through NRCS at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/natural-resource-concerns/climate/climate-smart-mitigation-activities
To learn more about EQIP, and EQIP-IRA, contact the Lakeport NRCS office at 707-262-7091, or email Erica Lundquist: erica.lundquist@usda.gov
Link to EQIP website: Environmental Quality Incentives Program | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)
