03/23/05 CSP has unique three tier program

The Natural Resource Conservation Service has the 'help wanted' sign out today. KNIGHT "We're looking at good conservationists. Are you willing to add wildlife buffers, are you willing to add wildlife component to the farm operation?" That's the Chief of NRCS Bruce Knight talking about CSP, the Conservation Security Program. It was a pilot project last year in the Lemhi watershed but the program has been expanded to more than 200 watersheds nationwide, 18 of them in Idaho. What makes this program so unique is the three tied payment structure. KNIGHT "The first tier for just a portion of your farm and a portion of the natural resources associated with that. The second tier goes to a larger portion of the operation, more environmental enhancements more environmental goods and services. And the third is a comprehensive holistic look at the entire farm operation." There's even an energy enhancement for conservation or renewable energy use. KNIGHT "For a commitment to utilize biodiesel or ethanol on the farm." Yes, there are probably a lot of questions because the program is new but NRCS says they'll be glad to answer them. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott