[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 2, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9380-9388]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-4275]
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Notices
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 40 / Tuesday, March 2, 2010 /
Notices
[[Page 9380]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Commodity Credit Corporation
Cooperative Conservation Partners Initiative; Wetlands Reserve
Enhancement Program
AGENCY: Commodity Credit Corporation and Natural Resources Conservation
Service, Department of Agriculture.
ACTION: Notice of request for proposals through the Mississippi River
Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS), who is Vice President of the Commodity Credit Corporation
(CCC), announces the availability of financial assistance funds in
fiscal year (FY) 2010 for up to $50 million in the Cooperative
Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) and $25 million in the
Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) through the Mississippi
River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI) to eligible
participants in 12-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) subwatershed(s)
within the 41 designated focus areas (8-digit HUCs) in the following
States: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The
purpose of this notice is to solicit proposals from potential partners
to enter into partnership agreements with NRCS, and to inform
agricultural producers and landowners of the future availability of
program funds through approved partnership projects.
DATES: Effective Date: The Notice of Request is effective March 2,
2010.
Eligible partners may submit proposals by mail or via courier.
By mail, proposals must be postmarked by May 3, 2010.
By courier, proposals must be delivered by May 3, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Written proposals should be submitted to the addresses
identified below, with copies to the appropriate NRCS State
Conservationist, whose names and addresses are identified as an
attachment to this notice. If a project is multi-State in scope, all
State Conservationists in the proposed project area must be sent the
proposal for review.
By mail: Gregory K. Johnson, Director, Financial
Assistance Programs Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room
5241 South Building, Washington, DC 20250. (Note: Registered or
Certified Mail to a Post Office may not be used.)
By courier: Gregory K. Johnson, Director, Financial
Assistance Programs Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room
5241 South Building, Washington, DC 20250, Telephone: (202) 720-1845.
All proposals will be accepted between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Please ask the guard at the
entrance to the South Building to call (202) 720-1845.
State Conservationists will review and comment on eligible
proposals and will share them with their State Technical Committee for
input and feedback. Proposals submitted via fax, email, or after the
deadline date or times listed in this notice will not be considered.
Proposals submitted via the grants.gov Web site will not be considered.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: CCPI projects: Gregory K.
Johnson, Director, Financial Assistance Programs Division, Department
of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 5241 South Building, Washington, DC
20250; Telephone: (202) 720-1845; Fax: (202) 720-4264; or e-mail: [email protected]. Additional information regarding CCPI is available
at the following NRCS Web page: http:[sol][sol]www.nrcs.usda.gov/
programs/CCPI/
WREP projects: Andree DuVarney, Acting Director, Easement
Programs Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 6819 South
Building, Washington, DC 20250; Telephone: (202) 720-1854; Fax: (202)
720-9689; or e-mail: [email protected]. Additional information
regarding WREP is available at the following NRCS Web page:
http:[sol][sol]www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/WRP
Monitoring and Evaluation: Mike Hubbs, Director,
Ecological Sciences Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room
6158 South Building, Washington, DC 20250; Telephone: (202) 720-5992;
Fax: (202) 720-2646; or email: [email protected]
MRBI Information: Information concerning MRBI can be found
at the following Web page: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/mrbi/mrbi.html
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means
for communication (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should
contact the USDA Target Center at: (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Paperwork Reduction Act
Section 2904 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
(2008 Act) requires that the implementation of this provision be
carried out without regard to the Paperwork Reduction Act, Chapter 35
of title 44, U.S.C. Therefore, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) is
not reporting recordkeeping or estimated paperwork burden associated
with this amendment.
Background
The Mississippi River Basin is a critical ecosystem within the
United States. Its entire land mass, totaling 41 percent of the
contiguous United States and 15 percent of North America, drains into
the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Stretching 2,350 miles
from its headwaters at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to the mouth of the Gulf
of Mexico, the Mississippi River carries an average of 436,000 tons of
sediment each day. Nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, contribute
to both local water quality problems and the hypoxic zone in the Gulf
of Mexico.
To help solve these water quality problems, NRCS has developed the
MRBI. Through this new initiative, NRCS and its partners will help
landowners and operators in selected watersheds in the Mississippi
River Basin voluntarily implement conservation systems that avoid,
control, and trap nutrient runoff; protect, restore, and enhance
wetlands; maintain agricultural productivity;
[[Page 9381]]
improve wildlife habitat; and achieve other MRBI objectives.
Within the designated focus areas in the Mississippi River Basin,
NRCS announces the availability of financial assistance funds in FY
2010 for up $50 million in the CCPI and $25 million in the WREP to
eligible participants through approved partnership projects in the
following States: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and
Wisconsin.
Forty-one focus areas (watersheds) have been selected by NRCS State
Conservationists, with input from the State Technical Committees and
State water quality agencies, to help improve water quality by reducing
nitrogen and phosphorous levels in the Mississippi River Basin. The
selected watersheds are listed below. Using CCPI and WREP, NRCS will
leverage partner contributions and accelerate conservation assistance
to improve water quality; protect, restore, and enhance wetlands;
enhance wildlife habitat; and achieve other MRBI objectives. Entities
interested in partnering with NRCS in the MRBI must submit separate
proposals for CCPI and WREP to the addresses identified in this notice.
NRCS will not accept joint CCPI and WREP proposals in FY 2010.
Accordingly, an entity is encouraged to submit a proposal for each
program. Proposals that integrate CCPI and WREP within a project area
will receive higher priority. Entities should note in their
applications that proposals have been submitted for both CCPI and WREP,
when applicable.
Focus Areas
Eligible partners should submit complete proposals addressing the
conservation objectives to be achieved in one or more 12-digit HUC
subwatersheds within the designated 8-digit focus area or areas. The
designated focus areas listed by 8-digit HUC are below. A complete list
of the smaller-scale, 12-digit HUC subwatersheds within the designated
8-digit focus areas can be found at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/mrbi/unit_code_lists.html.
Designated Focus Areas for the MRBI FY 2010 (8-Digit HUCs)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hydrologic
State(s) Watershed unit code
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arkansas/Missouri.............. Cache.................. 08020302
Arkansas....................... Lake Conway-Point 11110203
Remove.
Arkansas....................... L'Anguille............. 08020205
Arkansas/Missouri.............. Lower St. Francis...... 08020203
Illinois....................... Lower Illinois- 07130001
Senachwine Lake.
Illinois....................... Upper Illinois......... 07130005
Illinois....................... Vermillion (Upper 07130002
Mississippi River sub-
basin).
Illinois/Indiana............... Vermillion (Upper Ohio 05120109
River sub-basin).
Indiana........................ Eel.................... 05120104
Indiana........................ Upper East Fork White.. 05120206
Indiana........................ Wildcat................ 05120107
Indiana/Ohio................... Upper Wabash........... 05120101
Iowa........................... Boone.................. 07100005
Iowa........................... Maquoketa.............. 07060006
Iowa........................... North Raccoon.......... 07100006
Iowa/Minnesota................. Upper Cedar............ 07080201
Kentucky/Tennessee............. Bayou De Chien-Mayfield 08010201
Kentucky....................... Licking................ 05100101
Kentucky....................... Lower Green............ 05110005
Louisiana...................... Mermentau.............. 08080202
Louisiana/Arkansas............. Bayou Macon............ 08050002
Louisiana/Arkansas............. Boeuf River............ 08050001
Minnesota...................... Middle Minnesota....... 07020007
Minnesota...................... Root................... 07040008
Minnesota...................... Sauk................... 07010202
Mississippi.................... Big Sunflower.......... 08030207
Mississippi/Louisiana/Arkansas. Deer-Steele............ 08030209
Mississippi.................... Upper Yazoo............ 08030206
Missouri/Iowa.................. Lower Grand............ 10280103
Missouri....................... North Fork Salt........ 07110005
Missouri....................... South Fork Salt........ 07110006
Missouri/Arkansas.............. Little River Ditches... 08020204
Ohio/Indiana................... Upper Great Miami...... 05080001
Ohio........................... Upper Scioto........... 05060001
Tennessee...................... Forked Deer............ 08010206
Tennessee/Kentucky............. Obion.................. 08010202
Tennessee...................... South Fork Obion....... 08010203
Tennessee/Kentucky............. Red River.............. 05130206
Wisconsin/Illinois............. Sugar.................. 07090004
Wisconsin/Illinois............. Upper Rock............. 07090001
Wisconsin/Illinois............. Pecatonica............. 07090003
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submitting Proposals
Potential partners must submit a complete proposal to Gregory K.
Johnson, Director, Financial Assistance Programs Division, addressing
all questions and items listed in the appropriate subpart of this
notice. Potential partners should recognize that the proposal is the
only document
[[Page 9382]]
NRCS will use in the evaluation process. The proposal must include
sufficient detail to allow NRCS to understand the partner's priority
resource concerns, objectives, and expected outcomes. Incomplete
proposals and those that do not meet the requirements set forth in this
notice will not be considered, and notification of elimination will be
mailed to the applicant. Proposal evaluation will be based upon a
competitive process and the criteria established under the appropriate
CCPI or WREP proposal requirements. Proposals for CCPI and WREP must be
submitted separately.
To further explain how each of these watershed-based initiatives
work and specify how to submit proposals for CCPI and WREP, NRCS
identifies the policies and processes below.
Part A: MRBI-CCPI
Section 2707 of the 2008 Act established the CCPI by amending
section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3843). The
Request for Proposals contains a number of new terms and words which
would normally be included in a definitions section. However, in order
to reduce content and improve readability of this notice, definitions
may be obtained by contacting the persons referenced in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section and online at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/mrbi/mrbi.html or http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ccpi.
CCPI is a voluntary initiative that uses the funds, policies, and
processes of conservation programs under Subtitle D of Title XII of the
Food Security Act, specifically the Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP) (7 CFR part 1466), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
(WHIP) (7 CFR part 636), and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) (7
CFR part 1470) to deliver assistance to owners and operators of
agricultural and nonindustrial private forest land. CCPI differs from
CSP, EQIP, and WHIP in that the initiative is designed specifically to
foster coordination with other partners, and to encourage additional
non-Federal investment in natural resource conservation through the use
of in-kind services or matching funds in a geographic area, such as a
watershed.
Fund Availability
Effective on the date of this notice, NRCS announces the
availability of financial assistance funds in the following programs
through the MRBI-CCPI in FY 2010:
$40 million in EQIP
$5 million in WHIP
278,000 acres in CSP (approximately equivalent to $5
million)
Under CCPI, partners coordinate with NRCS to provide financial and
technical assistance to eligible landowners and agricultural producers
to reduce nutrient loading to achieve water quality objectives and to
improve wildlife habitat. Partners are not required to provide
financial or technical assistance above that provided through NRCS
programs, although partners that provide additional resources will be
given higher priority consideration in the competitive selection
process.
All Federal funds made available will be paid directly to program
participants through CSP and EQIP contracts and WHIP cost-share
agreements. No technical assistance funds will be provided to partners
through an MRBI-CCPI agreement. However, NRCS State Conservationists
may consider the development of a separate funding agreement with
qualifying partners for the delivery of technical services.
CCPI Program Objectives
Under CCPI, NRCS enters into multi-year agreements with eligible
partner organizations to address conservation priorities related to
agriculture and nonindustrial private forest land. Individual
landowners and agricultural producers are not eligible entities and may
not submit CCPI proposals, nor may they apply for program benefits
through this proposal submission process. In order to receive CCPI
assistance, landowners and agricultural producers must participate
within a project area defined in an approved CCPI agreement and enroll
in EQIP, WHIP, or CSP. Landowners and agricultural producers interested
in applying must meet the eligibility requirements of the program(s)
for which they are applying. Individual landowner and agriculture
producer applications will be evaluated and ranked by NRCS to ensure
that applications selected for funding are most likely to achieve
project objectives.
As part of the partnership agreements, partners may help facilitate
the submission of landowner and agricultural producers' program
applications, provide additional technical or financial assistance to
participating landowners and agricultural producers, including
nonindustrial private forest landowners, or provide other resources as
defined in the agreement. MRBI-CCPI partnership agreements are to: (1)
Address conservation priorities involving agriculture and nonindustrial
private forest land within the designated 8-digit HUC focus areas that
establish treatment needs and metrics at the 12-digit HUC scale; (2)
encourage landowners and agricultural producers to cooperate in meeting
applicable Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements related to
production; (3) encourage landowners and agricultural producers to
cooperate in the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of
conservation practices; and (4) promote the development and
demonstration of innovative conservation practices, delivery methods,
and monitoring/evaluation of the practices. State Conservationists may
provide guidance to potential partners related to resource concerns,
priorities established by local working groups and State Technical
Committees, and approved EQIP and WHIP conservation practices and
activities for the focus areas, found at: http://nrcs.usda.gov/programs/mrbi/mrbi.html. State Conservationists may tailor this
practice list based on the resource needs in the focus area; however,
CSP will not have a modified enhancement list for MRBI-CCPI.
For each of a potential partner's proposed project areas (a single
12-digit watershed or multiple 12-digit watersheds within the
designated focus area), NRCS strongly encourages the use of a ``systems
approach'' to achieve conservation goals. The systems approach
addresses nutrient runoff from multiple perspectives: ``Avoid'' the
excess application of nutrients onto the field; ``Control'' the amount
nutrient runoff from the fields into the watershed; and ``Trap''
nutrients before leaving the field. Once a project is funded, producer
applications that achieve conservation goals through a ``systems
approach'' will be given higher consideration in the ranking process.
Under CCPI, where flexibility is needed to meet project objectives,
the partner may request that program adjustments be allowed provided
such policy, procedural, or technical adjustments are within the scope
of the applicable programs' statutory and regulatory program
authorities. An example of a program adjustment may include expediting
the applicable program ranking process in a situation where a partner
has identified the landowners and agricultural producers approved to
participate in the project. Other examples of adjustments may include
applying flexibility in payment rate determinations, or using a single
area-wide plan of operations rather individual plans of operations.
Eligible Partners
Eligible partners for CCPI include federally-recognized Indian
tribes, State
[[Page 9383]]
and local units of government, farmer cooperatives, producer
associations, institutions of higher education, and other non-
governmental organizations with a history of working cooperatively with
landowners and agricultural producers to effectively address
conservation priorities related to agriculture and nonindustrial
private forest land.
CCPI Applications
For MRBI-CCPI, NRCS will enter into EQIP and CSP contracts or WHIP
cost-share agreements directly with eligible landowners and
agricultural producers, including nonindustrial private forest
landowners, who are participating in the project areas (12-digit
subwatershed(s) within the designated 8-digit focus areas). Landowners
and agricultural producers interested in participating in an approved
MRBI-CCPI project may apply for approved MRBI-CCPI funds at their local
USDA Service Center after the Chief announces project selection. The
designated conservationist will help the landowner or agricultural
producer determine which applicable programs (CSP, EQIP, or WHIP) are
appropriate to apply for depending on the conservation systems or
activities the producer seeks to install or perform to meet the
approved partner's project objectives. For enrollment in the MRBI-CCPI,
eligible land is defined for each program in the following regulations:
EQIP: 7 CFR 1466.8(c)
CSP: 7 CFR 1470.6(b)
WHIP: 7 CFR 636.4(b)
Individual applications will be evaluated and ranked by NRCS to
ensure that producer applications selected for funding are most likely
to achieve objectives for the single 12-digit HUC subwatershed or
multiple 12-digit HUC subwatersheds within the designated 8-digit focus
area. Participants may have multiple contracts through MRBI-CCPI if
more than one covered program is needed to accomplish the project
objectives.
Proposal Requirements
For consideration of a proposal submitted through MRBI-CCPI in
response to this notice, a potential partner must submit five copies
(8.5'' x 11'' white paper) of the written proposal and one electronic
copy on CD-ROM in MS WORD or PDF. If submitting more than one project
proposal (proposals for multiple 8-digit focus areas), a potential
partner must submit a separate complete document for each project. The
entire project proposal should not exceed 15 pages in length including
maps, reference materials, or related reports.
The basic format for the MRBI-CCPI proposal is a narrative written
response to the questions and information requested in this notice.
There are no forms required or associated with this proposal process.
(1) Proposal Cover and Summary: The first few pages of the proposal
must include:
(a) Project title.
(b) Project Director/Manager name, telephone, and email address.
(c) Name of lead partner entity submitting proposal and other
collaborating partners.
(d) Mailing address and telephone numbers for lead partner.
(e) Designated 8-digit focus area and 12-digit HUC subwatershed(s),
wherein the project lies, including; State(s); County(s); and
Congressional District(s). Include a general location map.
(f) Brief description/summary of the project and description of
resource issues to be addressed as they relate to MRBI priorities and
objectives. Identify the specific natural resource concerns to be
addressed.
(g) Description of planning already completed at the field and
watershed scales that identifies conservation practices/systems needed
to address nutrient concerns.
(h) A list of the approved NRCS FOTG conservation practices,
conservation enhancements, and conservation activity plans which will
be used to address those resource concerns.
(i) Proposed project start and end dates (not to exceed a period of
5 years).
(j) Total budget for the project including the amount of MRBI-CCPI
financial assistance being requested for the project by program by
fiscal year.
(2) Project Natural Resource Objectives and Actions: The proposal
must include the project objectives and the natural resource concerns
that will be addressed.
(a) Identify and provide detail about the natural resource
concern(s) to be addressed and how the proposal objectives will address
those concerns. Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable,
results-oriented, and include a time for completion.
(b) For each objective, identify the actions to be completed to
achieve the objective and to address the identified natural resource
concern. Specify which actions are to be addressed through the project
using MRBI-CCPI assistance and those being addressed through alternate
non-Federal funding sources or other resources provided.
(3) Detailed Proposal Criteria: Information provided in the
proposal must include:
(a) A description of the partner(s) history of working with
agricultural producers to address resource issues and the conservation
objectives to be achieved.
(b) A detailed description of the watershed area including emphasis
on treatment and metrics at the 12-digit HUC subwatershed(s) within the
designated 8-digit HUC focus area covered by the proposal, conservation
priorities in the area, conservation objectives to be achieved, and the
expected level of participation by producers. Proposals should state
whether a MRBI-CCPI proposal is integrated with a MRBI-WREP or Farm
Service Agency Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Continuous Sign-Up
CRP (CCRP), Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), or
Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP) proposed or existing project, and
include the name of any MRBI-WREP, CRP, CCRP, CREP, or FWP proposed
project. Higher ranking may be given to integrated proposals.
(c) A description of the partner(s) and the roles,
responsibilities, and capabilities of the partner(s). Proposals that
include resources from partners other than the lead partner must
include a letter or other documentation confirming the commitment of
resources.
(d) A description of the project duration, plan of action, and
project implementation schedule that details when the potential partner
anticipates finishing the project and submitting a final report.
Project proposals cannot exceed 5 years from start to completion.
(e) A description of the resources (financial and technical
assistance) requested from each of the available NRCS programs (EQIP,
WHIP, CSP) and the non-Federal resources provided by the partner(s)
that will be leveraged by the Federal contribution. As determined by
the State Conservationist, a maximum of 10 percent of total financial
assistance funds in a proposal may be designated for edge-of-field
monitoring to address critically unmet monitoring needs in the context
of an overall monitoring and evaluation plan submitted by the partner.
The partner is not required to provide any specific matching of
financial or technical resources toward the project; however, proposals
that include or offer non-Federal resources will be given higher
priority through the evaluation process. Partners need to state clearly
how they intend to leverage Federal funds along with partner resources.
The funding and time contribution by agricultural producers and non-
industrial forest owners to implement agreed-to
[[Page 9384]]
conservation systems in program contracts may not be considered any
part of a match from the potential partner for purposes of MRBI-CCPI.
(f) A description of the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and
reporting on progress made toward achieving the objectives of the
agreement. The MRBI is adopting a three-tiered monitoring and
evaluation approach designed to assess environmental outcomes at the
field, 12-digit, and 8-digit watershed scales. Higher priority will be
given to projects that adopt this three-tiered approach where the
partner can provide resources or services. Higher priority will also be
given to projects that utilize environmental indicators to monitor
water quality and evaluate effects of conservation practices and
activities implemented through the project on a field or edge-of-field
scale as well as at selected downstream monitoring points. A framework
for watershed and edge-of-field monitoring, including environmental
indicators, can be found at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/mrbi/mrbi.html.
(g) Potential criteria to be used by NRCS to prioritize and rank
MRBI-CCPI producer applications in the project area. Additional
information regarding the process NRCS uses to evaluate and rank
individual producer applications is found in each of the authorized
program regulations. The potential partner should include specific
producer application ranking criteria in the proposal, so that NRCS can
evaluate producer applications based upon the environmental objectives
of the MRBI-CCPI project. Additional guidance and examples of
acceptable ranking criteria may be obtained from the State
Conservationist where the project will be located.
(h) An estimate of the percentage of producers, including
nonindustrial private forest landowners, in the project area that are
expected to participate in the project along with an estimate of the
total number of producers located in the project area. Producer
participation is a requirement for delivery of MRBI-CCPI program
benefits. A statement on how the partner will encourage participation
to increase the likelihood of project success.
(i) A statement describing participation by beginning farmers or
ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, limited resource
farmers or ranchers, and Indian tribes.
(j) A listing and description of the conservation practices,
conservation activity plans, conservation enhancements, and partner
activities to be implemented during the project timeframe and the
general sequence of project implementation. Other activities to address
are those technical assistance efforts undertaken by the partner and
those that the partner requests NRCS to implement using eligible
approved MRBI-CCPI conservation practices, conservation enhancements,
and project financial assistance funding. In this section, list all the
approved MRBI-CCPI conservation practices and enhancements the partner
wishes NRCS to offer to producers through the MRBI-CCPI project. A
national list of the approved MRBI-CCPI core and supporting practices
can be accessed from http://nrcs.usda.gov/programs/mrbi/mrbi.html; each
State may have a slightly modified list. Information about these
approved practices can be found in the Field Office Technical Guide at:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg/ or http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/standards/. For each conservation practice, estimate the
practice extent (feet, acres, number, etc.) the partner expects
producers to implement each fiscal year during the life of the project
and the amount of financial assistance requested to support
implementation of each practice through producer contracts. Information
on eligible conservation enhancements can be found at the CSP Web site
at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/csp.html. Indicate
whether the project will address regulatory compliance and any other
outcomes that the partner expects to complete during the project
period. Describe any activities that are innovative or include outcome-
based performance measures implemented by the partner.
(k) A description of the amount of funds needed annually for
producer contracts or agreements by eligible program (EQIP, WHIP, and
CSP). This section of the proposal should include the total amount of
financial assistance funds requested for each fiscal year of the
project (for MRBI-CCPI multi-State projects provide the funds/acres by
State) to be made available for producer contracts.
(l) A description of any requested policy, procedure, and technical
adjustments, by program, with explanation of why the adjustment is
needed in order to achieve the objectives of the project.
Ranking Considerations
NRCS will evaluate proposals using a competitive process and will
give a higher priority to proposals that:
Demonstrate the partner's history of working cooperatively
with landowners;
Provide for outreach to, and participation of, beginning
farmers or ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers,
limited resource farmers or ranchers, and Indian tribes within the area
covered by the agreement;
Facilitate the submission of landowner applications;
Integrate both WREP and CCPI within a project area;
Significantly leverage non-Federal financial and technical
resources;
Coordinate with other local, State, or Federal efforts,
including with Farm Service Agency program efforts (e.g., CRP, CCRP,
CREP, FWP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded
watershed efforts (e.g. 319 projects);
Provide for matching financial or technical assistance
funds to assist participants with the implementation of their EQIP and
CSP contracts and WHIP cost-share agreements;
Assist the participants in meeting local, State, and
Federal regulatory requirements;
Demonstrate the partner's financial commitment to provide
for water quality monitoring and evaluation of conservation practices,
enhancements, and activities;
Have a high potential to achieve water quality objectives
through phosphorous (P) or nitrogen (N) nutrient reduction;
Have a high potential to improve wildlife habitat;
For WHIP and EQIP applications, include multiple core and
supporting practices from each practice category (avoiding,
controlling, and trapping) from the State-approved MRBI-CCPI practice
list;
Provide innovation in approved conservation practices,
conservation methods, and delivery including outcome-based performance
measures and methods;
Have a high potential to maintain agricultural
productivity;
Provide evidence of a watershed planning process that:
[cir] Identifies nutrients (N or P) causing water quality problems
and identifies their sources enabling implementation to be prioritized,
[cir] Identifies quantifiable project goals for field-scale
nutrient management and watershed-scale nutrient load reduction,
[cir] Identifies conservation practices and systems to be utilized
to accomplish project goals/objectives,
[cir] Identifies technical assistance and financial assistance
needed,
[cir] Includes an information and education component,
[cir] Lists measurable interim milestones that relate to project
goals, and
[cir] Presents criteria for evaluation and adaptive management;
Convert land from cropping systems to permanent vegetative
practices when
[[Page 9385]]
supported by landowners and agricultural producers as part of overall
agricultural operation;
Adopt a three-tiered monitoring approach whereby the
partner provides resources or services to conduct water quality
monitoring activities and to evaluate the effects of conservation
practices and activities implemented through the project on a field or
edge-of-field scale, as well as at selected downstream monitoring
points;
Complete the application of the conservation practices,
systems, or activities on all of the covered program contracts or cost-
share agreements in less than 5 years;
Have a high percentage of producers involved and working
agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land included in the area
covered by the agreement; and
Deliver high percentages of applied conservation to
address water quality, water conservation, or State, regional, or
national conservation initiatives.
Part B: MRBI-WREP
Section 2206 of the 2008 Act establishes the WREP by amending
section 1237A(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3837a(h)).
Under WREP, NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to help
enhance conservation outcomes on wetlands and adjacent lands. The
purpose of WREP as part of MRBI is to target and leverage resources to
protect, restore, and enhance wetlands; improve wildlife habitat; and
reduce nutrient loading to achieve water quality objectives through
agreements with eligible partners. Eligible partners include States
(including a political subdivision or agency of a State), nongovernment
organizations, and Indian tribes.
Fund Availability
Effective on the date of this notice, the CCC announces the
availability of $25 million in financial assistance funds for WREP
through the MRBI in FY 2010 to eligible landowners in the designated
focus areas (8-digit HUCs).
WREP is administered under the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and
is a voluntary program designed to foster coordination with partners
and to encourage non-Federal investment in natural resource
conservation through the use of matching funds and in-kind services.
WREP partners are required to contribute a financial match of at least
5 percent of the acquisition or restoration costs toward the project.
Proposals which include resources provided by additional partners will
be given higher priority consideration in the selection process.
Contributions provided by the partners can be in the form of technical
and financial assistance for the protection, restoration, and
enhancement of the wetland. Partner contributions can also be used for
management and monitoring activities. Additional contributions beyond
the required financial match can be in-kind services or cash.
Eligible Partners
Under WREP, NRCS enters into multi-year agreements with eligible
partners. Eligible partners for WREP include State and local units of
government, Indian tribes, or nongovernmental organizations.
Eligible partners should submit complete proposals addressing the
conservation objectives to be achieved within 12-digit HUC
subwatershed(s) within designated 8-digit HUC focus areas. Proposals
that integrate wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement
activities within a proposed MRBI-CCPI project area will be given
higher priority consideration in the selection process. Wetland
restoration and enhancement actions will be designed to maximize
wildlife habitat values and water quality according to the WRP
regulation, 7 CFR part 1467, and NRCS FOTG standards and
specifications. Proposals must conform to the WRP guidelines for
restoration and management of lands subject to a WRP easement or
contract.
Landowner Applications
For WREP, once a project area has been approved and announced,
eligible landowners may apply for WRP through their local NRCS office.
The land eligibility criteria for WREP are the same as for WRP and are
listed in 7 CFR part 1467.4. NRCS and the partner will assist
landowners in determining whether the application is appropriate for
WREP depending on the wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement
activities that the applicant seeks to install or perform. In FY 2010,
NRCS will make WREP funds available to eligible landowners to enroll
land under a permanent easement; a 30-year easement; or on acreage
owned by Indian tribes, a 30-year contract.
WREP financial and technical assistance is delivered to eligible
landowners in approved project areas through easement acquisition,
conservation program contracts, cooperative agreements, contribution
agreements, or Federal contracts. Restoration may be achieved through
payments to other parties.
Proposal Requirements
For consideration of a proposal submitted through MRBI-WREP, a
potential partner must submit five copies (8.5 x
11 white paper) of the written proposal and one electronic
copy on CD-ROM in MS WORD or PDF. If submitting more than one project
proposal (proposals for multiple 8-digit focus areas), a potential
partner must submit a separate complete document for each project. The
entire project proposal should not exceed 15 pages in length including
maps, reference materials, or related reports.
The basic format for the WREP proposal is a narrative written
response to the questions and information requested in this notice.
There are no forms required or associated with the WREP proposal
process.
(1) Proposal Cover and Summary: The first few pages of the proposal
must include:
(a) Project title.
(b) Project Director/Manager name, telephone, and e-mail address.
(c) Name of lead partner submitting proposal and other
collaborating partners.
(d) Mailing address and telephone numbers for lead partner.
(e) Designated 8-digit focus area and 12-digit HUC subwatershed(s),
wherein the project lies, including; State(s); County(s); and
Congressional District(s). Include a general location map.
(f) Short general description/summary of project.
(g) Potential acres to be enrolled in the project area.
(h) Proposed project start and end dates (not to exceed a period of
5 years).
(i) Total budget for the project including the amount of WREP
financial assistance being requested for the project.
(2) Project Natural Resource Objectives and Actions: The proposal
must address wetland restoration, including water quality concerns, in
12-digit subwatershed(s), located within the 8-digit focus areas, and
the objectives of the project to address those concerns.
(a) Identify and provide detail about the natural resource
concern(s) to be addressed and how the proposal's objectives will
address those concerns. Objectives should be specific, measurable,
achievable, results-oriented, and include a timeframe for completion.
(b) For each objective, identify the actions to be completed to
achieve that objective and address the identified natural resource
concern. Specify which actions are to be addressed through this
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project using WREP assistance, and which are being addressed through
alternate non-Federal funding sources or other resources provided.
(c) Identify the total acres that require wetland protection,
restoration, and enhancement.
(3) Detailed Proposal Criteria: Information provided in the
proposal must include:
(a) A description of the partner(s) history of working with
landowners to address natural resource issues.
(b) A detailed description of the 12-digit subwatershed(s) within
the designated 8-digit focus area covered by the proposal, including a
specific watershed map which indicates the project location. Proposals
should state whether an MRBI-WREP proposal is integrated with an MRBI-
CCPI proposed project, and include the name of the MRBI-CCPI proposed
project.
(c) A description of the partner(s) and the roles,
responsibilities, and capabilities of the partner(s). Proposals which
include resources from partners other than the lead partner must
include a letter or other documentation confirming the commitment of
resources.
(d) A description of the project duration, plan of action, and
project implementation schedule. Project proposals cannot exceed 5
years.
(e) A description of the financial assistance resources that are
requested through the MRBI-WREP, and the non-Federal resources provided
by the partner(s) that will be leveraged by the Federal contribution.
The partner is required to contribute a financial match of at least 5
percent of the acquisition or restoration costs toward the project.
Proposals that include additional non-Federal resources will be given
higher priority consideration in the selection process. The partner
needs to clearly state how they intend to leverage Federal funds along
with partner resources. The funding and time contribution by landowners
to implement agreed-to wetland restoration and enhancement practices
may not be considered any part of a match from the potential partner
for purposes of WREP.
(f) An estimate of the percentage of potential landowners in the
project area that may participate in the project along with an estimate
of the total number of potential landowners located in the project
area. A statement on how the partner will encourage participation to
increase the likelihood of project success.
(g) A statement describing participation by beginning farmers and
ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, limited resource
farmers or ranchers, and Indian tribes.
(h) A description of the wetland protection, restoration, and
enhancement activities to be implemented during the project timeframe,
and the general sequence of implementation of the project. Activities
may include those efforts undertaken by the partner and those that the
partner requests NRCS to address through financial support.
(i) The amount of funds needed annually for easement acquisition
and wetland restoration and enhancement activities.
(j) A description of how the partner will provide outreach,
especially to beginning farmers or ranchers, socially disadvantaged
farmers and ranchers, limited resource farmers or ranchers, and Indian
tribes.
Ranking Considerations
The appropriate State Conservationist will evaluate proposals using
a competitive process and forward recommended proposals to the Chief.
The Chief will give a higher priority to proposals that:
Demonstrate the partner's history of working cooperatively
with landowners;
Provide for outreach to, and participation of, beginning
farmers or ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers,
limited resource farmers or ranchers, and Indian tribes within the area
to be covered by the agreement;
Facilitate the submission of landowner applications;
Significantly leverage non-Federal financial and technical
resources;
Coordinate with other local, State, tribal, or Federal
efforts, including with Farm Service Agency proposed or existing
program efforts (e.g. CRP, Continuous Sign-Up CRP, CREP, FWP, and EPA-
funded watershed efforts (e.g. 319 projects);
Assist the participants in meeting local, State, tribal,
and Federal regulatory requirements;
Provide for monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness
of the restoration activities on water quality;
Have a high potential to achieve water quality objectives
through phosphorous (P) or nitrogen (N) nutrient reduction;
Have a high potential to maximize habitat for migratory
birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife;
Provide innovation in wetland protection, restoration, and
enhancement methods and outcome-based performance measures and methods;
Provide evidence that wetland restoration and enhancement
activities will be completed within 2 years of closing on the easement;
Provide for matching financial or technical assistance
funds to assist landowners with the implementation of the Wetlands
Reserve Plan of Operations and associated contracts; and
Integrate wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement
activities within a proposed MRBI-CCPI project area.
Review of MRBI-CCPI and MRBI-WREP Proposals
The State Conservationist(s) will review the proposals to address:
Potential cooperation or duplication of efforts with other
projects or existing programs;
Adherence to, and consistency with, program regulation
including requirements related to land and producer eligibility and use
of approved NRCS resource concerns and conservation practices,
conservation enhancements, and other program requirements;
Expected benefits for project implementation in their
State(s);
Other issues or concerns the State Conservationist is
aware of that should be considered by the Chief; and
A general recommendation for support or denial of project
approval.
Prior to submission of the proposal, potential partners are
strongly encouraged to consult with the appropriate State
Conservationist(s) during proposal development to obtain guidance as to
appropriate resource concerns to address conservation practices,
wetland restoration, enhancement activities needed, and other details
of the project proposal.
All proposals submitted become the property of NRCS for use in the
administration of the program, may be filed or disposed of by the
agency, and will not be returned to the potential partner. Once
proposals have been submitted to the agency for review and ranking,
there will be no further opportunity to change or re-submit the
proposal document.
Acknowledgement of Submission and Notifications
Partners whose proposals have been selected will receive a letter
of official notification from the Chief. The Chief will make the final
selection for all projects based on the ranking criteria listed above.
Upon notification of selection, the partner should contact the NRCS
State Conservationist listed in the letter to develop the required
partnership agreement and other project implementation requirements.
Partner
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submissions of proposals not selected will be notified by mail.
Withdrawal of Proposals
Partner proposals may be withdrawn by written notice to the Chief
or State Conservationist at any time prior to selection.
Partnership Agreements
NRCS will enter a partnership agreement with a selected partner who
has an approved project as the mechanism for participation in MRBI-CCPI
or MRBI-WREP. At a minimum, the partnership agreement will address:
The role of the partner;
The role of NRCS;
The responsibilities of the partner relating to water
quality monitoring and evaluation if included as part of the proposal.
NRCS reserves the right to negotiate with the partners on refinements
to the monitoring and evaluation plan to address MRBI objectives;
The format and frequency of reports (semi-annual, annual,
and final) that are required as a condition of the agreement;
Plan of work and budget to identify other funding sources
(if applicable) for financial or technical assistance;
The specified project schedule; and
Other requirements deemed necessary by NRCS to further the
purposes of the MRBI-CCPI or MRBI-WREP project.
Once a project is selected, NRCS will evaluate a project's progress
throughout the project lifecycle. NRCS will enter into a project
agreement for the necessary funds agreed to for FY 2010. In proposed
projects years beyond FY 2010, NRCS may obligate additional funds
without further competition based on an assessment of the project's
effectiveness in achieving MRBI objectives and the availability of
funds.
Waiver Authority
To assist in the implementation of WREP or CCPI projects, the Chief
may waive the applicability of the Adjusted Gross Income Limitation on
a case-by-case basis in accordance with policy and processes
promulgated in 7 CFR part 1400. Such waiver requests must be submitted
in writing from the program applicant, addressed to the Chief, and
submitted through the local NRCS district conservationist.
Signed this 23rd day of February 2010, in Washington, DC.
Dave White,
Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation and Chief, Natural
Resources Conservation Service.
Attachment
Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationists--MRBI States
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State Name Address Phone E-mail address
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Arkansas........................ Michael E. Sullivan.................. Federal Building, (501) 301-3100 [email protected].
Room 3416, 700
West Capitol
Avenue, Little
Rock, Arkansas
72201-3228.
Illinois........................ William J. Gradle.................... 2118 W. Park (217) 353-6601 [email protected].
Court, Champaign,
Illinois 61821.
Indiana......................... Jane E. Hardisty..................... 6013 Lakeside (317) 290-3200 [email protected].
Boulevard,
Indianapolis,
Indiana 46278-
2933.
Iowa............................ Richard Sims......................... 693 Federal (515) 284-6655 [email protected].
Building, 210
Walnut Street,
Suite 693, Des
Moines, Iowa
50309-2180.
Kentucky........................ Tom Perrin........................... 771 Corporate (859) 224-7350 [email protected].
Drive, Suite 110,
Lexington,
Kentucky 40503-
5479.
Louisiana....................... Kevin D. Norton...................... 3737 Government (318) 473-7751 [email protected].
Street,
Alexandria,
Louisiana 71302.
Minnesota....................... Jennifer Heglund..................... 375 Jackson (651) 602-7900 [email protected].
Street, Suite
600, St. Paul,
Minnesota 55101-
1854.
Mississippi..................... Homer Wilkes......................... Suite 1321, (601) 965-5205 [email protected].
Federal Building,
100 West Capitol
Street, Jackson,
Mississippi 39269-
1399.
Missouri........................ J.R. Flores.......................... Parkade Center, (573) 876-0901 [email protected].
Suite 250, 601
Business Loop 70
West, Columbia,
Missouri 65203-
2546.
Ohio............................ Terry J. Cosby....................... 200 North High (614) 255-2472 [email protected].
Street, Room 522,
Columbus, Ohio
43215-2478.
Tennessee....................... Kevin Brown.......................... 675 U.S. (615) 277-2531 [email protected].
Courthouse, 801
Broadway,
Nashville,
Tennessee 37203-
3878.
Wisconsin....................... Patricia Leavenworth................. 8030 Excelsior (608) 662-4422 [email protected].
Drive, Suite 200,
Madison,
Wisconsin 53717.
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[FR Doc. 2010-4275 Filed 3-1-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P