Natural Resources Conservation Service and Kansas Forest Service Enter into Agreement for Technical Services

State Conservationist Harold Klaege for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas, and Ray Aslin, State Forester, Kansas Forest Service (KFS), Manhattan, signed a contribution agreement for technical services on August 22. Through this agreement KFS foresters will provide technical assistance to landowners who want to install forestry practice, such as windbreaks, riparian forestry buffers, and tree and shrub plantings on private lands.

"This is the second contribution agreement NRCS has entered into in Kansas," said Klaege. "Our partnership with the Kansas Forest Service will provide landowners with much-needed technical assistance to help meet natural resource goals."

"On behalf of the Kansas Forest Service, I am happy to enter into this agreement to partner with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in carrying out the new Farm Bill programs relating to establishing and managing tree and shrub plantings," said Aslin.

"Our district foresters are ready to assist private landowners in planning and implementing forestry practices to improve and protect our state's natural resources."

Under this agreement, foresters will be made available to assist developing and implementing conservation plans on private lands.

Klaege explained that producers wanting to develop and improve forestry practices on their land should talk to their local NRCS staff or conservation district personnel at their local U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center. Cost share may be available through various voluntary programs such as Continuous Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, and Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

More information is available on the web about NRCS and 2002 Farm Bill programs.