Phillips County News - One Nation, Under God

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana is offering a new, targeted assistance opportunity through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). While NRCS accepts applications year-round, eligible producers and landowners within the project priority area should apply by April 15, 2022, to be considered for this year’s funding.

“Precipitation has been slow to accumulate so far this year and the area of exceptional drought has primarily impacted north central Montana since January,” said Tom Watson, NRCS State Conservationist in Montana. “NRCS understands that drought can disproportionately impact Montana’s socially disadvantaged producers and we are listening to local partners to provide flexible natural resource solutions in these emergency situations.”

This opportunity is focused on socially disadvantaged producers within the Rocky Boy Reservation, Fort Belknap Reservation, and the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa’s service area of Blaine, Cascade, and Hill counties. To be eligible for this opportunity, at least 25 percent of the producer’s operation must be within areas that have experienced D4 (Exceptional) drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, since January 1, 2022.

Practices offered under this opportunity include those that support rangeland health through livestock water developments. These include stockwater pipeline, pumping plants, spring developments, water wells, and stock tanks.

For more information, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov and click on Programs, then Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Fort Belknap Indian Community serviced by Chinook Service Center – 406-357-2320

Chippewa-Cree Tribe serviced by Havre Service Center – 406-879-3358

Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa serviced by:

Chinook Service Center, Blaine County – 406-357-2320

Great Falls Service Center, Cascade County – 406-727-7580

Havre Service Center, Hill County – 406-879-3358