cooperative agreement program
Since 2012 the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), in cooperation with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has provided up to 50% of funding for local county governments (and other local entities) to facilitate the implementation of soil and water conservation practices in all parts of Georgia.
NRCS helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners conserve the nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment.
benefits of participating
Local farmers and other land users have additional technical assistance available to them for planning and applying soil and water conservation practices.
Additional financial resources are brought into the County.
Enhanced implementation of soil and water conservation practices benefits everyone.
how it works
TWO YEAR AGREEMENT: Interested entities enter into two-year agreements with GACD. Upon expiration, the agreements are renewed if funding is available. Historically, most agreements have been renewed.
MAKE THE HIRE: The entity assigns an employee to work in the local USDA-NRCS office.
GACD REIMBURSES 50%: The entity is reimbursed by GACD for 50% of their total costs (can include insurance and benefits) for the person assigned to work in the local NRCS Office by periodically submitting a properly signed and completed Deliverables Tracking Report.
what does the employee do?
Interested entities can work with their local NRCS office to specifically define all responsibilities. In general, the responsibilities of the position are assisting landowners with NRCS application process and conservation practice implementation including:
-Design and layout of conservation practices
-Contract development and management
-Contract planning
-Eligibility determinations
-Application processing
participation
If you are a local county government, or other interested entity such as a RC&D (Resource Conservation and Development) Council or Conservation District, who is interested in participating, please contact GACD.