Regional Conservation Partnership Program
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The Regional Conservation Partnership Program provides multiple options to improve conservation at scale. From on-farm to across watersheds and states, the program can bolster conservation efforts in critical conservation areas or single/multiple states.
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Scaling partnerships
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to promote coordination between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and partners on innovative projects to address conservation concerns on farms, across states and regions. NRCS provides cost-share funding while its partners coordinate activities in their area. This new program consolidates former regional programs, like the Chesapeake Bay Initiative, into one entity — funded with money from other conservation programs. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture also designates eight ‘critical conservation areas’ that receive priority funding.
On December 20, 2018, the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law. The legislation adopted many of the Land Trust Alliance’s highest priorities including support for funding of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program at $300 million per year annually (2018-2023). View the Alliance’s 2018 Farm Bill recommendations and the final bill. Follow this link to view the Final Rule for RCPP, released January 15, 2021.
Innovation in action
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program provides multiple options to improve conservation at scale. From on-farm to across watersheds and states, the program can bolster conservation efforts in critical conservation areas or single/multiple states.
Funding
There are two types of funding opportunities through RCPP.
RCPP Classic: Standard, jointly overseen by NRCS and a lead partner.
RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements: Partner-led, innovative, not achievable through classic program model.
Entity-held-easements
In April 2022, NRCS released additional policy regarding entity-held easements. See Part 531, Subparts K and L in Conservation Program Manual. This guidance provides detail on several matters including eligibility, applications, selection, agreements, deed review, clearing title, and closing and post-closing procedures.
Prepared to apply? Be sure to contact an RCPP State Coordinator or the National RCPP Team at RCPP@usda.gov.
Learn more about the Regional Conservation Partnership Program
