The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week (Aug. 15-19, 2022) it is awarding $197 million for 41 locally led conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages partner resources to advance innovative projects that address climate change, enhance water quality, and address other critical challenges on agricultural land.
“Our partners are experts in their fields and understand the challenges in their own backyards,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “Through RCPP we can tap into that knowledge, in partnership with producers and USDA, to come up with lasting solutions to the challenges that farmers, ranchers, and landowners face. We’re looking forward to seeing the results of public-private partnership at its best, made possible through these RCPP investments.”
The projects funded today are awarded under two different RCPP funding opportunities: RCPP Classic and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA). RCPP Classic projects are implemented using NRCS contracts and easements with producers, landowners and communities, in collaboration with project partners. Through RCPP AFA, partners have more flexibility in working directly with agricultural producers to support the development of new conservation structures and approaches that would not otherwise be available under RCPP Classic.
See the list of 2022 RCPP projects or view the interactive map.
As part of each project, partners offer value-added contributions to amplify the impact of RCPP funding in an amount equal to or greater than the NRCS investment.
Private landowners can apply to participate in an RCPP project in their region through awarded partners or at their local USDA service center.
Conservation Easements in the Black Hills of SD
Lead Partner: South Dakota Agricultural Land Trust
| Lead State: SD | Partner States: | Award: $4,254,545 |
| Funding Pool: S/M | CCA (if applicable): N/A | Total Partner Contribution Amount: $5,454,545 |
Project Summary
The Black Hills of South Dakota are experiencing an accelerated rate of exurban growth that threatens the continuity of forest/grassland ecosystems. This project plans to place conservation easements on almost 3,000 acres of farm and ranch lands, providing perpetual protection in this unique area. The target parcels for this project abut National Forest land and would protect grass meadows, an important foraging habitat for both livestock and wildlife in the region.
