04/11/08 Little Lost CSP signup

Signups for the Conservation Security Program in the 51 watersheds begin April 18th and continue through May 16th. One Idaho watershed, the Little Lost watershed that covers nearly 45 thousand acres between Howe and Arco is eligible. Approximately 76 farms and ranches in Butte, Custer, Lemhi and Clark counties are in this year's signup. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has scheduled a public meeting for next Tuesday, April 15th at the Howe Community Center to tell producers about the program and their possible participation in one of the three tiers available. NRCS's Rob Fredrickson says there is a change this year from years past. FREDERICKSON "They're going to give preference for tier two and tier three contracts which means we would encompass the whole ag operation for five year contracts rather than ten year contracts." Since 2004 NRCS says 331 watersheds across the nation have been enrolled in CSP. In Idaho 572 producers signed up between 2004 and 2006. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott