NRCS DC Talking PointsAugust 2009 2009 Contribution Agreements with SWCDs NRCS was able to enter into 21 Contribution Agreements with 16 SWCDs for technical and administrative assistance for FY2009.  NRCS appreciates the SWCD’s patience this year as we worked through our budget situation, and is pleased to be able to maintain the commitment to our partnership with the Districts.  Funded SWCDs are listed below: Cass County SWCD Clay Co SWCD Crawford Co SWCD Daviess Co SWCD Dearborn Co SWCD Dubois Co SWCD Howard Co SWCD Johnson Co SWCD Knox Co SWCD Kosciusko County Pike Co SWCD Ripley Co SWCD Sullivan Co SWCD Switzerland Co SWCD Wabash Co SWCD Wells Co SWCD Programs Update Please see the attached handout for an FY 2009 programs update as of the end of August.  Final FY 2009 program numbers will be available in October.  Conservation Security Program CSP sign-up is ongoing through September 30, and NRCS appreciates the SWCDs assistance in getting the word out about this program.  Producers are encouraged to use the self-screening checklist to determine whether the new program is suitable for them and their operation, available on the NRCS CSP Web site at http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CSP/csp2009/csp_homepage.html.  Producers then need to submit an application (form NRCS-CPA 1200) to their NRCS district conservationist. Eligible lands now include cropland, grassland, improved pastureland, and non-industrial private forestland.  Planning for ICP Technical Training A group of Indiana Conservation Partnership technicians, trainers and decision makers are gathering September 23 for a Training Development event led by Ray Ledgerwood.  The goal of the event is to develop a consistent, progressive technical training for partnership employees, including District staff. 2009 Planned Practices NRCS would like to thank the SWCDs for their assistance in getting conservation practices on the ground that were scheduled in Farm Bill contracts for FY 2009 implementation.  Staying on top of our practice workload allows us to complete contracts on-time and meet our conservation goals. ICP Webinar The second ICP Webinar will be held Tuesday November 10 for partnership staff, focused on conservation programs available statewide.