2020 California Sierra National Forest Creek Fire
Credit: InciWeb

November 26, 2020 - DAVIS, Calif. – The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today that approximately $4 million in funding is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for those impacted by California’s recent wildfires.

Rapid response applications can be submitted through your local field office. Applications will be evaluated and selected for funding beginning November 27, 2020 and will continue to be selected for funding weekly through the end of December 2020.

This Wildfire Disaster Recovery funding will support a rapid response to the recent catastrophic fires by addressing resource concerns that must be addressed immediately, such as erosion, invasive noxious weeds, and dead hazard trees that threaten life, property, and other infrastructure.

A select list of seventeen conservation practices is available to treat these immediate resource concerns. Example practices include “Road Closure” to block access or repair rutted roads that lead to erosion; “Herbaceous Weed Treatment” for control of invasive, noxious weeds which will regrow after the fire; and “Woody Residue Treatment” which cuts dead hazard trees and disposes of woody debris by piling, burning or chipping.

“Rapid response is key after a high intensity wildfire,” said NRCS California State Conservationist Carlos Suarez. “This emergency funding allows us to quickly support landowners impacted by recent wildfires and address immediate resource needs.”

Follow the link below to learn more about the California Wildfire Disaster Recovery funding pool: https://go.usa.gov/x7vgW     

For more general and technical information on post fire recovery assistance see Post-Fire Disaster Assistance: https://go.usa.gov/x7vgV     

For additional information about EQIP, contact your local service center. USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone, and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with NRCS, Farm Service Agency, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus     .
Source: NRCS