Meeting planned to provide input into federal conservation programs

A local working group charged with identifying local priority resource concerns and providing input about program criteria to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will meet at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 20, at Stockton, USDA Service Center Conference Room.

The working group is comprised primarily of representatives of various local, state and federal agencies with knowledge of natural resource concerns. Specifically, the group will help prioritize selection  criteria for NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications in Cedar, Dade, Hickory and St. Clair counties. The meeting is open to the public and will include time for comments from residents of the represented counties.

While final decisions will be made by NRCS leadership, local input is requested. Anyone needing accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact Stephanie at (417) 276-3388, ext. 3, seven days prior to the meeting.