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Sign-up to reduce irrigation in Republican Basin ends Aug. 4Nebraska Farmers who irrigate cropland from groundwater near the Republican River and its tributaries have from July 24 through Aug. 4 to apply to reduce the irrigated acres and receive an incentive payment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, and the Upper, Middle, Lower and Tri-Basin Natural Resources districts are pooling nearly $1.7 million to offer this option. Through the NRCS and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, irrigation farmers can receive a $100 per acre payment for three years in return for filing a permanent easement giving up irrigation on the target acres. The State and Natural Resources Districts will offer an additional, one-time payment of another $375 per acre, according to Steve Chick, NRCS State Conservationist. The targeted acres are roughly three miles from the river or its tributaries. With a permanent easement, the landowner gives up any future irrigation rights on the acres, but still owns the land and can either dry land crop or return it to grass. The easement stays with the land forever, even if it changes hand. Ann Bleed, acting director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources said this is part of the state, local natural resources district, and the landowner commitment to reduce consumptive water use in the Republican River Basin. "This is a special initiative and at this point a one time offer. Future funding will depend on available budget dollars," said Chick. Producers can also apply anytime for another EQIP contract if there is other conservation work needed on the land or to establish a grazing system. Landowners can get further details or check their location on a map at the NRCS website at www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov or www.dnr.ne.gov/EQIP/ or by contacting their local Natural Resources Conservation Service office. Date: 7/25/06
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