The Natural Resources Conservation Service is taking applications to assist private landowners in Northern California affected by wildfires in the last six months.
Acting State Conservationist Jeff Burwell said the agency began accepting applications for the initiative on Tuesday, and will continue receiving them through Friday, Oct. 19.
Lake County had two major wildland fire incidents within its borders this fire season – the Wye Fire, which burned 7,934 acres east of Clearlake Oaks in August, and the Scotts Fire, which burned 4,618 acres northwest of Lakeport on Cow Mountain in September.
The fire recovery assistance, funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, will be made available pending congressional approval of the Farm Bill conservation funding.
“I encourage California landowners who have private grazing land or non-industrial private forestlands that were adversely affected by the recent fires to visit with their local field office about how this special initiative can provide assistance to protect their natural resources,” Burwell said.
The initiative is intended to provide immediate resource protection in those areas burned during the 2012 wildfires. Priority applications will include practices that are implemented within one year and provide immediate erosion protection, adequate livestock water and habitat protection.
Participants interested in implementing practices beyond the scope of this special and limited initiative are encouraged to apply under the regular Environmental Quality Incentives Program funding opportunities.
To apply, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service at 530-792-5600 or www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov .