FOR ANTIGO TIMES

Antigo, Wis. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Wisconsin has announced the schedule for 2019 Local Working Group (LWG) meetings. Eighteen meetings will be held across Wisconsin in August and September to gather input and help set priorities for U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs under the 2018 Farm Bill.

“Local Working Groups offer a seat at the table for interested individuals and groups to advise NRCS on how best to set priorities and locally implement conservation programs,” said Angela Biggs, Wisconsin State Conservationist. “Members are diverse, with an interest and focus on local agriculture and various natural resource issues,” added Biggs. Farmers representing a variety of crops and livestock raised within the local area, private woodland owners, representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations, and representatives of other agriculture and natural resource agencies are welcome and should be represented.

Wisconsin LWGs represent two or more counties grouped together by geography, similar land use, resources, and type of agriculture. This will allow greater flexibility and access to funding for the groups.

One of the main programs discussed at the meetings will be the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a federal conservation program that helps agricultural producers in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. EQIP offers technical and financial assistance to help landowners with needed conservation practices for water quality, soil health, wildlife and other natural resources.

Local Working Group meetings are open to the public. Anyone interested in becoming a member in LWGs should contact your local NRCS District Conservationist, Peggy Winter, at the Antigo USDA Service Center.  Phone (715) 623-6713 extension 100.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in these meetings should contact Nga Watts, acting ASTC-Management and Strategy, at 352-338-9577,[email protected], or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.