NRCS offers flood recovery assistance to Chelan County producers

WENATCHEE — The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington is offering technical and financial assistance to help agricultural producers recover from winter flooding.

According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, agricultural, ranching, Tribal and forest operations in Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom and Yakima counties, as well as all Tribal nations within those counties, have been significantly impacted.

Producers assessing damage from flooding are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn about available recovery options related to crops, forestland, shellfish and livestock.

NRCS officials said assistance is available through several conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which can help address flooding-related resource concerns. Eligible practices may include measures to reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, restore riparian areas and support livestock operations affected by flooding.

Applications under EQIP will be ranked based on the severity of flooding or property damage and the date applications are received. NRCS accepts completed applications on a continuous basis, but eligibility must be established with the USDA Farm Service Agency prior to participation.

Because of the emergency conditions, NRCS is urging affected operators and producers to document damage and losses with photographs and to update farm records with the Farm Service Agency to help expedite assistance.

Additional information about NRCS programs is available through local USDA Service Centers. Producers may also apply for programs and manage conservation plans through their farmers.gov accounts.

NRCS provides voluntary conservation assistance to farmers, ranchers and forestland owners nationwide.