USDA offers conservation grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture will award up to $12 million to increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands.

Ranchers and farmers can apply for the grants through Sept. 22.

“Privately owned grazing lands cover nearly 30% of the national landscape, which means we have a tremendous opportunity to address climate change and conserve natural resources through voluntary, private lands conservation,” the USDA's Terry Cosby said Friday, Aug. 12. "These partnerships will also help us expand the footprint of conservation on grazing lands and could help better reach historically underserved producers.”

Grant awards will be based on the following:

Local natural resource issues

Use of climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices and principles.

An emphasis on underserved areas

Identification and implementation of measures to quantify, monitor and verify conservation benefits.

Apply online at grants.gov.