Natural Resources Conservation Service Tom Krapf Assistant State Conservationist NRCS - Wisconsin The Regional Conservation Partnership Program

What is RCPP? The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a new program that mobilizes partnerships to multiply investments to reach common conservation goals.

RCPP is a new 2014 Farm Bill conservation program: First round of pre-proposal submissions for projects, organizations submitted over 600 applications NRCS invited 210 projects to submit full proposals for a final evaluation; 200 projects ultimately submitted full proposals for consideration. NRCS will be able to fund about 100 projects, or less than 20 percent of applications.

RCPP Vision? RCPP offers new opportunities for NRCS to work with partners to encourage: locally driven innovation create high-performing solutions accelerate the conservation mission launch bold ideas demonstrate the value and efficacy of voluntary, private lands conservation

Measure of Success NRCS will measure the environmental successes of RCPP through the following four criteria: 1. Solutions 2. Contributions 3. Innovation 4. Participation

Measure of Success Stated clear goals and objectives of the proposed project area. Clearly showed proposed area on a map. Demonstrated understanding of the science involved in the project. Integrated multiple programs to meet objectives. Well defined targeted areas and approach. Included a thorough monitoring plan to assess the environmental outcomes. Proposal was concise and clear.

Measure of Success Significant contributions clearly outlined by partner and type (financial, in-kind etc.). Clear use of leveraging funds of lead partners and others. Clear and significant leveraging of non-Federal financial and technical resources. Met NRCS’ goal of doubling conservation investment with partner contribution. Demonstrated how administrative costs would be covered by partners. Clear budget table.

Measure of Success Utilized new technologies and innovation. Well defined use of safe harbor for the project. Use of environmental markets. Demonstrated a new approach to solve the identified concern. Documented support identified from the industry and scientific communities. Expanded list of partners and partnership. Good use of partnerships. New partners and/or partnership arrangements.

Funding Pools CRITICAL CONSERVATION AREAS For projects in eight geographic areas chosen by the Secretary of Agriculture. These receive 35 % of funding. NATIONAL For nationwide and multistate projects. These receive 40 percent of funding. STATE For projects in a single state. These receive 25 percent of funding.

Authorities RCPP assistance is delivered in accordance with the rules of these “covered programs”: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) *Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act *available in Critical Conservation Areas only

Announcement for Program Funding APF NRCS anticipates publishing an annual APF to award new projects each year.

Eligible Partners Eligible partnering organizations include: An agricultural or silvicultural producer association or other group of producers; A state or unit of local government; An Indian Tribe; A farmer cooperative; A water district, irrigation district, rural water district or association or other organization with specific water delivery authority to producers on agricultural land; A municipal water or wastewater treatment entity; An institution of higher education; An organization or entity with an established history of working cooperatively with producers on agricultural land, as determined by NRCS, to address – o Local conservation priorities related to agricultural production, wildlife habitat development, or nonindustrial private forest land management, or o Critical watershed-scale soil erosion, water quality, sediment reduction, or other natural resource issues

Partner Responsibilities Partners are responsible for: Defining the scope of the project Conducting outreach and education Assisting landowners and producers with NRCS applications Leveraging NRCS financial or technical assistance Conducting and providing an assessment of the project costs and conservation effects Other duties as specified in the partnership agreement.

Information Resources For more Information visit: Wisconsin NRCS Website Under Programs/Farmbill/RCPP Questions may be submitted via to: Use Subject Line: RCPP

Wisconsin NRCS RCPP Contacts Jimmy Bramblett State Conservationist ext. 222 Tom Krapf Assistant State Conservationist – Financial Assistance Programs ext. 232 Questions? USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.