EQIP Program in Zapata County

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers cost share assistance to agricultural producers to implement on-farm conservation practices.  The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) determines eligible producers for the EQIP program and determines eligible land.  Eligible producers may apply for cost share assistance on conservation practices that will address the identified resource concern identified by the Local Work Group (LWG).

Zapata County Office Information

Interested agricultural producers may apply in person at the Zapata County USDA Service Center. Applicants may also request EQIP assistance by telephone, Fax, e-mail, or letter.

State Resource Concerns Priority Areas that include part of Zapata County:

Objective:

The objective of the Zapata County Local Work Group LWG is to protect the natural resource base in Zapata County. The overall objective in 2007 is to improve the Plant Health Community, which would result in erosion reduction, improve water quality and quantity, and enhance wildlife habitat.

County EQIP Resource Concern:

In Zapata County for 2007, the LWG has identified Plant Condition as the overall resource concern that would be addressed through the EQIP program.

Priority for Funding:

Brush Management Practices – High Priority
Prescribed Grazing Incentive – Medium Priority
Cross-fencing and Water Developments – Low Priority

Eligible Practices and Cost Share Rates:

Ranking Criteria:

Canopy cover will be determined by 3 random 100’ transects.

Issue 1

If you are applying for brush management, is the average canopy cover greater than 70% for one of the following: mesquite, prickly pear, or golden weed?
Yes _______100 points
No _______0 points

Issue 2

If you are applying for brush management, is the average canopy cover equal to 50-70% for one of the following: mesquite, prickly pear, or golden weed?
Yes _______95 points
No _______0 points

Issue 3

If you are applying for brush management, is the average canopy cover equal to 30-50% for one of the following: mesquite, prickly pear, or golden weed?
Yes _______90 points
No _______0 points

Issue 4

If you are applying for brush management and range seeding, is the average percent of bare ground greater than 50%?
Yes _______85 points
No _______0 points

Issue 5

If mechanical brush management is going to be performed, will riparian areas and ramadero sites be undisturbed?
Yes _______80 points
No _______0 points

Issue 6

Will brush management will be done in strips 300 ft. wide or less or in a mosaic pattern to enhance wildlife habitat.
Yes _______75 points
No _______0 points

Issue 10

For the Prescribed Grazing Incentive payment, are you willing to carry out a prescribed grazing system that includes at least 3 pastures, per herd and have adequate water in each pasture, during the contracting period?
Yes _______ 55 points
No _______ 0 points

Issue 19

Does this application include cross fencing?
Yes _______ 10 points
No _______ 0 points

Issue 20

Does this application include Livestock Water Development?
Yes _______ 5 points
No _______ 0 points

Total Points ________