USDA announces second round of Regional Conservation Partnership Program

The second round of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) will take on 84 conservation projects ranging from water quality and soil health improvement to drought resistance and agricultural viability with $720 million in funding.

"The Regional Conservation Partnership Program puts local partners in the driver's seat to accomplish environmental goals that are most meaningful to that community,” U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “Joining together public and private resources also harnesses innovation that neither sector could implement alone."

The RCPP was created by the 2014 Farm Bill and requires private partners to match or best the funding supplied by the USDA. The department received 265 applications for this round of the program, which it whittled down to 84 selected projects.

"We put out a call for innovative and results-focused projects that will deliver the most conservation impact," Vilsack said. "Our partners answered with creative, locally led approaches to help producers support their ongoing business operations and address natural resource challenges in their communities and across the nation. From the harmful impact of algal bloom in the Great Lakes region to the devastating effects of persistent drought in California, RCPP helps private landowners and producers develop solutions that work for them and meet the needs of their communities and local wildlife. It's encouraging to see so much interest in the program."