Bismarck, N.D. — In response to devastating wildfires across parts of North Dakota in October, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has allocated $1 million in special funding to support landowners and operators in rebuilding essential conservation practices lost to the fires. Through an expedited approval process called ACT NOW, NRCS will provide timely assistance to restore impacted areas.

The ACT NOW process allows applications to be preapproved and funded quickly, with eligible projects advancing in the order received. To qualify for this one-time funding opportunity, applicants must submit a separate application and meet all eligibility requirements prior to advancing in the NRCS Protracts system. Field offices will conduct verification of fire-impacted fields, and eligible applications will be promptly ranked for funding consideration.

“NRCS North Dakota is committed to helping producers rebuild and restore the land affected by these severe wildfires,” said State Conservationist Dan Hovland. “This special funding will allow us to deliver immediate support to impacted communities and aid in the recovery of critical conservation practices.”

All applications must meet eligibility standards before they are ranked. If eligibility is not met, the application status will remain as pending or ineligible until requirements are fulfilled. The submission deadline for reviewed applications is January 31, 2025, and ranking will continue through that date.

Approved conservation practices include conservation cover, windbreak/shelterbelt establishment, fencing, pasture and hay planting, range planting, and watering facilities.

For more information, landowners, ranchers, and producers in the affected areas are encouraged to contact their local NRCS Field Office.

The original article can be found at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/nrcs-north-dakota-offers-1-million-in-emergency-conservation-funding-for-fire-affected