Page 149 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

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determination is made within that timeframe, producers may proceed with the initially proposed land improvement project.
Michigan USDA (NRCS and Farm Service Agency) staff complete wetland and highly erodible land determinations and appeals process within 12 months or less.
Filter strip plant variety recommendations should include pollinator supportive plants.
Promotion of economic and environmental benefits
of using grid/zone soil sampling and/or Variable
Rate Fertilizer Technology through the
Conservation Stewardship Program.
Support the FSA in enrolling more acres in the Conservation Reserve Program around ditches and streams to decrease the amount of nutrient runoff on fields.
Staffing county offices with professional personnel who have experience in administrative duties and agricultural production with an emphasis on communication skills.
Michigan NRCS continuing the practice of co-
location of conservation districts in their offices.
The ability to move or relocate staff to areas of greater need or where their skills are better matched, while ensuring applicants within the state have a fair and equal opportunity to apply for positions for which they qualify.
In order to allow implementation of programs and practices, NRCS is encouraged to fill vacant
positions in a timely manner.
Modification of the system for county office classifications to attract staff with greater talent and experience.
Encouraging the Regional Conservation
Partnership Program (RCPP) to have future sign-
ups in the first quarter of each year to allow
additional time for education about the program. Michigan, Ohio and Indiana Natural Resource and Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) including
cover crop cost-share in the RCPP on all acres enrolling, including those farm acres with
preexisting cover crop history on a tract of land. Conservation program eligibility be determined by total environmental benefit rather than location
within the watershed.
All NRCS offices accepting applications for annual programs after closing dates, thus having them eligible for upcoming sign-up cycles.
Michigan NRCS to create regional education specialists whose purpose and skills are to present
State Policies – Page 63