Massachusetts farmers and forest land owners who would like to address soil and water conservation concerns on their land are encouraged to apply by April 15, 2011 for financial and technical help through the federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

While EQIP sign-up is continuous throughout the year, land owners are encouraged to apply now in order for their applications to be reviewed and ranked for possible funding should additional monies become available for Massachusetts projects.

Call or visit a local USDA service center to schedule a time to complete paperwork and begin the conservation planning process. USDA service center locations are listed on-line at http://offices.usda.gov or in the phone book under Federal Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture. General program information is available on the NRCS Massachusetts website at www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov.

• Read more at http://www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/news/news_EQIP_sign-up_4-2011.html.