Natural Resources Conservation Service

Tom KrapfAssistant State Conservationist

NRCS - Wisconsin

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program

What is RCPP?The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a new program that mobilizes partnerships to multiply investments to reach common conservation goals.

RCPP is a new 2014 Farm Bill conservation program:

First round of pre-proposal submissions for projects, organizations submitted over 600 applications

NRCS invited 210 projects to submit full proposals for a final evaluation; 200 projects ultimately submitted full proposals for consideration.

NRCS will be able to fund about 100 projects, or less than 20 percent of applications.

RCPP Vision?RCPP offers new opportunities for NRCS to work with partners to encourage:

• locally driven innovation• create high-performing solutions• accelerate the conservation mission• launch bold ideas• demonstrate the value and efficacy of

voluntary, private lands conservation

Measure of SuccessNRCS will measure the environmental successes of RCPP through the following four criteria: 

1. Solutions 2. Contributions3. Innovation4. Participation

Measure of SuccessStated clear goals and objectives of the

proposed project area.Clearly showed proposed area on a map.Demonstrated understanding of the science

involved in the project.Integrated multiple programs to meet

objectives.Well defined targeted areas and approach.Included a thorough monitoring plan to

assess the environmental outcomes.Proposal was concise and clear.

Measure of SuccessSignificant contributions clearly outlined by

partner and type (financial, in-kind etc.).Clear use of leveraging funds of lead partners

and others.Clear and significant leveraging of non-

Federal financial and technical resources.Met NRCS’ goal of doubling conservation

investment with partner contribution.Demonstrated how administrative costs would

be covered by partners.Clear budget table.

Measure of SuccessUtilized new technologies and innovation.Well defined use of safe harbor for the project.Use of environmental markets.Demonstrated a new approach to solve the

identified concern.Documented support identified from the

industry and scientific communities.Expanded list of partners and partnership.Good use of partnerships.New partners and/or partnership arrangements.

Funding Pools

CRITICAL CONSERVATION

AREAS

For projects in eight geographic areas chosen by the Secretary of Agriculture. These receive 35 % of funding.

NATIONAL

For nationwide and multistate projects. These receive 40 percent of funding.

STATE

For projects in a single state. These receive 25 percent of funding.

AuthoritiesRCPP assistance is delivered in accordance with the rules of these “covered programs”:

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)• Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP)• *Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act

*available in Critical Conservation Areas only

Announcement for Program Funding APF

NRCS anticipates publishing an annual APF to award new projects each year. 

Eligible PartnersEligible partnering organizations include:

• An agricultural or silvicultural producer association or other group of producers;

• A state or unit of local government;• An Indian Tribe;• A farmer cooperative;• A water district, irrigation district, rural water district or

association or other organization with specific water delivery authority to producers on agricultural land;

• A municipal water or wastewater treatment entity;• An institution of higher education;• An organization or entity with an established history of

working cooperatively with producers on agricultural land, as determined by NRCS, to address –o Local conservation priorities related to agricultural

production, wildlife habitat development, or nonindustrial private forest land management, or

o Critical watershed-scale soil erosion, water quality, sediment reduction, or other natural resource issues

Partner ResponsibilitiesPartners are responsible for:• Defining the scope of the project • Conducting outreach and education • Assisting landowners and producers

with NRCS applications• Leveraging NRCS financial or technical

assistance • Conducting and providing an

assessment of the project costs and conservation effects• Other duties as specified in the

partnership agreement.

Information ResourcesFor more Information visit: Wisconsin NRCS Website

www.wi.nrcs.usda.govUnder Programs/Farmbill/RCPP

Questions may be submitted via email to: Mark.Rose@wdc.usda.gov Use Subject Line: RCPP

Wisconsin NRCS RCPP ContactsJimmy BramblettState Conservationistjimmy.bramblett@wi.usda.gov608-662-4422 ext. 222

Tom KrapfAssistant State Conservationist – Financial Assistance Programstom.krapf@wi.usda.gov608-662-4422 ext. 232

Questions?

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