United States Department of Agriculture
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Conservation Activity Plans (CAP)

Conservation Activity Plans (CAP) are specialized, in-depth plans that address specific resources and can be used to improve management. Connecticut offers CAPs in Forestry and Energy. Many of the recommendations from the plans can be part of a subsequent application for financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). These plans will be written by a Technical Service Provider (TSP) based on the objectives and needs of the landowner or land manager. The landowner/manager may choose a TSP from an approved list of certified, registered technical service providers from the Technical Service Provider Registry.

Energy CAP: Agricultural Energy Management Plan

The Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP) is an analysis of current farm infrastructure and management with recommendations about how to reduce energy consumption on the farm. These plans can be done on farm headquarters such as dairy, greenhouses, or maple syrup operations. Plan Criteria

For FY2010, the payment rates for AgEMPs are as follows:
Type Size EQIP General Rate  Historically Underserved Rate
Livestock <240 AU $1,500.00 $1,800.00
240-840 AU $2,625.00 $3,150.00
>840 AU $3,375.00 $4,050.00
Greenhouse <65,000 SF $1,875.00 $2,250.00
65,000-150,000 SF $3,000.00 $3,600.00
>150,000 SF $3,750.00 $4,500.00
Irrigated Crop Field <20 ac $1,027.50 $1,233.00
20-200 ac $1,215.00 $1,458.00
>200 ac $1,590.00 $1,908.00
Non-Irrigated Crop Field <20 ac $ 802.50 $ 963.00
20-200 ac $ 990.00 $1,188.00
>200 ac $1,365.00 $1,638.00
Maple Syrup Operations Small - <1500 taps $1,500 $1,800
Medium - 1500-4000 $2,200 $2,640
Large - >4000 $3,000 $3,600

Forestry CAP: Forest Management Plan

Owners of 10 acres or more of non-industrial, private forest land can apply for the Forestry CAP. This plan will be developed specifically for your land and will help you to quantify the economic and ecological values of your woodland, as well as determine future courses of action. The Forest Management Plant (FMP) must address soil erosion, water quality, wildlife, and other resource concerns. All Forestry TSPs for Connecticut are certified by the State of Connecticut, and plans must meet all federal, tribal, state, and local laws. Plan Criteria

For FY2010, the payment rates for FMPs are as follows:
Size of Forest (ac) EQIP General Rate Historically Underserved Rate
10-35 $1,107 $1,328
36-100 $1,459 $1,751
101-175  $1,829 $2,195
176-250 $2,183 $2,620
251-400 $2,845 $3,414
401-550 $3,492 $4,190
551-750 $3,977 $4,773

Payments

You will receive payment when the plan is complete. Please note that this payment rate is estimated to be a portion of the total amount you will pay for the plan – 75% for general applicants, and 90% of historically underserved* applicants. You will be responsible for paying the rest to the TSP Provider. (For more information about historically underserved groups, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/SLB_Farmer/)

How Do I Apply?

CAPs are funded through the EQIP Program. Call or visit your local NRCS Service Center for an application and begin your eligibility paperwork:

Brooklyn Service Center
139 Wolf Den Road
Brooklyn, CT 06234
(860) 774-0224
Raymond Covino, District Conservationist

Norwich Service Center
238 West Town Street
Norwich, CT 06360
(860) 887-3604
Javier Cruz, District Conservationist

Torrington Service Center
1185 New Litchfield Street
Torrington, CT 06790
(860) 626-8258
Kathleen Johnson, District Conservationist

Wallingford Service Center
900 Northrop Road
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 269-7509
Richard Kszystyniak, District Conservationist

Windsor Service Center
100 Northfield St., 4th Floor
Windsor, CT 06095
(860) 688-7725
James Hyde, District Conservationist

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