Administration allocates $66M for national conservation projects

Jun 13, 2024

USDA and Western governors collaborate on environmental health

By Farms.com

The USDA, under the Administration, is deploying a significant $66 million investment to fortify conservation work across the United States, as announced by Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small during the Western Governors' Association meeting.

This funding is a strategic part of President’s Investing in America agenda and is designed to enhance forest health, improve water quality, and reduce wildfire risks.

This initiative includes a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Western Governors' Association, aiming to unify efforts across state lines and different land ownerships to address pressing environmental challenges effectively.

The investment is distributed through two primary channels - $12 million through the Good Neighbor Authority and $55 million for the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership.

The projects funded by this initiative are expected to foster significant improvements in forest management, water conservation, and wildfire prevention.

These efforts will not only safeguard landscapes and ecosystems but also bolster community safety and resilience against natural disasters.

This initiative is part of a broader commitment to ensuring that environmental benefits reach disadvantaged communities, in line with President’s Justice40 Initiative.

The USDA's approach includes inviting proposals for upcoming fiscal year projects, focusing on innovative conservation strategies that include post-fire watershed recovery and the establishment of wildlife corridors.

The announcement also builds upon previous commitments, such as the $18 million recently allocated for Tribal Forest Protection Act projects, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to comprehensive environmental stewardship and cooperative governance.

Through these combined efforts, the USDA aims to enhance the nation's forest and rangeland health while promoting equity in the benefits of federal investments.

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