Conservation programs available to farmers

PROVO — A variety of conservation programs are available to local farmers through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

They include:

— The Agricultural Management Assistance Program will help farmers and ranchers conserve vegetation on range and pastureland. The program will pay 75 percent of a maximum $50,000 contract for three years in Utah, Wasatch and Uintah counties. Applications are accepted through May 14.

— The Wetland Reserve Program encourages restoration of privately owned wetlands affected by agricultural activities. State or local government land and tribal lands also qualify. Applications are accepted through May 14.

— The Grassland Reserve Program helps landowners restore and protect property such as grassland, rangeland, pastureland and shrubland. Applications are accepted through April 16.

More information is available under “conservation” on the Internet at: www.usda.gov/farmbill/. Utah County applications are accepted at the the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Center. To get more information, contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Both are located at 302 E. 1860 South, Provo, UT 84606, or call David Hanson at 801-377-5580 ext. 20.