Maine's Conservation Security Program

The Conservation Security Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation program that supports ongoing stewardship of private agricultural lands by providing payments for maintaining and enhancing natural resources.  CSP identifies and rewards those farmers and ranchers who are meeting the highest standards of conservation and environmental management on their operations.

CSP provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes on Tribal and private working lands. Working lands include cropland, grassland, prairie land, improved pasture, and range land, as well as forested land that is an incidental part of an agriculture operation. The program is available in all 50 States, the Caribbean Area and the Pacific Basin area. The program provides equitable access to benefits to all producers, regardless of size of operation, crops produced, or geographic location.

CSP, part of the 2002 Farm Bill, was introduced in the summer of 2004 in 18 watersheds nationwide.  Maine did not have any watersheds selected for the 2004 sign-up.  The first opportunity for farmers from every state to participate was in 2005, when approximately one-eighth of the Nation's eligible farmers were given the chance to apply each year over an eight-year period. 

Fiscal Year 2008        Kennebec River at Merrymeeting Bay (Lower Kennebec) Watershed

Fiscal Year 2007        There were no CSP dollars for new watersheds

Fiscal Year 2006        Upper Androscoggin River Watershed
                                   Lower Androscoggin River Watershed

Fiscal Year 2005        Casco Bay Watershed
                                   Piscataquis River Watershed
 

2008 CSP Self-Assessment Workbook (1,839 KB)

For more information on CSP, visit the National CSP website for general information about the program, some frequently asked questions, and a link to the CSP Self-Assessment Workbook.  By going through this workbook, producers will get a good idea about whether they are eligible for CSP at this time. 

                                                                                        Last Modified:  04/25/2008

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