By Blake Jackson
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Missouri is encouraging eligible farmers and landowners to apply for technical and financial assistance available through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
Funding is currently open for one regional partnership project, with applications due by December 31, 2025, to be considered for this funding cycle.
The project available is the Sand Prairie Restoration Partnership Program, covering Butler, Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott, and Stoddard counties. Its focus is the restoration and long-term protection of sand prairie habitats on private lands.
Through voluntary perpetual easements, this effort aims to conserve one of Missouri’s critically endangered native ecosystems while providing vital habitat for several threatened and endangered species. The Missouri Department of Conservation serves as the lead partner for this initiative.
RCPP is designed to strengthen collaboration between NRCS and local partners by combining resources to address conservation priorities at the farm, watershed, and regional levels. The program encourages innovative approaches to solving natural resource challenges while delivering measurable results.
Both individuals and entities are eligible to apply. While RCPP operates under a continuous application process, only those received by the December 31, 2025, deadline or before available funds are fully allocated will be considered for this round of support.
Farmers and landowners interested in applying should contact their local USDA-NRCS Field Office. Additional information about RCPP can be found at the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program website.
Photo Credit: usda-nrcs
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy