Nebraska producers impacted by March wildfires will soon be able to apply for federal disaster recovery assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Conservation Program.
The USDA announced the Farm Service Agency will begin accepting applications Monday, April 27, for producers in counties affected by several major wildfires, with signup continuing through June 26.
The Emergency Conservation Program provides cost-share and technical assistance to help farmers and ranchers restore land damaged by natural disasters, including help with debris removal, fence repair or replacement, water structure repairs and other recovery needs.
Counties approved for assistance tied to the Morrill Fire include Arthur, Garden, Grant, Keith and Morrill counties. The Cottonwood Fire includes Dawson and Lincoln counties, while the Road 203 Fire covers Blaine and Thomas counties. Assistance is also available in Cherry County for damages tied to the Anderson Bridge Fire and in Grant and Garden counties impacted by the Ashby and Minor fires.
USDA officials are encouraging affected producers to contact their local Farm Service Agency office for eligibility information and application requirements.
“The Farm Service Agency can help producers and landowners recover from wildfires that impacted their operation,” Nebraska FSA State Executive Director Hilary Maricle said in a release. She said producers with restoration needs tied to the fires should contact their county office about available cost-share assistance.