USDA-NRCS EQIP working-lands program
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds private landowners and agricultural producers who implement conservation practices — including prescribed grazing, forest-residue fuel treatments, and defensible-space establishment — on working lands in active fire-threat zones.
- Agency
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- Award range
- Practice-based payments; typical contracts $5K–$75K per year across multiple years
Eligibility criteria
Who this program funds
Every detail page lists the criteria the funder applies. GreenGuard confirms program fit against the exact list below during your free eligibility screening.
- ✓Private landowner, agricultural producer, or non-industrial forest manager controlling the land
- ✓Parcel in a county prioritized by the local NRCS funding pool for the current sign-up
- ✓Practice scope that matches the conservation plan (fuel-load reduction, grazing, residue treatment)
- ✓Cost-share rates vary by practice and producer category — historically underserved producers get higher rates
- ✓Contract term typically 1–3 years with mid-contract verification visits
How to apply
The path from screening to award
GreenGuard sequences the paperwork, the agency touchpoints, and the on-the-ground work so the application lands ready and stays in good standing through award.
- 01
Confirm NRCS service-center jurisdiction and the FY ranking priorities for your county
- 02
GreenGuard drafts the conservation plan and required practice schedules during screening
- 03
Submit the application during your service-center ranking window (sign-ups usually open once per FY)
- 04
Schedule implementation to align with mid-contract inspections and cost-share reimbursement milestones
Ready when you are
Start the intake with this program pre-selected. GreenGuard confirms fit during a free screening — typically within one business day.