Now Accepting Applications
The 2014 Farm Bill created the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) as a way to utilize partnerships to spread Federal dollars and better address National and State resource concerns. UVLT applied for and was awarded an RCPP that looks to accelerate the pace of farmland conservation in Grafton and Sullivan Counties.
The RCPP is a 5-year commitment by UVLT and its partners, which will provide secured access to Federal conservation funding, leveraged by UVLT, state, and local funding, and greater flexibility to utilize the Federal farmland protection program to conserve the unique and special farmlands of the Upper Valley in New Hampshire.
RCPP Goals
- Engage with farmers, producers and farmland owners
- Increase pace of farmland conservation in UVLT service area in Grafton and Sullivan Counties
- Improve water quality, soil health, and habitat for fish, wildlife, and invertebrates
RCPP Deliverables
- At least 9 new Agricultural Land Easements
- At least 900 acres of conserved farmland
- At least 17 new, additional conservation easements
- At least 3,400 additional acres of conserved land in New Hampshire
- Engagement with 30+ producers
Benefits to Farmers / Producers / Farmland Owners
- Paid for development rights
- Cash in hand
- Pay off debt
- Save for retirement
- Reinvest in business
- Transfer to next generation
- Still own the farm
- Plan for the future
- Keeps land in agricultural production
Benefits to the Community
- Keeps land in agricultural production
- Increases food security
- Protects scenic open space
- Increases the local economy by investing in local businesses
- Honors the rural heritage of the Upper Valley
Next Steps
- Talk to your family
- Discuss goals for the farm and if land conservation would help to achieve those goals
- Engage with the next generation
- Assess eligibility for NRCS ALE: open space, soil, production
- Discuss options with UVLT
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Partners
Upper Valley Land Trust
Craig Privett
Conservation Project Manager
UVFPI RCPP Coordinator
Grafton County Conservation District
Pam Gilbert
District Manager
Sullivan County Conservation District
Lionel Chute
Director of Natural Resources
Upper Valley Farmland Protection Initiative
Vital Communities
Nancy LaRowe
Local First Alliance and Valley Food & Farm
Coordinator
Land For Good
Mike Ghia
Vermont Field Agent
