Hello folks,
The following is information from Tom Bennion regarding EQIP, a thinning program within the USDA. The application for the thinning program is attached along with a sample answered application. The deadline is January 15th, so if you are interested, send in the first 5 pages ASAP to get in the first queue of consideration.
Eleni Fredlund, FireWise at SLP
From Tom Bennion, FireWise at Seven Springs:
Our local FireWise group is trying out a new program in the Jemez communities. We've put in an application and it looks like many of our neighbors to the south & west will too...4 so far & possibly 3 more by the end of the week. The application doesn't obligate you, but does put you "in the queue" so to speak, to have the NRCS & the NM State Forestry folks (Jill Mumford & Lawrence Crane) meet with you to ask what you might want to do on your property...and you can "drop out" at any time up until the contractors start working (and maybe even then if you don't like what they are doing).
Areas 1 & 3 above the Soda Dam have 3-4 applications in at each place for some thinning too. So, there are a number of us that are going to try this.
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Thinning Application
Date: Sun, 3 Jan 2016 10:42:24 -0700
From: Sharon & Tom Bennion
Hi, you are receiving this email because you did some thinning on your property in the past. Well we're looking at a new assistance program. It's called EQIP & is within the USDA and provides financial and technical assistance to property owners. At this time due to the drought and the infestation of bark beetles, most of us are interested in getting rid of all the dead trees. However, I think we are also interested in Fire Mitigation (creating a defensible space for us and responders), Forest Health (reducing overcrowding and stress making the remaining trees more vibrant), Erosion Control (reducing soil runoff) and Water Quality and Availability (reduce pollution, increase ground water and preserve well production).
This program is administered out of the NRCS office of the USDA in Cuba, New Mexico, with administrative assistance and “team” support from the office in Los Lunas. Applications for the EQIP program are accepted all year long, but the evaluation and selection of participants is done once a year (may change to be more frequent as there is demand).
The current deadline for 2016 is January 15th so I’m going to help you get an application in ASAP with the following attachments.
First is a blank application. In this file, the actual application is only the first 5 pages. It follows with an Appendix of 18 pages. You only need to print, fill-out and mail the first 5 pages.
Next are attached two sample filled-out applications, the first is for what’s called an Individual owner or couple with joint ownership. The second is almost the same except for a simple family trust (also known as a revocable or living trust). There is some confusion right now on how to handle the latter Trust application & I’m trying to get that resolved to avoid getting what is called a DUNS number…so don’t worry about that at this time. Let’s just get some applications in and start to see what the program might do for us.
I’ll explain the application entries later. But first, let me say that there is no obligation even if you do send in an application and decide you don’t want to continue. You can withdraw at any time. Furthermore, you decide what you want done on your property with the advice from the folks from the Cuba NRCS office and the State Forestry office in Bernalillo. The program provides a fixed dollar amount of assistance on a per acre basis, and the owner is responsible for the remainder. It’s not a fixed percentage like programs in the past and there are no rigid requirements about how many trees have to be removed, etc. You are in control!
I’m encouraging you folks to join together in applying since we are co-located. Thinning contractors don’t like small acreages spread-out all over the place. It’s too expensive for them & ultimately for the property owners. So, please submit an application now, even if you decide later you don’t want to continue.
Take a look at the sample application pages I’ve included in the Marked Applications file. Most of it is quite simple and straight forward. Here is some extra information to help, but call/email if you have other questions. The first 4 pages of the file I've attached is for the individual property owner (note that the 5th page of the application is not included in this sample for it contains text only...nothing to fill-out). The next page in this file is the first page of a "trust" application...it shows only what needs to be changed for property owned by a family/revocable/living trust...all the other information is basically the same.
As to the Location requested on the application above question 1, since your primary address is not in the Jemez, I suggest putting in the street address (on Cebolla lane or SR 126) in addition to the legal description. I also suggest to attach a plot of your property or a copy of the plat.
For question 1, don’t worry about answering NO & having to establish a “farm” record with the USDA before submitting your application. This will be handled later.
For question 7, at some later point, they are going to want a copy of your deed, so if you have one handy, submit it along with the application.
For question 9, read the information that follows to decide what boxes to check. For example, I’m an Army Veteran, so I checked that box. If you want to consider that you are a Beginning Tree Farmer, check that box too. The items within this question get preferred treatment.
Question 11 means that you have a copy of the Appendix which is the 18 pages attached to the 5-page application. So, YES, you’ve got a copy.
Now, you may fill out the application on your computer, but it may be easier to actually print the 5 pages & fill it out by hand, sign & date it. Please mail it ASAP to:
Jill Mumford
USDA NRCS Cuba Service Center
East Side of State Highway 550
Cuba, NM 87013
As soon as Jill gets your application, she sends a copy to Sandra Martinez at the Los Lunas admin office. Sandra will then ask you for more detailed information. I’ll send you more info on this later…to give you a “heads-up”.
Jill will then get with Lawrence Crane from the NM State Forestry (Bernalillo office) & arrange to meet with you at your property. They will probably not do this until the snow is gone, as they’ll want to see what’s on the ground (grass, shrubs, duff, soil, etc.) in addition to the trees & brush.
The first thing they will ask you at the property visit will be: “What do you want to do”? That will start a conversation wherein they will discuss with you what they see and give you some technical advice as to how & why to accomplish what you want to do (what trees to remove, what to do with the slash, how to cut down on erosion, what drought tolerant bushes might be planted, etc.).
Thank you,
Tom Bennion