Forest Landowners Encouraged to Apply for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, Land Management -- Florida’s Big Bend

Current Funding Cycle Application Deadline is September 30, 2026

GAINESVILLE, Florida – August 31, 2026-The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (Florida’s Big Bend) for land management practices through September 30, 2026.  Applicants must be located in the project area (see map below) to be considered for funding.

The “Florida’s Big Bend” Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a program being implemented by Tall Timbers to help landowners in 11 counties in north Florida to apply conservation practices that improve and conserve these areas for wildlife and people alike. The RCPP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and involves landowner coordination with local NRCS offices.

“The Regional Conservation Partnership Program is an example of public-private partnership at its best,” said Juan Hernandez, State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida. 

Florida’s Big Bend RCPP by Tall Timbers Research, Inc. 

Upland forests in Florida’s Big Bend have declined over decades of altered fire regimes or land conversion. Fire exclusion or insufficient frequency or intensity of applied prescribed fire has allowed encroachment of hardwoods and invasive species. Implementing brush management, herbaceous weed control, prescribed fire, and forest stand improvement conservation practices will restore the health of fire-dependent forests and improve habitat for many at-risk wildlife species, such as Bachman’s sparrow, gopher tortoise and northern bobwhite. 

Contact: Tyler Macmillan, Conservation Program Liaison

Email: tmacmillan@talltimbers.org  Phone: 850-556-5799

Application Requirements for All Programs

Applicants will need to provide information necessary to establish farm records and certifications outlined below.

• Farm records established or updated with the Farm Service Agency for the applicant and the land
• Be in compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements
• Applicable documentation required for signature authority
• Have control of land where “control” means possession of the land by ownership, lease, or other agreement
• Written concurrence from the landowner to apply a structural or vegetative conservation practice.
• Be in compliance with provisions for protecting the interests of tenants and sharecroppers

Applications are available at your local USDA Service Center or online on our Get Started with NRCS web page and will be accepted until September 30, 2026. Contact your local NRCS field office 

NRCS has provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America's private landowners and managers conserve their soil, water, and other natural resources since 1935.

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