USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Seeks Landowners Interested in Conservation:

Longleaf Pine Forests in Mississippi

Jackson, Miss., September 29, 2026 – Farmers and landowners who are interested in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Longleaf Pine, can apply for conservation assistance. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and its partners aim to protect wildlife habitat along the Longleaf Pine Critical Conservation Areas (CCAs). In fiscal year 2027, RCPP, with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation serving as the lead partner, will provide financial assistance to farmers and landowners.

“RCPP is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land,” said Kurt Readus, NRCS state conservationist in Mississippi. “By leveraging collective resources and collaborating on common goals, RCPP demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in delivering results for agriculture and conservation.”

RCPP project description and associated partners:

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), proposal focus within the Longleaf Pine Range Critical Conservation Area (CCA) in MS. RCPP funds are to restore, maintain and conserve Longleaf Pine to improve wildlife habitat and carbon sequestration, increase forest resilience, and deliver other co-benefits. This partner has a long history of working with private landowners and successfully operating with NRCS to deploy funds and achieve outcomes on the ground. The goal for this project is to engage 1,000 private landowners to restore and enhance 50,000 acres of longleaf pine on private land in MS over five years. 

How to Apply

To apply for RCPP, individuals and entities actively engaged in agricultural production are eligible to participate. Farmers and landowners are encouraged to sign up for USDA-NRCS conservation funding. Although NRCS accepts applications throughout the year, applications received after October 30th will be considered based on funding availability in subsequent cycles.

All eligible applications received by October 30, 2026, will be prioritized, evaluated, and ranked for funding in 2027. Farmers should contact their local USDA Service Center to get started on producer eligibility and planning. Applications ranking highest in a funding category will be funded first and is subject to availability of program funds. Farmers and landowners interested in receiving financial.

Eligible applicants should contact their local USDA Service Center now.

When visiting NRCS staff about the RCPP program, landowners are encouraged to inquire about NRCS’ comprehensive conservation plans. The Agency continually strives to put conservation planning at the forefront of its programs and initiatives. Conservation plans provide landowners with a comprehensive inventory and assessment of their resources, as well as an appropriate start to improving the quality of soil, water, air, plants, and wildlife on their land.

For more information about RCPP, visit the RCPP website.  

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.   

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