The primary resource concerns being addressed in Amador, Calaveras & Tuolumne counties include rangeland health, fuel load reduction, pollution reduction and soil erosion. The program’s objective is to promote agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP rules were significantly revised by Congress as part of the 2002 farm bill to increase participation in the program. It offers financial and technical assistance to implement measures that will address water quality and erosion concerns as well as restoration of wildlife habitat. EQIP funds are a way for landowners to solve a resource problem such as fixing a nuisance gully. It can also be used to address regulatory concerns like feedlot rules or to receive incentives for using conservation tillage. The list of potential practices is lengthy and should meet the needs of a number of producers in the county. Landowners wanting more information about EQIP and how it can be used to install conservation measures on their property should contact their local NRCS office. For Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties, the NRCS office is located at 235 New York Ranch Rd. Suite D., Jackson, CA 95642, (209) 257-1851 ext. 3. Specific information about EQIP in Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties can also be found on the internet at www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs.