It gives each county an opportunity to focus EQIP dollars and prioritize conservation work to address its most pressing resource concerns. In 2007, Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne county farmers and ranchers were awarded contracts totaling over $747,580. 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. 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, which 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.