USDA Announces Emergency Conservation and Forest Restoration Programs for Pulaski County

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a news release announcing the acceptance of applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) in Pulaski County, Kentucky. These programs aim to address damages from the May 16, 2025, tornado and high winds that affected the area. The ECP provides cost-share and technical assistance to producers to restore farmland to pre-disaster conditions, while the EFRP offers financial cost-share and technical assistance to restore nonindustrial private forestland damaged by a qualifying natural disaster.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ECP will provide up to 75% of the cost of approved restoration activities for a maximum of $500,000 per natural disaster event.
  • ECP practices include Removing Debris from Farmland, Replacing or Restoring Permanent Fence, and Restoring Conservation Structures and Other Installations.
  • Approved ECP applicants can receive up to 75% of the cost of the approved restoration activity, with a maximum cost share of $500,000 per natural disaster event.
  • The EFRP offers financial cost-share and technical assistance to restore nonindustrial private forestland damaged by a qualifying natural disaster.
  • EFRP practices include Hardwood Forest Restoration, Softwood Forest Restoration, and Mixed Forest Restoration.
  • Assistance for EFRP is not provided upfront; cost-share is reimbursed at no more than 75% of the lesser of the actual costs incurred or allowable cost after a restoration activity is complete.
  • The maximum cost share for EFRP is $500,000 per natural disaster event.
  • To participate in EFRP, eligible applicants must complete restoration to meet technical standards established through FSA and document and keep records of all costs incurred.

Statistics:

  • 75% of the cost of restored farmland will be covered by ECP.
  • Up to $500,000 per natural disaster event will be available for ECP cost-share.
  • 75% of the lesser of the actual costs incurred or allowable cost will be reimbursed for EFRP participants.
  • The maximum cost share for EFRP is $500,000 per natural disaster event.
  • The deadline for ECP signup is August 15, 2025.
  • The deadline for EFRP signup is August 29, 2025.

Sources:

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announcement.
  • Lindsey New, FSA County Executive Director for Pulaski/McCreary Counties.