Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS' Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2021

The purpose of the FSCP is to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health. Feral swine are a destructive, non-native, invasive species and their populations have been increasing across the United States. An estimated $2 billion in damage, including agricultural, is caused by feral swine each year. The species can have significant negative impacts on plant and animal habitats, soils, water quality, as well as other natural and cultural resources. Livestock and humans are also susceptible to diseases carried by feral swine. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 directs USDA to carry out the pilot program where the Secretary has determined that feral swine have been identified as such a threat. NRCS State Conservationists and APHIS State Directors, in coordination with State technical committees, have identified pilot projects which can be carried out within states with high feral swine densities. States eligible to participate in the second round of FSCP funding include level 3, 4, 5 states as identified by APHIS Wildlife Services base funding levels for feral swine control: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Not every eligible state has been approved for new pilot projects in this second round. States that are not advertising for a new pilot project include Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Pilot projects will consist broadly of three coordinated components: 1) feral swine removal by APHIS, 2) restoration efforts supported by NRCS, and 3) assistance to producers for feral swine control provided through grants with non-federal partners. This call for proposals is intended to address component 3 described above for non-federal partners to provide landowner assistance for on-farm trapping and provide related services as part of the pilot projects described above. Funding for these services will be provided through grant agreements between partners and NRCS.

NRCS financial assistance for producers and provided through grants is limited to providing financial assistance for activities that will help landowners control the feral swine population. These activities may include, but are not limited to, outreach, training, equipment, and operations for feral swine trapping that are consistent with APHIS technical standards. Subsequent actions, including disposal, are the responsibility of those carrying out the trapping activities, and must occur consistent with all associated federal, state, and local laws. Funds distributed by NRCS for the FSCP may not be used to provide producer financial assistance for:

· Ground shooting

· Euthanasia (use of barbiturates)

· Aerial gunning

· Drop Nets

· Snares

· Cable Restraints

· Foot Holds

· Relocation

· Frightening devices

· Immobilization

· Reproductive inhibitors

· Toxicants

· Any other state or locally identified prohibited techniques or practices

NRCS is accepting proposals that address the expected partner roles in the identified pilot projects. Additional information about specific pilot projects including target areas and the roles for which partner assistance is being requested can be found here: www.nrcs.usda.gov/fscp