The first sign-up period for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) will end Thurs., Jan. 30. Alabama landowners, including limited resource producers and new or beginning farmers, who have resource concerns on pasture land, cropland, forest, or land used for wildlife are encouraged to participate.

The EQIP program, administered by the National Resources Conservation Service, provides technical and financial assistance to individuals interested in addressing soil, water, air, and related natural resource concerns on their operations. EQIP generally supports a wide variety of activities: the establishment of permanent covers, erosion control, grazing protection, wildlife habitat enhancement, soil quality, and various water quality protection systems.

The Covington County NRCS can be reached by phone at 334-222-3519.