The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California has announced an application period for projects seeking funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) during the 2027 program cycle.
RCPP is a partner-driven conservation program that brings together NRCS, agricultural producers, landowners and other organizations to address natural resource challenges on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands. Projects are designed around specific geographic areas and conservation priorities, combining federal financial assistance with contributions and expertise from participating partners.
For the 2027 cycle, interested applicants seeking assistance through RCPP Classic Land Management and Easement projects must submit applications by the applicable NRCS cutoff date to be considered for funding.
| Project | 1st Batching Date | 2nd Batching Date | 3rd Batching Date |
| 1886: San Joaquin Valley Land and Water Conservation Collaborative – Easements Only | 11/6/2026 | ||
| 2338: Soil Health Management Systems for Northern CA | 11/6/2026 | 4/9/2027 | |
| 2399: Klamath-Cascade Headwaters Farm, Fish and Wildlife (Easements) | 11/6/2026 | ||
| 2871: Crisis to Opportunity: Sierra Nevada Recovery and Resilience | 11/6/2026 | 4/9/2027 | |
| 4307: Protection, Conservation, and Enhancement of Tricolored Blackbird Habitat in and Agricultural Landscape | 4/9/2027 | 5/7/2027 | 6/4/2027 |
| 4319: Maximizing Water Bird Habitat on CA Ricelands | 11/6/2026 | 4/9/2027 |
RCPP Classic projects are carried out through NRCS contracts and easements with producers, landowners and communities in collaboration with project partners. Depending on an approved project’s scope, conservation activities can include land management, land improvement and restoration practices; land rentals; entity-held and United States-held easements; and public works and watershed activities.
The program is intended to encourage partnerships that bring additional resources to conservation projects. NRCS considers the anticipated conservation impact of a proposal, partner contributions, and the partnership’s ability to manage the project, conduct outreach and measure environmental results. RCPP ranking criteria also give preference to applicants that meaningfully engage historically underserved farmers and ranchers.
RCPP funding is divided between two funding pools. Half is designated for projects within Critical Conservation Areas identified by the Secretary of Agriculture, while the other half supports state and multistate projects.
Opportunities for Producers and Landowners
Agricultural producers and landowners can participate after NRCS selects an RCPP project and enters into an agreement with its lead partner. Producers may work through a project partner acting as their representative or apply directly to NRCS for eligible conservation activities that are consistent with an approved RCPP project in their geographic area.
Eligible projects generally take place on agricultural land, nonindustrial private forest land, or associated lands where NRCS determines that the proposed activity would provide conservation benefits. Certain activities may also take place on public land when NRCS determines they will benefit eligible lands and they are included within an approved project’s scope.
Special Limit for Project 4319
NRCS has also announced a funding limitation affecting Project 4319 during fiscal year 2027. Contracts awarded under that project that include Conservation Practice Code 646, Seasonal Water Management for Wildlife, will be subject to a $100,000 annual payment limit for all instances of that practice within each contract.
Applying for Assistance
Organizations interested in leading RCPP projects must meet NRCS partner eligibility requirements. Producers and landowners interested in participating in an existing RCPP project can contact NRCS to determine available opportunities within their area.
Additional information about RCPP, eligibility and application requirements is available HERE. Producers and landowners can also contact their local USDA Service Center for assistance.
For more information, contact RCRC Policy Advocate, Eric Will.