USDA Monday announced the availability of up to $260 million for USDA partners working on conservation efforts. The funding, according to USDA is available for proposals to improve water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. The funding comes from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. USDA says applicants must be able to match the federal award with private or local funds. The program was initially created as part of the 2014 Farm Bill. Investments under the Regional Conservation Partnership of nearly $600 million have already driven 199 partner-led projects. USDA is now accepting proposals for Fiscal Year 2017 under the program. Pre-proposals are due May 10th. For more information on applying, visit NRCS dot USDA dot gov (www.nrcs.usda.gov).