The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications for fiscal year 2013 financial assistance to help implement conservation practices that improve natural resources on farms, forestland, and wetland areas throughout Connecticut.

Individual practices that have been popular include waste storage facilities, no-till, cover crops, buffers, prescribed and rotational grazing, nutrient management, and forest stand improvement. Some special initiatives expected to be available again include habitat improvement for the Eastern bog turtle and the New England cottontail, farmstead energy audits, seasonal high tunnels, and installation of conservation practices to benefit organic farming operations or those transitioning to organic.

The deadline for applications is Nov. 16. Applications received after that date will be accepted and considered for funding if funds are available after first-cycle applications are processed.

For information, visit: www.ct.nrcs.usda.gov/programs or call (860) 887-3604.