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Show PART IV MEANS FOR MEETING NEEDS Farmers Home Administration Loans The Farmers Home Administration provides several types of loans to farmers and ranchers. Those of particular significance to watershed management are: (1) Water Development and Soil Conservation Loans to develop, conserve, and make better use of soil and water resources on farms, (2) Watershed Loans to local organizations to carry out plans to protect, develop, and utilize the land and water resources in small water- sheds, and (3) Financial Assistance Loans to public or quasi-public bodies and nonprofit corporations that will serve residents of open country and rural towns (up to 5,500 population) for developing and improving domestic water and waste disposal systems. Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service Program Private landowners participating in the Rural Environment Assistance Program may obtain cost sharing assistance for carrying out approved conservation protection practices of public benefit to the environment. There is variation in the amount of financial assistance available to farmers and ranchers but it averages about one-half the cost of instal- lation. Programs of land administering agencies Bureau of Land Management The BLM Watershed Conservation and Development Program provides for the protection, enhancement, and maintenance of environmental quality through conservation and development of the soil and water resource base. The program employs general principles which serve to conserve the land resource base for present and future uses, protect public values, help stabilize dependent uses and industries, assist in meeting regional and national needs for land resource products and services and contribute to the beneficial growth and stability of communities. The major functions of the program are to apply land treatment and watershed management practices (including related emergency activities such as Fire Rehabilitation) that will: Control or prevent soil erosion to the extent practicable, through stabilization of depleted land; control of runoff, etc. Restore soil productivity to enhance on-site resource use values, including fish and wildlife development, live- stock forage, timber production, outdoor recreation, industrial development, mineral production, and aesthetic values. 66 |