Owners of forest land in 11 Missouri counties are eligible for financial assistance from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to remove and store trees blown over or damaged by a severe storm on May 8. They may apply for assistance until June 26.

NRCS and its partners in Missouri helped land users plan and apply conservation systems on more than 900,000 acres during Fiscal Year 2008.

PORTAGEVILLE, MO, May 12, 2009 — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today visited Southeast Missouri and held a rural community forum to listen to comments and concerns of local residents. Vilsack also shared information with local residents about the work USDA is doing to revitalize and rebuild rural America through its ongoing programs and projects.