“We’re extending the deadline for applications to CSP to provide agricultural producers more time to complete their applications,” said White. “This will help farmers, ranchers and forestry producers by giving them more time and hopefully allow even more producers to participate in this program.”
CSP is offered in all 50 states, District of Columbia, and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-ups with announced cut-off dates for ranking periods. The program provides many conservation benefits including improvement of water and soil quality, wildlife habitat enhancement and adoption of conservation activities that address the effects of climate change.
All producers are encouraged to apply for CSP. The program, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, offers payments to producers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and who agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland and nonindustrial forestland.
A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if CSP is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, contract obligations and potential payments. It is available from local NRCS offices or online at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/csp.html.
Tan Siu Lin Foundation announces scholarships for NMC students
(NMC) — In its ongoing efforts to promote higher education among CNMI students, the Tan Siu Lin Foundation has announced that it is providing scholarships to 10 students of Northern Marianas College.
The program will provide $1,000 per scholarship recipient that can be applied for the 2010-2011 school year (Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters). The scholarships will be awarded to five students pursuing an associate’s in applied science degree in hospitality management, and five students pursuing other degrees at NMC. In addition to hospitality management, the college offers degrees in business, liberal arts, nursing, natural resources management, criminal justice, and education.
“We recognize the central role that Northern Marianas College plays in the personal and professional development of CNMI students — and, on a larger scale —t he CNMI’s workforce,” said Dr. Tan Siu Lin. “We want to support that role by providing financial assistance to students who have the potential to excel academically and professionally.”
The Tan Holdings Foundation was formed in 2002 and was renamed after the company’s founder and chairman, Dr. Tan Siu Lin. Through the years, the foundation has launched initiatives and built trusted partnerships with a diverse array of individuals, families, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. These partners represent many different backgrounds and income levels. The foundation’s main mission is to better serve the regions where it operates to make such communities a better place to live.
“We are very grateful to the Tan Siu Lin Foundation for once again providing this scholarship,” said NMC interim President Lorraine Cabrera. “The financial assistance will definitely make a significant impact in helping students pursue their educational goals.”
The scholarships are based on merit and will be awarded to the recipient on the basis of the candidate’s community involvement, academic background, and letters of recommendation. The written essay will also play a key role in the final selection of scholarship recipients.
The deadline for submitting applications is Nov. 15, 2010. Applications and additional information will be available for download on www.nmcnet.edu or www.tanholdings.com, or contact either the NMC’s Financial Aid Office at 234-5498 ext. 1527 or Ed Arriola Jr. at 233-8080.
MHS Class ’90 get together
(MHS) — Marianas High School Class of 1990 will have an informal get-together and meeting on Monday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Trunkon Da’ok pavilion at Kilili Beach Park. Bring your chairs, drinks, and ideas for our reunion.
Chacha mid-progress report and open house
(COJHS) — Chacha Ocean View Jr. High School will be having its 1st quarter mid-progress report and open house night on Oct. 15 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
For more information, call 237-3921 or 664-4100.
Fishery panel concludes meeting
HONOLULU (Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council) — Scientists from throughout the Pacific concluded their three-day meeting in Honolulu with a suite of recommendations on federal management of fisheries in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the CNMI and the U.S. Pacific Remote Island Areas.
The recommendations by the Scientific and Statistical Committee will be forwarded to the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, which is scheduled to convene on Oct. 12 in Honolulu.
For more information or the agendas, visit www.wpcouncil.org or email info.wpcouncil@noaa.gov; phone (808) 522-8220, or fax (808) 522-8226.
