With approval of the 2011-2012 North

Carolina State budget came several de-

partment changes. One of the changes

involved moving the Division of Soil

and Water Conservation from NC De-

partment of Environment and Natural

Resources to the NC Department of

Agriculture.

The transition has been smooth, with

very few changes, especially for the pro-

gram participants. Majority of the

changes are in the automation of pay-

ments and processing.

Though the transfer was not being re-

quested by neither the Department of

Agriculture or the Department of Envi-

ronment, it was most understandable

when looking at the federal level man-

agement of their programs. The US

Department of Agriculture administers

the NRCS programs and the Farm Ser-

vice Agency programs.

NC Agriculture Commissioner Steve

Troxler has welcomed the Division of

Soil and Water Staff and Programs. By

working together this union will provide

a strong and successful program in de-

livering conservation to the citizens of

North Carolina.

North Carolina Department of Agriculture takes

Leadership of Division of Soil & Water Conservation

SWCD personnel.

The VAD program has a

total of 6,233.15 acres and

22 landowners participat-

ing. Applications are con-

tinually accepted, and re-

viewed at the VAD Board

of Directors quarterly

meetings, and then re-

ferred to the SWCD Su-

pervisors for final ap-

proval.

The Voluntary Agriculture

District Program (VAD) is

a program made possible

through the Farm-Land

Protection legislation, and

designates land solely for

agricultural purposes.

The major benefit of the

VAD program is notifica-

tion to prospective devel-

opers that the area is used

for agriculture purpose

and warns future purchas-

ers that they will be sub-

ject to noise, farm traffic

and smells associated with

agriculture.

The expense for adminis-

tering the program is mini-

mal, with the cost of signs

being the only real out-

standing cost and this cost

is recouped from the

$25.00 application fee.

Administrative responsi-

bilities are absorbed by

Surry Soil & Water Conservation District &

Natural Resources Conservation District

Dobson Field Office

2 011 A n n u a l R e p o r t

Voluntary Agriculture District Program

Surry SWCD

2010 Supervisors

Gordon Holder– Chair

Glenn Pruitt– Vice Chair

Chad Chilton—Sec/

Treasurer

Matthew Freed

Dr. Earl Sheppard

Surry Staff

Tony Davis-District Director

Justin Bledsoe –Watershed

Tech.

Debbie Cave—Secretary

NRCS Staff

Rick Bailey—District Conser-

vationist

Greg Goings-Conservation

Tech

Susan Dockery– Admin

Support

USDA Service Center

220 Cooper Street

PO Box 218

Dobson NC 27017

Telephone: 336-386-8751 ext 3

Conservation Reserve En-

hancement Program

2

Natural Resource Conserva-

tion Service

2

NC Agriculture Cost Share

Program

3

Piedmont Land

Conservancy

4

Rural Development 4

Farm Service Agency 5

Pilot View, Inc 6

Beaver Management

Assistance Program

6

Environmental Enhance-

ment Program

7

SWCD 2012 Goals 8

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

tion of practices and may

also be eligible to receive tax

incentives.

Currently, there are five

contracts in Surry County,

three of these contracts were

completed during 2011.

Staff are currently working

on three additional contracts

to be completed during

2012, and there are six ap-

plications waiting for proc-

essing.

The Conservation Reserve

Enhancement Program

(CREP) is a joint effort of

the NC Division of Soil and

Water Conservation, USDA

- Farm Service Agency, NC

Clean Water Management

Trust Fund, USDA- Natural

Resource Conservation Ser-

vice and the NC Forest Ser-

vice to address water quality

concerns. Each agency,

along with the landowner,

plays a vital role in adminis-

tering the CREP program.

CREP is a voluntary pro-

gram in which landowners

can place environmentally

sensitive farmland near

streams or other approved

water bodies into a vegeta-

tive cover for a period of

time. In return, landowners

receive annual payments and

are reimbursed for establish-

ing the conservation prac-

tices. Landowners choosing

to enroll in a 30-year or per-

manent easement will also

receive a one-time state

easement payment, up to

100% cost share for installa-

Natural Resource Conservation Service—Dobson Field Office

The Dobson Field Office of Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) administers Federally funded programs to help

reduce soil erosion, improve and enhance water supply and quality, and increase wildlife habitat. The NRCS and SWCD

staff work closely together in administering both departments programs. By working as a team, it allows the staff to be

more productive, reduces duplication of services, and stretches funding to its fullest potential. Current programs offered by

NRCS are:

Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) - Provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers

to help plan and implement conservation practices. Also helps producers meet federal, state and local environmental

regulations. During 2011 nineteen (19) contracts were written, providing $909,069 in assistance. Since its development,

the EQIP program has brought to Surry County $3.1 million dollars , assisting with 116 contracts.

Wildlife Incentive Program (WHIP) - A voluntary program for landowners to develop and improve wildlife habitat on

agricultural land and nonindustrial private forest land. During 2011 there was one contract for $7,483. The program

began in 1996 and there have been 27 contracts for Surry County, totaling $755,000 in assistance.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) - Participants receive annual land use payment for conservation performance.

The higher the level of environmental benefits they produce, the higher the payment. During 2011 there was one con-

tract in Surry County for $7,885. Since 2008, the program’s beginning year, there has been three contracts in Surry

County, totaling $39,990.

In addition to these programs, NRCS offers a variety of services including developing conservation and nutrient manage-

ment plans, assisting with the CREP program and offering educational workshops. During 2011, NRCS developed seven-

teen Nutrient Management Plans and assisted with seventeen Wetland Determinations.

Surry SWCD & NRCS Dobson Field Office Annual Report Page 2

Fencing and signs makes CREP Pro-

tected farmland and streams easily

recognizable.

Landowner, Lee Johnson, expresses his

gratitude for Program assistance to

Senator Don East and Earl Sheppard,

Surry SWCD Supervisor

Summary of NCACSP Accomplishments

The NCASCP has provided over $4,086,310 cost share directly to landowners in the county and resulted in the installation of

over $5,448,413 worth of conservation practices that benefit water quality.

Program Year Contracts Livestock

2010 Regular $ 74,329

Little Fisher 14,418

Drought 47,410

CREP 116,711

CCAP 2,655

2011 Regular 50,963

Little Fisher 18,360

Drought 1,086

CREP 112,906

CCAP 2,298

High Rock 76,757

2012 Regular 72,476*

Little Fisher 18,187

Drought 10,000

CCAP 2,831

CREP 89,260*

*Funding and Contracts are not complete for 2012 . There could be an additional allocation of funds to Surry SWCD in

March 2012. Little Fisher funds are for the Little Fisher Watershed only. CREP funds are allocated and will be spent on a

special project combining Federal funds, and additional CREP funding is expected during 2012 .

NC Agriculture Cost Share Program

North Carolina state budget and funding cuts have affected the NC Agriculture Cost

Share Program (NCACSP) in many ways, however most of these cuts have been in the

administrative side of the program, such as in matching funds and supervisor reimburse-

ment.

Funding allocations providing reimbursement incentives to the landowners for installing

and practicing conservation methods that address non-point water pollution created by

agriculture, are based on several factors. These factors range from the District’s Strategy

Plan, applications received and the Districts record of performance. Surry SWCD ranks

high in each of these areas, and the Surry SWCD received the second highest allocation

in the state.

Not only do these funds help to conserve and preserve our natural resources, but they

also generate additional jobs and revenue for the citizens of Surry County.

Page 3 Surry SWCD & NRCS Dobson Field Office Annual Report

Surry SWCD received

second highest allocation

Cost Share funding in the

State

Heavy Use Area with a Creep Feeder

installed using NCACSP Funds

Surry SWCD & Piedmont Land Conservancy

fertile farmland and wa-tershed buffer along the shores of Stewarts Creek

Lake. The lake, located in the Ararat River water-shed, serves as the back-up drinking water supply

for the City of Mt. Airy.

To date, PLC’s projects in Surry County have pro-

tected a total of 9,073 acres on 36 projects, in-cluding over 46 miles of streams and rivers in

Surry’s portion of the

Yadkin River watershed.

Surry SWCD has part-nered with Piedmont Land Conservancy (PLC) on many projects in the County through out the years. Each project is dedicated to protecting natural and scenic lands, farms and green spaces in Surry County.

The Conservancy is cur-rently working with the SWCD, the Surry Coop-erative Extension Service and other stake holders in the County to develop the Surry County Farmland Pres-ervation Plan, which will be

a useful tool for the County to identify agri-cultural needs as deter-

mined by county officials, farmers and other agricul-tural industry workers, and county residents.

Several workshops and meetings have been held through out the year to gather public input and

establish the foundation for the plan.

In 2011, PLC completed

one project in the County, resulting in a do-nated easement that pro-tects almost 100 acres of

USDA Rural Development

Many people never realize the improvements in the economy and quality of life the programs

and services the USDA Rural Development (RD) offers. Their assistance varies from providing

financial support of government and non-profit entities with projects, to assisting agriculture

producers and co-ops, and even helping the low income and elderly homeowners.

During 2011 they provided the following services for Surry County:

Provided $911,000 to the Town of Dobson for their new public works facility

Assisted Pilot Mountain Pride with equipment purchases—$25,000

Completed 72 GRH Loans –These are loans RD guarantees, underwrites, provides funding

for and processes. Loans totaled $8,358,679.

Administer 502 Loan Program– These are loans are to low and very low income house-

holds, and the payments are subsidized. There are 300 loans in Surry County, in which

$129,325 was loaned during 2011.

Administer 504 Loan and Grant Program– This funding is used to improve or modernize a

home for safety and sanitary means for persons 62 years of age and older with low income.

This year loans totaled $35,795 .

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age,

disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs,

reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all pro-

grams.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should

contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportu-

nity provider and employer."

Surry SWCD & NRCS Dobson Field Office Annual Report Page 4

Surry SWCD

NRCS—Dobson Field Office

Farm Service Agency

&

Rural Development

Are located in

The USDA Service Center

Protect farmland along Stewarts Creek Lake

USDA Farm Service Agency—Dobson Office

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) not only tracts and identifies farms and farmland within the county, they also administer

programs that offer direct benefits to the producers. All services are based on the 2008 Farm Bill and currently there are

nine different programs being offered. The Tobacco Transition Payment Program (TTPP) is set to expire in 2014, and the

Direct and Counter Cyclical Program (DCP) expires during 2012 . Congress has begun working on the 2012 Farm Bill which

may bring additional changes to these programs.

The close of 2011 brought administrative changes to the FSA office. Darrell Crisp, County Executive Director (CED), re-

tired. Mr. Crisp had a total of 28 years service, serving fifteen years in the Dobson Office. The FSA office will temporarily

operate as a shared management office under the direction of Ms. Cheryl Rierson, CED, of Stokes County. Ms. Rierson will

divide her time between Stokes and Surry County, and Tom Branch will be the Lead Technician assisting her with adminis-

trative duties. By working together, this will be a smooth transition, and FSA will continue to offer the dedicated service they

are known for.

2011 FSA Programs and Payments

Program Payment

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) $ 44,079

Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) 363

Livestock Feed Program (LFP) 429,666

Direct and Counter Cyclical Program (DCP) 260,674

Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) 6,387

Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE) 49,319

Tobacco Transition Payment Program (TTPP) 7,110,582

$ 7,901,070

Guaranteed Loans 6,170,700

Direct Loans 55,000

$ 14,126,770

Conservation easements is one of the best ways to preserve the conservation

value land. With a conservation easement the owner still owns the land, but

can be assured that the property will be protected forever should ownership

change. Surry SWCD currently holds fifty-two easements through out the

county. These easements are protecting 82,132 linear feet—a total of 265.38

acres.

By accepting to be the holder of an easement, Surry SWCD assumed the re-

sponsibility to maintain baseline documentation such as maps, deed and prop-

erty descriptions and to monitor the easement to ensure the easement restric-

tions are being upheld. These responsibilities are met by keeping all deed and

parcel information current and accurate and by conducting annual site visits.

During 2011 only one easement was sited for a deficiency.

Surry SWCD & NRCS Dobson Field Office Annual Report Page 5

SWCD Monitors Conservation Easements

Fence line of a conservation easement

Pilot View Inc & Resource Institute

Beaver Management Program Continues

Pilot View Inc is a non-profit organization formed to protect and enhance the environment by helping community groups

carry out projects that protect the natural resources while promoting economic development.

The partnership that Surry SWCD, NRCS and Pilot View and Resource Institute has formed is invaluable. The involve-

ment of each agency varies by the project but the support is always present. Projects for 2011 are:

Ararat River Project– This project has been on going, and consists of several phases. Phase I was completed during

this year. Total cost of Phase I was $5 million dollars and completed 3 miles of stream restoration, 2.5 miles of green-

way, developed an environmental park and enhanced Riverside and Tharrington Parks. Planning for Phase II is in

the process. Estimate of this phase is approximately $4.5 million, which $2.7 million has been received. Various grants

are being submitted for the remaining funds.

Horne Creek—The design portion of this restoration project has been completed thru a $125,000 grant. Staff is cur-

rently applying for the construction funding, which is estimated to be approximately $300,000.

Chadwick & Saddle Mountain- Chadwick Creek section of this project was completed this year, . Saddle Mountain

portion is being designed and permitted at this time, construction is to begin in the summer of 2012. SWCD secured a

75,000 from Division of Water Resources, total approximate cost of this project is $700,000.

Natural Channel Design Training—Two classes were held during 2011. Each class lasts two weeks and was attended

by approximately eighty environmental professionals.

Town of Pilot Water & Sewer Project– Began applying for grants to improve water and sewer services in the Town

of Pilot Mountain. Estimate of project is $3 million.

Town of Elkin Project– Stream restoration project for Big Elk Creek , which is the major water supply for the town of

Elkin. Total project estimated cost is $2 million. Secured funds for Phase I, totaling $400,000.

Surry SWCD renewed the contract with the USDA Beaver Management Pro-

gram for the year of 2011. This program has greatly helped the landowners of

Surry County with controlling the beaver population, thus reducing stream and

land damage.

The initial cost of the program is paid for by Surry County. This allows the

landowner to contact USDA Wildlife personnel to remove the beavers and

dams for a reduced cost. SWCD staff assist the landowner with follow-up visits,

reducing the cost for the landowner even more.

Surry SWCD & NRCS Dobson Field Office Annual Report Page 6

Stream with Beaver Dam prior to utilizing BMAP Program

Chadwick Creek after completion of

stream restoration

Ecosystem Enhancement Program

The Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) has partnered with Surry County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for planning and implementing stream and wetland restoration projects in Surry County, NC. EEP’s mission is to restore and protect North Carolina’s natural resources for future generations while supporting responsible economic development. They accomplish their mis-sion by not only providing funds for restoration, but also by purchasing perma-nent conservation easements from Landowners.

Throughout this past year EEP has been working with Surry SWCD to prioritize our watershed planning strategies in this county. Two of these projects are located within a priority sub watershed identified during EEP’s fast-track Ararat River Local Watershed Plan (LWP) initiative, during which potential project sites were identified based upon aerial photography and other GIS datasets. Surry SWCD continues to be an important partner and stakeholder in the continuation of EEP’s LWP effort within the Ararat-Pilot Mountain focus area. For additional information on EEP’s LWP initiative in Surry County, see the LWP Fact Sheet at: http://www.nceep.net/services/lwps/Ararat_River

Currently there are 3 projects in Surry County. One of these projects is under construction and the other 2 are in the process of surveying and recording the conservation easement. ―Surry SWCD played a key role in all three of the EEP projects‖ according to project manager Julie Cahill, ―This District is very proac-tive in conservation efforts with all of their landowners‖. This coming year Surry SWCD will be planning and implementing a farm management plan on a 461 acre dairy farm with EEP.

Providing Education and Information

Providing the public with information is a daily task for the staff of Surry

SWCD and NRCS. Whether it be from an individual with a basic question,

a teacher requesting a presentation or classroom materials, or a group

wanting in-depth program and technical information, sharing information is

the key to conservation.

This year Surry SWCD hosted a Legislative Tour and luncheon for members

of the NC Legislation and their representatives, local government electives

and administrative personnel, and the NC Dept. of Ag and Division of Soil

& Water personnel. The tour highlighted various projects completed from

program funding, and allowed participants to share their experience.

Additionally, NRCS and Surry SWCD has historical aerial photos of the

Surry County. These photos are used by environmental and planning

companies and groups as a means of determining previous land uses. Staff

are in the process of digitalizing the photos to make them more accessible

and preserve the actual photos. This project should be completed by early

Spring of 2012.

Page 7 Surry SWCD & NRCS Dobson Field Office Annual Report

Legislative Tour group at farm site

Landowner overlooks EEP project.

Julie Cahill, EEP Project Manager & Josh

White, Engineer discuss project

Surry SWCD Goals for 2012

SWCD Provides Equipment Rental

Surry Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) works diligently to achieve the mission of conserving and protecting

the natural resources of Surry County. To aide in achieving this mission, Surry SWCD will:

Continue to build upon the success of the NC Agriculture Cost Share Program for water quality in Surry County,

fully utilizing available funding to provide financial assistance to landowners.

Continue utilizing funding of programs such as Community Conservation Assistance Program and Conservation

Reserve Enhancement Program and seek funding from all programs offered through the Division of Soil and Water.

Surry SWCD, NRCS and FSA will continue to work closely together to ensure Surry County landowners and farm-

ers to continue to receive the services they are eligible for.

Continue working with individuals, landowners and with partners such as Piedmont Land Conservancy to protect

open space and farmland of Surry County.

Work with local units of Government, Pilot View Inc. and The Resource Institute to secure the financial and techni-

cal resources needed to protect and improve their natural resources and further public enjoyment of those resources.

Work with EEP to continue projects already started , and begin new projects to improve our natural resources by

obtaining easements and providing livestock BMP’s.

Work with landowners to utilize not-till drill and weed wick to improve grazing lands and wildlife habitat.

Continue working with landowners to expand the Voluntary Agriculture District. Explore possibility of becoming

an Enhanced Voluntary Agriculture District.

Work with USDA BMAP program to protect streams and waterways from damage.

Utilize every opportunity to provide the public with information and education regarding conservation of natural

resources.

Continually seek additional funding through grants and programs for the citizens of Surry County.

Continue to take advantage of opportunities to showcase Surry County’s natural beauty and the conservation efforts

that are being taken to protect its resources.

This is the third year the Surry SWCD has rented the no-till drill to land-

owners to improve and establish pastureland. During 2011 a total of

307.2 acres was sown. This equipment was donated to the District from

the NC Dept. of Ag, and maintenance has been minimal. Drill rental is

$10 an acre.

Also this year, the SWCD purchased a Weed-Wick. This equipment is

for controlling Johnson grass, a very aggressive grass that invades fields

and crowds out native species, and other weeds. Even thought the

equipment was not purchased until late in the season, six landowners

have use the weed-wick. Rental for the weed-wick is $10 per use, and

can be used on either a tractor or four wheeler.

Surry SWCD & NRCS Dobson Field Office Annual Report Page 8

Weed-Wick attached to four wheeler