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Thomas JeffersonSoil and Water Conservation District
Emily Nelson, Conservation Program Manager
Natural Resources Conservation ServiceKory Kirkland, District Conservationist
What is a Conservation District/NRCS?
• Formed in 1930s to create local influence (local people, local decisions, local programs).
Five Program Areas Focus: Water Quality Protection
Thomas Jefferson Soil & Water Conservation District (TJSWCD)
Photo courtesy of NRCS
Education
How are TJSWCD Easements different than others?
• Water quality
• Small acreages acceptable
• The TJSWCD fills the void
Easements
Erosion & Sediment Control• Provide site plan review for: UVA, Nelson County and
Louisa County, including shoreline protection at Lake Anna
• Inspections & Plan Review for the Town of Scottsville
• Four certified Combined Administrators on staff
Stormwater ManagementUrban BMPs (Virginia Conservation Assistance Program)
Photo: Nick Lapham, Sunnyside Farm, Rappahannock, VA
Turf to Natives
Turf to Natives
Stormwater basin meadow
Rain Water Harvesting
Rain Garden
Sand --- Soil --- Mulch--- Plants
Native plant species that are tolerant of both wet and dry
conditions
Edsel Road Townhomes, Alexandria
Sommerset Development, PG County, Maryland
Residential Practices• Urban BMPs • Replace/Repair Failing Septic Systems
Agricultural Programs
Improve & protect water quality, conserve soil, and promote wise use of all farm resources through voluntary programs
Photo courtesy of NRCS
Agricultural Programs
Technical Assistance:
•
• Farm conservation planning
• Conservation designs
• Agricultural Stewardship Act 1996
Stream Crossings & Restricted Water Access
Grazing Land ManagementFrom this …
To this …
Appropriate stocking rates 20 acres can hold:
• 8 horses• 10 cows• 50 sheep or goats
Nutrient Management Plans
Photos courtesy of NRCS
Cover Crops (nutrient uptake, erosion control)
Nutrient Management
Filter Strips and Forest Buffers Along Streams
Cropland
Pastureland
Photo courtesy of NRCS
Livestock watering systems and stream fencing
From this …
To this …
&
State Agricultural Programs
Incentive Funding:
-Up to100% Cost-Share
-25% Tax Credit (Refundable)
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)»All funding provided by Farm Bill»Engaged in Agriculture or Forestry»Range of cost-share from 50-100%
NRCS Conservation Programs
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
– Goal of program to establish riparian buffers– Land must be grazed or cropped (hay counts!)– Fencing, Alternative Watering System, Buffer Planting– Cost-share & Rental on buffer reimburses landowner 100%.
Photo courtesy of NRCS
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) • Projects prioritized and ranked against other
applications
• Points given for more comprehensive full farm conservation work
• Target resource concerns related to:• Cropland• Animal Waste• Forestry• Grazing• Wildlife
• Cost-share rates ranging from 50-90 %
Photo courtesy of NRCS
NRCS Conservation Programs
Wildlife Habitat Development/Maintenance (EQIP)
– Targeted at creating/maintaining wildlife habitat» Early Successional» Riparian Corridors» Pollinator Habitat
– Technical adviceprovided by Private Land Game Biologist
Photo courtesy of NRCS
NRCS Conservation Programs
Easements
• Wetland Reserve Easements• Creation/Restoration/Protection
Permanent or 30-Year Easement
• Agricultural Land Easements• Protects working agricultural land• Provides up to 50% fair market value• Partners with Land Easement Holding
Organizations
Photo courtesy of NRCS
NRCS Conservation Programs
