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

TJSWCD & NRCS

emily.nelson@tjswcd.org(434) 975-0224

kory.kirkland@va.usda.gov(540) 967-0233