Surry Soil & Water Conservation District & Natural Resources Conservation District Dobson Field Office

Transcription

1 Surry Soil & Water Conservation District & Natural Resources Conservation District Dobson Field Office A n n u a l R e p o r t North Carolina Department of Agriculture takes Leadership of Division of Soil & Water Conservation With approval of the North Carolina State budget came several department changes. One of the changes involved moving the Division of Soil and Water Conservation from NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources to the NC Department of Agriculture. The transition has been smooth, with very few changes, especially for the program participants. Majority of the changes are in the automation of payments and processing. Though the transfer was not being requested by neither the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Environment, it was most understandable 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 notification to prospective developers that the area is used for agriculture purpose and warns future purchasers that they will be subject to noise, farm traffic and smells associated with agriculture. The expense for administering the program is minimal, with the cost of signs being the only real outstanding cost and this cost is recouped from the $25.00 application fee. Administrative responsibilities are absorbed by when looking at the federal level management of their programs. The US Department of Agriculture administers the NRCS programs and the Farm Service 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 delivering conservation to the citizens of North Carolina. Voluntary Agriculture District Program SWCD personnel. The VAD program has a total of 6, acres and 22 landowners participating. Applications are continually accepted, and reviewed at the VAD Board of Directors quarterly meetings, and then referred to the SWCD Supervisors for final approval. USDA Service Center 220 Cooper Street PO Box 218 Dobson NC Telephone: ext 3 Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Natural Resource Conservation Service NC Agriculture Cost Share Program Piedmont Land Conservancy 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 Conservationist Greg Goings-Conservation Tech Susan Dockery Admin Support Rural Development 4 Farm Service Agency 5 Pilot View, Inc 6 Beaver Management Assistance Program Environmental Enhancement Program 6 7 SWCD 2012 Goals 8

2 Page 2 Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Fencing and signs makes CREP Protected farmland and streams easily recognizable. Landowner, Lee Johnson, expresses his gratitude for Program assistance to Senator Don East and Earl Sheppard, Surry SWCD Supervisor 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 Service and the NC Forest Service to address water quality concerns. Each agency, along with the landowner, plays a vital role in administering the CREP program. CREP is a voluntary program in which landowners can place environmentally sensitive farmland near streams or other approved water bodies into a vegetative cover for a period of time. In return, landowners receive annual payments and are reimbursed for establishing the conservation practices. Landowners choosing to enroll in a 30-year or permanent easement will also receive a one-time state easement payment, up to 100% cost share for installa- 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 Staff are currently working on three additional contracts to be completed during 2012, and there are six applications waiting for processing. 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 contract 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 management plans, assisting with the CREP program and offering educational workshops. During 2011, NRCS developed seventeen Nutrient Management Plans and assisted with seventeen Wetland Determinations.

3 Page 3 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 reimbursement. Heavy Use Area with a Creep Feeder installed using NCACSP Funds Surry SWCD received 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. second highest allocation Cost Share funding 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. 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, Regular 50,963 Little Fisher 18,360 Drought 1,086 CREP 112,906 CCAP 2,298 High Rock 76, Regular 72,476* Little Fisher 18,187 Drought 10,000 CCAP 2,831 CREP 89,260* *Funding and Contracts are not complete for There could be an additional allocation of funds to Surry SWCD in March 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.

4 Page 4 Surry SWCD & Piedmont Land Conservancy Protect farmland along Stewarts Creek Lake Surry SWCD has partnered 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 currently working with the SWCD, the Surry Cooperative Extension Service and other stake holders in the County to develop the Surry County Farmland Preservation Plan, which will be a useful tool for the County to identify agricultural needs as determined by county officials, farmers and other agricultural 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 donated easement that protects almost 100 acres of fertile farmland and watershed buffer along the shores of Stewarts Creek Lake. The lake, located in the Ararat River watershed, serves as the backup drinking water supply for the City of Mt. Airy. To date, PLC s projects in Surry County have protected a total of 9,073 acres on 36 projects, including over 46 miles of streams and rivers in Surry s portion of the Yadkin River watershed. 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 households, and the payments are subsidized. There are 300 loans in Surry County, in which $129,325 was loaned during 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. Surry SWCD NRCS Dobson Field Office Farm Service Agency & Rural Development Are located in The USDA Service Center "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 programs.) 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) (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 or call (800) (voice) or (202) (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

5 Page 5 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 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), retired. 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 administrative duties. By working together, this will be a smooth transition, and FSA will continue to offer the dedicated service they are known for 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 SWCD Monitors Conservation Easements 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 acres. Fence line of a conservation easement By accepting to be the holder of an easement, Surry SWCD assumed the responsibility to maintain baseline documentation such as maps, deed and property descriptions and to monitor the easement to ensure the easement restrictions 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.

6 Page 6 Pilot View Inc & Resource Institute 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 involvement 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 greenway, 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 currently 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 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 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. Chadwick Creek after completion of stream restoration Beaver Management Program Continues Surry SWCD renewed the contract with the USDA Beaver Management Program for the year of This program has greatly helped the landowners of Surry County with controlling the beaver population, thus reducing stream and land damage. Stream with Beaver Dam prior to utilizing BMAP Program 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.

7 Page 7 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. Legislative Tour group at farm site 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 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 mission by not only providing funds for restoration, but also by purchasing permanent 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: Landowner overlooks EEP project. 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 proactive 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. Julie Cahill, EEP Project Manager & Josh White, Engineer discuss project

8 Page 8 Surry SWCD Goals for 2012 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 farmers 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 technical 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. SWCD Provides Equipment Rental This is the third year the Surry SWCD has rented the no-till drill to landowners to improve and establish pastureland. During 2011 a total of 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. Weed-Wick attached to four wheeler 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.