Mahoning County | Soil and Water Conservation

Programs for Landowners

Programs for Landowners: There are a number of cost share programs available which target nonpoint sources of pollution. Table 1 describes federal programs and Table 2 describes state programs.

Incentive Programs For Improving Environmental Quality

The Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet AE-1-97

Jon Rausch
Brent Sohngen

Water pollution comes in many forms and causes off-site impacts. Sediments, nutrients, pesticides, and waste material (human and animal) enter surface waters as a result of various land uses and activities. Pollution from these sources are called nonpoint source pollution (nps pollution). The effluents cause economic damages downstream because they increase production costs for companies and individuals. With sediments, for example, municipal water treatment plants spend more money filtering and treating water than they would otherwise, and highway departments spend additional time and money cleaning ditches and culverts.

As well, recreational users and wildlife are affected as water quality declines with increasing sediment loads. With a decline in water quality fewer people use the water body for recreational activities and wildlife habitat is negatively impacted. In this case there is not an established market reflecting the costs associated with these water users. However, these non-market costs associated with increased sediments can be quantified and should be realized as downstream impacts.

In the absence of well defined markets for pollution, some form of intervention is necessary to minimize these off-site impacts. Historically, market intervention to reduce the downstream impacts of nonpoint source pollution have been voluntary in nature. Education, technical assistance, incentive and cost share programs are ways to achieve nonpoint source pollution control. Here voluntary incentive programs, as compared with taxes and regulatory standards, are highlighted as a means of stimulating the adoption of pollution prevention practices.

Practices that reduce soil erosion such as vegetative filter strips, riparian corridors and purchased easements take land out of production and are costly endeavors. Incentive programs offset the cost of carrying out these conservation practices, thereby stimulating adoption and reducing the off-site impacts of pollution. The programs described below are available in Ohio and target nonpoint sources of pollution.

Sources: Natural Resource Conservation Service, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Abbreviations
ODNR	Ohio Department of Natural Resource
OEPA	Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
OSWC	Ohio Soil and Water Commission
USDA	United States Department of Agriculture
NRCS	Natural Resource Conservation Service
DSWC	Division of Soil and Water Conservation
SWCD	Soil and Water Conservation District
FSA	USDA: Farm Service Agency
FS	USDA: Forestry Service
ODNR-DOF	Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Division of Forestry

Table 1. Federal Environmental Incentive Programs Available in Ohio
Program Program Description Contact Agency Program Highlights Contact
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) The CRP protects highly erodible and environmentally sensitive lands with grass, trees, and other long-term cover. Eligible land must meet one of several criteria: (1) highly erodible land; (2) cropped wetland; (3) devoted to certain environmental practices; (4) subject to scour erosion; (5) located in national or state CRP priority area; or (6) cropland around cropped wetlands. Priority areas in Ohio: land draining into Lake Erie, Stillwater, Darby Creek, Brush Creek, and Mad River Watersheds. USDA This program is more flexible than in years past. The following land is now eligible for the CRP: cropped wetlands, highly erodible land, buffer strips, riparian buffers on pastureland, grassed waterways, field wind breaks, contour grass strips, and edges of cropped fields. Local NRCS, SWCD or FSA office
Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) A voluntary wetland restoration program which establishes permanent, or 30-year conservation easements, or restoration cost-share agreements. With permanent easements landowners receive payments for land taken out of production and 100 percent of the restoration costs. For 30-year easements payment is limited to 75 percent of what a permanent easement would be and 75 percent of the restoration cost. Restoration cost-share agreements are for a minimum of 10-years and 75 percent of the restoration cost. USDA Easements set limits on how the lands may be used in the future. Restoration cost-share agreements establish wetland protection and restoration as the primary land use for the duration of the agreement. In all instances landowners control access of their land. Local NRCS or SWCD office
Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) (see also EQIP Fact Sheet) Authorized by the 1996 Farm Bill, EQIP replaces the Agricultural Conservation Program, the Water Quality Incentive Program, the Colorado River Salinity Control Program, and the Great Plains Conservation Program. As a voluntary program, EQIP provides flexible technical, financial, and educational assistance to farmers and ranchers who face serious threats to soil, water, and related natural resources on their land, including grazing lands, wetlands, forest land, and wildlife habitat. USDA Contracts will be limited to $10,000 annually, and $50,000 over the life of the contract, but not more than 75% of the total cost of the structure or practice. Contracts must be 5-10 years in length. Acceptable practices or structures are limited to those found in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide. Local NRCS or SWCD office
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) Provides financial incentives through 5 year cost-share agreements to develop habitat for fish and wildlife on private lands. Under this voluntary agreement participants must implement a wildlife habitat development plan to receive cost-share assistance for these practices. USDA State priorities are (1) restoration/enhancement of native grassland/wetland ecosystems; (2) restoration/enhancement of wooded riparian buffers. Priority areas are: Fish Creek, Darby Creek, Upper Scioto River and Killbuck Creek watersheds. Local NRCS or SWCD office
Forest land Incentive Program (FIP) Shares up to 65 percent of the costs for tree planting, timber stand improvements, and related practices on nonindustrial private forest lands. USDA Eligible practices are tree planting, timber stand improvement, site preparation for natural regeneration, and other related activities. Local NRCS or SWCD office
USDA Conservation Farm Option (CFO) A pilot program established for producers of wheat, feed grains, cotton, and rice. Producers having production flexibility contracts will be eligible to receive one consolidated USDA payment in lieu of several specified payments. To be eligible producers must implement a conservation plan addressing soil, water, and related resources, water quality, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. Participation is voluntary and is based upon a 10-year contract. USDA In exchange for payments under CFO, producers shall forego participation and payments under CRP, WRP and EQIP. Payments from CFO must be equivalent to payments that would have been received under the CRP, WRP and EQIP plus production flexibility contract payments. Local NRCS, SWCD or FSA office
Conservation of Private Grazing Land The grazing lands provision is a new program to ensure technical, educational, and related assistance is provided to landowners with private grazing lands. This grassroots driven initiative has helped NRCS better define the resource needs and benefits generated when grazing lands are improved. USDA NRCS provides technical assistance to livestock producers on private grazing lands. Properly managed grazing land represents a renewable resource for producing food and fiber. This is a technical assistance program, not a cost-share program. Local NRCS or SWCD office
Resource Conservation & Development Program (RC&D) The RC&D program enhances the environmental and economic well being of communities through planning and implementation of programs for resource conservation and development. USDA Current program objectives focus on quality of life improvements achieved through natural resource conservation and community development by prudent use, management and conservation of natural resources. Local NRCS office
Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP) SIP is a cost-share program for non-industrial private landowners who want to practice multiple-use forest management. This program is authorized to cost-share on a broad range of management practices to produce wildlife, recreation, water quality and timber benefits. USDA SIP is only available to landowners who have completed stewardship plans. Many participants are absentee landowners interested in improving water quality and the recreational value of their land. Local NRCS, SWCD USDA-FS, ODNR Div. of Forestry
Flood Risk Reduction Through voluntary contracts participants can receive payments on lands with high flood potential. In return, participants forego certain USDA program benefits. This program provides incentives to move farming operations from frequently flooded land. USDA The lump sum payment equals 95 percent of the seven-year market transition payments and other payments to offset estimated federal outlays on frequently flooded land. Local FSA office
Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) EWP program reduces threats to life and property in the wake of natural disasters. It provides technical and cost sharing assistance. USDA Assistance includes removing and establishing vegetative cover; gully control, streambank protection; removing debris and sediment; and stabilizing levees. Local NRCS or SWCD office
Farmland Protection Program (FPP) Established in cooperation with state or local governments to purchase conservation easements or other interests in prime and unique farmland. USDA To be eligible, land must be subject to a pending offer from a state or local government for the purposes of protecting topsoil by limiting nonagricultural uses of the land. Local NRCS or SWCD office
Conservation Research & Education The National Natural Resources Conservation Foundation is created as a nonprofit corporation to fund research, education and demonstration projects related to conservation. USDA The fund focuses on innovative research, education and demonstration projects that emphasize public-private conservation relationships. Congress has authorized $1 million annually through 1999. Local NRCS or SWCD office

Table 1. Federal Environmental Incentive Programs Available in Ohio
Program	Program Description	Contact Agency	Program Highlights	Contact
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)	The CRP protects highly erodible and environmentally sensitive lands with grass, trees, and other long-term cover. Eligible land must meet one of several criteria: (1) highly erodible land; (2) cropped wetland; (3) devoted to certain environmental practices; (4) subject to scour erosion; (5) located in national or state CRP priority area; or (6) cropland around cropped wetlands. Priority areas in Ohio: land draining into Lake Erie, Stillwater, Darby Creek, Brush Creek, and Mad River Watersheds.	USDA	This program is more flexible than in years past. The following land is now eligible for the CRP: cropped wetlands, highly erodible land, buffer strips, riparian buffers on pastureland, grassed waterways, field wind breaks, contour grass strips, and edges of cropped fields.	Local NRCS, SWCD or FSA office
Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)	A voluntary wetland restoration program which establishes permanent, or 30-year conservation easements, or restoration cost-share agreements. With permanent easements landowners receive payments for land taken out of production and 100 percent of the restoration costs. For 30-year easements payment is limited to 75 percent of what a permanent easement would be and 75 percent of the restoration cost. Restoration cost-share agreements are for a minimum of 10-years and 75 percent of the restoration cost.	USDA	Easements set limits on how the lands may be used in the future. Restoration cost-share agreements establish wetland protection and restoration as the primary land use for the duration of the agreement. In all instances landowners control access of their land.	Local NRCS or SWCD office
Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) (see also EQIP Fact Sheet)	Authorized by the 1996 Farm Bill, EQIP replaces the Agricultural Conservation Program, the Water Quality Incentive Program, the Colorado River Salinity Control Program, and the Great Plains Conservation Program. As a voluntary program, EQIP provides flexible technical, financial, and educational assistance to farmers and ranchers who face serious threats to soil, water, and related natural resources on their land, including grazing lands, wetlands, forest land, and wildlife habitat.	USDA	Contracts will be limited to $10,000 annually, and $50,000 over the life of the contract, but not more than 75% of the total cost of the structure or practice. Contracts must be 5-10 years in length. Acceptable practices or structures are limited to those found in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide.	Local NRCS or SWCD office
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)	Provides financial incentives through 5 year cost-share agreements to develop habitat for fish and wildlife on private lands. Under this voluntary agreement participants must implement a wildlife habitat development plan to receive cost-share assistance for these practices.	USDA	State priorities are (1) restoration/enhancement of native grassland/wetland ecosystems; (2) restoration/enhancement of wooded riparian buffers. Priority areas are: Fish Creek, Darby Creek, Upper Scioto River and Killbuck Creek watersheds.	Local NRCS or SWCD office
Forest land Incentive Program (FIP)	Shares up to 65 percent of the costs for tree planting, timber stand improvements, and related practices on nonindustrial private forest lands.	USDA	Eligible practices are tree planting, timber stand improvement, site preparation for natural regeneration, and other related activities.	Local NRCS or SWCD office
USDA Conservation Farm Option (CFO)	A pilot program established for producers of wheat, feed grains, cotton, and rice. Producers having production flexibility contracts will be eligible to receive one consolidated USDA payment in lieu of several specified payments. To be eligible producers must implement a conservation plan addressing soil, water, and related resources, water quality, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. Participation is voluntary and is based upon a 10-year contract.	USDA	In exchange for payments under CFO, producers shall forego participation and payments under CRP, WRP and EQIP. Payments from CFO must be equivalent to payments that would have been received under the CRP, WRP and EQIP plus production flexibility contract payments.	Local NRCS, SWCD or FSA office
Conservation of Private Grazing Land	The grazing lands provision is a new program to ensure technical, educational, and related assistance is provided to landowners with private grazing lands. This grassroots driven initiative has helped NRCS better define the resource needs and benefits generated when grazing lands are improved.	USDA	NRCS provides technical assistance to livestock producers on private grazing lands. Properly managed grazing land represents a renewable resource for producing food and fiber. This is a technical assistance program, not a cost-share program.	Local NRCS or SWCD office
Resource Conservation & Development Program (RC&D)	The RC&D program enhances the environmental and economic well being of communities through planning and implementation of programs for resource conservation and development.	USDA	Current program objectives focus on quality of life improvements achieved through natural resource conservation and community development by prudent use, management and conservation of natural resources.	Local NRCS office
Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP)	SIP is a cost-share program for non-industrial private landowners who want to practice multiple-use forest management. This program is authorized to cost-share on a broad range of management practices to produce wildlife, recreation, water quality and timber benefits.	USDA	SIP is only available to landowners who have completed stewardship plans. Many participants are absentee landowners interested in improving water quality and the recreational value of their land.	Local NRCS, SWCD USDA-FS, ODNR Div. of Forestry
Flood Risk Reduction	Through voluntary contracts participants can receive payments on lands with high flood potential. In return, participants forego certain USDA program benefits. This program provides incentives to move farming operations from frequently flooded land.	USDA	The lump sum payment equals 95 percent of the seven-year market transition payments and other payments to offset estimated federal outlays on frequently flooded land.	Local FSA office
Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP)	EWP program reduces threats to life and property in the wake of natural disasters. It provides technical and cost sharing assistance.	USDA	Assistance includes removing and establishing vegetative cover; gully control, streambank protection; removing debris and sediment; and stabilizing levees.	Local NRCS or SWCD office
Farmland Protection Program (FPP)	Established in cooperation with state or local governments to purchase conservation easements or other interests in prime and unique farmland.	USDA	To be eligible, land must be subject to a pending offer from a state or local government for the purposes of protecting topsoil by limiting nonagricultural uses of the land.	Local NRCS or SWCD office
Conservation Research & Education	The National Natural Resources Conservation Foundation is created as a nonprofit corporation to fund research, education and demonstration projects related to conservation.	USDA	The fund focuses on innovative research, education and demonstration projects that emphasize public-private conservation relationships. Congress has authorized $1 million annually through 1999.	Local NRCS or SWCD office

Table 2. State Environmental Incentive Programs Available in Ohio.
Program Program Description Contact Agency Program Highlights Contact
319 Program Under the Clean Water Act (CWA) the EPA was directed to control water pollution from point and nonpoint source pollution. As a result, funding was appropriated to support the Ohio Nonpoint Source Management Program which protects and/or corrects problems associated with nonpoint source pollution and water resources. Ohio EPA Ohio NPS Programs emphasize education, technical assistance, financial incentives and voluntary actions rather than regulatory mandates or permits. The Ohio NPS Program is based upon innovation and voluntary compliance and involves a multitude of local, state, and federal agencies working toward a common water quality goal. Mike Smith, OEPA,
614/644-2326
Ohio Environmental Education Funds (OEEF) Established to enhance public awareness of environmental quality issues. The OEEF supports a variety of environmental education projects through the issuance of grants, and encourages submission of pollution prevention proposals. Ohio EPA The OEEF offers grants for environmental education projects annually. Competitive grants are awarded in amounts up to $50,000. There are two grant cycles annually, deadlines are 1/15 and 7/15. Michelle Morrone, OEPA,
614/644-2873
State Revolving Loan Fund Ohio EPA's Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance working through the State Revolving Loan Fund and Water Pollution Control Loan Fund can provide communities with low interest financing for nonpoint source pollution control projects. Ohio EPA This program provides funding to address pollution problems associated with non-traditional projects. (i.e. solid waste land fill closures). Robert McDonald,
614/644-2798
Ohio EPA Linked Deposits The Linked Deposit Loan Program connects the deposit of Water Pollution Control Loan Fund at below market interest rates in local banks and other lending institutions to secure reduced interest rates charged by lenders in the program. The Linked Deposit Program provides low-interest loands to individuals and private organizations for NPS implementation projects. Ohio EPA This program provides funding for implementation of prescribed best management practices, such as installation of animal waste storage facilities, tillage equipment, and other practices. Robert McDonald, OEPA,
614/644-2798
Nature Works Program In 1993 Ohio voters passed the Parks and Natural Resource Bond Issue. This provides $8.5 million over a six-year period for nonpoint source pollution prevention. As of 1997 the following programs where available: Stream banking, Preserving Riparian Areas to Enhance Water Quality, Watershed Management, and Urban Storm water Basins/Wetlands. ODNR Examples of eligible practices include: livestock exclusion, tree planting, streambank stabilization, stream habitat restoration, animal waste practices, filter strips, manure composting , permanent and long-term easements. Chris Kauffman, DSWC,
614/265-6914
Wetland Reserve-Piggy-back Program This program enhances the USDA Wetland Reserve Program and provides financial assistance for wetland restoration and the purchase of easements in proximity to streams. ODNR This program provides additional incentive payments to producers for establishing riparian corridors in conjunction with the USDA WRP. Jill Diebel , DSWC
614/265-6637
Agriculture Pollution Abatement Program Program to correct nonpoint source pollution problems arising from agricultural and silviculture sediments and animal waste. This program emphasizes voluntary participation supplemented with technical assistance and cost sharing. ODNR Participants can receive cost sharing up to 75% of the cost with a maximum of $7,500 of state dollars for correction of these problems. Kevin Elder, DSWC,
614/265-6617
Nonpoint Source Watershed Program Provides cost sharing and assist other local watershed efforts targeting nonpoint source pollution. ODNR Projects funded include livestock exclusion, demonstration areas, animal waste pollution control, buffer areas, education material, personnel and administrative costs. Jill Diebel, DSWC,
614/265-6637
Education Grants for Nonpoint Pollution Prevention. This program integrates nonpoint source education into existing organizations to strengthen collaborative partnerships between school districts and other community groups. ODNR, OSWC Some program examples are: personnel grant to hire education coordinator to conduct nonpoint source pollution workshops, storm drain stenciling program, and the purchase of educational material. Applications are accepted in the fall of each year. Jeanne Russell, DSWC,
614/265-6682
Citizen Action Mini-Grant Program Provides small grants to initiate local projects and activities that improve water quality and reduce nonpoint sources of pollution. ODNR These grants are action oriented and can include demonstration projects, stream monitoring and newsletter publications. Applications for funding are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Dan Kush, DSWC,
614/265-6621

Table 2. State Environmental Incentive Programs Available in Ohio.
Program	Program Description	Contact Agency	Program Highlights	Contact
319 Program	Under the Clean Water Act (CWA) the EPA was directed to control water pollution from point and nonpoint source pollution. As a result, funding was appropriated to support the Ohio Nonpoint Source Management Program which protects and/or corrects problems associated with nonpoint source pollution and water resources.	Ohio EPA	Ohio NPS Programs emphasize education, technical assistance, financial incentives and voluntary actions rather than regulatory mandates or permits. The Ohio NPS Program is based upon innovation and voluntary compliance and involves a multitude of local, state, and federal agencies working toward a common water quality goal.	Mike Smith, OEPA, 614/644-2326
Ohio Environmental Education Funds (OEEF)	Established to enhance public awareness of environmental quality issues. The OEEF supports a variety of environmental education projects through the issuance of grants, and encourages submission of pollution prevention proposals.	Ohio EPA	The OEEF offers grants for environmental education projects annually. Competitive grants are awarded in amounts up to $50,000. There are two grant cycles annually, deadlines are 1/15 and 7/15.	Michelle Morrone, OEPA, 614/644-2873
State Revolving Loan Fund	Ohio EPA's Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance working through the State Revolving Loan Fund and Water Pollution Control Loan Fund can provide communities with low interest financing for nonpoint source pollution control projects.	Ohio EPA	This program provides funding to address pollution problems associated with non-traditional projects. (i.e. solid waste land fill closures).	Robert McDonald, 614/644-2798
Ohio EPA Linked Deposits	The Linked Deposit Loan Program connects the deposit of Water Pollution Control Loan Fund at below market interest rates in local banks and other lending institutions to secure reduced interest rates charged by lenders in the program. The Linked Deposit Program provides low-interest loands to individuals and private organizations for NPS implementation projects.	Ohio EPA	This program provides funding for implementation of prescribed best management practices, such as installation of animal waste storage facilities, tillage equipment, and other practices.	Robert McDonald, OEPA, 614/644-2798
Nature Works Program	In 1993 Ohio voters passed the Parks and Natural Resource Bond Issue. This provides $8.5 million over a six-year period for nonpoint source pollution prevention. As of 1997 the following programs where available: Stream banking, Preserving Riparian Areas to Enhance Water Quality, Watershed Management, and Urban Storm water Basins/Wetlands.	ODNR	Examples of eligible practices include: livestock exclusion, tree planting, streambank stabilization, stream habitat restoration, animal waste practices, filter strips, manure composting , permanent and long-term easements.	Chris Kauffman, DSWC, 614/265-6914
Wetland Reserve-Piggy-back Program	This program enhances the USDA Wetland Reserve Program and provides financial assistance for wetland restoration and the purchase of easements in proximity to streams.	ODNR	This program provides additional incentive payments to producers for establishing riparian corridors in conjunction with the USDA WRP.	Jill Diebel , DSWC 614/265-6637
Agriculture Pollution Abatement Program	Program to correct nonpoint source pollution problems arising from agricultural and silviculture sediments and animal waste. This program emphasizes voluntary participation supplemented with technical assistance and cost sharing.	ODNR	Participants can receive cost sharing up to 75% of the cost with a maximum of $7,500 of state dollars for correction of these problems.	Kevin Elder, DSWC, 614/265-6617
Nonpoint Source Watershed Program	Provides cost sharing and assist other local watershed efforts targeting nonpoint source pollution.	ODNR	Projects funded include livestock exclusion, demonstration areas, animal waste pollution control, buffer areas, education material, personnel and administrative costs.	Jill Diebel, DSWC, 614/265-6637
Education Grants for Nonpoint Pollution Prevention.	This program integrates nonpoint source education into existing organizations to strengthen collaborative partnerships between school districts and other community groups.	ODNR, OSWC	Some program examples are: personnel grant to hire education coordinator to conduct nonpoint source pollution workshops, storm drain stenciling program, and the purchase of educational material. Applications are accepted in the fall of each year.	Jeanne Russell, DSWC, 614/265-6682
Citizen Action Mini-Grant Program	Provides small grants to initiate local projects and activities that improve water quality and reduce nonpoint sources of pollution.	ODNR	These grants are action oriented and can include demonstration projects, stream monitoring and newsletter publications. Applications for funding are reviewed on a quarterly basis.	Dan Kush, DSWC, 614/265-6621

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