Cost-Share
The Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District offers numerous services to agricultural operations, both large and small. In an effort to improve the Chesapeake Bay, we have several New cost-share Tax Credit practices available for agriculture producers to help improve the Bay.
Cost-Share/Tax-Credit
Overview
Cost-Share Programs are administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD). The goal of these cost-share programs is to improve water quality in our streams, rivers, and the nearby Chesapeake Bay. As an incentive, cost-share assistance is offered to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs). Participation in these programs is voluntary, and we offer our expertise at no cost. Funding is based on what our District has available and how your practice ranks compared to other applications we receive; though funding is not guaranteed, it never hurts to ask!
​
If you have any questions or want to participate in any of our cost-share program, call 571-379-7514 or e-mail:
Duane Mohr - duanemohr@pwswcd.org
Nicole Slazinski - nicoleethier@pwswcd.org
Seth Hatfield - sethhatfield@pwswcd.org
Alex Murphy - alexmurphy@pwswcd.org
Highlights
There are so many Cost-Share practices available to meet a wide variety of environmental protection needs for farmers! Where to begin?
​
Though we can't highlight all of them, here are a few of our more common practices that might work for your farm!
SL-6N (Narrow buffers) & SL-6W (Wide buffers): Stream Exclusion and Grazing Land Management
Our most popular cost-share practices! These practices are for farmers who want to fence their livestock out of waterways.
Key Notes:​
-
This practice will cover the costs (as needed) of:
-
stream exclusion fencing
-
alternative water source(s) (e.g. frost free water trough)
-
pipeline
-
stream crossing
-
interior fencing to improve the rotational grazing system
-
fence charger (for electric fencing)
-
etc.
-
-
All waterways must be fenced out
-
Must meet the minimum requirements
Lifespan:​
-
10 or 15 Years
Rates:​
-
For Buffers 10'-25' (SL-6N):
-
10 Years - 60% of the costs
-
15 Years - 65% of the costs
-
-
For Buffers 25'-35' (SL-6N):
-
10 Years - 70% of the costs
-
15 Years - 75% of the costs
-
-
For Buffers 35'-50' (SL-6W):
-
10 Years - 85% of the costs + $80/acre in buffer/year (max. of 15 acres in buffer)​
-
15 Years - 90% of the costs + $80/acre in buffer/year (max. of 15 acres in buffer)
-
-
For Buffers 50'+ (SL-6W):
-
10 Years - 95% of the costs + $80/acre in buffer/year (max. of 15 acres in buffer)​
-
15 Years - 100% of the costs + $80/acre in buffer/year (max. of 15 acres in buffer)
-
For more information on SL-6N (narrow buffers; 10-35'), click here.​
For more information on SL-6W (wide buffers; 35-50'+), click here.​
CCI-SL-6N (Narrow buffers) & CCI-SL-6W (Wide buffers): Stream Exclusion Maintenance
These practices are for farmers who ALREADY fenced their livestock out of waterways. One of our most straight forward practices!
Key Notes:
-
Fencing does not need to meet specs. as in other cost-share programs, but it must be functional in keeping livestock out of waterways
-
Livestock must be fenced out from ALL waterways on the property
-
After the practice expires, you can re-enroll
-
Must meet the minimum requirements
Lifespan:​
-
5 years
Rates:​​
-
CCI-SL-6N only (narrow buffers; 10-35'): $0.75/linear foot of streambank protected
-
CCI-SL-6W only (wide buffers; 35-50'+): $1.25/linear foot of streambank protected​
-
For both practices:
-
$1,000/watering system (most farms in Prince William County only have 1)​
-
$250/water trough (only for troughs in fields that are adjacent to waterways)
-
$500/stream crossing
-
For more information on CCI-SL-6N (narrow buffers; 10-35'), click here.​
For more information on CCI-SL-6W (wide buffers; 35-50'+), click here.​
SL-15A: Continuous High Residue Minimal Soil Disturbance Tillage System
This practice is for farmers who want to implement continuous high residue minimal soil disturbance tillage systems on their farms.
Key Notes:
-
Only for fields converting from a minimum or conventional tillage
system to a high residue minimal soil disturbance tillage system -
All fields must have been in cropland 2 out of the past 5 years
(pastures and hayland are not eligible)
Lifespan:​
-
5 years
Rates:​
-
$70/acre (one-time payment)
For more information on this practice, click here.​
CCI-CNT: Long Term Continuous No-Till Planting Systems
This practice is for farmers who are already using continues no-till planting systems.
Key Notes:
-
Eligible land must be managed under a continuous no-till planting system that results in a minimum of 60% residue cover on all of the enrolled acres and must be maintained for the lifespan of the practice.
-
All fields must have been in cropland 2 out of the past 5 years (pastures and hayland are not eligible)
Lifespan:​
-
5 years
Rates:​
-
$5/acre/year (one-time payment of $5/acre x # of acres x 5 years)
For more information on this practice, click here.​
SL-8B: Small Grain and Mixed Cover Crop for Nutrient Management and Residue Management
This practice is for for planting cover crops when crops are not growing; cover crops cannot be harvested
Key Notes:​
-
No nutrients from any sources are allowed between the harvesting of the previous crop and March 1 of the next calendar year. No nutrients are allowed at planting.
-
The cover crop must be killed using mechanical or chemical means or by grazing no earlier than March 15 and no later than June 1. The cover crop residue may be left on the field for conservation purposes or the cover crop or its residue may be tilled
under.
Lifespan:​
-
1 year
Rates:​
-
$40/acre
-
Bonus payments:
-
$30/acre if planted before October 25
-
$20/acre if a rye cultivar is planted. Acceptable rye cultivars include: 6250 Abruzzi, Abruzzi, Dura, Early Grazer, Elbon, Grazer, Grazer Master, Paster, Ryman, Virginia Abruzzi, Wheeler, Wintergrazer 70, Winterking, or any other indeterminate growth tetraploid rye cultivar
-
SL-8H: Harvestable Cover Crop
This practice is for for planting cover crops when crops are not growing; cover crops can be harvested
Key Notes:​
-
No nutrients from any source are allowed between the harvesting of the previous crop and March 1 of the next calendar year, except that use of manure (see link below for more information on requirements and restrictions for applying manure).
-
No nutrients can be applied at planting
-
Harvesting for hay, haylage, silage, grain, or seed is permitted after March 14
Lifespan:​
-
1 year
Rates:​​
-
$20/acre OR
-
$30/acre if harvested for seed/grain ONLY; all remaining residue must remain in the field (straw cannot be baled).
For more information on this practice, click here.​
Requirements
In order to participate in any of our cost-share programs, you must meet the following criteria:
​
-
Property has/had a water quality concern (e.g. livestock has/had access to a waterway, no manure storage system, no cover crops when main crops aren’t growing)
-
Property must have at least 5 consecutive acres
-
Property has been in agriculture production for the past 3 years (this was previously 5 years)
-
Property has produced at least $1,000 worth of agriculture products/year (agriculture products include crops, hay, and livestock, such as cattle, equine, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, etc. Horses or other livestock solely for personal use are not considered as agriculture products.)
-
*Property must be located in Prince William County.
​
*If you are located outside of Prince William County, you can still participate in the cost-share program; you’ll just need to contact your county's conservation district. Click here to find your District!
​
Practices FR-1 (Aforrestation of crop, Hay, and Pasture Land), FR-3 (Woodland Buffer Filter Area), SL-15A (SL-15A: Continuous High Residue Minimal Soil Disturbance Tillage System) and SL-15B (Continuous No-Till Forage Production System) have slightly different criteria requirements. For more information, see Practices Available below.
Process
-
A conservation plan is written for the property or the conservation plan is revised if it is out of date (conservation plans are good for 3 years). The landowner will sign the conservation plan.
-
If the landowner is eligible for the cost-share program and wants to participate, the landowner will sign and submit Form I as well as a W-9 and the Cooperators Self-Certification of Eligibility.
-
Cost-estimates and other information pertaining to the project are pulled together for the practice. The practice is then presented to the Technical Review Committee (TRC) for review, who will then submit the practice to the Board (BOD) for final approval.
-
The TRC and Board typically meet once a month
-
-
Once the practice is approved by the BOD, the landowner will install the practice either by hiring a contractor and/or completing the practice on his/her own. The District will provide technical assistance throughout the process.
-
If the estimated costs for one of the components is greater than $30,000, the landowner is responsible for obtaining 3 bids from different contractors (i.e. if the estimated cost for installing just the buffer fencing is greater than $30,000, the landowner would need 3 bids)
-
-
Itemized and dated bills must be kept for all the expenses incurred for the practice. These bills must be submitted to the District at the completion of the practice for review. If the landowner will be installing the practice, then the landowner needs to keep track of his/her time (hours) of labor.
-
Upon practice completion, District employees will visit the site to certify that the practice has been installed to specifications.
-
Payment is made based upon itemized bills and approved cost-share, whichever is less. The landowner will sign Part III of the contract, committing to maintain the practice for its lifespan, and will then receive the cost-share check.
-
The owner is responsible for maintenance of the full system and allowing access to District personnel for random spot checks for the lifespan of the practice.
​
For more details on the cost-share process, click here.
Practices Available
Before any cost-share practice can be recommended for your farm, you must first meet with the District and have an updated conservation plan (conservation plans are good for 3 years). The below list is to give you an idea of the different practices that are available this program year (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024).
There are a variety of cost-share practices available for:
​
For more information on a practice, click on the hyperlink. A new tab/window will open; you may have to refresh the page to see all of the details on that practice.
​
The lifespan for most practices begins on Jan. 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year of certification of completion.
For information on the meaning of the different Practice Numbers, see Common Acronyms below.
Livestock
Practice Number | Practice Name | Brief Description | Rate | Lifespan | Link (for more information) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CCI-FRB-1 | Forested Riparian Buffer Maintenance Practice | *For maintaining an existing forested riparian buffer | $200/acre | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/CCI-FRB-1_2024.pdf |
CCI-HRB-1 | Herbaceous Riparian Buffer Maintenance Practice | *For maintaining an existing herbaceous riparian buffer | $50/acre | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/CCI-HRB-1_2024.pdf |
CCI-SE-1 | Stream Exclusion - Maintenance Practice | *For maintaining existing fencing that exclude livestock from waterways | $0.50/foot of streambank protected | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/CCI-SE-1_2024.pdf |
CCI-SL-6N | Stream Exclusion with Narrow Width Buffer - Maintenance Practice (includes a watering system) | *For maintaining existing exclusion fencing and associated livestock/stream crossings and watering systems. Vegetated buffers are 10-35' wide. | See practice for rates | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/CCI-SL-6N_2024pdf |
CCI-SL-6W | Stream Exclusion with Wide Width Buffer - Maintenance Practice (includes a watering system) | *For maintaining existing exclusion fencing and associated livestock/stream crossings and watering systems. All vegetated buffers are 35-50' wide. | See practice for rates | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/CCI-SL-6W_2024.pdf |
CCI-WP-2N | Stream Protection with Narrow Width Buffer - Maintenance Practice | *For maintaining existing exclusion fencing and associated livestock/stream crossings. Watering system not included. Vegetated buffers are 10-35' wide. | See practice for rates | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/CCI-WP-2N_2024.pdf |
CCI-WP-2W | Stream Protection with Wide Width Buffer - Maintenance Practice (does not include a watering system) | *For maintaining existing exclusion fencing and associated livestock/stream crossings. Watering system not included. All vegetated buffers are 35-50' wide. | See practice for rates | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/CCI-WP-2W_2024.pdf |
FR-1 | Afforestation of Crop, Hay and Pasture Land | For converting land previously in pasture, hay, or crops into permanent forest. | $100/acre (10 years) $150/acre (15 years) | 10 or 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/FR-1_2024.pdf |
FR-3 | Woodland Buffer Filter Area | For establishing a forested buffer along a waterway where the land was previously used as pasture, hay, or crops. | Depends on tree types and length of contract | 10 or 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/FR-3_2024.pdf |
NM-1A | Nutrient Management Plan Writing and Revisions | For nutrient management plans written by a private consultant (Note: Nutrient Management Plans written by the District are provided for Prince William County residents at no cost and would therefore not qualify for this practice) | See practice for rates | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/NM-1A_2024.pdf |
NM-6 | Manure Injection | For manure injections on pastureland or cropland | $45/acre | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/NM-6_2024.pdf |
SL-1 | Long Term Vegetative Cover on Cropland | For converting cropland into permanent pasture or hayland | See practice for rates | 5, 10, or 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-1_2024.pdf |
SL-11 | Permanent Vegetative Cover on Critical Areas | For establishing permanent vegetation on critically eroding areas | 75% of total eligible costs | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-11_2024.pdf |
SL-6F | Stream Exclusion in Floodplains | For installing exclusion fencing and associated livestock/stream crossings and watering systems for areas within floodplains. All vegetated buffers are 35-50' wide. | See practice for rates | 10 years or 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-6F_2024.pdf |
SL-6N | Stream Exclusion with Narrow Width Buffer and Grazing Land Management (includes a watering system) | For installing exclusion fencing and associated livestock/stream crossings and watering systems. Vegetated buffers are 10-35' wide. | See practice for rates | 10 or 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-6N_2024.pdf |
SL-6W | Stream Exclusion with Wide Width Buffer and Grazing Land Management (includes a watering system) | For installing exclusion fencing and associated livestock/stream crossings and watering systems. All vegetated buffers are 35-50' wide. | See practice for rates | 10 or 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-6W_2024.pdf |
SL-7 | Extension of Watering Systems | For watering systems and interior fencing for fields that are not adjacent to a live waterway (livestock must already be fenced out of all waterways by >10' to be eligible for this practice) | See practice for rates | 10 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-7_2024.pdf |
WP-2A | Streambank Stabilization | For installing vegetative stabilization practices along streambanks | 75% of total eligible costs | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WP-2A_2024.pdf |
WP-2N | Stream Protection (Fencing with Narrow Width Buffer) | For installing exclusion fencing and associated livestock/stream crossings . Watering system not included. Vegetated buffers are 10-35' wide. | See practice for rates | 5 years or 10 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WP-2N_2024.pdf |
WP-2P | Portable Fencing for Stream Protection | For the installation of portable fencing along live streams or waterways. | See practice for rates | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WP-2P_2024.pdf |
WP-2W | Stream Protection (Fencing with Wide Width Buffer) | For installing exclusion fencing and associated livestock/stream crossings. Watering system not included. All vegetated buffers are 35-50' wide. | See practice for rates | 5 years or 10 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WP-2W_2024.pdf |
WP-4 | Animal Waste Control Facilities | For manure storage systems | 75% of total eligible costs | 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WP-4_2024.pdf |
WP-4FP | Feeding Pad | For the installation of a permanently hardened feeding pad | 75% of total eligible costs | 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WP-4FP_2024.pdf |
WP-4LC | Animal Waste Control Facility for Confined Livestock Operations | For the installation of a covered facility where livestock are confined 100% of the time; includes a manure storage area | 75% of total eligible costs | 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WP-4LC_2024.pdf |
WP-4LL | Loafing Lot Management System with Manure Management | For the installation of a sacrifice lot (hardened pad); can include a manure storage area | 75% of total eligible costs | 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WP-4LL_2024.pdf |
WP-4SF | Seasonal Feeding Facility with Attached Manure Storage | For the installation of a covered concrete facility that includes a feeding area and a manure storage area. | 75% of total eligible costs | 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WP-4SF_2024.pdf |
*Land actively enrolled under another cost-share practice is not eligible
Hayland and/or Crops
Practice Number | Practice Name | Brief Description | Rate | Lifespan | Link (for more info.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CCI-CNT | Long Term Continuous No-Till Planting system | For crop land that practices long term continuous no-till planting systems (Note: Land actively enrolled in SL-15A is not eligible) | $5/acre/year | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/CCI-CNT_2024.pdf |
CCI-FRB-1 | Forested Riparian Buffer Maintenance Practice | *For maintaining an existing forested riparian buffer | $200/acre | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/CCI-FRB-1_2024.pdf |
CCI-HRB-1 | Herbaceous Riparian Buffer Maintenance Practice | *For maintaining an existing herbaceous riparian buffer | $50/acre | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/CCI-HRB-1_2024.pdf |
FR-1 | Afforestation of Crop, Hay and Pasture Land | For converting land previously in pasture, hay, or crops into permanent forest. | $100/acre (10 years) $150/acre (15 years) | 10 or 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/FR-1_2024.pdf |
FR-3 | Woodland Buffer Filter Area | For establishing a forested buffer along a waterway where the land was previously used as pasture, hay, or crops. | Depends on tree types and length of contract | 10 or 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/FR-3_2024.pdf |
NM-1A | Nutrient Management Plan Writing and Revisions | For nutrient management plans written by a private consultant (Note: Nutrient Management Plans written by the District are provided for Prince William County residents at no cost and would therefore not qualify for this practice) | See practice for rates | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/NM-1A_2024.pdf |
NM-3C | Sidedress Application of Nitrogen on Corn | For sidedress applications of nitrogen on corn | See practice for rates | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/NM-3C_2024.pdf |
NM-4 | Late Winter Split Application of Nitrogen on Small Grains | For splitting late winter applications of Nitrogen on small grains | See practice for rates | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/NM-4_2024.pdf |
NM-5N | Precision Nutrient Management on Cropland- Nitrogen Application | For precision nutrient management practices of Nitrogen on row crops, small grains, and/or highly managed hayland. (Note: Land signed up under NM-3C or NM-4 is not eligible) | See practice for rates | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/NM-5N_2024.pdf |
NM-5P | Precision Nutrient Management on Cropland- Phosphorus Application | For precision nutrient management practices of Phosphorus on row crops, small grains, and/or highly managed hayland. | See practice for rates | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/NM-5P_2024.pdf |
NM-6 | Manure Injection | For manure injections on pastureland or cropland | $45/acre | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/NM-6_2024.pdf |
NM-7 | Cover Crop for Managing Liquid or Semi-Solid Manure | For keeping cover on cropland receiving liquid or semi-solid manure | $35/acre | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/NM-7_2024.pdf |
SL-1 | Long Term Vegetative Cover on Cropland | For converting cropland into permanent pasture or hayland | See practice for rates | 5, 10, or 15 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-1_2024.pdf |
SL-11 | Permanent Vegetative Cover on Critical Areas | For establishing permanent vegetation on critically eroding areas | 75% of total eligible costs | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-11_2024.pdf |
SL-15A | Continuous High Residue Minimal Soil Disturbance Tillage System | For practices that implement continuous high residue minimal soil disturbance tillage systems | $70/acre | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-15A_2024.pdf |
SL-15B | Continuous No-Till Forage Production System | For practices that implement continuous no-till planting systems | $35/acre | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-15B_2024.pdf |
SL-8 | Protective Cover for Specialty Crops | For cover crops when specialty crops (vegetables and small grains) are not growing | $30/acre | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-8_2024.pdf |
SL-8A | Protective Cover for Agricultural Cropland | For keeping cover on agricultural cropland when it is not being used after harvest of a crop, after harvest of a specialty crop, or in situations due to an unforeseen circumstance or natural disaster. | See practice for rates | 1 year | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-8A_2024.pdf |
SL-8B | Small Grain and Mixed Cover Crop for Nutrient Management and Residue Management | For cover crops when crops are not growing; cover crops cannot be harvested | See practice for rates | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-8B_2024.pdf |
SL-8H | Harvestable Cover Crop | For cover crops when crops are not growing; cover crops can be harvested | $20/acre or $30/acre (see practice for more info.) | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-8H_2024.pdf |
SL-8M | Small Grain and Mixed Cover Crop for Nutrient Management and Residue Management with Fall Manure Application | For cover crops that are planted cropland where manure is applied following the harvest of a summer crop and prior to cover crop planting | See practice for rates | annual practice | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/SL-8M_2024.pdf |
WP-2A | Streambank Stabilization | For installing vegetative stabilization practices along streambanks | 75% of total eligible costs | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WP-2A_2024.pdf |
WQ-1 | Grass Filter Strips | For establishing vegetative grass buffers along stream banks adjacent to cropland | See practice for rates | 5 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WQ-1_2024.pdf |
WQ-4 | Legume Based Cover Crop | For legume cover crops to serve as mulch for grain crops. | $45/acre | 1 year | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WQ-4_2024.pdf |
*Land actively enrolled under another cost-share practice is not eligible
Other
Practice Number | Practice Name | Brief Description | Rate | Lifespan | Link (for more information) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WQ-12 | Roof Runoff Management System | For structures to collect, control, convey, and or capture roof runoff and route it away from sensitive areas | 75% of the total eligible cost | 10 years | http://consapps.dcr.virginia.gov/htdocs/agbmpman/BMPs/WQ-12_2024.pdf |
Important Documents
-
Contract I (for signing up)
-
W-9 (Note: the entity listed under Line 1 is who will receive the cost-share payments )
-
Bid Contract Form (must be used when the "the cost of any one component of a VACS contract is estimated to equal or exceed a billable expense of $50,000. For contracts where the estimated billable expense for each component is less than $50,000, the Bid Process is not required.")
FAQ
I just bought a farm that’s been in agriculture production for more than 3 years, but I’m new to the area. Can I participate in the cost-share program?
Yes, the criteria is based on the property, not the landowner.
​
My property in Prince William County is zoned A-1. I’ve lived on my property for several years and want to start a small farm. Do I qualify for the cost-share program?
No. Cost-share requirements are based on the property, not the landowner. The property has to be in agriculture production for the past 3 consecutive years in order to qualify.
I don't understand how the lifespan of a practice works. Can you explain it?
The lifespan for most practices begins on Jan. 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year of certification of completion. For example, if a practice was completed in March 2020 and has a 5 year lifespan, the lifespan of the practice would start on January 1 2021 and end on December 31, 2025.
​
My practice has a 10 year lifespan. What happens if I move within the lifespan?
As you are the one who received the cost-share payment, you are responsible for the practice throughout its lifespan, even if you no longer own the property. HOWEVER, we have a form available to transfer the responsibility from you to the new landowners. Please notify the District prior to moving for further assistance.
​
​
My practice has multiple components. Can I get reimbursed as I complete each component?
No. The entire practice must be completed and verified before payment is submitted
​
​
How do I choose a contractor?
Though we cannot recommend a contractor, we do have a list of contractors in the area with their contact information. Contact us and we can give you a copy of the list. You can also use a contractor not on our list, they just have to be licensed in Virginia.
​
I started construction for my practice before it went through the approval process. Will that affect my application?
Yes. You may not get reimbursed for anything installed prior to approval. Starting a practice before it’s approved could void your application.
What if I sign-up for the cost-share program, my practice gets approved by the board, but I later change my mind and don’t want to participate?
No problem! You can drop out at any time. The only time you are in a contract is when you receive and cash your cost-share check. If you change your mind and want to participate after you canceled, you’ll have to go through the approval process again. Any work done prior to canceling your practice cannot be reimbursed through the cost-share program.
I have animals in the creek, but I don’t want to participate in the cost-share program because even with the reimbursement, the up-front costs are too high for us. Will I get in trouble?
First of all, we are non-regulatory. That means if we see an environmental concern, we want to work with you at resolving it.
​
As for the funding, DEQ has a Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan available at 0% interest. To learn more about the loan program or for an application, please visit: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/our-programs/water/clean-water-financing-and-assistance/virginia-clean-water-revolving-loan-fund-vcwrlf/agricultural-bmp.
​
I hired a contractor and I want to make sure the practice is installed correctly. What do I do?
Prior to construction, it is a good idea that you and your contractor have a written agreement that the practice will be installed according to our specifications. We also request a meeting with the contractor before construction begins to go over these specifications and make sure everyone is on the same page.
I want to go above and beyond the specifications. Is that ok?
Of course it’s ok! Just keep in mind that you will only be reimbursed for the minimum amount to make your practice succeed. For example, if one water trough can cover multiple fields, but you want to install a water trough in each field, you will only receive cost-share for the one water trough.
​
​
I went through all of my receipts and it came to less than what you estimated. Yay! Does that mean I'll get more money?
For practices where you get a percentage back based on your expenses, you will either get what we estimated or whatever you actually spent, whichever is lower. For example, let's say you participated in a practice where you get 75% cost-share based on your expenses. We estimated the practice would cost you $20,000 to install. However, you only spent $14,000. The cost-share you would receive would be based on the $14,000 (which would come out to $10,500). We do our best to fairly estimate costs ahead of time that incorporate the most cost-effective solutions in solving your water quality concerns. We will work with you every step of the way.
​
​
What if a component of my practice is not installed to specs. when you do a final inspection?
Either you or your contractor will need to fix it before we can certify the practice as complete. It is always a good idea that you and your contractor have a written agreement that the practice will be installed according to our specifications.
​
​
I want to participate in one of the SL-6 practices. I understand that SL-6N is for buffers that are less than 35’ and SL-6W is for buffers that are greater than 35’. If I have a buffer that has some areas that are 25’ and the rest is over 35’, would I sign up for SL-6N or SL-6W?
SL-6N. All buffers have to be greater than 35’ in order to participate in SL-6W.
​
What happens if there is a violation cited during a spot-check?
We will let you know and work with you on correcting the violation. We want to see the practice succeed, so the last thing we want to do is ask for funding back. If the violation will not be corrected, or if the practice is destroyed, funding will need to be returned on a pro-rata basis.
​
Is cost-share considered taxable income?
Yes. That is one of the main reasons why we need a W-9 when you sign up.
I have questions on how to do my taxes with cost-share. Can the District assist me?
No. The District cannot provide any tax advice. Please consult with your tax adviser.
​
​
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!
Common Acronyms
Acronyms can be confusing, and the cost-share program has plenty of them! Here’s a list of common acronyms you’ll see:
​
BMP – Best Management Practice (any practice that helps protect the soil and water)
BOD - District Board of Directors
CCI – Continuing Conservation Initiative
CNT – Continuous No-Till
CS – Cost-Share
DCR – Department of Conservation and Recreation (state)
DEQ – Department of Environmental Quality (state)
FP – Feeding Pad
FR – Forestry
FRB – Forested Riparian Buffer
HRB – Herbacous Riparian Buffer
LC – Livestock, Confined
LL – Loafing Lot
N – Narrow (buffers that are <35’)
NM – Nutrient Management
NMP – Nutrient Management Plan
SE – Shoreline Erosion
SF – Seasonal Feeding Facility
SL – Soil Loss
SWCD – Soil and Water Conservation District (there are 47 districts that cover all agriculture land in Virginia)
TC – Tax-Credit
TRC - Technical Review Committee
VACS – Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost-Share
W – Wide (buffers that are >35’)
WP – Water Protection
WQ – Water Quality
Pictures
Buffer Fencing
Woven Wire Fencing
High Tensile Plastic Coated Fencing
Alternative Watering Systems
Ball Waterer
Nelson Waterer
Bar-Bar-A Waterer
Stream Crossings
Culvert Stream Crossing
Ford Stream Crossing