Conservation Programs & Services

North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program (NCACSP)

Provides cost share and incentive payments for conservation measures that improve water quality. Pays 75% of predetermined average cost of approved conservation measures. Applications are ranked based on District priorities.

Agricultural Water Resource Assistance Program (AgWRAP)

Financial assistance is available for construction and repair of farm ponds, conservation irrigation systems and wells used for irrigation supply. The Agricultural Water Resource Assistance Program can provide up to 75% cost share assistance to increase water use efficiency, water storage, and availability on agricultural land. Only existing agricultural operations that are currently watering livestock from ponds, or irrigating and need additional water storage, or desire to convert to a more efficient irrigation system are eligible.

Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP)

The objectives of the Community Conservation Assistance Program are to reduce suburban and urban non-point source pollution, increase technical assistance to land users, provide cost sharing to landowners who implement best management practices (BMPs) and to provide BMPs to improve water quality with secondary water quantity benefits to improve the overall health of the environment. Provides cost share and technical assistance for the installation of stormwater best management practices on non-agricultural land.

Cost-Sharing Available to Close Abandoned Wells

Davidson Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has cost share monies to assist with filling in and capping off abandoned wells. This measure is to prevent the entry of contaminated surface water into the well and eliminate the hazards of an open hole. Cost sharing is limited to 75% of the actual cost with a maximum payment of $1,500 per well. 

The well closure must be completed by a certified well contractor, must meet all requirements of the Davidson County Health Department and the State of North Carolina, and must be approved by the Davidson County Health Department.

Federal Partners and Federally Funded Programs

Our Federal Partners are the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).  They are located in the USDA Service Center at 103 W. Center Street Extension, Lexington, NC 27292, and can be reached at (336) 248-2687.  Below are the programs available through NRCS and FSA.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General

A Federally funded competitive program administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to take highly erodible cropland out of crop production and into permanent cover for a ten-year period. An annual payment is made to the landowner for the ten-year period. Also a 50% cost-share is available to establish permanent cover for successful applicants.

CRP Continuous

A Federally funded non-competitive program through Farm Service Agency (FSA) to establishes buffers along streams and water bodies to improve water quality in a pasture or cropland situation. This program provides annual payments for ten to fifteen years, depending on the contract period selected by the applicant, plus performance bonuses, and cost-share for establishment. This is a very good program in the right situation. Pays 50% of pre-determined average cost to install buffers, additional practice installation incentive, sign-up bonus, and an annual rental payment.

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is an offshoot of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in partnership with States, Tribal governments, and non-governmental organizations.  This conservation program is offered in North Carolina as part of a partnership with NCDA. Partners work with FSA to develop CREP agreements designed to address specific conservation challenges in targeted geographic areas. The program encourages farmers and landowners to enroll in long-term conservation contracts, removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and implementing conservation practices. Participants receive annual rental payments, cost-share assistance for establishing conservation practices, and other financial incentives.

Conservation Security Program

A National Incentive payment program available through Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for maintaining and increasing farm and ranch stewardship practices on cropland, pastureland, and incidental forestland. Three tiers reflect the amount of stewardship activity that is being carried out on the land. Increased conservation practice implementation increases amount of payment. The control of the land remains with the original landowner.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

A Federally funded program through NRCS to install practices on agricultural land to improve water quality, prevent erosion, and improve the natural resource base. Technical assistance is provided to install erosion control practices on cropland, animal operations (mortality, waste storage, fencing, watering facilities, etc.) and other practices as needed to meet the identified resource needs of a field. This program can help provide assistance with a wide range of practices on pasture, crop, or forest land. This is a competitive program with 75% cost-share available.  

One practice that U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has high hopes for are high tunnels or commonly known as hoop houses. This practice expands the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative to North Carolina. This initiative will provide opportunities for farmers to establish seasonal high tunnel systems for crops to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation friendly way. 

Forestry Land Enhancement Program

A Federally funded program to provide cost-share to plant trees, and do other needed forestry management. This is administered by the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources and the Farm Services Agency.

Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)

Program to restore and protect wetlands. Pays up to 100% of restoration cost plus 100% of appraised land value for permanent easement. Rates for 30-year and 10-year easements are lower.