Conservation Cost Share Opportunities Abound in Muskingum & Mohican Watersheds

If you are a landowner in the jurisdictional Muskingum Conservancy District Watershed there are several opportunities to participate in the cost share programs for 2023. In an effort to promote conservation in the Muskingum watershed the MWCD provides cost share funds for several practices aimed at reducing erosion and improving water quality.

Cover crops This program is being continued and is the same as last year. The cost share is $12 per acre with a 200 acre cap except for acres located in the watershed of the MWCD lakes. The NRCS seeding rates and dates must be followed. Aerial, drill, and broadcast are accepted methods of application. Cover crops can be harvested. Wheat is considered a cover crop. Fields enrolled in NRCS programs (EQIP) are not eligible. Call Katie Eikleberry at Ashland SWCD to sign up for this year’s program.

Voluntary Nutrient Management Plans/Grazing Plans These programs have been continued from last year and pay $10 per acre. VNMP’s are for cropland and GMP’s for pastures. Plans can be developed by Producers, Consultants, and SWCD staff. Plans will be approved by Ashland SWCD Board of Supervisors. Having a plan in place will allow producers to be eligible for H2Ohio cost share when it becomes available.

Stream Bank Fencing This program runs in conjunction with 2/3 US Fish and Wildlife funds and 1/3 MWCD funds to pay 100% of actual project costs not to exceed $10,000 per contract. Projects remove livestock access from the streams permanently, establishing a buffered riparian area. Practice must follow NRCS Fence Std.

Items of Importance

  • No mowing or grazing of established riparian area. Invasive plants may be removed

  • CANNOT pay for fencing for property lines and roads

  • Livestock must be present

  • Least cost alternative for stream crossings and water sources may be eligible

Debris Removal Program The intent of this program is to remove log jams that are causing flooding of roadways, buildup of debris at bridges, and erosion of stream banks. The cost share is based on an estimate by a contractor to remove the log jam. The maximum DRP award is capped at $20,000.  A 10% in kind contribution such as debris removal and disposal is required for the application. Ashland SWCD can assist with submitting the application to MWCD.

 If you would like more information on any of these cost share programs please contact Ashland SWCD at 419-281-7645 or visit the June 6 Conservation Chat: Growing Money at Twin Oaks Farm.

Now is the time to sign up and apply for any of these cost share opportunities.

Ashland SWCD