what we do
The Champaign Soil & Water Conservation District team has years of experience working in resource conservation. The district can assist in the design of waterways, EQIP, CRP, drainage issues, habitat restoration, easements and more.
eQip
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program, often referred to as EQIP, is set up to help farmers confront industry challenges while conserving the areas natural resources. It is entirely voluntary for farmers to participate. Once a farmer opts to utilize the program, they will work with their local NRCS to invest in solutions that conserve natural resources and improve agricultural operations. EQIP participants will receive financial support and one-on-one help to plan and implement these conservation practices through the NRCS. These practices result in better water, air and soil quality on top of improving agricultural operations. EQIP enables the farmer to voluntarily implement conservation practices with the NRCS co-investing in them along the way.
The process starts by deciding if EQIP is the right program for you. Contact our office to talk the the NRCS District Conservationist. Ask questions and describe your visions and goals. If you choose to move forward, the district conservationist will guide you through the application process. The NRCS will then work one-on-one with you to design a plan to help you achieve your goals. Financial assistance covers part of the costs of implementing conservation practices. With over 200 practices, most locations are eligible for some form of conservation. Applications are ranked, and if yours is funded, NRCS will offer you an EQIP contract to receive financial assistance for the cost of implementing practices. Payment rates for conservation practices are reviewed and set each fiscal year.
The process starts by deciding if EQIP is the right program for you. Contact our office to talk the the NRCS District Conservationist. Ask questions and describe your visions and goals. If you choose to move forward, the district conservationist will guide you through the application process. The NRCS will then work one-on-one with you to design a plan to help you achieve your goals. Financial assistance covers part of the costs of implementing conservation practices. With over 200 practices, most locations are eligible for some form of conservation. Applications are ranked, and if yours is funded, NRCS will offer you an EQIP contract to receive financial assistance for the cost of implementing practices. Payment rates for conservation practices are reviewed and set each fiscal year.
crp
CRP stands for the Conservation Reserve Program. It funds eligible farmers and ranchers so they can address natural resource concerns on their property. Remaining cost-effective, the program aids farmers and ranchers in environmental enhancement while complying with Federal, State and tribal laws. improvements are made to soil, water and/or other related concerns. Funding is through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). It is administered by the Farm Service Agency which is next to the office where the NRCS and CSWCD is located. The NRCS will provide technical land eligibility determinations, conservation planning and practice implementation. You will work with the district conservationist.
CRP encourages environmentally friendly practices that help reduce soil erosion, protect food and fiber production, improve water quality, create wildlife habitat, and grow forest and wetland resources. Highly erodible cropland and environmentally sensitive acreage can be transformed into vegetative cover beneficial to the environment. Farmers will be paid an annual rental for the term of the multi-year contract. Cost-sharing is provided when establishing vegetative cover practices.
CRP is currently not accepting applications. We apologize for the inconvenience.
CRP encourages environmentally friendly practices that help reduce soil erosion, protect food and fiber production, improve water quality, create wildlife habitat, and grow forest and wetland resources. Highly erodible cropland and environmentally sensitive acreage can be transformed into vegetative cover beneficial to the environment. Farmers will be paid an annual rental for the term of the multi-year contract. Cost-sharing is provided when establishing vegetative cover practices.
CRP is currently not accepting applications. We apologize for the inconvenience.
waterways
A grass lined waterway is a constructed graded channel that is seeded with grass or similar vegetation. It helps navigate water to a stable outlet at a slow enough velocity that the water will not erode the topsoil. Fields with waterways will see little to no gully erosion, and often, waterways are built where a gully was an issue. Waterways can also be used to direct water from a terrace. Common problem areas are in draws between hills and slopes where water builds as it runs off a field. CSWCD has trained technicians who assess your property for viability of a waterway and then proceed to the engineering of a waterway. We can assist you with the process from start to finish. Waterways are a common CRP practice too. Contact us to know more.
easements
NRCS offers easement programs to landowners who want to maintain or enhance their land in a way beneficial to agriculture and/or the environment. All NRCS easement programs are voluntary. We provide technical help and financial assistance, but local landowners and organizations are needed to make NRCS easement programs successful.
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands and their related benefits. Under the Agricultural Land Easements component, NRCS helps Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land. Under the Wetlands Reserve Easements component, NRCS helps to restore, protect and enhance enrolled wetlands.
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands and their related benefits. Under the Agricultural Land Easements component, NRCS helps Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land. Under the Wetlands Reserve Easements component, NRCS helps to restore, protect and enhance enrolled wetlands.
cnmp
Conservation Nutrient Management Plan
A Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan is a conservation system that is unique to animal feeding operations. It includes a set of conservation practices and management activities that address natural resource concerns dealing with manure and organic by-products and their potential impacts on water quality. A CNMP addresses six main elements. All livestock operations are encouraged to develop and implement a CNMP. NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) participants receiving financial assistance for animal waste storage or treament facilities are required to develop and implement an entire CNMP
The six elements are as follows:
Manure and Wastewater Handling and Storage
Land Treatment Practices
Nutrient Management
Record Keeping
Feed Management (optional)
Other Utilization Activities
The six elements are as follows:
Manure and Wastewater Handling and Storage
Land Treatment Practices
Nutrient Management
Record Keeping
Feed Management (optional)
Other Utilization Activities
Credit to USDA and NRCS for summaries of government programs.