For Immediate Release:

As of 7/17/24, USDA-NRCS Vermont has approved the opportunity for $1 Million in federal funds to be spent across two Local Funding Pools for residents of the White River and Ottauquechee Conservation Districts in fiscal year 2025! This funding pool is based on a request submitted via our Conservation District's annual Local Working Group Report, viewable here.  Learn more about Local Working Groups here.

Funding Available (see map for funding area):

• $800,000 for Community Scale Agriculture and Agroforestry
• $200,000 for Wildlife Habitat and Riparian Plantings in the Ompompanoosuc Watershed

See below for list of available conservation practices. 

Steps to Apply:

1.  Determine Eligibility

You must establish records with the Farm Service Agency.  Call (802) 295-7942 to get your Farm & Tract numbers.

Who can apply:  Privately-owned or leased agriculture or forest land within Orange and Windsor Counties, as well as the towns of Granville, Hancock, Pittsfield, and east Chittendon. There is no acreage limit.

2. (Optional) Contact your Local Conservation District

Contact the White River NRCD to set up a technical assistance consultation. We will help you determine which programs and practices are best suited for your operation.  Email whiterivernrcd@gmail.com for assistance.

3.  Submit an Application by August 23, 2024

Complete and file the NRCS 1200 form, available here to your NRCS Local Service Center. 

On Question 2, be sure to select "EQIP" and write in "Local Funding Pool".

If you need assistance, White River NRCD staff can help you prepare and submit an application.

Community Scale Agriculture and Agroforestry Practices:

• Site Assessment and Soil Testing for Contaminents
• Soil Health Testing
• Soil and Source Testing for Nutrient Management
• Indigenous Stewardship Methods Evaluation
• Aquifer Flow Test
• Alley Cropping
• Composting Facility
• High Tunnel System
• Conservation Cover
• Conservation Crop Rotation
• Contour Farming
• Contour Buffer Strips
• Cover Crop
• Critical Area Planting
• Forest Farming
• Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment and Renovation
• Silvopasture
• Fence
• Riparian Forest Buffer
• Hedgerow Planting
• Microirrigation
• Irrigation System, Surface and Subsurface
• Irrigation Water Management
• Sprinkler System
• Access Control
• Mulching
• Pumping Plant
• Roof Runoff Structure
• Access Road
• Tree/Shrub Establishment
• Water Harvesting Catchment
• Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
• Tree/Shrub Pruning
• Soil Carbon Amendment
• Raised Bed
• Low Tunnel Systems

Ompompanoosuc Wildlife Habitat Practices:

• Brush Management
• Herbaceous Weed Treatment
• Conservation Cover
• Critical Area Planting
• Woody Residue Treatment
• Riparian Herbaceous Cover
• Riparian Forest Buffer
• Stream Habitat Improvement and Management
• Wildlife Habitat Planting
• Mulching
• Tree/Shrub Site Preparation
• Tree/Shrub Establishment
• Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management
• Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
• Structures for Wildlife
• Tree/Shrub Pruning

Questions? Contact:  whiterivernrcd@gmail.com

Find your local Conservation District here.