The New River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of the Counties of Grayson and Carroll and Carroll and the City of Galax. The District's overall objective is to see that every acre of land be treated to its capabilities. Welcome to New River Soil & Water Conservation District We work with the people who work the land. Learn about the District NRSWCD Mission and Priorities The New River Soil and Water Conservation District is committed to the responsible use and preservation of natural resources in the Counties of Grayson and Carroll and the City of Galax. Our team works tirelessly to promote conservation practices and provide assistance to landowners in implementing soil and water conservation measures. Learn About Our Chestnut Creek & Elk Creek TMDL (Septic System) Cost-Share Program Please click on the words above. What Our District Offers Our district offers a range of services including technical assistance, educational programs, and cost-share incentives to support conservation efforts. We are dedicated to helping the community in achieving sustainable land use and water management practices. Earth Day Team Join our Earth Team Volunteer program and help us protect our planet. As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to participate in projects and events focused on environmental conservation. Submit an application today! Learn more about becoming a volunteer No-Till Drill Rental Our rental program offers top-of-the-line equipment to help you achieve your farming goals while minimizing soil disturbance. Contact us today to learn more about no-till farming and the no-till seed drill rental availability. Learn more about renting the no-till drill Conservation Planning Collaborate with our experts to develop customized conservation plans for your property. We provide guidance on best management practices, conservation easements, and land use planning. Read more about conservation planning CONSERVING & PROTECTING YOUR NATURAL RESOURCES

NRSWCD WELCOMES YOU TO NEW RIVER HILL FARM & FOREST Welcome to New River Hill Farm & Forest. Owned and Operated by the New River Soil & Water Conservation District. It is the first and only Soil & Water Conservation District owned educational property in Virginia. We have several miles of expanding trails located near and along the New River. Trails can be accessed from our parking lot trail head. If you are a little more adventurous and are coming in by kayak; access can be made at our western river access that is located across and just downstream from VA DWR’s public boat landing. Many of our trails and projects are still being developed, so keep coming back to watch us grow. We currently have over 4 miles of marked trails. Several of our trails are deadhead trails so depending on where you are at, you may have to double-back the way you came and walk along Englewood Road to circle back to the parking area or you can jump onto one of the other trails connecting you back. Please help us “leave no trace” and take care of our trails by following the posted rules and by keeping your four-legged friends on their leash. To help us be good neighbors, all our boundaries are blazed in yellow. Please stay within those marked areas. Enjoy and be safe! TRAIL MAP Address: Upper parking - 1504 Englewood Road, Galax, Virginia, 24333 Lower parking (trail head access) - 2140 Englewood Road, Galax, Virginia, 24333 Trails are OPEN! PDF TRAIL MAP OUR TRAILS Charlotte's Way (blue ) > (1.75-miles from parking area to Englewood Road) it begins at our trailhead parking area and runs along a white pine lined ridge and then slopes down into a shaded cove of tall basswoods, beech, birch and yellow poplar. Leaving the cove, The trail opens to our meadow along the river. Turning east the trail narrows and cuts along a path through boulders, buckeyes and northern red oak. Coming out of the boulders, the trail widens again and follows an old road back into another cove of mixed hardwoods and alone one of our many cool spring branches. Leaving the tall hardwoods, the trail opens to old narrow pasture fields that lead back to the top of the hill where the trail ends at our green gate. If you prefer not to double back to the park area the way you came, you can exit to the left of the gate and then turn on Englewood Road for a short 0.1-mile hike bike down to the parking area. Charlotte's Way is our main trail and most of our trails connect to it. (Easy to moderate trail) Dickenson (red) > (1.0-miles from Charlotte's Way to the New River) Dickenson begins on Charlotte's Way near the parking area. The trail leads down through mixed hardwoods and by our woodland pond, then turns back into mixed oak-hickory hardwoods. Keep an eye out for the bear tree at the top of the next hill (claw marks on large Fraser magnolia). When you reach the top, you will pass through a wooden walk-through gate and enter one of our 17 pasture paddocks on the Farm & Forest. Please leave gates closed to help us keep our cattle from hiking the trails. The trail re-enters the woods about 200' from where you entered the pasture (look for the red blazed post and the next walk-through gate). Here the trail is narrow as you pass through the tall yellow popular and continue through the pines. The trail arches back up the ridge where it meets up with Philen's Point Trail. To the left Dickenson continues but is not the same gentle trail you started on. From here pack a lunch as the trail starts its journey to the river down a steep old logging trail overlooking the water as you go. The trail has a slight zigzag as you go into and out of the watershed and then a final decline to the New River between two iconic cliffs and across from the mouth of Elk Creek. There are no outlets here so be ready to make the steep climb back out. (Moderate 1st half to hard 2nd half) Philen Point (green) > (0.3 miles from the fork with Dickenson to the Point) Beginning at the intersection with Dickenson, the trail follows the ridgeline overlooking the New River as you go. The trail twists through older growth hardwoods, white pines, and eastern hemlocks until the trail ends at the Point. (Future picnic and lookout spot.) From here you can look up and down the New River with views of Riverside. (This is a deadhead trail and requires you to double back to connect to the other trails) (Easy to moderate trail) Icy's Loop (orange) > (0.6-miles from Charlotte Way's first cove then back to Charlotte's Way at the river meadow) The trail begins in the cove and crosses two woodland streams as it climbs up and over one of our river bluffs and then follows the river ridge above Charlotte's Way. The last section becomes steeper just before it connects back to Charlotte's Way along the river. (Moderate trail) Over the hill Trail (green) > (0.5-miles from Dickenson Trail to Englewood Road) It begins where Dickenson Trail meets our woodland pond. From there you will follow a steeply sloped roadbed through planted eastern white pine to the top of the hill where the trail comes to one of our walk-through gates and you will enter a pasture field. The next walk-through gate is located about 100' across the field where you will enter one of our managed hardwood stands. Passing down through the hardwoods you will come to an area where old pasture fields were planted into eastern white pine to prevent erosion. The trail ends at Englewood Road and across from our red barn. To return to the parking area, turn left and walk up the hill to the parking area (about 0.5-miles). (Moderate trail) Herb's Pass (white) > (0.1-miles from Philen Point to Charlotte's Way) Begins about halfway down Philen Point and leads you down to Charlotte's Way just before it reaches the river meadow. This is a short connector trail. (Moderate) Diamond Spur (orange)> (0.25 miles) (Easy to moderate trail) FARM & FOREST RULES Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Open Everyday Hike in or kayak access ONLY Fishing allowed with VA DWR license (New River access ONLY. Absolutely NO fishing in ponds) Pack it in pack it out (clean up all trash) No mountain biking No horseback riding No ATVS or motorized vehicles Stay on marked trails ONLY No camping No overnight parking No parking allowed at unauthorized gates or entrances Dogs must be on a leash at all times No campfires Alcohol prohibited Hunting prohibited Please do not disturb the cattle

ABOUT NEW RIVER HILL FARM & FOREST VISION: "New River Hill Farm has a vision to inspire agricultural aspirations for generations of south-western Virginia's youth. We will assist them in developing their skills in becoming independent learners who rely on their strength and abilities." MISSION: "Our mission is to provide a hands-on learning experience that will encourage and cultivate area youth to develop curiosity for our natural resources. New River Hill Farm will promote and use sustainable multifunctional agriculture and silviculture that provides educational opportunities for beginning and established farmers, particularly to the youth of south-western Virginia, while conserving natural resources. Our vision and mission reflect our fundamental belief that all people belong and deserve fairness, justice, and inclusivity." The New River Hill Farm & Forest is a non-profit organization that offers public educational experiences and outdoor recreation. The project has taken District staff, volunteers, and donors a lot of dedication and hard work throughout the years. The District is very grateful for everyone's part in making this opportunity possible. If you are interested in contributing to our organization, donations can be made payable to: New River Hill Farm Trust and mailed to: New River Soil & Water Conservation District (New River SWCD) 200 Jacks Orchard Road Galax, Virginia 24333 On August 15, 2014, New River SWCD Director Don Philen donated his 140 acre farm in Grayson County. The New River Hill Farm Trust is now operated in perpetuity by the New River Soil & Water Conservation District for agricultural purposes. Mr. Philen also wanted to protect the integrity of the land for farm use and its scenic qualities, wildlife habitat, plants, timber, water resources & water quality, and to preserve the agricultural land. In this conveyance, Mr. Philen wanted to create an agricultural educational experience unlike any other in Virginia. The Farm is to be maintained as a working farm that will provide a unique hands-on experience to local and regional youth as well as the general public of Southwestern Virginia. The property owned by O.D. Philen Jr. is identified as the New River Hill Education Farm and is located in the head of the waters of Moore Creek, a tributary of the New River, in Grayson County, Virginia. The property was formed from parts of the Fred Adams Sr. estate (purchased in 1979 and 1980) and the farm of Coy Diamond (purchased in 1982). About fifteen acres were traded acre for acre with the Glen Dixon estate for personal interests and to facilitate fencing of the northwestern property boundary. A partnership of professionals developed recommendations using current technology, science, and experience to ensure the best protection and management of all resources found on the properties. Meeting the wishes of O.D. Philen Jr. is the ultimate goal of the New River Hill Education Farm. In 2023, the Conservation District acquired a 173-acre property adjacent to the existing New River Hill Farm. A local resident who supported conservation of land donated $200,000. Another donor pledged $500,00 towards the project. Finally, the last $200,000 a local Trustee Group donated. On March 14, 2023, the District accepted the deed of the 173 acres. An adjacent, 30 acres of woodland along the New River was purchased on March 9, 2023. The Virginia Outdoors Foundation, through the Preservation Trust Fund, assisted the District in receiving funding for this tract. These funds in the form of a grant, helped the District build public parking, a trailhead, trail development, new trail access points, & trail signage. Additionally, the trail development provides educational opportunities for local high schools and Eagle Scouts projects. In November 2022, New River-SWCD was awarded a Virginia Land Conservation Foundation Grant, through Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, $135,000 towards the purchase of 82 acres that adjoins the Districts other property. Fortunately, the land has existing trails and borders Englewood Road which allowed easy access. The farm and forest project borders the New River, an American Heritage River and will protect water quality along its streams and diverse habitat in the area. This project will protect approximately 8,200 feet from the ridgetop development and protect the scenic viewshed for river users and those traveling the New River Blueway. The New River Hill Farm & Forest will provide a natural area for public use & passive recreation, hiking, environmental education, enjoyment of diverse wildlife, fishing, and water activities. The District will also continue to offer hands-on learning opportunities as a working farm and forest.

ABOUT ABOUT US ABOUT Explore the pages below to discover more about our District, programs, and how we support our community. STAFF BOARD MEMBERS CALENDER PHOTO GALLERY LOCAL WATERSHEDS HOW WE CAN HELP MINUTES ABOUT US Discover the story behind our District, partnerships, and much more! Learn more about our operations and the formation of our District. STAFF MEMBERS Introducing our District staff members! Click to meet our staff BOARD MEMBERS Get to know our Board of Directors! Click to meet our Directors CALENDAR Check out our District Calendar for information about office closures and board meeting dates. Click to view our Calendar PHOTO GALLERY Check out our photo gallery page to discover what the District has been doing! Click to view our Album LOCAL WATERSHEDS Discover what a watershed is, explore our local watershed, and find out how to safeguard it. View article about our local watersheds HOW WE CAN HELP Watch a brief video showcasing how Districts can assist you! Watch a clip featuring a farmer who took part in the cost-share program.

Chestnut Creek & Elk Creek TMDL Cost- Share Program The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) indicates the maximum pollutant level a water body can handle while meeting quality standards. The TMDL Implementation Plan provides cost-share programs to help homeowners in certain watersheds, aiming to prevent harmful bacteria in the water supply and assist with homeowners' financial cost. 1 What is this cost-share program? This cost-share program offers financial assistance for the repair or replacement of tanks and distribution boxes, as well as alternative systems for residential homeowners. Additionally, the program covers a portion of the expenses related to septic tank pump-outs. 2 Important Application Information: Residence must be in the Chestnut Creek or Elk Creek watershed , check qualification with our office (information below). Only existing residential properties are eligible. The homeowner must apply; tenants should have their landlord submit the application for assistance. District approval is required before any work on the septic system can begin. 3 How do I apply? Confirm your residence in an eligible area by contacting our office at 276-601-6163 or email tgoodson.newriver@gmail.com before submitting your application. Complete the application form (attached below) or visit our office in person to fill out an application form. Chestnut Creek Application Elk Creek Application Submit Application Scan/take a photo and email the completed forms to Tracy Goodson at tgoodson.newriver@gmail.com or Mail to our office: New River SWCD, 200 Jacks Orchard Road, Galax, Va 24333 Or deliver it in person to our office How do I know my septic system is failing? Unusual growth patterns in your grass Presence of wet spots or standing water in your yard Septic odor detected inside or outside your home Slow drainage or backup in your plumbing systems Test showing the presence of bacteria in well water Why should I maintain my septic system? Proper septic system maintenance is crucial for health and safety, preventing costly repairs and ensuring efficient operation for years. Neglecting maintenance can lead to hazardous wastewater contamination, affecting water quality. Timely maintenance and repairs are essential for optimal function. Contact us for any other questions or concerns! Phone: 276 - 601 - 6163 Email: tgoodson.newriver@gmail.com Address: 200 Jacks Orchard Road Galax, VA 24333

OUR STAFF MEMBERS Scotty Hines Conservation Technician Crystal Cox Conservation Technician Emily Coomes Administrative Technician & FOIA Officer Brady Lowe Intern Tracy Goodson District Manager Tim Phipps Conservation Specialist Brandon Tomlinson Conservation Technician Email tgoodson.newriver@gmail.com Phone (276) 601-6163 Follow

NO-TILL DRILL RENTAL No-till farming is an excellent way to increase the health and productivity of soils by increasing soil organics and water infiltration, decreasing cropland compaction, and greatly reducing or eliminating soil erosion. In addition, no-till farming is one of the most economical methods of planting pastureland and hay land, saving you both time and money. Our drills are perfect for planting all seed varieties. We own two drills with 10-foot planting width – eliminating the need to plow and disk before planting. Cost is $15/acre (5 acre minimum) and $50 set-up and calibration assistance. A minimum of 55 hp is required to pull the drill by tractor. Unfortunately, we do not provide or rent tractors. The New River SWCD only rents the no-till seed drill to those in areas our District covers (Carroll, Grayson, and Galax). If you have any questions about no-till farming or our no-till drill rental program, please call (276) 601-6163 Haybuster No-Till Drill 2 available Features: wide seed cups, 18 seed openers, v bottom dividers, digital acre meters, seed level indicator, and easy-to-access calibration crank Specifications: 10' working width, 7'' spacing Typical Uses: small grains, soybeans, forages, cover crops, and large pastures Pricing: $15 per acre (5 acre minimum) and a $50 set-up and collaboration assistance fee. Please contact NRSWCD at (276) 601-6163 for availability and scheduling. CREP Kit Program Widely Available Features: tree tubes, tree stake, mat staples, and top net Typical Uses: establish buffers of native trees and shrubs along fish bearing streams and rivers Pricing: $6 per kit Please contact NRSWCD at (276) 601-6163 for more information. CREP KIT

PROGRAMS & SERVICES TMDL COST-SHARE PROGRAMS & SERVICES WE OFFER Learn more about our educational opportunities, equipment and BMP Cost-Share at New River Soil & Water Conservation District below. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITES EQUIPMENT BMP COST-SHARE ELK CREEK TMDL COST-SHARE Program Do you live in the Elk Creek Watershed and are experiencing issues with your septic tank system? We encourage you to complete an application. Click below to learn more! Read more about TMDL program EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Coordinate a natural resources field day for your school or classroom! Field day activities can be done in class or off-site. Contact the NRSWCD office today to coordinate an event. Explore our educational programs EQUIPMENT Studies show that No-Till Seeders minimize water erosion on cropland, saves time, and doesn't require as much equipment usage. The New River Soil and Water Conservation District provides No-Till Seeders for low cost rental. Learn more about no-till drill rental BMP COST-SHARE Apply for our BMP Program to receive financial and physical assistance to reduce erosion and soil loss from your land, as well as filter sediments containing fertilizer and pesticide chemicals before they can reach nearby waterways. Apply today to qualify for a BMP Cost-Share program. Read more about our BMP cost-share programs

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Our educational programs aim to help people of all ages to understand and appreciate our natural resources as well as learn to conserve and maintain those resources for future generations. These programs provide structured activities that can target different age groups. NRSWCD also aims to encourage its participants to use knowledge gained from its educational programs on a personal level and help them to use our natural resources wisely on their own. If you don't see a program below that you are interested in participating in, please leave a note on the c ontact form . Field Trips NRSWCD will coordinate a natural resources field day for your school or classroom utilizing various resource professionals within the area. Any corresponding activities can be done either on-campus or off-site upon request. Now Available! Take a Field Trip to a local stream to evaluate water quality using the Izaak Walton League of America's Save Our Streams program. Field Trip Topics Include: I Watersheds I Lake Ecology I Forestry/Trees I Wildlife I Maps (Topography) I Soils I In-Class Opportunities The following programs are geared towards classroom settings, but can be also done outside/off-site upon request. Enviroscape Through the use of the EnviroScape tabeltop model, students will learn the impact that humans can have on our natural resources with a hands-on approach demonstration. Students will understand the concept of a watershed, where point-source and nonpoint-source pollution originates, and what management practices can be implemented to prevent pollution. The discussion and demonstration can be modified to meet the needs of grades 2-12. Soils A variety of activities that will help students know more about soil. Activities include run-off tables to show erosion, soil properties, soil's ability to support life, etc. Project WET and Project WILD These are both Curriculum and Activity Guides for grades K-12. WET is a collection of hands-on, water related activities. WILD is an interdisciplinary environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. Project WET 1/30 Project Learning Tree (PLT) This program is a Curriculum and Activity Guide for grades K-8 and four high school modules. PLT uses the forest as a "window on the world" to increase students' understanding of our complex environment. Envirothon Envirothon Envirothon Envirothon Testing Envirothon 1/15 The Virginia Envirothon is a natural resources competition for high school students. Students who participate learn about stewardship and management concepts as well as work to solve real and hypothetical environmental problems. The program is field-oriented and gives students an opportunity to work with natural resource professionals. Teams compete at the local and regional level in the early spring to win a spot in the Virginia Envirothon. The top three teams from the region are eligible for a two-day state competition held in May. The winner of the state competition goes to the national Canon Envirothon in late July. Teams are made up of five students in 9th through 12th grades. Throughout the school year students prepare for competition with a coach, usually a teacher or natural resource professional in the community. Students are tested on their knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatics, and the current environmental topic. Students visit five "in-the-field" test stations where written and hands-on problem solving is required along with an oral presentation formulating a strategy for addressing an environmental issue. The event is competitive, but education is the bottom line. Please contact us via the contact page if you are an educator and would like to participate in the Envirothon program. Earth Day Local area second grade classes participate in the annual Earth Day Field Day event held at the Matthews Estate. The field days are sponsored by the New River SWCD and the Virginia Department of Forestry. The activities are correlated with the Virginia second grade SOL's and cover topics from natural resource conservation to forestry, wildlife habitats, the foodchain, the water cycle, plant life, and much more. Please contact us via the contact page if you are an educator and would like to participate in the Earth Day program. 2024 Earth Day Earth Day Smokie the Bear Earth Day Nature Hike/ Wildlife 2024 Earth Day 1/49

ABOUT US We work with the people who work the land. Soil and Water Conservation District across the Commonwealth of Virginia assist landowners with the development and implementation of conservation practices. These conservation practices are installed through cost-share and tax credit programs that focus on water quality improvement and environmental stewardship. Not only do these practices improve our local environment, the installation and proper management of conservation practices help to improve farm operational profitability. ABOUT SWCD'S Soil and Water Conservation Districts are self-governed subdivisions of state government. The 46 districts across Virginia are funded primarily through the local government appropriations, fund-raising projects, and state, federal and private grants. Their leaders, called directors, are locally elected citizens who set priorities, guide and direct work, activities and programs for the district personnel. Conservation district directors are not paid. Because conservation districts are citizen-directed organizations, they are practical partners to coordinate local, state, and federal watershed initiatives to protect natural resources and enhance water quality. Conservation district personnel encourage good stewardship by helping individuals manage the soil, water, air, plants, and animals so their watershed can sustain them for generations to come. Healthy watersheds balance the needs of people, the land and natural resources, providing for stable economies that enable people to enjoy a quality of life. OUR HISTORY The New River Soil and Water Conservation District was first established because of referendum held in June 1940, in Carroll and Grayson Counties. On December 30th, 1943, Floyd County was added to the District. Boundaries were changed again in 1972 when Floyd County withdrew. In 1975, the City of Galax successfully petitioned the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Commission to join the New River SWCD. The latest change in the District happened on August 26, 1944, when the Commission was petitioned to form a single-county district. Today the New River District is made up of Carroll and Grayson Counties and the City of Galax and includes all the land within their borders; an area approximately 615,820 acres. Forestland accounts for approximately 281,550 acres, pastureland for 173,400 acres, and cropland for 128,000 acres. CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE Citizens rely on their local soil and water conservation districts for help in many ways: developing and overseeing implementation of comprehensive plans for efficient production and good stewardship of natural resources, such as reducing soil erosion and managing nutrients and pesticides helping residents identify community watershed pollution problems that involve local interests providing financial assistance for installing Best Management Practices (BMP's) on agricultural and forest lands offering low-cost rental of equipment such as no-till seeders to encourage conservation practices participating environmental education via weeklong summer conservation camp; Envirothon (National environmental competition for high school students at state level); field days/demonstrations to professionals, homeowners, and outreach projects with schools to help students become environmentally aware, action-oriented adults coordinating public participation in natural resource issues OUR PARTNERSHIPS Conservation districts receive help from many partners by way of technical and administrative assistance which, in turn, allows them to better serve their communities. The New River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of both Grayson and Carroll Counties, as well as the City of Galax. The District's overall objective is to ensure that every acre of land is treated according to its capabilities. This not only includes farm uses, but urban and industrial as well. These objectives are carried out by encouraging every farm to have a conservation plan, and every county and town to adopt and carry out Virginia's Erosion and Sediment Control Program. New River Soil and Water Conservation District will work towards these objectives through education, evaluation of Erosion and Sediment Controls plans, farm planning, and the BMP Cost-Share Program. We will continue to work in these areas to meet our goal of improving our environment and the conservation of our natural resources. Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD) A non-governmental association of conservation districts and their directors that offers capacity-building support through awards, educational activities, and promotional and marketing assistance. The association provides districts a voice in state and federal processes. Please click here to visit Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts' webpage. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) This state agency is the lead nonpoint-source pollution control agency for the Commonwealth; its soil and water conservation programs are committed to protecting water quality throughout Virginia. Please click here to visit Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's webpage. Virginia Cooperative Extensions (VCE) Affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, locally employed staff carry out the schools' primary missions of education and research. Most conservation district boards have VCE representation. Please click here to visit Virginia Cooperation Extension's webpage. Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) The VDOF is charged with the protection of the forest resources from fire. The principle goals of the Forest Protection Program are to prevent injury or loss of human life, minimize property damage and protect resources. The Department also provides technical assistance to private landowners to assist them in managing their forest land for forest products, water quality, protection of threatened and endangered species, historic resources and wildlife habitat; provides marketing and utilization assistance to forest industry and provides technical assistance in managing state owned lands of other agencies. Please click here to visit Virginia Department of Forestry's webpage. Soil and water conservation districts work with local government and various civic, community, and conservation organizations. These groups provide districts financial and staff support, while looking to districts to provide unbiased information concerning local land-use and water quality issues.

VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL COST-SHARE PROGRAM The New River Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting applications for the state's agricultural Cost-Share Program. The conservation district includes Carroll and Grayson counties and the City of Galax. This program reimburses landowners a portion of installation costs for approved practices. These practices help reduce erosion and soil loss from the land and filter sediment containing fertilizer and pesticide chemicals before it can reach nearby waterways. Certain pesticides help store animal waste to prevent runoff into rivers, lakes, and streams. In order to qualify for these funds, a conservation plan must be written for the land, and the conservation district board must approve in advance. There are caps for the amount of money persons can receive, and those who receive certain funds must meet certain criteria, which include maintaining the practice for a certain period of time, as well as being subject to periodic inspections. Landowners should contact the New River Soil and Water Conservation District in order to start the process. For more information about the Cost-Share Program, visit our Contact form or call the NRSWCD office at (276) 601-6163. Contact the NRSWCD to sign-up. You may call the office, letting them know of your intended sign-up. This must be done prior to any installation (scroll down to find downloadable application) Develop or update your conservation plan. The NRSWCD board must approve your cost-share application. Install the cost-share to NRCS specification. Technical inspection and approval of how the cost-share program is made. Present bills and other supporting data to District staff. The District will issue payment to landowner at specified cost-share rate. Note: Installation of practices must be completed by the established expiration date. Each cost-share program has a life span and random spot checks will be performed over the life of the project to ensure each practice is still viable. Get Started Here: Contact NRSWCD with your intent to apply. Available Cost-Share Options (partial list) FR-1 Reforestation of erodible crop and pastureland FR-3 Woodland buffer filter area FR-4 Woodland erosion s tabilization SL-1 Permanent vegetive cover on cropland SL-3 Strip-cropping systems SL-3b Buffer strip-cropping SL-5 Diversion SL-6 Grazing land protection SL-8 Protective cover for specialty crops SL-8b Small grain cover crop for nutrient management WL- Idle land WP-1 Sediment retention, erosion, water, or water control structures WP-2 Streambank protection WP-2b Stream crossings and hardened access WP-2c Stream channel stabilization WP-3 Sod waterway WP-4 Animal waste control facility WP-4b Loafing lot management system WP-4e Pumps to empty animal waste structures WP-6 Agricultural chemical and fertilizer handling facility WQ-1 Grass filter strips WQ-4 Legume cover crop WQ-6 Constructed wetlands SL-11 Permanent vegetable cover on critical areas WL-1 Field boarders How to Qualify for Cost-Share: