© Tyrrell SWCD 2013
NC Ag Cost Share Program
Non-point source pollution has been identified by the NC Division of Water Quality as the
primary source of degradation of freshwater rivers and streams in North Carolina. The
approach taken in North Carolina for addressing this pollution problem is by encouraging
voluntary participation from the agriculture community to install Best Management
Practices on their farms to reduce the amount of non-point pollution that leaves the site.
The BMP's are supported with financial incentives, technical and educational assistance,
research, and regulatory programs. The Cost Share Program is a reimbursement program
that pays up to 75 % of the average cost for the installed BMP's while the farmer/landowner
pays the remaining cost. Our cost share practices include vegetated field borders, grassed
waterways, irrigation systems, conservation tillage, cropland conversion, poultry
incinerators, water control structures, and much more. If you are interested in this program
or would like a list of the Best Management Practices our program covers, please contact
us.
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a program offering incentives for
buffering perennial drainageways with trees. Incentives include an annual rental rate (~$100
per acre for up to fifteen years) and cost share to assist with planting the trees. The trees
serve to buffer (filter) nutrients from the subsurface water moving towards the perennial
drainageway. Eligible areas can be enrolled for ten years, fifteen years, thirty years or
permanently. Acreage enrolled with a thirty-year or permanent easement also includes a
bonus payment. If you are interested in this program please contact our office.
Coastal Envirothon
The Envirothon program is an effective educational too, capable of supplementing
environmental education both inside and outside the classroom. Led by a volunteer
advisor, teams usually meet from late autumn until spring. Teams work collaboratively to
develop their knowledge of ecology and natural resource management and to practice their
enviromental problem-solving skills in preparation for Envirothon competition.
Resource Conservation Workshop
The RCW is a week long intensive study and hands-on conservation workshop requiring
student application and participation in a wide range of conservation topics. Students are
housed in NCSU campus dormitories under the guidance of live-in counselors. In order to
achieve success, students should come prepared to apply themselves to meet the primary
objective of this workshop - learning about natural resources and their management in
today's environment. Awards and scholarships are won and presented to students under
several awards programs.