Assistance in the Chesapeake Bay

Virginia NRCS provides technical assistance in conservation planning and on-farm conservation implementation to landowners, farm operators and other decision makers. Funds to help implement conservation practices are available through Farm Bill programs.

Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) Program

The mission of NRCS is helping people help the land. NRCS carries out this mission by providing technical expertise, including direct conservation planning, design, and implementation assistance to put conservation on private lands.  NRCS conservationists work with landowners in 68 counties within Chesapeake Bay watershed. In FY 2005, funds for CTA totaled $3,345,268.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

EQIP offers technical and financial assistance to help farmers address grazing land, cropland, animal waste and forestry concerns.  Since 2003, EQIP funds have increased within the Bay watershed. Sixty percent of all contracts were targeted to livestock operations. Farmers are installing practices for the proper handling, utilization and disposal of animal waste to reduce potential nutrient run off to local rivers and streams and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.  Learn more about EQIP. 

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

WHIP offers technical and financial assistance to create and enhance wildlife habitat.  In one year, farmers have nearly doubled the amount of acres enrolled into WHIP. Virginia has five major wildlife priorities, including: upland grassland habitat, riparian corridor habitat, migrating woodland and seasonal habitats, fish passage/stream improvement, and other decreasing habitats. Learn more about WHIP.

Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP)

FRPP helps farmers protect agricultural land from development.  In FY 2005, NRCS worked with local entities and farmers to place four conservation easements on 2,083 acres of farmland for $1.67 million in the Bay watershed.  In FY 2006, NRCS received $898,000 for FRPP. Learn more about FRPP.

Wetlands Reserve Program

In Virginia, WRP offers landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property.  In FY 2005, NRCS received funds totaling $572,225.  In FY 2006, NRCS received $430,000 for WRP.  Learn more about WRP

Conservation Security Program (CSP)

CSP rewards farmers who practice good stewardship.  CSP participants receive payments based on existing work and enhancements for air, water and wildlife.  In 2005, NRCS funded 164 contracts totaling $1,143,240 in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In 2006, the North Fork of the Shenandoah River Watershed (also in the Bay) was selected for CSP.  Learn more about CSP.

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