CCW Conference: Leveraging funding for agricultural conservation practices in Delaware

1. Leveraging Funding for
Agricultural Conservation Practices
in Delaware
Jennifer Volk
University of Delaware
Environmental Quality Extension Specialist
4th Annual Choose Clean Water Conference
June 4, 2013

2. Agriculture in
Delaware’s
portion of the
Chesapeake
Ag contributes ~80% of the pollutants

3. Stream and Wetland
Restoration Projects
• Blend funding sources and utilize partnerships
– US Natural Resources Conservation Service
– US Fish and Wildlife Service
– Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control (DNREC)
– Department of Agriculture
– County Conservation Districts
– Non-profit groups
• Ducks Unlimited
• The Nature Conservancy
– School groups
– Private contractors

4. Gravelly Branch Restoration Project
• Reconnected channelized stream to floodplain
• Federal, state, and local partners

5. Federal funds
State-owned
lands
Multiple
agencies
design and
construct
Tax ditch
organization

6. Webber Farm Restoration Project
• 66.3% State funds
• 26.4% National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant
• 7.3% Non-Point Source Program funds

7. Webber Farm Restoration Project
“Whole Farm Water Management”
• 1 acre demonstration wetland filters water draining from
production area with 6 poultry houses, supportive
structures, and 55 acres of cropland

8. Cover Crops
• 4 similar but separate cost share programs
Sussex Conservation District FY2013 Funds
• DNREC Conservation Cost Share (state)
• DNREC Nonpoint Source Program (federal)
• General Assembly Bond Bill (state)
• USDA NRCS (federal)
• DNREC Watershed Assessment Section (federal)
• Department of Agriculture (state)

9. Cover Crops
Participation impacted by:
• Funding
• Weather conditions
• Policies

10. Strategic Watershed Action Team
Program
NRCS grant to have SWAT planners write Comprehensive Nutrient
Management Plans for poultry producers
• DNREC and County Conservation Districts also contributed cash and in-
kind services
– 2 planners
– 2 years
– 112 CNMPs
– 10 outreach/education events

11. It’s all about the
partnerships!
jennvolk@udel.edu
302-730-4000