In October of 2008 Madison County, Indiana was awarded a 319 grant from the State of Indiana.  The cost-share dollars amount to $100,000. This money can be awarded to landowners or farmers that wish to implement BMP's (Best Management Practice)  on land that falls within Priority's 1-4 of the Lilly and Little Duck Watersheds.

Watershed Management Plan

A BMP is a management practice that is used to reduce the quantity of pollutants generated and/or delivered from a source to a receiving water body.  A structural BMP is something that is built or involves changes in landforms or equipment.

• Equipment modifications for No Till/Reduced Till
• Livestock Alternative Watering Systems and Exclusion Fencing
• Nutrient and Manure Management Plan Development
• Rotational Grazing
• Riparian buffers, grassed waterways, and field borders
• Other BMPs that meet NRCS standards

• Purchasing of large agriculture equipment
• Purchasing of land
• Incentive payments or yield losses
• Practices that do not meet NRCS standards

If I am farmer but live outside of the watershed area but still in Madison County and I eligible for this cost share?

Possibly, you are eligible if you farm any land that is located in 1 of the 4 circled priority areas.   Contact your watershed coordinator at the SWCD office to verify eligibility.

What is the percentage of cost share?

The percentage is 75%.  The 25% left over is the contract holders responsibility.  Labor cost can be counted towards that 25%.

How will the payments for these practices be administered?

This cost-share program is a reimbursement program.  Receipts must be turned in to the SWCD with a claim voucher.  You should receive your cost-share check by mail 30-90 days after the SWCD is invoiced.

What are the steps I need to take in order to participate in this cost share program?

• Call the Madison Country SWCD office and ask for Chanda Hiatt who is the watershed coordinator. She will verify with you if you are eligible for this program.
• Complete a Cost-Share Application and Ranking Sheet.
• A site visit will be made.
• Applications will be cross-referenced with other federal incentive programs.
• A contract will be signed.
• Perform work for program
• Have completed project certified (must have conservation plan in place)
• Send in invoice for reimbursement payments
• Receive reimbursement payments
• Maintain Practices for maximum benefits

Join the discussion on our blog.
To View 2009-2010 Water Testing Results Click here
To View Power Point Presentation on THE BENEFITS OF NO TILL click here
To view exciting pictures of 319 grant activities and other SWCD events click here