Environmental Quality Incentives Program- EQIP
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program that provides total resource management system planning on the whole farm. It predominantly deals with, but is not limited to, addressing water quality concerns on livestock farms. A wide variety of conservation practices are available for cost share, including: rotational grazing systems; waste management systems; heavy use areas; waterways; pasture seeding, ag chemical facilities; and many more. Incentive payments are available for the installation of practices. There are opportunities for higher incentives if you are a socially disadvantaged or Limited Resource Farmer. Contract periods can range from one to 10 years. There is a continuous sign-up period for EQIP; applications are ranked and funded once per year on a funds availability basis. Ranking scores are based on the quality and number of resource concerns that will be addressed by implementing the plan. Applications compete against all other applications in the county.
Gravel heavy use feeding area at Miles Cook's farm in Wayne Township
Concrete heavy use area for animal feeding at David Schwab's farm in Reily Township
Newly constructed Waste Storage Facility with a Roof Structure. Joe Streit, St. Clair Twp
Environmental Quality Incentives Program – Forestry (EQIP Forestry):
This division of the EQIP program is very similar to General EQIP, but the applications are accepted for Forestry practices only. Eligible practices include: Honeysuckle and grapevine removal, Crop tree release, and tree plantings. In order to apply for this program the applicant must have been in contact with the area service forester or a consulting forester to complete a Forestry Stewardship Plan. There is a minimum acreage of 5ac and a maximum of 30ac for this program.
Lisa Foster has had bush honeysuckle removed from her property in Reily Twonship through EQIP- Forestry.