Conservation Programs
The North Carolina Division of Soil and Water Conservation has a variety of cost share programs available. Each program offers best management practices (BMPs) targeted to meet specific goals and offers assistance to address agricultural, rural, and urban water resource issues. Typically, 75 percent cost share assistance is provided to an applicant. BMPs are simply the measures used to accomplish goals.
The cost share programs listed below are offered in Henderson County. Click the name to learn more.
- Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP) - The purpose of the Agriculture Cost Share Program is to protect water quality from nonpoint source pollution by installing BMPs on agricultural lands. This approach is supported by financial incentives, technical and educational assistance, research, and regulatory programs. In many places damage to water resources comes from soil erosion, excessive or improper fertilizer or animal waste use, and improper use of agricultural chemicals. Common BMPs include livestock exclusion fencing, agrichemical handling facilities, and agricultural road stabilizations. ACSP focuses on water quality.
- Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP) - The Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program was authorized through Session Law 2011-145. The purpose of AgWRAP is to identify opportunities to increase water use, efficiency, availability, and storage and to conserve and protect water resources. Common BMPs include agricultural ponds, water supply wells, and micro-irrigation. AgWRAP focuses on water quantity.
- Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) - The Community Conservation Assistance Program is a voluntary, incentive-based program designed to improve water quality through the installation of various BMPs on urban, suburban and rural lands, not directly involved in agricultural production. CCAP consists of educational, technical, and financial assistance provided to landowners who are responding to increased urbanization. CCAP can help educate landowners on water quality, storm water management, and retrofit practices to treat storm water runoff. Common BMPs include riparian buffers, stream restorations, and abandoned well closures. CCAP focuses on water quality.
