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Arial View of Green Field

AGRICULTURE CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

The Will-South Cook Soil & Water Conservation District operates several programs that address the effects of development upon the area’s natural resources.

Partners for Conservation Program

Each year, cost-share funds are available through the IDOA to help landowners with the construction or adoption of projects that address specific resource concerns, such as soil erosion, soil health, water quality and more. Contract sign-up is typically in April, although interest in the program can be discussed at any time of the year. 

SWCD Funding Assistance 
for Conservation

This cost-share program is administered through the SWCD to help landowners achieve the tolerable soil loss goals set by the state of Illinois. 

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The SWCD offers cost-sharing in the amount of 50% of the project cost, not to exceed $10,000 total cost. 

Fall Covers for Spring Savings

This program is applicable for acreage seeded to cover crops in the fall of '24 that will be planted to an insurable crop in '25. Eligible applicants will receive a premium discount up to $5 per acre in the following year's crop insurance. The signup period begins in December and IDOA will select applications on a first come, first serve basis. 

Vegetative Filter Strip Tax Incentive Program

Under the Vegetative Filter Strip Assessment Law (35ILCS 200/10-152), qualifying property used as a vegetative filter strip is eligible to be assessed at a reduced rate. Once certified by the SWCD, landowners can qualify for a property tax reduction. 

Streambank Stabilization and Restoration Program

This program is designed to demonstrate effective, inexpensive vegetative and bio-engineering techniques for limiting streambank erosion. It funds projects at suitable locations and provides cost-share assistance to landowners with severely eroding streambanks. 

Environmental Quality Incentive Program

NRCS provides assistance to farmers who face threats to soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. This program offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants to install or implement structural and management practice on eligible agricultural land. 

Nutrient Management Plan

This plan is to provide an incentive and an educational tool to assist producers in optimizing the application of nutrients for plant production while minimizing offsite impacts to the environment and protecting water quality.

 

Eligibility is limited to fields where the next crop planted is scheduled for an application of N, P, or K fertilizer. 

Conservation Reserve Program

This program encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland and other environmentally sensitive cropland areas to permanent vegetative cover. 

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Cost-share assistance is provided to establish the vegetative cover practices. 

Conservation Practices Program

CPP provides cost-share assistance for the construction or adoption of projects that conserve soil, reduce erosion, and protect and improve water quality. Practices include well decommissioning projects (WDP), Nutrient Management Planning (NMP), and erosion control practice such as waterways, terraces, and water and sediment control basins. 

Image by Francesco Gallarotti
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