Conservation
Conservation Programs
General Information
Durham County Soil and Water Conservation offers programs for farmers, landowners, and residents to address natural resource concerns. We partner with:
- North Carolina Commission of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
- North Carolina Division of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Piedmont Conservation Council
Our programs utilize best management practices to improve water quality and reduce soil erosion. These programs operate on a voluntary basis.
Agriculture Cost Share Program
The Agriculture Cost-Share Assistance Program (ACSP) is a voluntary program for farmers and agricultural landowners to help address non-point source pollution from agricultural activities. The program provides technical and financial assistance for the installation of best management practices. Applicants can be reimbursed up to 75% of the predetermined average cost for each best management practice installed.
ACSP is administered by is administered by the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission through local soil and water conservation districts.
Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program
The Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP) is a cost-share program aimed at increasing water use efficiency, availability, and storage for agricultural operations. It also implements best management practices to conserve and protect natural resources. Applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75% of a predetermined average cost or actual cost up to a cost cap for each BMP installed.
AgWRAP is administered by the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Stream Restoration and Stormwater Projects
Durham Soil and Water works to restore eroded or unstable streams and treat stormwater runoff throughout the county. Streams can become altered directly or indirectly by changes in the surrounding landscapes. This results in increased erosion, stream bank flooding, and pollution of our waterways. Through organizational partnerships and grant funding, Durham Soil and Water has restored thousands of linear feet of streams.
Voluntary Nutrient Reduction Program
The Voluntary Nutrient Reduction Program (VNRP) is a voluntary initiative to encourage residents to reduce their fertilizer use by 40%. Excess nutrients from fertilizer enters our waterways, contributing to the pollution of our surface waters. Protect our water resources by pledging to follow the VNRP best management practices!
Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Durham Soil & Water Conservation District, in partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), offers a wide variety of conservation programs designed to help farmers, landowners, and the environment.
NRSC Supervisory Soil Conservationist for Durham County: Olivia Plant
919-760-1272olivia.plant@usda.gov
Piedmont Conservation Council
Piedmont Conservation Council (PCC) is a non-profit organization that operates in 10 counties around the piedmont, including Durham. They assist organizations with grant writing, project management, strategic planning, and workshops. Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District partners with PCC to put conservation practices on the ground.