Other Cost-Share Programs

Posted on by Bri West

Numerous state and federal programs exist to help landowners implement conservation practices and natural resource management efforts. You can find links to learn more about these resources below:

Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs)

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

The e Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) aims to improve Virginia’s water quality and wildlife habitat by offering financial incentives, cost-share and rental payments to farmers who voluntarily restore riparian forest buffers, grass and shrub buffers, and wetlands using CREP-approved best management practices (BMPs).

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

EQIP is a conservation program offered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands. EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as:

  • Improved water and air quality;
  • Conserved ground and surface water;
  • Increased soil health;
  • Reduced soil erosion and sedimentation;
  • Improved or created wildlife habitat; and
  • Mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.

For more information and to find out how to get assistance, visit the Environmental Quality Incentives Program page.

aerial image of a rural farm. there are tree tubes adjacent to a stream between two sets of fences
A tree planting at Meadows Farm in Fauquier County, supported by John Marshall Soil and Water District. Credit: Hugh Kenny/PEC