GILLESPIE COUNTY SOIL & WATER
CONSERVATION
DISTRICT #220
Gillespie County, Texas
Brush Clearing
Programs
SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP)
The SWCD works with USDA NRCS and landowners in
Gillespie County to increase water quantity and water quality though EQIP, a
federal cost-shared program. Part of
EQIP is concerned with brush management; including clearing cedar and
mesquite, prickly pear cactus, and persimmon. Contract amounts are paid per
acre depending on brush density and type, and other factors.
NRCS works with landowners to decide which areas they
want to clear. EQIP doesn't require extreme clearing, and
buffer areas can be left where agreed to.
Areas that would be too dangerous or costly to clear, like cliff edges
or along creek beds, can also be left.
Other practices in the NRCS payment schedule are also
eligible for cost share; like cross fencing and water development. Landowners/operators must be engaged in
livestock or agricultural production to be eligible for EQIP. The work needs to be done in accordance
with NRCS specifications. At least one
contract item must be finished within the contract's first year. Participants hire their own contractor after their EQIP contract is signed &
approved. The Gillespie County SWCD has
a contractor’s list to help EQIP participants find contractors to do the
work.
EQIP has a continuous sign-up; so you can apply now. A round of funding is expected in March
2012 for applications submitted in 2011. For details on the program, you can visit
the NRCS office in Fredericksburg at 1906 North Llano, #106; call NRCS at
830-997-3349 ext. 3; or consult the NRCS
web-site about EQIP. When you apply for EQIP, you
should also verify with Farm Service Agency that your ranch records are
current (they are in #107).
PEDERNALES WATER
ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
In 2002, the Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board
implemented this brush clearing program in the Pedernales River Watershed, working through SWCDs in Blanco, Gillespie, Kerr,
Kendall, & Travis
Counties. The program’s overall goal is to enhance
the stream flow and water availability of the Pedernales River which flows
into Lake Travis, through selective
removal of brush.
Applications are being accepted now for
the Pedernales Water Enhancement (Brush Control) Program. Limited funding was allocated for 2012. This is a state-sponsored
cost-share incentive program to help landowners remove Cedar (Ashe Juniper)
and/or Mesquite from their property.
Persons owning or operating land in Gillespie County, and interested in
participating in the program, should call Chad Gagliardi or George Cunningham
at 830-868-7237 ext. 3.
Back to Gillespie Co. SWCD
Home Page
The Gillespie County
SWCD #220 prohibits discrimination in its programs and activities on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability,
political beliefs, and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited
bases apply in all programs.) "An Equal Opportunity Provider and
Employer"
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