The Tioga County Conservation District is set to receive over $3.6 million in funding through a variety of sources over the next few years.  The funding is targeted to install practices and projects that reduce the nutrient and sediment loading in the local watersheds, as well as the Chesapeake Bay. The funding from all programs will help to make local farms more sustainable by increasing herd health and helping to increase the productivity of the soil, which will increase yields and the capacity of the soil to retain moisture and nutrients while helping to reduce the cost of fertilizers and pesticides.

The National Fish and Wildlife or NFWF grant is a partnership grant with Potter CO Conservation District and will be targeted in the Cowanesque watershed. This grant is looking for farmers that are interested in implementing soil testing, cover crops (fields going from single species to multi species or fields new to cover crops), nitrogen stabilizers, lime application and improved grazing practices such as animal walkways, fencing, rotational grazing and alternative water sources for livestock. The Growing Greener grant will fund similar projects, but will be open to all of Tioga County.

Through the CAP (County Action Plan) and ACAP (Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program) grants, possible projects could include all practices listed above but also include structural practices, such as heavy use area barnyards, manure storages, fencing and water control practices- i.e. roof gutters and underground drainage outlets.

If you interested in installing any practices, please contact the Conservation District office at 570-724-1801 or aboyce@tiogacountypa.us for an application.  All applications that are received will be ranked as to best distribute the funds to target the greatest nutrient and sediment reductions.

All participants will be required to have a manure management plan or nutrient management plan and an ag erosion and sediment plan or conservation plan.  Assistance with all plans can be found through the Conservation District or the NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) office for conservation plans at 570-724-1726. Applications can be submitted throughout the year. Ranking for 2023 must be received by February 28, 2023.