SVCA announces launch of 2018 Soil and Water Stewardship Program

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) has announced the launch of the 2018 Soil and Water Stewardship Program.

This cost-share program aims to reduce paperwork required for eligibility and provides a participation stream for innovators, while putting emphasis on education and community participation as a means for long-term stewardship adoption.

The program consists of two project streams: Seed Reimbursement and Project Partnership.

The Seed Stream covers 100 per cent of seed costs for water quality stewardship projects, such as cover crops, buffer plantings and grassed waterways (up to $1,000 per applicant). Should a project incur additional costs, such as in a berm project, applicants are invited to apply to the project partnership stream.

The Project Partnership Stream is meant for larger stewardship projects and innovative trials. In this stream, staff will meet with you to discuss your project and assist with grant applications. Both streams’ applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is at capacity.

The goal is to improve water quality, through soil conservation measures. By reducing paperwork and streamlining the program, the SVCA can divert applicants’ efforts into education and community participation actions. Participants can get information on step one from @SVCASteward account tweets and can tweet about their actions using the hashtag #SaugeenSteward.

Applicants who have five or more years' experience with stewardship practices regarding soil conservation, will have already achieved the requirements for Stream 1 but will still be eligible for funding. They will be required, however, to participate in the education and community participation actions as workshop/demonstration hosts and presenters.

The program will end Oct. 30, at the Coffee, Crops and Donuts Event: The Economics of Stewardship focusing on the ‘bottom line’ of stewardship and best management practices. At this event, applicants are asked to bring a picture of their finished project and paid receipt to receive their reimbursement.

Applications are available via on-line form (link available on the SVCA twitter account and website), for download on the website and available for pick up at the SVCA office in Formosa.

For more information, interested applicants can E-mail Tori Waugh: t.waugh@svca.on.ca, check the twitter account: @SVCAstewardship or visit: svca.on.ca