Grassed Waterways Field Borders Conservation Tillage Diversions Critical Area Planting Terraces Animal Waste System Heavy Use Areas No Till Crop land Conversion Pipe Drop Lagoon Closure EQIP The Wilson District participates in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Last year 186 applications were received and 90 were accepted. $132,508 was encumbered and utilized for cost sharing such practices as nutrient management, pest management, long term no till, wildlife field borders, fencing, pipelines, watering facilities, and lagoon closures. Other Cost Share Programs handled by the Wilson District include: WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program) Encourages landowners to utilize wildlife habitat cover in their farming operations. CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) A 10 year program where marginal land is converted to a permanent cover and is taken out of production. CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) This program is designed to assist farmers in complying with the regulations of nutrient reduction in our rivers and streams. Cost sharing and long term contracts are available for installing riparian buffers, filter strips and other practices to reduce sediment, nutrient and other non-point source impacts to nearby water systems. CP33 (Conservation Program) This is a new program to assist with habitat buffers for Upland Birds. Strips of volunteer vegetation around field edges that provide valuable nesting and brood cover for bobwhite quail and other wildlife, protect water quality and support integrated pest management. The CRP Continuous Signup allows enrollment of land throughout the year in this important wildlife conservation practice. BMAP (Beaver Management Assistance Program) County landowners will be able to call on an USDA Technician to assess beaver damage and possibly aid in the removal of unwanted beavers and dams. 0.200 Regulations All animal waste operations that are above the minimum animal unit numbers set by the State were required to be certified by December 31, 1997. The District was responsible for providing technical and financial assistance to operators who must comply. In addition, the District inspects operations in order to ensure compliance. All animal production facilities that raise more than the minimum animal unit numbers set by the State are required to operate under an approved plan that is prepared by the District. In order to assure compliance, all operations are inspected at least two times every year. The District provides technical and financial assistance to producers who go out of business and wish to close down the waste storage lagoons.