Equip

[smstonypoint]

IMO, each potential NRCS cost-sharing project is unique and depends on the landowner's objectives, circumstances, etc. and the NRCS specifications, requirements, etc.

This is borne out by the responses above -- the NRCS programs work for some, but not for others.

Back to the OP's question. I would argue that the OP should base his decision based on the particulars of his own situation rather than relying on a poll of others' experiences. It appears that he has his doubts. If he is unable to resolve those doubts in communicating with the local NRCS staff, pass.

Steve

 

[blueriver]

Back to the OP's question. I would argue that the OP should base his decision based on the particulars of his own situation rather than relying on a poll of others' experiences. Steve

The orginal question...

"Anybody have any experience working with a soil conservation district"

"Any ideas?"

I don't believe one should argue anything ... he asked and perhaps he wants to rely on a poll of other experiences to help him with a decision.

 

[smstonypoint]

The orginal question...


I don't believe one should argue anything ... he asked and perhaps he wants to rely on a poll of other experiences to help him with a decision.

My bad. I should have said "suggest."

Steve

 

[JeremyL]

Our local NRCS is the best thing since phillips-head screws. We have gotten liberal cost-sharing reimbursement for eco-friendly projects that we wanted to do anyway, that have improved the quality of life for us, our horses, the watershed, woods and soil.

This is what good government is all about.

 

[bigtiller]

They were pleasent and very helpful to me in the 90's planting a wind break and again last year building a waterway.

 

[forgeblast]

Wow he must have let the place just go. The program gave me a yearly calendar that lists what weeds are out, and if it may be a time to spray.
for the first two years, i was told to mow, this will keep the vole population down, after that i can just spray around the trees and let the rest grow...which is part of the program to repopulate and regenerate. If i let the thistle here go one year it would be everwhere, i spray it and weed wack it. One thing i did was look at what my wife puts out for the birds, it had a lot of thistle seed and i was wondering why it was coming back all the time.
My main issues are thistle, canadian and bull, along with multiflora rose. a couple of other little problem ones here and there, but i have no problem throwing a 5 gallon back pack sprayer on and walking/spraying. It also gives me a chance to check the tubes and netting on time.
My local office is great, gave me an extension to plant when my little one came early. I had people out to do a "weed" walk with me and tell me which ones to watchout for. They also gave me a ton of handouts on what to do. I really enjoyed the whole process, right now all the hard work is done. I spray a couple of times a year and get a check for it. Along with that i now have butternut, blackwalnut, hickory, oaks, and fruit shrubs in an area that was a pain to mow. The deer are all in there and next year my archery stand will be right near there.

 

[TripleR]

That's sounds like how I thought it would be

A LOT depends on your contact person. We have had a really good experience with ours. I would at least talk with them. Our guy said there are some changes in the new farm bill that will be a little more demanding, but it has helped us overall with some of our property and ponds. You are still talking about a lot of money out of your own pocket, but it helps.