crp grassed waterways

Common Q&A

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When do you need a grassed waterway?
A grassed waterway can be installed when topsoil is eroding from a water pattern.

Who is involved in a Cost-Share Program?
  • Pickaway Soil and Water Conservation District (PSWCD) – all technical aspects/design
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – writes conservation plan/contract
  • Farm Service Agency (FSA) – manages program, makes payments

Who determines my eligibility for a cost-share program?
Eligibility is determined by FSA.

How is cost-share determined?
The 50% cost-share is based on the state average list.

Other important notes to be aware of:
  • Seeding dates are March 15 – May 31 and August 1 – September 15
  • The annual rental payment is based on the soils.
  • This is a 10-year commitment with the opportunity to re-enroll after 10 years if the plan qualifies and the program allows.

CRP Waterway Steps for Customers

The Conservation Reserve Program is a cost-share program for grassed waterways based on flat rates for waterway components. Check with the District for the current cost-share percentage. If you are interested in a CRP grassed waterway, here are the steps to follow:
  1. Contact the Soil and Water office (740-477-1693). Please provide the location and a Farm and Tract number if possible. Let us know when you would like to build the waterway and if you have a contractor lined up to do the work once the project is under contract. If you can’t find a contractor, SWCD has a contractor list on their website at www.pickawayswcd.org. You are not required to use one of them, nor do we make recommendations. 
  2. SWCD/NRCS staff will visit the site to verify erosion in the field. If there is no erosion present, a waterway can’t move forward at this time.
  3. SWCD/NRCS staff will work with FSA to determine if the site is eligible for the CRP program. To be eligible for the CRP program, there must be reported crop history for the area of the waterway. If the area is not eligible for CRP, you can either sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) with NRCS or the SWCD staff will design a plan for you without a cost-share program.
  4. Once erosion is verified, SWCD/NRCS staff will survey and start design on the waterway(s). This may involve several visits, especially if underground utilities are present. 
  5. Upon finishing the waterway engineering plan, the landowner will be given two copies. Additional copies may be purchased.
  6. The conservation plan and contract will be written by NRCS and FSA based on the components of the engineering plan. FSA will contact the landowner to schedule an appointment to have it reviewed and signed, if the waterway is considered eligible for the CRP program and the landowner has agreed to the cost estimate and signed an application with FSA.
  7. Once the contract is signed and the site passes an archaeological study, construction can begin. SWCD/NRCS will schedule to meet with the contractor/landowner to review the plan, usually on site. Contractor or landowner will need to contact SWCD/NRCS a few days prior to construction to request a construction layout.
  8. SWCD/NRCS will follow construction and approve the waterway(s) to be seeded when all standards have been met. After completion, the appropriate NRCS, ODA, or SWCD engineer or technician will approve the construction.
  9. Your contract will have a deadline for completion, usually three years from the time you sign. Tile can be installed any time of year; most opt to do it over the winter in advance of any grading to allow tile trenches to settle. Seeding dates are March 15 to May 31 and August 1 to September 15. If the waterway seeding is completed outside of these dates (unless there was an extension by USDA), payment will be held until the next seeding date opening. If grass is established at that time, payment can be made. If not, the waterway will need to be reseeded at the landowner’s expense.  
  10. Landowner submits bills to FSA and signs request for payment. The bills will be reviewed by FSA/SWCD/NRCS and compared to the constructed quantities. FSA then makes the payment.
  11. Landowner is responsible for maintaining the waterway(s) for the contracted life of 10 years. They will receive annual rental payments with the potential to renew at expiration depending on program changes and the waterway condition.

Contacts:
SWCD     (740) 477-1693       Brad Hughes or Adriahna Karr
NRCS      (740) 477-1691       Justin Armintrout or Megan Sweeney or Matt Mauzy
FSA         (740) 477-1691       Sherrill King or Kristi Riddle

CRP Waterway Customer Technical Checklist

When you contact Pickaway SWCD about a CRP Waterway, these are the questions we will ask you. (Click on the image to view a PDF version.)