Programs
Please note the
Application Deadlines
Deadline dates differ on programs. All applications must be printed out and mailed back with landowners/applicants original signatures. All Project applications must be in writing.
Assiniboine Hills Conservation District has a number of programs area farmers may be interested. Our goals include reducing the amount of silt that enters local streams and creeks, reducing erosion and local flooding, and helping landowners to farm more sustainably.
** Please call the office if you would like application forms dropped off, mailed or
faxed. Let us know if you have experience any difficulties downloading applications.
Original applications must be sent to the office. Forms that have been changed or altered will be rejected.
These programs benefit the entire conservation district and as such are seperated from producer programs. Education projects include sponsoring youth speaking, South West Waterfest, Ice Fishing Days, Oak Hammock Marsh 'On the Go' program and in-class visits,
Conservation Farm Family Award, various workshops,demo days and tours, attending local fairs (watch for more on our composter promotion) and meetings and partnering
with grazing clubs, to name a few. The Burrowing Owl
project has begun to take shape, watch for more details.....
**Programs/Applications for 2011-12
The links on this page contain application forms for
programs offered by AHCD. They are in Microsoft Word format.If you do not have MS Word installed on your computer you can
download a free viewer from MicroSoft. This will allow access
to MS Word files on this website.
District Programs
Public Education Initiatives
AHCD's conservation programs each include an educational component but we are also committed to
educate the public on the importance of best management practices and sustainable development.
Composters
It takes as little as 10 minutes a week to compost. Composting can reduce garden watering bills by 30% and reduce garbage by 30%. Big enough for a family of five! Retail value of $80, available to AHCD residents for $35 including taxes. Contact the office for more information or to purchase yours.
Eco-Lawn Grass Seed
New for this year!! Benefits include: grows in full sun, part shade and even deep shade; slash your water bills; reduce your mowing time or don't mow at all!!; eliminate fertilization; reduce your carbon foot print; save time and money! Specially formulated for a greener world. Eco Lawn is a blend of seven selected fine fescue grasses. It produces a healthy, thick green lawn with minimal care. Retail value of $35 for a 5 lb bag, available to AHCD residents for $20. **Also available in 50 lb bags; Limit of 2 bags per household** Contact the office for more information or to purchase yours!
Beaver Management Program
To assist landowners and municipalities in reducing beaver damage to roads, fields and other agricultural lands. Staff will construct and install pond leveling devices to reduce flooding at a 50/50 cost share for materials, to a max of $1,000.
Community Trees/Shelterbelt
For $100, AHCD will provide the use of a tree planter or mulch applicator. Plastic mulch will be rebated at 50% of cost up to $500. Species selection, design and site preparation information available.
Water Supply Development
To protect groundwater from contamination, AHCD will assist with 50% of costs up to $1,000 when a licensed driller is hired. All receipts must be dated 2011.
Well Head Remediation
To protect your groundwater, AHCD will reimburse 50% of material costs up to $200 for new well lids, exstensions, seals, etc.
Dormant Well Protection
To protect your groundwater from contamination, AHCD will assist with covering 50% of costs up to $100 for removing pumps/lines from wells that are currently not used, but may be in the future.
Well Capping Program
Unused and abandoned wells can be a nuisance and a hazard for landowners. By properly sealing abandoned wells, landowners protect groundwater from contamination and prevent accidents. AHCD can assist in sealing and filling old wells including submitting legally required documentation and providing landowners with piece of mind. Upon approval, Assiniboine Hills Conservation District shall seal, fill and cap old wells for $100.00 for the first well and $50.00 for each additional well, located in the same area. (No application deadline.)
Shock Chlorination Program
Properly maintained wells and water distribution systems reduce likelihood of waterborne disease and illness and extend the life of pumps and wells. AHCD can shock chlorinate area wells following provincial and federal guidelines for $50.00 per procedure includes all labour and materials.
Producer Programs
Livestock Ranchers
Alternate Watering Systems
This program will assist applicants in altering or creating watering systems to help protect water sources from contamination. Technical and financial assistance is available to producers who wish to improve livestock watering methods. Including winter watering, limited access and pumping stations. AHCD will assist with 50% of material costs up to $1,000.
Exclusion Fencing Program
To limit livestock from entering surface water sources, AHCD will reimburse 50% of fencing materials to a max of $500.
Extended Grazing Assistance Program
This program was set up to encourage producers to add a crop intended for fall/winter grazing into their crop rotation. Extending the grazing season into fall and winter is a viable option to lower machinery, labor, feeding and manure handling. Upon approval, AHCD will fund $20 per acre up to 50 acres to cover seed costs.Deadline for applications Sept. 30th or as funding allows.**Free DU Salinity Seed may be available, pending partnership.
Forage Seed Assistance Program
To assist landowners in converting erosion prone areas currently under cultivation to forage cover, AHCD will reimburse farmers $20.00 per acre (Maximum # of acres varies by sud district) Pending funding application deadline is Sept. 30th. The program will increase perennial cover, thereby protecting erodable soils, increasing productivity and providing habitat for wildlife.
Molehill Leveler Rental Program
As they mature, pastures and hay fields are subject to wildlife damage in the form of mounds and holes created by burrowing animals. These excavations make the pasture, or hay field, difficult if not impossible to use as the ground becomes too rough for haying or other farm activities. AHCD has modified three Morris 731 Deep Tiller for use as a field leveler, for a rental fee of $75.00 per day, plus any and all damages caused by misuse. Applications submitted after March 27th may be subject to longer waiting periods for the units.
Off-Site Watering Systems Trial
The Off-site Watering Trial is to provide livestock producers with the trial use of solar powered off-site water system. The actual use of the system will offer information for the management decision of establishing a system in their operation. The program will ultimately provide assessment of clean water availabiltiy, riparian vegetation growth and encourage protection of surface water quality. Cost $100 for a 2 week trial use of system. Application deadline September 30th.
Rotational Grazing Program
To promote better grazing management, Upon approval, applicants will be reimbursed 50% of costs of new internal fence materials and components, up to a maximum of $500.
Grain Farmers
Cover Crop Incentive
The district will pay up to $20 an acre to a maximum of 50 acres for the purchase of certified seed as a cover crop, as an altervative to commercial fertilizer application. Cocktail mixes preferred Deadline for applications September 30th or as funding allows.
Soil Testing Rebate Program
With a well-informed choice of appropriate nutrient application, minimize crop inputs and maximize yields. Excess nutrient applications of fertilizers are contributors to water pollution and an unnecessary expense to farmers. Reducing nutrient locading in our waterways is an important step to improved water quality. AHCD will pay for 50% of soil testing costs up to $500., pending funding, application deadline is Oct. 31st.
Variable Rate Rebate Program
ONE TIME INCENTIVE ONLY - 50/50 cost share on mapping costs to a maximum of $1,000.
Application Deadline - Oct 31st.