Programs
Please note the
Application Deadlines
It is important to note that the deadline dates differ on programs. All aplications 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. Current programs, listed below are programs for the 2009-10.
of our new year, April 1, 2010.** 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. 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.
Please note the
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 for 2010-11 will be posted at the start
The links on this page contain application forms for
programs offered by AHCD. They are in Microsoft Word format.
Application Deadlines
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.
Beaver Management Program
To assist landowners and municipalities in reducing beaver damage to roads, fields and other agricultural lands, AHCD will provide levelers, deceivers and other devices designed to manage beaver populations.
Community Trees/Shelterbelt
Under this initiative AHCD can provide use of a tree planter, mulch and mulch applicator. Staff will transport the equipment and may assist with planting. Cost $100. Landowners are responsible for providing a tractor, any extra labourers required, the trees to be planted and full preparation of the planting site. Shelterbelts should be fenced to limit access to cattle.
Water Supply Development
Provide assistance to residents for development of a new water supply. The district will pay up to $1000. pending board approval. This is a one time incentive and wells must be dug by a licensed driller, receipts must be dated 2009.
Well Rejuvenation
Wells are potential areas for groundwater contamination. AHCD will provide financial assistance to properly seal well heads. This includes costs for new lids, casing extensions, joints, bentonite clay. The district will reimburse landowners 50% of total costs, to a max of $200.
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. (No application deadline.)
Fish Habitat Projects
Currently AHCD is planning projects to protect and enhance fish habitat and sport fishing in the area.
Grassed Waterway and Runway Stabilization Projects
To enhance natural, shallow, grass lined channels to carry runoff away with minimum erosion. A properly designed grassed waterway can reduce erosion, allow machinery access to areas not accessible during wet periods and protect downstream properties. By reducing erosion, valuable topsoil can be stabilized and water quality maintained or improved. For example, by extending the spring run-off period from 3 days to 6 days, a grassed waterway system greatly reduces downstream flooding and municipal crossing repairs. Contact the office for more details.
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.
Shoreline Stabilization
Protecting water quality and land from erosion has been identified in AHCD's Sub Districts is an important area for concern. Contact the office for more information on this project.
Special Projects
Each year AHCD sets aside a small fund available for investigating potential projects for the District. This year we are looking at designing and planting trees around municipal landfill sites to control blowing garbage and enhance the beauty of the area. Another potential project is testing grazing strategies on fall sown crops, to see if their inclusion into rotation can be as economically beneficial as they are environmentally. These two potential projects are a few of those we are investigating in the Special Projects category.
Producer Programs
Livestock Ranchers
Alternate Watering Systems Program
This program will assist applicants in altering or creating watering systems to help protect water sources from contamination, protect riparian areas and maximize grazing and feeding of livestock. Technical and financial assistance is available to producers who wish to improve livestock watering methods. Including winter watering, limited access and pumping stations. Alternate watering: 50% of costs,up to $1,000. Note: Epinette/Willow Sub District up to $2,000. Applications received after June 30th, will be subject to funding availability.
Ammoniator Rental Program
Finally, a user friendly system to do-it-yourself. AHCD has for rent the ammoniator and safety equipment. The rentor is required to have all pertinent licenses and/or permits. AHCD will monitor this program and does reserve the right to refuse any applcations. Rental fee of $75. per day.(This amount includes unit rental only) No application deadline.
Fall/Winter 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 shall reimburse applicant $20 per acre, to a maximum of 50 acres. Deadline for applications Sept. 30th or as funding allows.
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,for up to 50 acres,on class 4,5,6 soils. Certified seed only. Pending funding application deadline is Sept. 30,2009. 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.
Riparian Fencing Program
To assist producers to manage riparian areas so that these zones will maintain themselves and remain stable over long periods. Riparian areas are the transition zones that run between the wetlands (lakes, rivers, streams and ponds) and the uplands (crops or other type of vegetation). By fencing these areas, landowners will be increasing forage production in the area, improving animal performance, reducing erosion and risk of water contamination from manure. AHCD will reimburse 50% of costs to a maximum of $500.
Rotational Grazing Program
AHCD will provide technical and financial assitance to develop rotational grazing systems. Projects will be given priority which demonstrates improved water, riparian and upland management. Upon approval, applicants will be reimbursed 50% of costs of new internal fence materials and components, up to a maximum of $500.
Salinity Solutions Program
AHCD pending partnership with Ducks Unlimited, will supply seed and assist landowners in converting saline or alkali areas currently under cultivation to forage cover. The program will increase perennial cover, reduce water logging, increasing productivity and providing habitat for wildlife. Fields suitable for saline tolerant seed production may receive alternative funding. Note: This program will only be continued with the partnership of Ducks Unlimited. Please check with the office for updates....
Grain Farmers
Cover Crop/Green Manure
The district will pay up to $20 an acre to a maximum of 50 acres for the purchase of certified seed as a green manure-cover crop, as an altervative to commercial fertilizer application. 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 Sept. 30/09.