Mud Creek and Little Mud Creek 319(h) Phase Two

The Chestatee-Chattahoochee Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) is administering a water quality 319(h) grant in the Mud Creek and Little Mud Creek Watershed.  This grant is approximately a 60%-40% cost-share program, meaning that the federal government reimburses for 60% of most approved practices installed and the producer pays for 40% with either out-of-pocket expense or labor. The exact cost share rate will be clarified prior to the beginning of any projects.  The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide technical support and expertise throughout the project. The Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D Council will provide assistance with the payment process. Reimbursement for installed practices will follow the current NRCS EQIP guidance list.  To participate in the grant: ·  The producer submits a completed application to the local NRCS office or the RC&D office ·  Upon receipt of the completed application, a meeting is held with the NRCS District Conservationist (D/C), RC&D and the producer to discuss needs and potential solutions ·     Following this meeting, the D/C will develop conservation plan ·    Completed applications and conservation plan are then presented to MC Stakeholders for approval ·      Once participation is approved by the stakeholders, contract support documents are generated by RC&D Council and producer ·     All documents are then reviewed and signed by all parties ·  Once a project is approved and all documents are signed, the producer may begin the project.   IMPORTANT NOTE: ·         Practices that have already begun will not be included in this program and, therefore, are not eligible for reimbursement. ·         Supplies that have been purchased prior to all documents being signed will not be eligible for reimbursement. ·         This project will pay for approved practices only. It will not pay for installed practices that do not meet NRCS standards or that are receiving reimbursements by other programs.  ·         Producers may participate in federally-funded programs simultaneously. However, duplicate reimbursements will not be funded, nor can they be used for cost-share.

Practices that will be considered for funding: Fencing Wells for livestock Pipeline for alternative watering sources Alternative watering facilities Stream Crossings Heavy Use Area Protection Prescribed Grazing Stream Bank Stabilization Nutrient Management Plans  All of the above Best Management Practices (BMP’s) must be approved by NRCS and must meet all necessary requirements for reimbursement.  The average cost per component will come from the current EQIP cost-share guidance list through NRCS. The District Conservationist will advise the producer of the current approximate cost.

Please contact any of the following for more information: Leslie George, Grant Administrator Phone:  706-894-1591 leslie.ccrcd@gmail.com    Habersham County Russell Biggers, NRCS District Conservationist Phone:  706-779-2134 russell.biggers@ga.usda.gov  Harold Thompson, NRCS Phone:  706-754-2772 harold.thompson@ga.usda.gov   Steven Patrick, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Phone:  706-754-2318 stevenp@uga.edu Hall County Buddy Bellflower, NRCS District Conservationist Phone:  770-536-6981  buddy.bellflower@ga.usda.gov Banks County: Carol Boss, NRCS District Conservationist Phone:  706-335-7145 carol.boss@ga.usda.gov

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