For more information: Riparian Buffer Planting Project Fact Sheet, Riparian Buffer Planting Project Powerpoint Presentation,  and Buffer Planting List .   The Riparian Buffer Planting project application form due by March 15.   For assistance in producing your map, visit the Loudoun County Department of Mapping website at:  http://logis.loudoun.gov/weblogis/ .

A new program is available for a segment of horse owners that have not traditionally been eligible to take advantage of cost share programs through the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District (LSWCD).  Loudoun County has provided the District with assistance to supply stream exclusion and water system cost share funding to horse and other livestock owners who do not qualify for the Virginia state Ag Best Management Practices program due to having farms under five acres, or not deriving income from their operation.  This funding compliments the existing program providing cost share assistance to horse and livestock owners earning income from their operations.  These programs can cover up to 75% of the eligible costs of fencing out a stream from horse access and installing a water system.

Funds are also available for fence maintenance on existing fencing that protects streams and water bodies. The cost share rate is $1.00 per linear foot of stream bank protected for this program.

Excluding horses from streams benefits animal health by keeping hooves drier, and providing a cleaner source of drinking water.  Keeping horses away from streams benefits the environment by keeping manure which contains bacteria and excess nutrients from washing into streams and keeping stream banks protected from erosion.  A little investment can provide a “win-win” for your horse and Loudoun’s streams.

District staff can help horse-owners apply for cost-share funding programs to help implement streamside livestock exclusion best management practices. They also can identify other conservation programs for which agricultural operations of all kinds can qualify. For more information, contact the District staff at (571) 918-4530.

Registration for the meeting is free.  To register complete our on-line registration form: http://fs18.formsite.com/lswcd/TwilightHorseMeeting/index.html by Monday, March 12 or call Chris Van Vlack at (571) 918-4530, ext 107 for more information.

“Improved herd health, lower vet bills, and quicker weight gain are definite economic benefits of streamside livestock exclusion,” said Chris Van Vlack, Conservation Specialist of Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District.

In addition, stream fencing prevents leg injuries that cattle and horses may suffer on muddy banks and eliminates the possibility that cows will calve by the water, where newborns are more likely to suffer hypothermia and death.

Farm productivity increases, too. Studies have shown that when farmers provide clean water instead of letting their cattle drink from streams, animals gain more weight, more quickly and horse owners see decreases in hoof problems.

Funding from the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program is available to offset the costs of installing fences and alternative watering systems. In the 2012 program year, that means 75 percent of the cost of all eligible components, along with a 25 percent tax credit. Funds are also available for maintaining existing fences that are along water bodies and streams. Also, farmers can enhance the economic benefits of stream fencing by creating wooded buffers, which can also qualify for cost share funding.

In addition, Loudoun County has provided Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District with assistance to supply stream exclusion and water system cost share funding to horse and other livestock owners who do not qualify for the state program due to having farms under five acres, or not deriving income from their operation.

Streamside livestock exclusion is one of five sets of priority agricultural best management practices promoted by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, which administers the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program. The Commonwealth’s 47 Soil and Water Conservation Districts administer the Virginia Cost-Share Program at the local level.

District staff can help farmers apply for many different cost-share funding programs to help implement streamside livestock exclusion best management practices. They also can identify other conservation programs for which agricultural operations of all kinds can qualify.  For more information, contact the District staff at (571) 918-4530.