Conservation Pages
A Newsletter by Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District
Winter Edition
Learn More About Watersheds and How Your Local Soil and Water Conservation District Can Help to
Protect Them.
The theme for this year’s contests has been “We All Live in a Watershed”; so, we thought this would be an
opportune time to tell you a bit more about watersheds and how our actions impact them. Let’s start with
defining what a watershed is in simple terms; Merriam-Webster defines a watershed as “the area of land that
includes a particular river or lake and all the rivers, streams, etc., that flow into it”.
Looking at watersheds in North Carolina, we can start on a large scale and work our way down. North Carolina
is divided into 17 river basins (watersheds), four of which are contained entirely within the state. The land,
lakes, streams and other water bodies within the river basin eventually drain into the namesake river and flow
directly or indirectly to the ocean.
Mecklenburg County is divided in to two river basins. Land and water bodies in the western three quarters
(approximately) of the county flow west to the Catawba River, which serves as drinking water supply for
citizens in Mecklenburg and other nearby counties; the remainder of the county flows east toward the Yadkin
River (part of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin).
Within each river basin, there are numerous streams and lakes which along with the land that surrounds them,
eventually flows into the river. As such, everything that comes in contact with the land in a watershed or river
basin has the potential to enter that waterbody. Why does that matter you ask? Well, for one thing, remember
where most of us here in Mecklenburg County get our drinking water from…the Catawba River. Many other
folks receive their drinking water from one of the other basins in North Carolina as do those downstream from
us in South Carolina.
As precipitation falls, that which isn’t absorbed into the soil runs off directly or indirectly (storm drains) to
streams and rivers untreated. Along with the runoff, bare soil and other pollutants may be carried into our
waterways. Pollutants can include sediment (soil) as well as fertilizers and pesticides from our lawns and
gardens, petroleum products and other contaminants associated with transportation surfaces (i.e.: roads), even
pet waste. The pollutants can be harmful to the ecosystem of the river basin and its contributing waterbody,
which as you may remember are our own or someone else’s drinking water supply. (Continued on page 2)
So, what can we do to help protect our watershed? Well, simple best practices like properly disposing of
motor oils, paint, chemicals and other harmful substances is a great start. Pet waste should also be collected
and properly disposed of at a landfill. You should test your soil and follow the recommendations provided in
your soil test report by the NC Department of Agriculture when applying fertilizer, tests results are valid for
approximately three years. Fertilizers and pesticides should not be applied right before a heavy rainfall and
excess fertilizer should always be swept off of sidewalks, driveways and other hard/impervious surfaces. Our
last suggestion is to ensure that you address areas of bare soil and erosion around your yard. Planting grass,
trees or other plants will help to stabilize and hold soil in place, thereby reducing the amount of sediment
entering our streams.
If you are experiencing issues with erosion on your property or your community may be interested in addressing
pet waste in your neighborhood, please check out our Urban Cost Share Program and Community Conservation
Assistance Programs detailed on pages 3-5. Soil test kits are also available from the District, please call
704.336.2455 to order.
Mecklenburg SWCD Receives Third NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Grant for the Urban
Cost Share Program.
The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District is pleased to announce that we have received our third
grant from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF); the $150,000 grant will help to fund the
Urban Cost Share Program (UCSP) over the next three years. The UCSP was started in 2005 with a grant from
the CWMTF along with matching funds from the City of Charlotte. Since that time, the Urban Cost Share
Program expanded from one pilot watershed to all of the City of Charlotte and unincorporated Mecklenburg
County; thanks to continued support from the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County as well as a second
grant from the CWMTF and another from the EPA.
With our most recent grant from the CWMTF, we are excited to expand the program into all of Mecklenburg
County, including the six other municipalities. With funds from the CWMTF, we will now be able to offer
assistance to citizens in Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson, as well as in
Charlotte and unincorporated areas to stabilize eroding streams and plant riparian buffers along those streams.
At this time, we are unable to offer financial assistance with other best management practices through the UCSP
in the six towns; however a small amount of funds may be available through the NC Community Conservation
Assistance Program to address non-stream water quality issues.
If you are interested in learning more about the Urban Cost Share Program or the Community Conservation
Assistance Program, please check out pages 3-5. An interest form can be found at the attached link.
February 2016
Page 2
The Urban Cost Share Program is an incentive-based program designed to help land users address existing
erosion and other non-point source water pollution issues in approved watersheds.
The program offers financial and technical assistance to reduce runoff, stop erosion and address
other non-point source pollution issues. Approved applicants are eligible to receive 75% of allowable
costs, up to $7,500, associated with installing approved Best Management Practices at their location.
Urban Cost Share Availability:
The full Urban Cost Share Program is open to citizens throughout the City of Charlotte and in unincorporated
Mecklenburg County.
As of 2016, we are also expanding our program to include the six other municipalities in Mecklenburg County.
Citizens in Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Huntersville and Cornelius are now eligible to apply for assistance
with stabilization of eroding streambanks. Due to restrictions by our grant funding source, citizens in these
areas are NOT currently eligible for assistance with remaining practices, excepting riparian buffers associated
with a streambank stabilization project.
Urban Cost Share Program Information:
To be considered for assistance, please complete an interest form as a first step in being considered for assistance.
District staff will review forms and property maps and schedule a site assessment and assist with application to
the program when appropriate.
Urban Cost Share Interest Form
All applications to the program are ranked for their benefit to water quality. Qualified applications are funded
in order of rank as funds allow. Approved applicants will receive a BMP design and installation guidance.
Applicants may begin implementation of practices upon notice of board approval. Funds expended prior to board
approval are not eligible for reimbursement. Per contract terms, participants are responsible for maintaining
practices for a minimum of five years. Additional restrictions may apply.
February 2016
Page 3
Best Management Practices Offered (City of Charlotte and Unincorporated Mecklenburg County only):
Critical Area Planting:
Establishing permanent vegetation on sites that have steep slopes with high erosion rates, and on sites that have
physical, chemical, or biological conditions that prevent the establishment of vegetation with normal practices.
Grassed Waterway (Swale):
A natural or constructed channel that is shaped or graded to required dimensions and established in suitable
vegetation for the stable conveyance of runoff.
Pet Waste Receptacles:
Receptacles and supplies to better manage pet waste, usually in public areas.
Rain Garden:
A landscaped area that collects storm water runoff.
Best Management Practices Offered (throughout Mecklenburg County, including the seven municipalities)
Streambank Stabilization:
Vegetative stabilization (planting) and/or grading of erosive streambanks and shorelines to stabilize erosion and
reduce soil loss.
Riparian Buffers (restrictions apply):
An area dominated by trees and/or shrubs located adjacent to and up-gradient from water courses or water
bodies.
For additional information or questions, please contact the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District at
704.336.2455 or Leslie.VandenHerik@mecklenburgcountync.gov.
February 2016
Page 4
Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP)
The NC Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) is a statewide program designed to help citizens
to address urban/suburban non-point source pollution and erosion issues, much like our local Urban Cost Share
Program. This program is especially valuable to citizens who live within the corporate limits of the towns of
Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Mint Hill, Matthews and Pineville (eligible for only limited practices through
the UCSP). Available practices include: Cisterns, Rain Gardens, Backyard Wetlands, Riparian Buffers, Pet Waste
Receptacles and more. CCAP is available county wide, however funding is limited. For the 2016 fiscal year,
the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District has received an allocation of $4,959. Applications are
ranked and reviewed for maximum water quality benefit. Approved applicants will receive technical assistance
related to best management practices (BMPs) specific to your site, as well as reimbursement of 75% of allowable
expenses. For more information, please call 704.336.2455 or visit www.MecklenburgConservation.com.
Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP)
The District is available to help farmers and other agricultural producers reduce erosion
and prevent other water pollution. The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District
has received an allocation of $33,250 this fiscal year; with an additional $5,000 earmarked
for the Goose Creek, Rocky River, McDowell and other impaired watersheds. Funds
are available to assist with the cost of installing conservation practices to protect water
quality and agricultural interests. For more information, please call 704.336.2455 or visit
www.MecklenburgConservation.com.
Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP)
The newest of our state cost share assistance programs; the Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program
(AgWRAP) is available to assist with increasing water availability for agricultural production. The Mecklenburg
Soil and Water Conservation District has received an allocation of $17,677 for the 2016 fiscal year. Funds
are available to assist with the construction of new farm ponds (restrictions apply), the dredging or repair of
existing farm ponds, wells for irrigation and/or livestock watering and other water conservation practices. For
more information, please call 704.336.2455 or visit www.MecklenburgConservation.com.
February 2016
Page 5
USDA Federal Cost Share Programs
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance focused on
natural resource concerns. Programs available to approved applicants include:
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
CREP is a collaborative effort between the local District, the NCDA&CS Division of Soil and Water Conservation
and Division of Forest Resources, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service
Agency. CREP provides long-term protection of environmentally sensitive cropland and marginal pasture land
through conversion to conservation practices (e.g. Stream Buffers) on agricultural land. CREP is currently only
available in and east of the Yadkin River Basin (includes eastern Mecklenburg County). Eligibility is subject to
qualification by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). For more information, please contact Leslie Vanden Herik at
704.336.2455.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program provides financial and technical help to eligible producers for
installation of conservation practices on agricultural land. Eligibility is subject to qualification by USDA Farm
Service Agency (FSA). For more information, please contact Chris Childers at 704.788.2107 extension 3.
Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District participates in educational contests and programs sponsored
by the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. For more details about the following
contests and programs, please contact Anganette Byrd at 704.336.2455 or send an e-mail to
Anganette.Byrd@mecklenburgcountync.gov.
Resource Conservation Workshop (RCW)
The Resource Conservation Workshop is sponsored by the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation
Districts in conjunction with the Division of Soil ad Water Conservation and the Soil Science Department of
NC State University. For detailed information visit the website at www.ncagr.gov/SWC/educational/RCW.html.
The Resource Conservation Workshop is a week-long intensive study and hands on conservation workshop
requiring student application and participation in a wide range of conservation topics. Students are housed
in NCSU campus dormitories under the guidance of live-in-counselors. In order to achieve success, students
should come prepared to apply themselves to meet the primary objective of this workshop -- learning about
natural resources and their management in today’s environment. Awards and scholarships are won and
presented to students under several awards programs. Interested persons please contact 704.336.2455.
The 2016 Resource Conservation Workshop will be held June 26 - July 1 at NC State University. Mecklenburg
Soil and Water Conservation District will sponsor at least one Mecklenburg County student to attend the workshop.
* We will begin accepting applications March 1, 2016 through May 2, 2016.
February 2016
Page 6
Envirothon Program
The Envirothon Program is sponsored by the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The
program is open to teams of students in grades 9-12 for high school and in grades 5-8 for middle schools.
Teams consist of five members. Each team must have an adult advisor and the team may have alternates. It
is important for high school teams to have at least two alternates if you feel that your team may have a chance
to win first place at the state competition. The North American Envirothon will allow two substitutes to the
original team. For detailed information visit the website at www.ncenvirothon.org.
The Southern Piedmont Envirothon, an area competition that includes Anson, Cabarrus,
Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and
Union counties. It will be held on March 8, 2016 (middle school) and March 9, 2016 (high
school) at the Center for the Environment at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Public schools, private schools, home school groups, school clubs, FFA groups, etc. are all eligible to participate
in the Envirothon Program. Teams must be sponsored by a Soil ad Water Conservation District. Interested
persons should call 704.336.2455.
CONTESTS
Contests will be conducted on the District, Area and State levels. District First Place winners will be eligible
to enter the Area contest, and Area First Place winners will be eligible to enter the State contest.
Poster Contest: Separate contests will be held for 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students.
Essay Contest: The contest will be held only for 6th grade students.
Public Speaking Contest: Separate contests will be held for 7th and 8th grade students.
2015 - 2016
2016 - 2017
2017 - 2018
2018 - 2019
2019 - 2020
Contest Theme
We All Live in a Watershed
Soil and Water...Yours for Life
Water... the Cycle of Life
The Living Soil
Wetlands are Wonderful
DEADLINE: We are no longer accepting contest entries for 2015-2016.
* Information for 2016-2017 contests will be available in September.
February 2016
Page 7
Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District in collaboration with
TreesCharlotte is pleased to announce the 45th Annual Tree Seedling Sale.
TreesCharlotte, established in 2012, is the driving force behind the bold initiative of
achieving 50% tree canopy coverage by 2050. Learn more about TreesCharlotte by
visiting www.treescharlotte.org.
This annual event will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (or sold out) at 700 North
Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 (Hal Marshall Service Center - Auditorium 1 & 2). A wide variety of
species will be offered ranging in price from $1 to $2 (see page 9). Seedlings can be used for developing green buffers
to protect water quality, cleaning the air by removing carbon dioxide, improving wildlife habitat and reforestation.
Seedlings are sold on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Tree seedling information is listed on
pages 9 and 10.
Rain Barrels provide an easy way for homeowners to help protect our streams and
lakes in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Capturing the water that flows off your roof keeps rain water out of the storm
drains and allows it to flow into the ground and replenish the ground water supply.
Not only are rain barrels ecologically friendly, they are pocket friendly as well. Rain
barrels provide you with a FREE source of chemical-free water for your yard and
garden and reduce your need for treated water.
60 gallon rain barrel
The next time it rains be prepared to collect rain water in your new rain barrel. Rain Barrels are available for
purchase year-round at the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District. We offer two sizes: 60 gallon
rain barrel is $105 (price includes tax) and an 80 gallon rain barrel is $120 (price includes tax). Business hours
are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please call 704.336.2455 to confirm availability and
schedule a time for pick up.
February 2016
Page 8
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*Highbush Blueberry is SOLD OUT
February 2016
Page 9
“SOLD OUT”
Photos Courtesy of USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database, http://bioimages.vanderbilt.edu/, and http://www.mellowmarshfarm.com/
February 2016
Page 10
Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District
700 North Tryon Street, Suite 205
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Phone: 704.336.2455
Business Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
BOARD SUPERVISORS
Chairman: Nancy Carter
Vice Chairman: Jason Cathey
Treasurer: Brad Johnson
Board Member: Shawn Greeson
Board Member: Eric Spengler
STAFF
Conservation District Manager: Leslie Vanden Herik
NRCS District Conservationist: Chris Childers
Administrative Support Assistant III: Anganette Byrd
WESTERN REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Rob Baldwin
Davis Ferguson
*A special thanks to our proud partner Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services.
Newsletter Sponsorship
Do you own or run a farm, natural resource or other conservation related business? Would
you be interested in sponsoring our newsletter through a small ad? If so, we need your
input! What size add would you be interested in – one eight page, quarter page, half
page? How much would you consider a reasonable cost for sponsorship? How frequently
would you be interested in sponsoring? Our newsletter is distributed via e-mail once a
quarter to over 1,100 people in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County and the surrounding area
in addition to posting it on our website. We need your feedback to help us move forward with development of a newsletter sponsorship program. If you or someone you
know might be interested in newsletter sponsorship, please send us your feedback to
Leslie.VandenHerik@mecklenburgcountync.gov.
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.