The Mission of the Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District:

To promote the stewardship of soil and water and the conservation of our natural resources by educating and providing technical assistance to manage, protect, and enhance the land and water for the benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock Counties.

These are some of the ongoing activities of the CSWCD:

Administer the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) Cost-Share Program. Funded with state and federal funds, this incentive program is designed to improve the quality of state streams, rivers, and other water bodies through the implementation of BMPs. BMPs are designed to prevent soil erosion and minimize the introduction of nutrients, sediments, and toxins into water bodies. Sign-up for the program is on a continuous basis, and eligible applicants, once approved, may receive up to 75 percent of the BMP installation cost up to $50,000

Administer the Virginia Agricultural BMP Tax Credit Program. This program allows producers to take a 25% tax credit on their Virginia income taxes for their out of pocket expenses when BMPs are installed as outlined in an approved conservation plan.

Provide technical assistance. Technical assistance and information is provided outside of the cost-share program to all organizations, businesses, county governments, and individuals when requested. Information is available on soils, aerial photography, topographic maps, ponds, water management and protection, wetlands, grazing management for conservation and profitability, stormwater control, and many related topics.

Host workshops, tours, field days, and provide educational programs and information to schools, the general public, legislators, and local governments.

Review erosion and sediment control plans and make site inspection for member counties.