Overview of New York Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI) 2009

What is the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI)?

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI) was authorized in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) to provide assistance to agricultural producers to minimize excess nutrients and sediments in order to restore, preserve, and protect the Chesapeake Bay. The initiative offers financial and technical assistance to eligible agricultural producers to install practices to help control erosion and nutrient loading before they reach the Bay. It is administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Am I Eligible?

The Susquehanna Watershed comprises the New York State portion of the Chesapeake Bay. Any producers, in the Susquehanna Watershed, that are engaged in livestock or crop production on eligible land may apply for the initiative. Eligible land includes cropland, hayland, pasture, and other farmland as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Applicants must meet eligibility for Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) certification and be in compliance with the Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation Provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985 as amended.

What are the Eligible Practices?

CBWI will address resource concerns in two focus areas; Cropland and Grazing. Producers can make one application to one of the focus areas. Among the eligible practices are several “core practices” that are especially effective at reducing erosion and nutrient loss.

• Crop Residue Management, especially No-Till systems

• Cover Crops

• Riparian Buffers

• Nutrient Management

• Rotational Prescribed Grazing Systems

More information about Conservation Practices can be found at the USDA NRCS Electronic Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG).

For a complete list of eligible conservation practices, please refer to the table of Payment Schedules on this page.

What is the Funding?

CBWI payments plus any Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) payments are limited to $300,000 per individual or entity from 2009-2014, regardless of the number of farms or contracts.
 

How are payment levels determined?

Each eligible conservation practice has a Practice Payment Rate (PPR) which is a fixed amount based on a percentage of the state average cost of a typical installation of that practice.

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Where is CBWI Offered?

The CBWI is available in the Susquehanna Watershed in parts of the following counties in New York State: Allegany, Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Otsego, Schoharie, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins and Yates.

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Map of Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative 2009 - New York Priority Watersheds (PDF; 512 KB)
This map displays the counties where priority watersheds are located.

Are there options for historically underserved farmers?

The 2008 Farm Bill offers program opportunities for "Historically Underserved" individuals and groups. The Practice Payment rate for "Historically Underserved" is higher than the general rate.

These groups are:

• Socially Disadvantaged Groups

• Limited Resource Farmers and Ranchers

• Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

• Indian Tribes

More information is available at the NRCS Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning, and Limited Resource Farmers/Ranchers Web page.

What are the Contract Obligations?

CBWI contracts are limited to a maximum of six years in length. At least one practice from the contract must be started in the first twelve months, and no practices may be scheduled in the last year of the contract. Producers can be held financially liable for unfulfilled contracts.

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What do I need to do to apply?

You need to sign form NRCS-CPA-1200, Conservation Program Application. Applications for 2009 for the CBWI must be received by May 1, 2009. Forms are available at your local USDA NRCS office, or you can download the form.

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NRCS CPA-1200, Conservation Program Application (PDF; 33 KB)

What do I do next?

After applying at your local NRCS office, an NRCS conservationist will help you finalize a conservation plan, including selecting conservation practices. Your application will be ranked based upon national and state ranking criteria. You will be notified once funding decisions have been made.

How can I find out more?

Contact your local USDA NRCS office, or visit the NRCS New York Web site.

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2009 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative in New York (PDF; 515 KB)
A printable version of the information presented on this Web page. Does not include Payment Schedules.

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