Grand Lake watershed based plan. Appendix C, Pre-implementation plan for the Honey Creek subwatershed of Grand Lake

              Grand Lake Watershed Based Plan
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APPENDIX C: PRE-IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE HONEY CREEK SUBWATERSHED OF GRAND LAKE
FY 2006 319(h) Project 9, Output 9.3.1
EPA Grant #C9-996100-13
Honey Creek Watershed Implementation Project
Developed by:
Oklahoma Conservation Commission
In Cooperation with:
Delaware County Conservation District
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Honey Creek Watershed Advisory Group Grand Lake Watershed Based Plan
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Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Guidelines
For The
Honey Creek Watershed
319 Non Point Cost-Share Project
Program Years 1-4 and Approved Practices
I. General
The Oklahoma Conservation Commission hereby declares that the following problems are having a detrimental affect on the state’s water resources in the Honey Creek watershed. The Honey Creek watershed is on the Oklahoma 2002 Integrated Report Category V list, The 2002 OWRB BUMP report stated that Grand Lake is impaired by turbidity and that TSI for chlorophyll-a indicates that the lake is hypereutrophic. Parts of the Lake fail the dissolved oxygen criterion.
Oklahoma’s water resources are an important foundation of the state’s economic infrastructure. Natural climatic events as well as human activity are impacting the state’s water resources. As long as farmers and ranchers produce food from the land to feed the world and rain falls, we will continue to see impacts on the state’s water. Our task as stewards of the natural resources is to minimize these impacts. Protecting these vital natural resources is paramount in preserving the state’s economic future. In order to accomplish this goal, the Commission hereby establishes the following goals and objectives to address these problems affecting our renewable natural resources.
Make cost-share funds available to conservation districts so they can implement cost-share practices, which will protect our natural resource of water.
The Conservation Commission herein establishes the complete list and description of the Conservation Cost-Share Program policies and conservation practices recommended by the Honey Creek Advisory Group (WAG). These policies and practices were approved by the Delaware County Conservation District for use during this four (4) year program (see section II for the approved list of conservation practices). Cost-share rates (unit cost) will be based on the Oklahoma Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) state average unit cost. These unit costs will be updated annually. When a project agreement (contract) has been developed with an applicant, unit cost to be used will be the unit cost in effect at the time the practice is completed. Any variances in the best management practices must be recommended by the Watershed Advisory Group, approved by the conservation district and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission Water Quality Director. These variances must be approved prior to performance agreements being signed. Grand Lake Watershed Based Plan
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Allocation of Funds:
To date, the Legislature has appropriated $125,000.00 of the Priority Watershed Conservation Cost-Share Funds for the purpose of matching federal 319 funds. Additional funds ($305,687.46) should be allocated in State FY 2008 and subsequent years.
The Conservation Commission Water Quality Staff, with the concurrence of the Environmental Protection Agency, has designated the following means to be used for targeting methodology: (1) utilization of remotely-sensed and electronically mapped data; (2) on site assessments with the aid of aerial photographs, soil surveys, and the use of a priority ranking system similar to the one used by NRCS for the EQIP program. A concerted effort will be made to identify the areas that are contributing the larger amounts of sediment and nutrients that can be remediated for the lowest amount of money such that the remediation cost per unit mass of pollutant is minimized.
State Funds
Budgeted
$430,687.46
State Funds
FY2007 Appropriated
$125,000.00
State Funds
Still needed in order to utilize all 319(h) funds.
$305,687.46
Federal Funds
Budgeted
$463,592.00
Landowner Contribution
Budgeted
$223,569.87
Total Project Implementation
$1,117,849.33
All agriculture producers and individual rural residents in the Honey Creek Watershed in Delaware County are eligible to receive cost-share assistance regardless of size of land ownership. There will be no minimum cost-share payment to any applicant. The Honey Creek Watershed Advisory Group has installed a cap for the maximum cost-share assistance to any one participant. The cap has been set at $25,000.00 for the first sign up period. If this is deemed too small to meet the water quality needs for the watershed, the Conservation District Board will review this matter and approve any variances.
Funds for the Project:
The funds for the project will become available at various times during the life of the program. The project has $312,500.00 available at the time of the first sign up period. This includes $125,000 of state money and $187,500.00 of federal money. The state money is from FY 2007. Landowner contributions are not included in this total.
The distribution of funds will be re-evaluated as more funds become available. In the event that adjustments are needed, the OCC Water Quality Staff Representative will Grand Lake Watershed Based Plan
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make the needed adjustments with approval of the Delaware County Conservation District Board.
Policies:
The Watershed Advisory Group (WAG) has recommended the Best Management Practices (BMP) that will be offered to residents in the Honey Creek Watershed. The BMPs have been approved by the Delaware Conservation District Board and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.
Cost-Share practices shall be implemented according to the standards and specifications of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Human Waste Portion of Priority number six will be implemented using the Department of Environmental Quality standards and specifications.
Conservation Commissioners, Conservation Commission Staff, Conservation District Employees, or the spouses of any of these individuals shall not be eligible to participate in the Conservation 319 Cost-Share Program.
Conservation district directors and members of the Watershed Advisory Group are eligible and encouraged to participate in the Honey Creek Watershed Cost-Share Program. If district directors choose to participate, the following OCC policy will apply: In order to provide for an impartial legal majority - no more than two district directors from the Delaware County Conservation District shall participate in the cost share program for the Honey Creek Priority Watershed and 319 Non-Point Source Pollution Program. In addition, the directors who desire to apply for the cost share program shall refrain from discussing or voting on any items or issues pertaining to the cost share program. This includes: rates, practices, maximum payment, and applicants for the program.
The Oklahoma Conservation Commission Water Quality Staff, with the concurrence of the Honey Creek Watershed Advisory Group and approved by the aforementioned conservation district and Oklahoma Conservation Commission, have developed standard forms for the following: (1) CC/HC Project Cost-Share Assistance Pre-Application Form; (2) CC/HC Project Priority Ranking System; (3) CC/FCR Cost-Share Evaluation Form.
Sign Up:
A three week sign up period will be established, with concurrence of the participating conservation district and the Watershed Advisory Group, for taking applications for cost-share assistance. Applications will be taken at the district office using the CC/FCR Cost-Share Application Form and at a public meeting to be held as soon as possible after receipt of the targeting report and maps. After the perspective cooperator signs up, the conservation planners will contact each applicant and: (1) determine eligibility; (2) set priority ranking (using the priority ranking form); (3) develop a conservation plan Grand Lake Watershed Based Plan
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to determine needs; (4) with applicants concurrence, a project agreement will be developed in accordance with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission Cost-Share Program(refer to OCC State Guidelines for Program Year 8); (5) the completed conservation plan and project agreement will be presented for approval to the Delaware County Conservation District ; (6) the final approval will be authorized by the designated OCC representative. The Watershed Advisory Group will be updated on plans and agreements at scheduled meetings. NOTE: Absolutely no work will begin on any project until the OCC staff representative has approved the plan and project agreement as so indicated by his/her signature on the agreement form.
As funds become available after the initial sign up period and planning has been completed, additional sign up periods can be conducted as determined by the conservation district and the OCC staff representative. At regular intervals a review/audit of the program will be made by the OCC water quality representative. This will be used to determine compliance with the program objectives and if modifications are necessary.
Eligibility Criteria:
The following criteria must be satisfied for an applicant to participate in the Honey Creek Priority Watershed Cost-Share Program: (1) must own or operate land in the Honey Creek Watershed in Delaware County; (2) must have a need for one of the Priority Best Management Practices; (3) if it is determined that the applicant requires a priority practice, he/she must be willing –with cost-share assistance –to install the needed BMPs; (4) the applicant will be required to maintain the BMP for the life of the practice as specified by NRCS.
Contract Compliance:
The cooperator will be required to sign a project agreement with the Delaware County Conservation District and follow a specified schedule of operations. The schedule of operations form details a year by year plan of the Best Management Practices (BMPs) to be installed and a time frame within which to install them. The project coordinator will conduct annual status reviews on the anniversary of the signing of the Performance Agreement. If a cooperator is found to be out of compliance with the schedule of operations due to circumstances beyond their control, a revision schedule can be discussed and completed. These revisions will not require conservation district board approval. In the event a cooperator is not in compliance due to lack of interest the district board has the discretion to terminate the contract. The idle funds can then be utilized by another cooperator. The importance of the cooperators keeping on schedule must be stressed by the planner. The four year lifespan of the project dictates the need for schedule compliance. All funds for BMP installation must be expended by September 30, 2010.
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II. List of Recommended Conservation Practices and Cost-Share Rates
The Honey Creek Watershed Advisory Group convened on September 26, 2006 and approved the following list of Priority and Best Management Practices for recommendation to the Commission Members. The list was approved by the Delaware County Conservation District at their regularly scheduled board meeting on October 12, 2006. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission will review and possibly approve the list at their regularly scheduled Commission meeting on December 4, 2006.
Practices Cost-Share Rate
Priority #1 Riparian Areas-Management and
Establishment
Components: (1) Incentive Payments 100%
(2) Off-site watering 80%
Priority #2 Buffer Strip Establishment and
Streambank Protection
Components: (1) Incentive Payments 100%
(2) Fencing 80%
(3) Vegetative Planting 80%
(4) Critical Area
Improvements 80%
(5) Special BMPs, as
Determined by
OCC Representatives
Priority #3 Animal Waste
Components: (1) Composter 75%
(2) Composter with dry
Waste storage 75%
(3) Cake out storage 75%
(4) Full clean out storage 75%
(5) Waste storage/animal
Feeding structure 60%
Priority #4 Pasture Establishment/ Management
Components (1) Vegetative Establishment 80%
(2) Cross Fencing 80%
(3) Watering Facilities 80%
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Priority #5 Proper Waste Utilization (Poultry Waste Producers)
Incentive Payments for Proper Utilization
Components: (1) Poultry waste used
On producer’s farm 6¢/lb P
(2) Poultry waste off farm but
In the Honey Creek
Watershed 8¢/lb P
(3)Poultry waste moved out
of the Honey Creek
Watershed into a non-
Phosphorus threatened or NLW
watershed (cannot be
moved into Eucha/Spavinaw, Grand
Lake, Wister or Illinois
Watersheds) 15¢/lb P
Priority #6 Heavy Use Areas
Components: (1) Concrete Pads 75%
(2) Gravel 75%
(3) Geotextile fabric 75%
(4) Grading and shaping 75%
(5) Terracells 75%
Priority #7 Rural Waste Septic Systems (Human Waste) 80%
Components (1) Septic Systems With
Tank; pump out (when
Needed); installation;
Percolation test; lateral lines
(2) Soil Profiling 90%
III. Conservation Cost-Share Practice Standards Specifications:
See Natural Resources Conservation Service Standards and Specifications in Section IV of the Field Office Tech Guide.
For the septic systems, see Title 252, Department of Environmental Quality, Chapter 641-Individual and Small Public On-Site Sewage Treatment Systems.
IV.
Approved Best Management Practices
To include conservation practices, components, units, cost-share rate and costs. (Attached)
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Honey Creek Cost-Share Program
Best Management Practices
Priority Practices
1. Riparian Areas-Management/Establishment
Definition
Riparian areas are the lands adjacent to water bodies-from creeks
and rivers to lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Riparian areas consist of
trees, trees and shrubs, or trees, shrubs and non-woody vegetation. Buffer
zones are strips or small areas of land in permanent vegetation
adjacent to water sources or field edges.
Purpose
Reduce excess amounts of sediment, organic material, nutrients,
pesticides and pathogens in surface runoff and shallow water flow.
Establishment
The riparian areas and buffer zones will be planned and designed
according to NRCS specifications. The conservation water quality
planner representing the local districts will complete the plan.
Management
The conservation planner will make recommendations to the
applicant on management according to NRCS specifications.
As a part of the management, exclusion incentives will be offered
as follows: Total Exclusion-$50.00/acre/yr. for 4 years*
** Hay Production-$45.00/acre/yr. for 4 years*
***Limited Grazing-$40.00/acre/yr for 4 years *
*These exclusion incentives are 100%.
**Hay can only be accomplished in Zone 3 of the riparian area
as determined by the conservation planner.
***The grazing periods will be determined by the conservation
planner using NRCS standards.
These exclusion incentives will be limited to no more
than an average of 150’ on each side of the stream
bank. To qualify for these incentive payments, one or more
practices to improve water quality must be completed and
certified by the project coordinator.
Best Management Practices
Off-site watering facilities, riparian fencing, pasture establishment,
forest buffer establishment, critical area improvements.
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2. Composters, Cake out and Cleanout Storage Buildings
and Waste Storage/Animal Feeding Facilities
Definition
Construction of composters, cake out and cleanout storage buildings to
store dead poultry (and aid in the decomposition process) and litter until it
can be spread onto fields as designated in a waste management plan.
Also, construction of animal waste/animal feeding facilities for winter
feeding, especially cattle, and storage of waste until weather and soil
conditions are acceptable for spreading of the waste.
Purpose
To address the proper disposal of dead animals (poultry) and proper storage of animal waste, as well as to enable winter feeding of animals in a manner that will reduce the potential for erosion and manure associated with the soil around the feeding area.
Establishment
The composter, cake out and cleanout structures will be constructed pursuant to NRCS specifications. The waste storage/animal feeding facility will be constructed pursuant to the specifications used in the Beaty Creek and Spavinaw Creek 319 water quality projects.
3. Pastureland Management
Definition
The proper care and maintenance of pastureland.
Purpose
This priority is aimed at pastures that have been overgrazed or
degraded. These pastures need aid in the
regeneration of a proper stand and the means to maintain them.
Best Management Practices
Pasture establishment, cross fencing, nutrient management, pest
management, water well, pipeline, watering facilities, and heavy use area
protection are needed on these pastures.
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4.
Proper Waste Utilization
Purpose
To insure proper application of animal waste and not to exceed the
phosphorus level as established by NRCS and the application plan
developed by a nutrient management specialist.
Best Management Practices
An animal waste management plan will be required, along with soil and
litter analyses.
5. Human Waste
Purpose
To insure that rural residents have adequate means of
disposing of human waste.
Components-Human Waste
Excavation, septic tanks, lateral lines, percolation tests or soil profiling
components may be necessary for the safe disposal of human waste.
Qualifications Criteria for Septic Systems
Cost-Share assistance for septic systems will be allowed only for
non-commercial single family dwellings that are used for
permanent and primary residence. The dwelling must be within
1,000 feet of drainage into a tributary of Honey Creek.
The cost-share funds can not be spent on new homes or new
mobile homes. Recreational trailers are not eligible for cost-share
assistance.
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Honey Creek Cost-Share Program
Best Management Practices
Component Parts List
1. Use Exclusion-472
Definition
The management practice of excluding animals, people, or vehicles from an area.
Purposes
This practice aids in prevention of access to an area to maintain or improve the quality or quantity of natural resources.
Components
The practice requires fences or other natural barriers along with an alternate watering source or limited access watering site.
2. Pond-378
Definition
A water impoundment made by constructing a dam or an embankment or by excavating a pit or dugout.
Purposes
Ponds are used to provide water for livestock, fish, wildlife, recreation, fire control, crop and orchard spraying, and other related uses to maintain or improve water quality.
Components
Excavation or embankment, barrel and/or riser, blanket material, trash guard, and clay liners are needed for a pond.
3. Pipeline-516
Definition
The pipeline is a means of conveying water in a closed conduit to an alternate site. The pipeline must have an inside diameter of 8” or less.
Purposes
Pipelines are used to convey water from a source of supply to points of use for livestock, wildlife, or recreation.
Components
The practice requires pipe (steel or plastic) that meets the NRCS requirements, a trencher, and a water supply. Grand Lake Watershed Based Plan
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4. Water Well-642
Definition
A hole that is drilled, dug, driven, bored, or otherwise constructed to an aquifer.
Purposes
The wells provide water for livestock, wildlife, and humans to facilitate proper use of vegetation on pastures.
Components
Water wells require excavation, drilling, casing, and wellhead protection.
5. Trough or Tank-614
Definition
A tank or trough (with needed devices for water control and waste) installed to provide drinking water for livestock.
Purposes
A tank is installed to provide watering facilities for livestock that will protect vegetative cover and eliminate the need for livestock to be in streams.
Components
These watering facilities need concrete, water tank, freeze proof hydrants or other water sources and are used in conjunction with heavy use areas (561).
6. Solar Pump/Windmill-533
Definition
A pumping facility installed to transfer water for a conservation need.
Purpose
Provide a dependable water source for water management for livestock.
Components
These pumping facilities require a storage tank capable of storing water for three
days per animal unit. Quotes for electrical hook-ups and the pumping facility must
be obtained prior to installation and the lesser amount will be utilized.
7. Fence-382
Definition
A constructed barrier to exclude livestock, wildlife, or people or to provide for rotational grazing of livestock.
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Purposes
Fencing is used as part of a conservation management system to aid in treatment of water and other resource concerns.
Components
The proper height, size, spacing, and type of posts should be used to provide the needed protection for the task. Labor, posts, wire, and other equipment are needed to construct this practice.
8. Pasture and Hay Planting-512
Definition
The establishment of native or introduced forage species.
Purposes
This practice may be used as part of a conservation management system to accomplish one or more of the following: reduce soil erosion by wind and water, provide complimentary forage to improve or maintain livestock nutrition or health, and or provide emergency forage production.
Components
The practice needs one or more of the following parts: grass sprigging and/or
planting, seed bed preparation, nutrient management, and/or seeding of other grass
species.
9. Field Border-386
Definition
A strip of permanent vegetation established at the edge or around the perimeter of a field.
Purposes
A field border assists in reducing erosion from wind and water. They also provide turn and travel areas for equipment at the edge of fields.
Components
Seed bed preparations, nutrient management, pest management, and grass planting are needed for this practice.
10. Riparian Forest Buffer-391
Definition
An area of predominantly trees and/or shrubs located adjacent to and up-gradient from watercourses or water bodies.
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Purposes
These buffers reduce sediment and nutrient loading in watercourses. They also create shade to lower water temperatures to improve the habitat for aquatic organisms.
Components
Seed bed preparation, grass planting, tree and shrub planting, nutrient management, and pest management are necessary for establishment.
11, Stream bank and Shoreline Protection
Definition
The structural and managerial treatment used to protect banks of streams, constructed channels, and lakes.
Purposes
The practice is used in preventing the loss of land and improving water quality by reducing erosion and run off.
Components
The practice calls for vegetative planting (grasses, trees, and or shrubs), and/or structural practices.
12. Filter Strip-393
Definition
A strip of vegetation established between cropland, grazing land, or disturbed areas and the streams and water sources.
Purposes
Filter strips reduce sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants from reaching our water sources.
Components
Seed bed preparation, nutrient management, pest management, grass and shrub planting are necessary for filter strips.
13. Tree/Shrub Establishment-612
Definition
The establishment of woody plants by planting seedlings or cuttings, direct seeding, or natural regeneration.
Purposes
The establishment of the woody plants provides for long term erosion control, filter pollutants from run off, provide for wildlife habitat, and improve water quality. Grand Lake Watershed Based Plan
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Components
Tree/shrub establishment calls for correct planting dates for seeds or seedlings, exclusion of livestock to allow for growth, and site preparation.
14. Grade Stabilization Structure-410
Definition
A structure used to control the grade and head cutting in natural or artificial channels.
Purposes
The structures are used to stabilize the grade and control erosion in channels to prevent the advance of gullies and enhance the water quality.
Components
Grade stabilization structures require excavation, concrete, drop pipes, vegetative establishment, and or embankment practices.
15. Grassed Waterway-412
Definition
A natural or constructed channel that is shaped or graded to required dimensions and established with suitable vegetation.
Purposes
This practice is applied as part of a conservation management system to support the following: to convey runoff from terraces without causing erosion, reduce gully erosion, and to protect/improve water quality.
Components
Construction/shaping, seed bed preparation, nutrient management, pest management, and grass planting are needed for a waterway.
16. Lined Waterway or Outlet-468
Definition
A waterway or outlet with a erosion resistant lining of concrete, stone, or other permanent material.
Purposes
These provide for safe disposal of runoff from other conservation structures or natural concentrations of flow without damage from erosion.
Components
Construction and/or shaping, concrete, forms, and grass planting are necessary for a lined waterway or outlet. Grand Lake Watershed Based Plan
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17. Critical Area Planting-342
Definition
The planting of vegetation, such as trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, or legumes on highly erodible or critically eroding area.
Purposes
This is used to stabilize the soil, reduce damage from sediment and runoff to downstream areas.
Components
Seedbed preparation, nutrient management, mulching, pest management, grass planting, tree and shrub planting, lime are needed for the practice.
18. Composters/Animal Waste Storage Facilities-313
Definition
A waste storage impoundment made by fabricating a structure.
Purposes
To temporarily store wastes such as manure, wastewater and contaminated
runoff as a storage function component of an agricultural waste management
system.
Components
Construction and/or shaping, concrete, forms, rebar, trusses, sheet metal. NRCS
specifications will be followed on all composters, cake-out and cleanout structures.
Specifications provided by the Project Coordinator will be followed for animal waste/
animal feeding facilities
19. Proper Waste Utilization-633
Definition
Using agricultural waste such as poultry litter and cattle manure.
Purposes
Protect water and air quality. Provide fertility for crop, forage, fiber production and
forest products. Improve or maintain soil structure. Provide a source of energy.
Components
Soil and waste analysis are required prior to removal and application of waste from
storage site. An animal waste management plan shall be followed for any
application of waste.
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20. Heavy Use Area Protection-561
Definition
The stabilization of areas frequently and intensively used by animals. This is accomplished by establishing vegetation, surfacing with suitable materials, and/or installing needed structures.
Purposes
This practice is used as part of a conservation management system to support the following practices: Improve water and air quality, reduce erosion, improve livestock health.
Components
The components needed for this practice include: vegetative establishment, structural practices, and/or installation of materials such as geotextile, geocell, concrete, and/or rock.
21. Septic Systems
Definition
An on-site system designed to treat and dispose of domestic sewage. A typical septic system consists of a tank that receives waste from a residence or business and a drain field or subsurface absorption system consisting of a series of percolation lines for the disposal of the liquid effluent. Solids (sludge) that remain after decomposition by bacteria in the tank must be pumped out periodically.
Purposes
To insure that rural residents have adequate means of disposing of human waste.
Components
The necessities for septic systems are: Septic tank, lateral lines, rock/reed fields, and/or residential sewer lagoons.
The septic systems will be designed according to Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) bulletin 640-Special Qualification Guidelines for Septic Systems.
22. Nutrient Management-590
Definition
The management of the amount, source, placement, form and timing of the
application of nutrients and soil amendments\.
Purposes
Nutrient management minimizes non-point source pollution of surface and ground
water by efficiently monitoring vegetative needs. It improves the physical, chemical,
and biological condition of soil.
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Components
The practice calls for soil sampling, maintaining records, fertilizer and/or lime applications, and management of crop removals.
23. Prescribed Grazing-528a
Definition
The proper treatment and use of pastureland.
Purposes
This practice enhances the prolonged life of desirable species to aid in protection of the soil and production of livestock. This reduction in erosion improves water quality and lowers sediment deposits.
Components
This practice requires establishment of forages, management of grazing practices, nutrient management, and/or cross fencing.
24. Pest Management-595
Definition
The management of agricultural pest infestations to reduce adverse effects on plants, animals, and the environmental resources.
Purposes
The practice develops a management program that is both environmentally acceptable and economically sound.
Components
This practice involves the minimal acceptable elements of cultural, biological, and chemical controls that still maintain a sustainable system.
25.
Wildlife Habitat Management
Definition
Provide and manage upland habitats and connectivity within the landscape for
wildlife.
Purposes
To treat wildlife habitat concerns identified during the conservation planning
process that enables movement, or provides shelter, cover and food in
proper amounts, locations and times to sustain wild animals that inhabit uplands
during a portion of their life cycle.
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Components
Components that may be included, but not required, are fencing, tree/shrub
establishment, brush management, riparian forest buffer, prescribed grazing, use
exclusion, and forest stand improvement. Grand Lake Watershed Based Plan
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Procedures for Implementation
Honey Creek Watershed
Demonstration Cost-Share Program
1. Open Application Period.
2. Keep list of all applications received.
3. Water Quality representatives will determine eligibility, complete farm visits, and prepare a Priority Ranking sheet on each applicant.
4. Develop a case file on each applicant. (Refer to Case File Check List). Note: If and when the applicant is approved for funding and the conservation plan is developed, all items in the case file should be placed in the cooperator’s plan file.
5. After all evaluations have been completed, the water quality representatives will rank all applicants. These rankings will be based on the priority ranking criteria set in the Honey Creek State Guidelines.
6. Successful applicants will be notified and a Performance Agreement will be signed by applicant, district board, and OCC Water Quality Representative. Note: Absolutely no work can begin or materials purchased by any applicant until all three signatures have been obtained on the Performance Agreement.
7. Conservation plans will be developed on all approved applicants using the NRCS Customer Service Toolkit or a comparable program. Three copies of the conservation plan will be made with the landowner receiving one copy and the Water Quality Representative retaining two copies (one copy will be kept at the representative’s office with the other going to the Oklahoma Conservation Commission WQ office).
8. Arrangements are then made for the designated NRCS and/or OCC Water Quality Representatives to design the approved conservation practices.
9. Certify work is complete and authorize payment through the Conservation Commission. The notarized cost-share payment claim must be accompanied by a copy of all invoices, Performance Agreement, Consent Form (if applicable), Certification of Completion and Acceptance, Cost-Share Payment Calculation Sheet, the cooperator’s Schedule of Operations, and a completed Vendor Form. These will be forwarded to OCC for payment.
10. Upon receipt of payment from OCC, the district will obtain the signature of the participant on the Release of Warrant Form and place in the conservation plan Grand Lake Watershed Based Plan
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case file. The disbursement of the funds to the cooperator will be completed to finalize the procedure.
11. Annual Status Reviews will be performed up to two months before and no later than the anniversary of the completion date for the practice.
Case File Checklist
1. Application for allocated funds
2. Copy of Priority Ranking sheet
3. Property map, soils map and soil technical descriptions
4. Farmer-Rancher Conservation Agreement with DCCD
5. Performance Agreement and any amendments
6. Schedule of Operations and any amendments
7. Completed Cultural Resources documentation
8. Vendor form
9. Maintenance Agreement and any amendments
10. Complete copies of all claims and certifications sent to OCC for processing
11. Copies of all vouchers and cost-share payment checks
12. Consent Form, if applicable
13. Release of Warrant Form
14. Any correspondence to and from the participant
15. Any note of relevant conversations with the participant
16. Applicable NRCS standards and specifications
17. Annual Status Reviews
Note: These items can be placed in the conservation plan folder in the district/project office after preparation of the plan.
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HONEY CREEK 319 NON-POINT PRIORITY WATERSHED
PRIORITY RANKING SYSTEM 2006
Producer:
Total Acres:
Legal:
Section ___ Township ___ Range ___
Total Points:
Water Quality- High Potential Phosphorus Loss on Targeted Riparian Area and Grazing Lands (Maximum Total: 100 pts)
Poor Condition Pastures as identified on Target Maps (20 pts)
High Potential Phosphorus Loss areas identified on Target Maps (20 pts)
Medium Potential Phosphorus Loss areas identified on Target Maps (15 pts)
Low Potential Phosphorus Loss areas identified on Target Maps (10 pts)
Land offered will apply a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan if applying poultry litter according to an animal waste management plan. (20 pts)
Distance from confined livestock facility to USGS Blue Line Stream or other water body. Adjacent (15pts) <1/4 mile (10pts) 1/4-1/2 mile (5pts) >1/2 mile (0pts)
General topography between confined livestock facility and USGS Blue line or Water Body. >8% slope (10pts) 3% - 8% slope (5pts) 0% - 3% slope (0pts)
319 Project application will develop filter strips for the entire length of land that is adjacent to streams and lakes in offered land units (15pts)
Plant Condition- Productivity, Health and Vigor (Maximum Total: 20 pts)
Offer includes implementation of Prescribed Grazing (528A) system that balances forage production with livestock numbers for the period of the contract.
% of the grazing lands in the operating unit planned for implementation of Prescribed Grazing according to the (528A) standard during the contract period. 100% (10pts) 50%-99% (5pts) <49% (0pts)
Practice(s) will facilitate improved grazing distribution. (382, 614, 642, 378)(5pts)
Grazing system rotates through 3 or more pastures per grazing season. 3-5 (1pts); 6/7 (3pts); 8 or more (5pts)
Rural Waste On-site Disposal Systems - Rural Septic System Concerns (Total: 100 pts)
Offer includes replacement of existing septic system by installation of 1,000 gallon tank, lateral lines, percolation test, and DEQ permit (100pts)
Total Evaluation Points:
This form will be used to determine priorities for planning and fund distribution. The applicants with the highest number of points, as determined by the planner, will be the first priority for planning and fund allocation.
Grand Lake Watershed Based Plan
Draft, Appendix C
April 2009
Page 114 of 115
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Progress Report for Honey Creek Watershed
Implementation Project – February 2009 (Task 9.3.1)
Signup of the landowners as part of the Honey Creek Watershed Implementation Project has been completed. Currently, installation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is ongoing. This report will summarize the BMPs which are expected to be installed and provide a rough estimate of the load reductions expected from these BMPs. Figure 1, below, shows the general location of cooperators who have contracts with the OCC as part of this project. A more detailed map of BMP installation will be provided in the project’s final report. #########################################################################Grand LakeNEWSHoney Creek Watershed
Figure 1. Contracts in the Honey Creek watershed, as indicated by green dots.
As of early 2009, there are 70 total contracts with cooperators, representing BMPs on 15,600 acres. A total of $1,147,017 has been obligated for these contracts, with $447,819.59 having been paid to cooperators for the installation of the following BMPs:
170 acres of protected riparian area established;
5 ponds, 23 water tanks, and 11 wells installed for alternative water supply;
2 cakeout storage facilities;
7 feeding / waste storage facilities built;
50 acres of grass planting to improve pasture;
34,387 feet of cross-fencing to improve pasture;
31,363 lbs of poultry litter transported out of the watershed;
10 concrete pads and 19 gravel areas for heavy use protection;
4 septic systems installed.
Other practices are under contract, but have not yet been completed.
Grand Lake Watershed Based Plan
Draft, Appendix C
April 2009
Page 115 of 115
115
Based on the practices completed, expected load reductions were calculated using the STEPL and PreDICT models:
o
total phosphorus load reduced by 4,995 lbs
o
sediment load reduction of approximately 111 tons
o
nitrogen load reduction of about 14,689 lbs
The goal for load reduction in the Honey Creek watershed is 16,592 lbs of phosphorus per year. The expected load reduction based on practices installed so far indicates attainment of 30% of this goal. Continued implementation should allow full attainment of the load reduction goal, and actual load reductions will be calculated in the coming years based on monitoring data.