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Maine FY 2014

Eligible Practice Financial Assistance Contracting Guidance

January 2014

Note: Service Center practice payment schedules may not include all of the practices listed in this guide. Service Centers offer practices as determined by the District Conservationist with input from the Local Working Group.

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Contents INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

APPLICATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6

ELIGIBILITY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

PAYMENT LIMITATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................. 6

EQIP Conservation Activity Plans (CAPs) ..................................................................................................................................... 7

General Contracting Provisions ................................................................................................................................................... 7

Conservation Practices Eligible for Financial Assistance .............................................................................................................. 8

Ineligible conservation practices: ............................................................................................................................................... 8

PAYMENT RATES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

ACCESS CONTROL Code 472 ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

ACCESS ROAD Code 560 ............................................................................................................................................................ 10

AGRICHEMICAL HANDLING FACILITY Code 309 ........................................................................................................................ 12

ANAEROBIC DIGESTER Code 366 .............................................................................................................................................. 13

ANIMAL TRAILS AND WALKWAYS Code 575 ............................................................................................................................. 15

AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE Code 396 ................................................................................................................................. 16

BRUSH MANAGEMENT Code 314 .............................................................................................................................................. 18

BUILDING ENVELOPE IMPROVEMENT Code 672 ..................................................................................................................... 19

COMPOSTING FACILITY Code 317 ............................................................................................................................................ 20

CONSERVATION COVER Code 327 ............................................................................................................................................. 21

CONSERVATION CROP ROTATION Code 328 ............................................................................................................................ 22

CONTOUR BUFFER STRIPS Code 332 ....................................................................................................................................... 23

CONTOUR FARMING Code 330 ................................................................................................................................................. 24

COVER CROP Code 340 .............................................................................................................................................................. 25

CRITICAL AREA PLANTING Code 342 .......................................................................................................................................... 26

DEEP TILLAGE Code 324............................................................................................................................................................. 27

DIVERSION Code 362 ................................................................................................................................................................. 28

EARLY SUCCESSIONAL HABITAT DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT Code 647........................................................................... 29

FARMSTEAD ENERGY IMPROVEMENT Code 374 ....................................................................................................................... 30

FENCE Code 382 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 31

FIELD BORDER Code 386 ........................................................................................................................................................... 33

FILTER STRIP Code 393 .............................................................................................................................................................. 34

FORAGE AND BIOMASS PLANTING Code 512 ............................................................................................................................ 35

FOREST STAND IMPROVEMENT Code 666 ................................................................................................................................. 36

FOREST TRAILS AND LANDINGS Code 655 ................................................................................................................................. 38

GRADE STABILIZATION STRUCTURE Code 410 ........................................................................................................................... 40

GRASSED WATERWAY Code 412 ............................................................................................................................................... 41

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HEAVY USE AREA PROTECTION Code 561.................................................................................................................................. 42

HEDGEROW PLANTING Code 422 .............................................................................................................................................. 44

HERBACEOUS WEED CONTROL Code 315 ................................................................................................................................. 45

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT Code 595 ............................................................................................................................ 48

IRRIGATION PIPELINE Code 430 ................................................................................................................................................. 49

IRRIGATION RESERVOIR Code 436 ............................................................................................................................................. 50

IRRIGATION SYSTEM, MICROIRRIGATION Code 441 ................................................................................................................. 51

IRRIGATION SYSTEM, SPRINKLER Code 442 ............................................................................................................................... 52

IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT Code 449 ......................................................................................................................... 53

LIGHTING SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT Code 670 ......................................................................................................................... 54

LINED WATERWAY OR OUTLET Code 468 .................................................................................................................................. 55

MULCHING Code 484 ................................................................................................................................................................ 56

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT Code 590 ......................................................................................................................................... 57

OBSTRUCTION REMOVAL Code 500 .......................................................................................................................................... 58

PIPELINE Code 516 .................................................................................................................................................................... 59

POND Code 378 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 60

PRESCRIBED GRAZING Code 528 ............................................................................................................................................... 61

PUMPING PLANT Code 533 ....................................................................................................................................................... 62

RESIDUE AND TILLAGE MANAGEMENT, RIDGE TILL 346 ............................................................................................................ 63

RESIDUE & TILLAGE MANAGEMENT, SEASONAL Code 344 ........................................................................................................ 64

RESIDUE MANAGEMENT, MULCH TILL Code 345 ...................................................................................................................... 65

RESIDUE MANAGEMENT, NO TILL/STRIP TILL/DIRECT SEED Code 329 ...................................................................................... 66

RESIDUE MANAGEMENT, SEASONAL Code 344 ......................................................................................................................... 67

RIPARIAN FOREST BUFFER 391 .................................................................................................................................................. 68

ROAD/TRAIL/LANDING CLOSURE AND TREATMENT 654 ......................................................................................................... 69

ROOF RUNOFF STRUCTURE Code 558 ....................................................................................................................................... 70

ROOFS AND COVERS Code 367 .................................................................................................................................................. 71

SEASONAL HIGH TUNNEL SYSTEM FOR CROPS Code 798 .......................................................................................................... 72

SEDIMENT BASIN Code 350 ....................................................................................................................................................... 73

WASTE SEPERATION FACILITY (AKA SOLID/LIQUID WASTE SEPERATION FACILITY) Code 632 .................................................. 74

SPRING DEVELOPMENT Code 574 ............................................................................................................................................. 75

STREAM CROSSING Code 578 .................................................................................................................................................... 76

STREAMBANK AND SHORELINE PROTECTION CODE 580 ........................................................................................................... 77

STREAM HABITAT IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT Code 395 ........................................................................................... 78

STRIPCROPPING Code 585 ......................................................................................................................................................... 79

STRUCTURE FOR WATER CONTROL Code 587 ........................................................................................................................... 80

SUBSURFACE DRAIN Code 606 .................................................................................................................................................. 81

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TERRACE 600 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 82

TREE/SHRUB ESTABLISHMENT Code 612 ................................................................................................................................... 83

TREE AND SHRUB PRUNING Code 660 ....................................................................................................................................... 84

TREE/SHRUB SITE PREPARATION Code 490 ............................................................................................................................... 85

UNDERGROUND OUTLET Code 620 .......................................................................................................................................... 86

UPLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT Code 645 ............................................................................................................. 87

VEGETATED TREATMENT AREA Code 635 ................................................................................................................................. 88

WASTE STORAGE FACILITY Code 313 ......................................................................................................................................... 89

WASTE TRANSFER Code 634 ...................................................................................................................................................... 91

WASTE TREATMENT Code 629 .................................................................................................................................................. 92

WATER AND SEDIMENT CONTROL BASIN Code 638 .................................................................................................................. 93

WATER WELL Code 642 ............................................................................................................................................................. 94

WATERING FACILITY Code 614 .................................................................................................................................................. 95

WETLAND ENHANCEMENT 659 ................................................................................................................................................. 96

WETLAND RESTORATION - 657 .................................................................................................................................................. 97

WETLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT AND MANAGEMENT 644 ........................................................................................................... 98

WINDBREAK/SHELTERBELT ESTABLISHMENT Code 380 .......................................................................................................... 100

AGRICULTURAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT PLAN – HEADQUARTERS – WRITTEN Code 122 ...................................................... 101

AGRICULTURAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT PLAN – LANDSCAPE – WRITTEN Code 124 .............................................................. 102

COMPREHENSIVE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLAN – WRITTEN Code 102 .............................................................................. 103

CONSERVATION PLAN SUPPORTING ORGANIC TRANSITION – WRITTEN Code 138 ................................................................ 104

DRAINAGE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN – WRITTEN Code 130 .............................................................................................. 105

FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN – WRITTEN Code 142 ........................................................................... 106

FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN – WRITTEN Code 106.............................................................................................................. 107

GRAZING MANAGEMENT PLAN – WRITTEN Code 110 ............................................................................................................ 108

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN – WRITTEN Code 114 ............................................................................................ 109

IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN – WRITTEN Code 118 ........................................................................................... 110

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLAN – WRITTEN Code 104 ......................................................................................................... 111

POLLINATOR HABITAT ENHANCEMENT PLAN – WRITTEN Code 146 ..................................................................................... 112

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INTRODUCTION Note: Individual conservation practice guidance as well as individual CAP guidance in this document is organized in alphabetical order by practice and CAP name. This handbook is not intended to be a stand-alone document. This handbook l is intended to serve as a reference for NRCS staff and planners to consistently implement Financial Assistance Programs (FAP) in Maine (such as AMA, EQIP, and WHIP) as well as National and State Initiatives which are associated with these programs.

This handbook must be used in association with other NRCS references, including but not limited to the Maine NRCS General Manual supplements, Bulletins and Instructions, National Planning Procedures Handbook (Title 180, Part 600), the Conservation Programs Manual 440 (Part 515 - EQIP, Part 517 – WHIP, Part 521 – AMA, and Part 512 – Conservation Program Contracting), the Maine Field Office Technical Guide (especially Section IV, Maine conservation practice standards), and other technical and policy references as appropriate.

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APPLICATIONS Applicants must consider under what name and tax ID they want to receive payments which needs to align with FSA records. The applicant then completes and signs the NRCS-CPA-1200 application with the appropriate individual or entity information. Eligibility determinations will be made based on applicant identity and tax information on the NRCS CPA-1200. Applications will be marked as Pending, with no further action including ranking, until all eligibility criteria are verified. The current NRCS-CPA-1202 Appendix from ProTracts at time of application should be provided to the applicant(s). At time of application approval/obligation, the appendix printed with the NRCS-CPA-1202 (which may be different from the version provided at time of application) must be signed by all participants listed on the contract.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants are responsible for the initial filing and updating of eligibility forms with FSA;

All applicants with >0% share must be fully eligible in FSA’s database and in ProTracts before an application can be set to eligible, which is required in order to be ranked and/or selected for consideration. Note: applications by entities may be approved if all eligibility is met except for member AGI, however contract funds will be reduced by the percent shares to persons who do not meet AGI requirements

Land and applicant eligibility verified manually is identified on the ProTracts Participant Information Screen as “Other Eligibility”. (See CPM, paragraph 515.61 Producer Eligibility, and CPM, paragraph 515.62 Eligibility of Land)

Copies of determinations for land eligibility shall be maintained in the official FAP contract file.

NRCS field offices will:

Make person eligibility determinations (verify whether an applicant is an agricultural producer, has control of the land, and does not exceed the program payment limitations);

For programs that require it (AMA & EQIP), determine interest in the farming operation;

Verify that the applicant meets compliance requirements for AGI, and HELC/WC, using a web service accessed by ProTracts (AMA does not require HELC/WC compliance);

Assures compliance with provisions protecting interests of tenants and sharecroppers;

Make land eligibility determinations, including verifying that the land is not enrolled in CRP, WRP or other USDA programs that would conflict with FAP. Both “livestock” and “crop” data must be completed in ProTracts before applications can be ranked;

Crop type will be determined by one predominant crop type that the contract is assisting;

Report the crop with the largest acres under contract when signed;

Livestock type will be determined by one predominant livestock type that the contract is assisting;

Report the livestock with the largest number of animal units under contract when signed;

Avoid using “other livestock” type;

PAYMENT LIMITATIONS • AMA – The total AMA (NRCS, RMA, and AMS) practice payments paid per person or legal entity shall not exceed

$50,000 for any fiscal year. (See Part 521.7) RMA - related to RMA variability to subsidy of crop insurance premiums; AMS – typically related to organic certification fees

• EQIP – The total EQIP program payments paid to an individual or entity, directly or indirectly, shall not, in the aggregate, exceed $300,000 for all contracts entered into by that individual or entity during a rolling six-year

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period, fiscal year 2009 through fiscal year 2014. The payment limitation will include any 2002 Farm Bill contract payments and/or open obligations (sum of all 2002 Farm bill contract open obligations as of October 1, 2008) that will be paid on those contracts in fiscal years 2009 through 2014.

• EQIP Organic – The total EQIP Organic payments made to a person or legal entity related to organic production are limited to $20,000 per fiscal year or $80,000 during a rolling six-year period, fiscal year 2009 through fiscal year 2014.

• WHIP - The total WHIP practice payments paid per person or legal entity shall not exceed $50,000 for any fiscal year.

EQIP Conservation Activity Plans (CAPs) Under no circumstance should NRCS allow duplication of payments for the same planning services in program

contracts (i.e., contracts with both 100-series practice payments (FA) and 910 technical assistance (TA) practice payments for the same planning services on the same land).

Conservation Stewardship Program Activities: CAP payments can potentially duplicate CSP activity payments when a land unit is associated with a CSP contract. Review the scheduled CSP activities for potential duplication prior to contracting a CAP.

With the exception of CNMP CAPs, the use of TA funds for TSP planning services for CAPs is not permitted. TA funds for TSP services may be used for development of CNMP plans and other authorized services (planning, practice design, implementation, and checkout services using 900-series payment codes). These requirements do not preclude States from use of “A&E” type agreements using TA for other services (outside ProTracts), but not for development of EQIP CAPs other than a CNMP.

One CAP per land unit restriction.—Although eligible producers may submit applications for development of multiple CAPs under this authority, only one CAP contract is allowed to be developed on eligible land at any given time. Contracting of multiple CAP contracts on the same land unit is prohibited. Note: There is an exception when contracting both CNMPs (102) and AgEmps (122 and 124). Both of these CAPs can be contracted on the same land unit at the same time.

General Contracting Provisions

Financial assistance is limited to installing a conservation practice to the extent necessary to adequately address the resource concerns identified by the conservation plan. Planners should use the least cost alternative which will remain stable under design conditions. Any addition or embellishment to a contracted practice must be approved by NRCS and, if approved, installed at the participant’s expense.

Increased payment rates are available for producers who identify themselves as being in a Historically Underserved (HU) group, which includes Limited Resource Farmers, Beginning Farmers, and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers). See local Field Office payment schedules for these rates.

Indexed payments are automatically calculated at time of payment, and are available if funds are available and when certain qualifying conditions are met, as determined by National Policy.

Landowner is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits prior to implementing a practice.

Requests for waivers to start a practice prior to CPC approval will be considered only for certain meritorious reasons [ref: 512.23(C)] and, if approved, any issued waiver expires at the end of the fiscal year in which the waiver is granted.

Land management practices are not eligible for financial assistance on planning areas where the practice has already been installed to address an identified resource concern. However, management practices that address higher level quality criteria may be implemented again on the same land unit.

Note: The following demonstrate allowable examples of reapplication of management practices:

Example 1: Producer uses EQIP to apply Irrigation Water Management practice (449) Level 1 scenario to achieve

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water savings of 5 ac- in/ac on field one, which meets FOTG quality criteria. At a later date, the producer again applies for EQIP assistance to apply IWM management practice Level 2 scenario in payment schedule to achieve a greater amount of water savings of 10 ac-in/ac on field one using new measurement devices and higher level of technology. The new EQIP application is eligible and IWM practice is eligible for financial support.

Example 2: Producer uses EQIP to apply conservation crop rotation on his crop field. At a later date, the producer again applies to implement conservation crop rotation again on the same field, but this time with an enhanced cover crop that increases the percentage of legumes. The new EQIP application is eligible and the conservation crop rotation practice is eligible for financial support.

Refer to Field Office Conservation Program Payment Schedules for current scenarios and practice payment rates. These are available at the Field Office or online at: http://www.me.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/. From this link, access the Field Office information for the program you are interested in for the latest program delivery information.

Conservation Practices Eligible for Financial Assistance Eligible conservation practices and activities are:

Those that provide natural resource conservation or environmental enhancement benefits;

Those that meet the intent of the national program and address locally identified natural resource concerns;

Found in the Maine NRCS FOTG, including the development of CNMP’s and other approved Conservation Activity Plans;

Approved for payments by the State Conservationist. (See Maine FY14 FAP Payment Schedule for a list of practices, activities, scenarios, and rates).

EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative – Financial assistance for implementation contracts on headquarters is only available for items identified in the Agricultural Energy Management Plan, Code 122 (or equivalent), as a recommendation.

Ineligible conservation practices: Include those that the producer is likely to apply without financial assistance, such as practices a producer is required by court order to establish. See CPM-440-515.81.E for other ineligible practices, such as:

Any areas used for livestock housing will not be eligible for practice payments.

Any practice that would result in a duplicate payment with another USDA Conservation Program Contract.

Land management practices, those that primarily require management Techniques and methods to implement (such as 328, 329, 340, 590, and 595) are limited to a maximum of three separate payments during the term of a contract, unless exempt from this limitation as outlined under the General Contracting Provisions section of this handbook.

PAYMENT RATES

All payment rates have been regionalized, with CAP rates nationalized. Eligible practices/activities will have a payment rate based on cost data developed for a “ typical” implementation scenario. Scenarios include the most commonly used components (materials and quantities) applied in the most common setting.

Note: In this document Reporting Unit and Payment Unit may be different for several practices and

scenarios. For appropriate payment units see current payment schedule.

Reference the 2014 Payment Schedule for the payment rate of all eligible practices/activities

http://www.me.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/

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ACCESS CONTROL Code 472 Progress reporting unit = Acre

Definition: The temporary or permanent exclusion of animals, people, vehicles, and/or equipment from an area.

Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: Achieve and maintain desired resource conditions by monitoring and managing the intensity of use by animals, people, vehicles, and/or equipment in coordination with the application schedule of practices, measures and activities specified in the conservation plan.

Applicability: This practice applies on all land uses. In areas where the measures specified in the conservation plan are prevented, damaged, or functionally impaired by open access to the site. This practice is applicable only if an owner or operator physically constructs and maintains a log or rock barrier, or gate, necessary to manage access.

Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and rates.

Limitations:

Trails/Roads Access Control consists of the temporary or permanent exclusion of animals, people or vehicles from an area by dragging logs, placing large rocks, or building a gate across an access point.

Animal exclusion from sensitive areas consists of constructing a temporary electric fencing. Any need for permanent fencing will be planned and installed using the Fence practice (382).

Forest/Farm Access Control consists of placing signs and paint marks along a property line. Financial assistance will be limited to the least cost alternative that will provide level of access control needed to address resource concerns identified in conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for lifespan of 10 years following installation.

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ACCESS ROAD Code 560 Reporting unit = Feet Definition: A travel-way for equipment and vehicles constructed as part of a conservation plan. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: To provide a fixed route for vehicular travel for resource activities involving the management of timber, livestock, agriculture, wildlife habitat, and other conservation enterprises while protecting the soil, water, air, fish, wildlife, and other adjacent natural resources. Applicability: Where access is needed from a private or public road or highway to a land use enterprise or conservation measure, or where travel ways are needed in a planned land use area.

Note: A “conservation enterprise or measure” means an activity to solve an identified problem or problems (FOTG-Section III) degrading natural resources (SWAPA+H), and not for the purpose of production. (Note: For Native Americans, a “conservation enterprise or measure” includes needed activities to provide sustenance consistent with cultural heritage.)

Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates. Limitations: ForestLand only:

Financial assistance for new permanent forestland access roads are not allowed unless a waiver is granted from the State Conservationist. Such waivers will be considered in cases when re-locating access roads is a better or more cost efficient alternative to solving a water quality-sedimentation resource concern or restoring hydrology, wetland functions, aquatic organism passage, and threatened and endangered species. Exception to the prohibition is Tribal projects.

Financial assistance for forestland access roads will be only for rehabilitation of existing access roads where the NRCS planner can confirm the existence of a water quality concern. A water quality resource concern is defined as sediment entering the a perennial water body, or sediment entering as intermittent stream, with the potential to negatively impact a perennial water body; or a condition of the existing road that is impairing hydrologic or wetland functions.

Financial assistance will only be provided on specific sections that address a water quality resource concern as defined above for either new access roads or rehabilitation of existing access roads.

Assistance from NRCS technical experts should be requested as needed to determine if any of the above resource concerns pertain to a proposed application especially for determining impairing hydrologic of wetland functions.

General: This practice is NOT to be used in lieu of Forest Trails and Landings 655. It MAY be used in lieu of Animal Trails and Walkways under certain conditions. Refer to Animal Trails and Walkways in the document for more guidance. New 12” gravel road on wet sloped terrain consists of any site where construction includes clearing the site, stripping topsoil, adding and grading 12” of gravel, building ditches, and seeding disturbed soils. Geotextile could also be used in this scenario. Rehabilitation of existing gravel road in wet, sloped terrain includes adding up to 6” of gravel, re-grading existing materials, or establishing or cleaning ditches. Bridges, fords, etc., on watercourses are contracted separately under Practice 578, Stream Crossing or practice 396 Aquatic Organism Passage as applicable.

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Financial assistance for surfacing material will be limited to the least cost alternative that will remain stable under the design condition. Except for when used as Animal Trails and Walkways, Access Road will not be contracted by itself unless required to address an identified benchmark water quality issue. Note: Projects that have a combination of both scenarios in Access Road should estimate the extent of each and contract both scenarios accordingly. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for a lifespan of 10 years following installation.

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AGRICHEMICAL HANDLING FACILITY Code 309 Reporting unit = Number Definition: A facility with an impervious surface to provide an environmentally safe area for the handling of on-farm agrichemicals.

Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: To provide a safe environment on farm and ranch operations for the storage, mixing, loading and cleanup of agrichemicals; retain spillage; retain leakage; and to reduce pollution to surface water, groundwater, air, and/or soil.

Applicability: Where the handling and/or storage of agrichemicals creates significant potential for pollution of surface water, groundwater, air, or soil and a facility is needed to properly manage and handle the chemical operation; where an adequate water supply is available for filling application equipment tanks, rinsing application equipment and chemical containers as needed for the operation; and where soils and topography are suitable for construction.

Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates.

Limitations:

This standard does NOT apply to the handling or storage of fuels.

This does NOT apply to commercial or multi-landowner agrichemical handling operations.

Financial assistance will be limited to the least cost alternative that will remain stable under the design condition. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for a lifespan of 15 years following installation.

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ANAEROBIC DIGESTER Code 366 Reporting unit = Animal Unit (AU) Definition: A component of a waste management system that provides biological treatment in the absence of oxygen. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: For the treatment of manure and other byproducts of animal agricultural operations for one or more of the following reasons to:

• capture biogas for energy production • manage odors • reduce the net effect of greenhouse gas emissions • reduce pathogens

Applicability: This practice applies where:

• Biogas production and capture are components of a planned animal waste and byproduct(s) management system. • Sufficient and suitable organic feedstocks are readily available. • Existing facilities can be modified to the requirements of this standard or for new construction. • The operator has the interest and skills to monitor and maintain processes or contracts with a consultant to provide

these services. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates.

A plug flow digester is typically constructed of concrete with vertical side walls and a solid or flexible top. It may also include items necessary to maintain mesophylic or thermophylic temperatures for bacterial activity (i.e. piping and boiler or other heat source).

A complete mix digester is typically a round above ground structure constructed of concrete or steel. It may also include items necessary to maintain mesophylic or thermophylic temperatures for bacterial activity (i.e. piping and boiler or other heat source).

A covered lagoon/holding pond typically has a flexible top installed over an earthen or concrete storage/treatment facility for the purpose of capturing the biogas.

Limitations:

All structures shall be sized according to total number of animal units contributing to the digester; most scenarios require a minimum of 1000 animal units (AU).

Energy generation is not included with any scenarios.

All effluents from the digester (i.e. manure and agricultural by-products) must be applied to the land according to a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP).

Waste storage systems, waste transfer systems and waste separation facilities and any other practices associated with an anaerobic digester are contracted separately under their associated NRCS practice standards.

The covered lagoon/holding pond scenario only covers the cost for system controls, gas collection and flaring system. The concrete tank and cover should be paid for under NRCS Conservation Practice Standards 359 - Waste Treatment Lagoon, 313-Waste Storage Facility and 367-Roofs and Covers as needed.

• Note: Maine does not have Practice 359 – Waste Treatment Lagoon in the FY 2014 PPS so the “lagoon” portion of the covered lagoon/holding pond scenario cannot be made with a Practice 359 payment. Use the most appropriate scenario form the Practice 313 - Waste Storage Facility for the payment for the “lagoon” portion of the system. The covered lagoon/holding pond scenario could be an earthen as well as a concrete structure.

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Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for a lifespan of 25 years after year of installation.

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ANIMAL TRAILS AND WALKWAYS Code 575

Reporting unit = Feet Definition: Established lanes or travel ways that facilitate animal movement. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: To provide or improve access to forage, water, and/or shelter; improve grazing efficiency and distribution; and/or protect ecologically sensitive, erosive and/or potentially erosive sites. Applicability: On lands where control of animal movement is needed to facilitate access, improve grazing, prevent erosion, and/or protect ecologically sensitive area. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates. Limitations:

Animal Trails & Walkway could have a bare, vegetated, or gravel/sand surface. The 2014 payment scenario does not include surfacing materials.

For sections of travel ways using gravel, use Access Road, Code 560 instead. If the whole travel way will use gravel, use either Access Road Code 560 or use Heavy Use Area Protection 561 gravel walkway scenario for the entire length.

Practice payment includes work required to clear and shape land only. For sections using vegetative surface instead of a gravel surface, use 575 Animal Trails and Walkway with Practice 342 Critical Area Planting layered on top.

Bridges or fords on watercourses are contracted separately under Practice 578, Stream Crossing, or if there is a passage issue, 396, Aquatic Organism Passage.

Animal trails or walkways shall be constructed wide enough to accommodate movement of animals and access by operator for management and maintenance.

Financial assistance will be limited to the least cost alternative that will remain stable under the design condition. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for lifespan of 10 years following installation.

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AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE Code 396 Reporting units = Miles

Definition: Modification or removal of barriers that restrict or impede movement or migration of fish or other aquatic organisms

Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: To improve or provide upstream and downstream passage for fish and other aquatic organisms.

Applicability: All aquatic habitats where barriers impede passage for fish and other aquatic organisms. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates.

Note: Some of the typical scenarios used in Maine are listed below.

Dam removal scenarios include removing dam material, removing material from site, disposal of material, stabilization of site, dewatering, and any other environmental concerns.

Blockage removal includes removing debris from a stream channel where the debris is causing an aquatic organism passage problem. This practice could also include removing an existing culvert or bridge that is undersized or otherwise blocking fish passage. Component price includes removal and disposal of material.

Nature-like fish ways include sites where aquatic organism passage is established by placing rocks or altering bedrock to allow passage over or around a barrier. Also includes fishways constructed with other materials that do not fit into other scenarios (i.e., Denil, concrete ladder, Alaskan steeppass).

Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP) culverts The typical size culvert for this scenario is a 8 foot diameter circular culvert or other culvert shape with at least an equivalent opening area. Other sizes can be considered as long as the design size is according to geomorphic analysis, bankfull width of the stream to promote stream ecological and geomorphic function, and at a minimum will pass a 25-year storm event. CMPs under this scenario are to be buried in the streambed and filled with a mixture of gravel and rock sized and spaced to emulate the natural streambed. A typical range of pipe sizes for this scenario would be between 6ft. diameter and 10 ft. diameter

Stream simulation culverts include arch culverts of any size and may or may not have headwalls. Culvert sizing is based on geomorphic analysis, bankfull width of the stream to promote stream ecological and geomorphic function, and at a minimum will pass a 25-year storm event. The stream channel under the culvert should be filled with gravel and rock sized and spaced to emulate the natural streambed.

Note: For either of the three bridge scenarios allowed for this practice; bridges include steel or timber beams with a timber deck and abutments as described in the scenario. Prices so include any fill, dewatering, or site prep required to install the bridge. For bridges that just require pre-cast concrete block abutments 6 ft. or less in height consider using the Bridge scenario in Stream Crossing practice 578.

o Bridge CIP abutments include bridges built with cast in place concrete abutments. o Bridge, Pre-cast Abutments includes bridges built with precast concrete beam, pre-cast concrete block,

bolt-a-bin, or other approved manufactured abutments. o Bridge prefab includes a channel spanning structure constructed from a manufactured concrete or steel

bridge. o For bridges that just require pre-cast concrete block abutments 6 ft. or less in height use the Stream

Crossing Practice 578, Bridge

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For streams with federally endangered or threatened fish or designated critical habitat, a formal Endangered Species Act consultation will likely be required. If planning this practice in listed waters, please involve the NRCS State Biologist in the ESA consultation process. The client is responsible for obtaining all necessary State and Federal permits prior to installing scenarios under this practice. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan.

Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for 25 years following installation.

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BRUSH MANAGEMENT Code 314 Reporting unit = Acre Definition: The management or removal of woody (non-herbaceous or succulent) plants, including those that are invasive and/or noxious. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance:

Create the desired plant community consistent with the ecological site.

Restore or release desired vegetative cover to protect soils, control erosion, reduce sediment, improve water quality or enhance stream flow.

Maintain, modify, or enhance fish and wildlife habitat.

Improve forage accessibility, quality and quantity for livestock and wildlife. Applicability: On all lands except active cropland. Brush management is the removal, reduction, or manipulation of tree and shrub species. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates. Note: several scenarios include follow-up treatment.

Light mechanical treatment involves shrubs and trees were the average stem at cutting height is generally < 2 inches in diameter or when there is a low stocking rate. Equipment needs: chain or brush saw, Brown or Davco-like tree/shrub cutter, gyrotrac, small hydroaxe, masticator or shredder.

Medium mechanical treatment involves shrubs and trees were the average stem at cutting height is generally 2-4 inches in diameter and the stand has a medium stocking rate ; heavy equipment or a labor intensive removal method (e.g., chain or brushsaw) is used. Equipment needs: chain or brush saw, Brown or Davco-like tree/shrub cutter, hydroaxe, masticator or shredder.

Heavy mechanical treatment involves shrubs and trees were the average stem at cutting height is generally >4 inches in diameter, a dense stocking rate; heavy equipment or a labor intensive removal method (e.g., chain or brushsaw) is used. Equipment needs: chain or brush saw, Brown or Davco-like tree cutter, hydroaxe, bulldozer, masticator or shredder. Equipment is large and usually tracked.

Limitations:

When the intent is to manage trees for silvicultural purposes, use Forest Stand Improvement (666).

NRCS will not develop biological or chemical treatment recommendations, when chemicals are to be used, run WIN-PST as appropriate to evaluate risks to fish and humans, and appropriate mitigations will be developed as needed.

Conduct treatments during periods of the year that accommodate reproduction and other life-cycle requirements of target wildlife and pollinator species.

This practice does not apply to removal of woody vegetation by burning. Note: Be aware that chemical control applications in or adjacent to wetlands and other zoned habitats will require permits (Federal, State and/or Municipality). The landowner is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits prior to implementation. Permit requirements can vary by issuing authority. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for a lifespan of 5 years after year of installation.

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BUILDING ENVELOPE IMPROVEMENT Code 672 Reporting unit = Ft or Sqft Definition: Modification or retrofit of the building envelope of an existing agricultural structure. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: This practice may be applied as part of a conservation management system to reduce energy use by regulating heat transfer. Applicability: This practice applies to any agricultural facility which is climate controlled at least part of the time with a completed energy analysis that complies with the guidelines for a Type 2 on-farm energy audit per the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) S612. The audit will have at a minimum addressed the major activities of ventilation, air heating and air cooling that exists in the building. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates.

Wall insulation Enclose both sidewalls and endwalls from ceiling to floor in one of two manners: 1) metal exterior, 3.5" fiberglass batts (R-11), vapor barrier, & interior plywood or OSB sheathing, or 2) closed-cell polyurethane foam application (minimum 1" thickness (R-7) of 2.5 lbs/cu.ft. or higher density, (3.0 or higher) density preferred) with a form of physical protective barrier on lower 2' (may be 6 lbs/cu.ft. or higher density 1/8" thick foam, or treated lumber.

Sealing should be used to reduce gaps between walls, gables and ceilings in an agricultural facility or a greenhouse which is done by a professional contractor.

Greenhouse bubble insulation consists of installing aluminum foil faced double bubble insulation on the side- (up to a bench height of 3 feet) or endwalls (floor to ceiling) of a greenhouse. NOTE: FOR GREENHOUSES ONLY

Greenhouse solid insulation shall be installed on the endwalls of a greenhouse from floor to ceiling with 1 inch of solid polystyrene or polyurethane insulation. If needed, insulation may extend up to 24 inches below the ground level to provide additional protection to the foundation. NOTE: FOR GREENHOUSES ONLY

Greenhouse screens refers to a mechanically controlled energy screen that is retrofitted on an existing greenhouse or similar structure with conditioned spaces to provide a more efficient means to control solar heat gain and heat transfer during the night or in cold weather conditions. The system includes a drive motor, support cables, controls and shade material (i.e. woven, knitted or non-woven strips of aluminum fiber, polyethylene, nylon or an approved synthetic material).

See practice standard for additional criteria related to specific resource concerns. Limitations:

Financial assistance is not authorized for energy using systems without a mandatory Agricultural Energy Management Plan Code 122 or an Audit that has been determined by NRCS State Office Energy Contact to meet ANSI/ASABE S612 July2009 Type 2 Audit for energy systems.

Wall insulation shall be used on agricultural facilities only. If insulation is needed for a greenhouse, use practice components Greenhouse Bubble Insulation or Greenhouse Solid Insulation.

Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for a lifespan of 10 years after year of installation.

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COMPOSTING FACILITY Code 317 Reporting unit = Number

Definition: A facility to process raw manure or other raw organic by-products into biologically stable organic material.

Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: To reduce the pollution potential of organic agricultural wastes to surface and ground water, and to air quality.

Applicability: This practice applies where:

Organic waste material is generated by agricultural production or processing. A composting facility is a component of a planned agricultural waste management system. A current CNMP is

required to be in place if animal waste composting is the purpose for contracting this practice.

A composting facility can be constructed, operated and maintained without polluting air and/or water resources;

There is a need to improve air quality by reducing the emissions of odorous gases; and,

The facility is operated as a component of an agricultural management system. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current rates Limitations:

A current CNMP is required to if facility is used for storing, treating, or handling animal waste or byproducts.

No animals will be housed or fed within the confines of the compost facility.

No equipment will be stored in or on the composting facility. If a roof is required, it must be contracted as a separate practice, Roofs and Covers- Code 367.

Composter, Windrow, Concrete, Asphalt, or Gravel Pad includes a concrete, asphalt or gravel pad on which windrows are built. Pad size to include the space required for the windrow, turning space, and space to allow equipment movement. Choose scenario as per surface type (concrete, asphalt, or gravel pad)

Composter Timber Bins include a bin style composting facility with dividers built from wood. The facility is to have a floor constructed of concrete or asphalt.

Composter Concrete Block Bins: includes a bin style composting facility with dividers built from concrete waste blocks. The facility is to have a floor constructed of concrete or asphalt.

Composter Concrete Bins: includes a bin style composting facility with dividers built from cast in place concrete walls. The facility is to have a floor constructed of concrete or asphalt.

Composter Drum: Includes a 6 CY drum composter unit and associated concrete pad Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for lifespan of 15 years following installation.

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CONSERVATION COVER Code 327 Reporting unit = Acre

Definition: Establishing and maintaining permanent vegetative cover Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: This practice may be applied to accomplish one or more of the following:

Reduce soil erosion and sedimentation

Improve water quality

Improve air quality

Enhance wildlife habitat

Improve soil quality

Manage plant pests Applicability: This practice applies on all lands needing permanent vegetative cover, except for the purpose of forage production or critical area plantings. Where applicable this practice may be used to conserve and stabilize archeological and historic sites. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates. Pollinator - Direct seeding of introduced clovers, alfalfa, and other relatively low cost crops into fields recently or currently tilled needing little weed control or site preparation. The objective is to improve heath of managed honey bees and increase numbers of native bees. Minimum size is 3 acres, with 5 acres preferred. These low-cost species can often be “frost seeded” by broadcasting onto bare ground or into melting snow anytime between February and March.

See the table on page 8 of the 327 Pollinator Planting Job Sheet for suitable non-native, relatively low cost species to plant. Low cost native herbaceous plant seed can also be included to increase floral diversity during the entire growing season.

Intensive Pollinator - Late fall dormant seeding (November to freeze-up) of a variety of relatively high cost native perennial flowering plants with high quality pollen and nectar adjacent to production areas. Typically plantings occur in areas already established to grass. Increased cost is due to intensive site preparation and seed cost followed by weed control the first couple years after seeding. Minimum size is ½ acres. Site preparation involves repeated application of a non-persistent broad spectrum herbicide, shallow cultivation, and post-planting mowing to reduce competition from grasses and other herbaceous plants.

See the table on pages 5 & 6 of the 327 Pollinator Planting Job Sheet for suitable native species to plant. The first five species in the table establish particularly well in New England. For organic operations, an alternative to chemical herbicide is repeated application of horticultural vinegar to brown existing vegetation prior to tilling or no-till planting. More complete guidance on pollinator plantings is provided in the job sheet.

Utilize the scenarios with “foregone income” in instances where cropland is taken out of production to install this practice. More complete guidance on pollinator plantings is provided in the job sheet. Limitations:

Program payments are limited to planning unit where practice has not already been adopted.

Certified seed shall be used.

This practice does not apply to plantings for forage production or to critical area plantings.

Review Practice Standard for additional practice criteria associated with the specific resource concern selected. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for lifespan of 5 years following installation.

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CONSERVATION CROP ROTATION Code 328 Reporting unit = Acre Definition: Growing crops in a recurring sequence on the same field. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: To reduce soil erosion, maintain or improve soil organic matter content, manage the balance of plant nutrients, improve water use efficiency, manage plant pests, provide food for domestic livestock and/or provide food and cover for wildlife. Applicability: On all land where crops are grown, and where the producer has not already adopted this practice. Does not apply to pastureland, hay land, or other land uses where crops are grown occasionally only to facilitate renovation or re-establishment of perennial vegetation.

A conservation crop rotation may include crops planted for cover or nutrient enhancement.

Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current rates

Agronomic scenario refers to field crops (corn, potatoes)

Specialty Crops scenario refers to fruit and vegetable (not potatoes)

Scenarios with foregone income are to be used only when farm adds an additional full year of soil-conserving small grain and/or hay as cover. Use foregone income options only when income is not generated from conserving crop year.

Limitations:

See Practice standard for additional criteria specific to resource concern being addressed.

Crops shall be grown in a planned, recurring sequence as outlined in Operation and Maintenance.

Payments are limited to 3 years.

The first payment for crop rotation will be made in the year the conserving (high residue or cover crop) crop is planted (i.e., for a potato rotation that is adopted to include hay in the third year, the first payment can be made early in the third year when the hay is well established.

Payments for crop rotations can be made for three consecutive years once the conditions for making the initial payment are met.

Program payments are limited to planning units where practice has not already been adopted.

At least one crop in the rotation must be a high residue or soil-conserving crop, such as grass, legumes, small grain, or grain corn.

Crop rotation payments are eligible only where an additional year of a soil conserving crop is added to the existing rotation.

When sheet and rill erosion are the main purpose, the following conditions must be met: where the initial erosion rate according to RUSLE is > T and the resulting erosion rate is < T or if erosion rate is already

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CONTOUR BUFFER STRIPS Code 332 Reporting unit = Acre

Definition: Narrow strips of permanent, herbaceous vegetative cover established around the hill slope, and alternated down the slope with wider cropped strips that are farmed on the contour. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: This practice is applied to achieve one or more of the following: • Reduce sheet and rill erosion.

• Reduce transport of sediment and other water-borne contaminants downslope.

• Increase water infiltration. Applicability: This practice applies on all sloping cropland, including orchards, vineyards and nut crops. Where the width of the buffer strips will be equal to or exceed the width of the adjoining crop strips, or where rotation of strips will occur, the practice Stripcropping (code 585) applies. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current rates. Limitations: See Practice Standard for criteria for the specific resource concern being addressed. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for lifespan of 10 years following installation.

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CONTOUR FARMING Code 330

Reporting unit = Acre Definition: Using ridges and furrows formed by tillage, planting and other farming operations to change the direction of runoff from directly down slope to around the hill slope. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: To reduce erosion; reduce transport of sediment, other solids, and the contaminants attached to them; and increase water infiltration. Applicability: On sloping cropland where annual crops are grown. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates. Limitations:

Surface flow from contoured planning unit shall be delivered to stable outlets.

Program payments are limited to planning units where practice has not already been adopted. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for a lifespan of 5 year following final year of payments.

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COVER CROP Code 340 Reporting unit = Acre Definition: Crops including grasses, legumes and forbs for seasonal cover and other conservation purposes. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance:

Reduce erosion from wind and water.

Increase soil organic matter content.

Capture and recycle or redistribute nutrients in the soil profile.

Promote biological nitrogen fixation.

Increase biodiversity.

Weed suppression.

Provide supplemental forage.

Soil moisture management.

Reduce particulate emissions into the atmosphere.

Minimize and reduce soil compaction. Applicability: On all lands requiring vegetative cover for natural resource protection and or improvement. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates.

Interseed is to be used where annual ryegrass or other shade-tolerant species is seeded into the growing cash crop.

Limitations:

Limited to the establishment of grasses, legumes, forbs, or other herbaceous plants for seasonal cover and other conservation purposes.

Program payments are limited to planning unit where practice has not already been adopted.

Payments limited to 3 years. o Note: Three years participation is not required

Refer to the specific NRCS Conservation Practice Specification Guide Sheet for more information. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for a lifespan of 1 year following final year of payments.

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CRITICAL AREA PLANTING Code 342 Reporting unit = Acre Definition: Establishing permanent vegetation on sites that have or are expected to have high erosion rates, and on sites that have physical, chemical or biological conditions that prevent the establishment of vegetation with normal practices.

Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance:

Stabilize areas with existing or expected high rates of soil erosion by water.

Stabilize areas with existing or expected high rates of soil erosion by wind.

Rehabilitate and re-vegetate degraded sites that cannot be stabilized through normal farming practices.

Stabilize riparian areas. Applicability: On highly erodible or critically eroding areas that usually cannot be stabilized by ordinary conservation treatment and management and, if left untreated, can cause severe erosion or sediment damage. **NOTE**It is necessary to use this practice in conjunction with structural practices that require seeding: Examples are:

362 Diversion,

412 Grassed Waterway,

313 Waste Storage Facility,

560 Access Road,

655 Forest Trails and Landings,

635 Vegetated Treatment Area,

and others. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates. Limitations:

Extra Site Prep – to be used when heavy equipment other than typical farm equipment (bulldozer, excavator, etc.) are necessary to prepare the site for planting. Extra Site Prep scenarios are used for newly constructed practices.

o Note: For any structural practice use the scenario that best fits the seedbed site preparation and vegetation needs of the structural practice.

484 Mulching should be used in conjunction with this practice where mulch is needed. o Examples of applicable areas are: dams, dikes, cuts, fills, surface-mined areas, and denuded or gullied areas

where vegetation is difficult to establish by usual planting methods.

Application of lime and fertilizer, to reach optimum levels, shall be based on soil test recommendations. Refer to the specific NRCS Conservation Practice Specification Guide Sheet for more information. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for a life span of 10 years following installation.

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DEEP TILLAGE Code 324 Reporting unit = Acre Definition: Performing tillage operations below the normal tillage depth to modify adverse physical or chemical properties of a soil. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: To fracture restrictive soil layers, bury or mix soil deposits from wind or water erosion or flood over wash, and/or reduce concentration of soil contaminants, which inhibit plant growth. Applicability: Where land has adverse soil conditions which inhibit plant growth. This standard includes tillage operations commonly referred to as deep plowing, in-row subsoiling, strip-tillage, paratilling, subsoiling, ripping, or row-till, performed not as a part of the normal tillage operations or at an altered depth. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current rates Limitations:

Tillage equipment such as chisels, subsoilers, bent-leg subsoilers, or rippers, with the ability to reach the required depth shall be used. Chiseling is used to fracture restrictive soil layers that are less than 16 inches deep. For layers deeper than 16 inches, Subsoiling is used.

This practice does not apply to normal tillage practices to prepare a seedbed. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for lifespan of 1 years following installation

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DIVERSION Code 362 Reporting unit = Feet Definition: A channel constructed across the slope generally with a supporting ridge on the lower side. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance:

Break up concentrations of water on long slopes, on undulating land surfaces, and on land that is generally considered too flat or irregular for terracing.

Divert water away from farmsteads, agricultural waste systems, and other improvements.

Collect or direct water for water-spreading or water-harvesting systems.

Increase or decrease the drainage area above ponds.

Protect terrace systems by diverting water from the top terrace where topography, land use, or land ownership prevents terracing the land above.

Intercept surface and shallow subsurface flow.

Reduce runoff damages from upland runoff.

Reduce erosion and runoff on urban or developing areas and at construction or mining sites.

Divert water away from active gullies or critically eroding areas. Applicability: Applies to all cropland and other land uses where surface runoff water control and/or management a needed. It also applies where soils and topography are such that the diversion can be constructed and a suitable outlet is available or can be provided. This practice applies to sites where; (1) runoff damages cropland, pastureland, farmsteads, feedlots, or conservation practices such as terraces or strip cropping; (2) surface flow and shallow subsurface flow caused by seepage are damaging sloping upland; (3) a diversion is required as part of a pollution abatement system. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current rates. Limitations:

Seeding and mulching is not included in this practice. Use 342 Critical Area Planting for seeding and 484 Mulching for erosion protection. These should be included as separate items on the contract; the costs for these items are not already factored into the Diversion payment rate.

Practice 500 Obstruction Removal and Practice 606 Subsurface Drain may be added as separate contract items, as needed.

Use 342 Critical Area Planting for seeding this practice.

Use 484 Mulching erosion protection.

Diversions generally should not be substituted for terraces on land requiring terracing for erosion control. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for a lifespan of 10 years following installation.

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EARLY SUCCESSIONAL HABITAT DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT Code 647 Reporting unit = Acre Definition: Manage early plant succession to benefit desired wildlife or natural communities. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: Increase plant community diversity to enhance habitat, or to create habitat for early successional species. Applicability: On all lands that are suitable for the desired wildlife and plant species. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates.

Light Brush Hogging-- This scenario is to be used to mow grasses and forbs using a mower or brush hog to maintain and diversify herbaceous habitat. The typical setting is old field habitat not being managed for production

Brush Hogging-- Used to cut woody vegetation that is encroaching into fields or to manage woody vegetation by setting back succession.

Delayed mowing with foregone income – Only use this scenario when land currently in production is taken out of production by the installation of this practice.

Medium Mechanical-- Cutting of shrubs and trees were the average stem at cutting height is generally 2-4 inches in diameter using mechanized equipment such as a Brown- or Davco-like tree/shrub cutter, hydroaxe, brontosaurus, masticator or shredder.

Heavy Mechanical low intensity --Cutting of shrubs and trees were the average stem at cutting height is generally > 4 inches in diameter.treatment typically the stands are of low value with a low stocking rate. Mechanized equipment such as a Brown- or Davco-like tree cutter, hydroaxe, bulldozer, brontosaurus, masticator or shredder is used.

Note: Refer to Maine NRCS’ 647 Conservation Practice Specification Guide Sheet for more information regarding use of this practice. Limitations:

Program payments are limited to planning unit where the practice has not already been adopted.

Planned management shall meet Maine NRCS fish and wildlife quality criteria. If wildlife habitat evaluation procedures are not sufficient to determine if quality criteria will be achieved, contact the ME NRCS State Biologist for guidance.

Openings greater than 5 acres created from forest or woodland to create early successional habitat need to be reviewed by the NRCS State Biologist.

Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for lifespan of 1 year following installation.

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FARMSTEAD ENERGY IMPROVEMENT Code 374 Reporting unit = No. Definition: Development and implementation of improvements to reduce, or improve the efficiency of on- farm energy use. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: This practice may be applied as part of a conservation management system to reduce energy use. Applicability: The practice applies to non-residential structures and energy using systems where reducing energy use is the identified goal. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current rates Limitations: Payment is for the full capacity (gal/hr) of a reverse osmosis (RO) machine recommended in the AgEMP if the producer has no RO to begin with. If the AgEMP recommends an incremental increase to the capacity (gal/hr) where there is an existing reverse osmosis machine but it is not expandable, payment for a new machine is only for the increase in capacity. This is based on the difference (gal/hr) between what exists and what is recommended in the audit. The rate ($/GPH) used to compute the actual payment is based on the size of the larger RO machine. If the AgEMP recommends the expansion of an existing reverse osmosis machine, payment is for that incremental increase. This is based on the difference (gal/hr) between what exists and what is recommended in the audit. The rate ($/GPH) used to compute the actual payment is based on the size of the larger RO machine. Financial assistance is not authorized for energy using systems without a mandatory Agricultural Energy Management Plan Code 122 or an Audit that has been determined by NRCS State Office Energy Contact to meet ANSI/ASABE S612 July2009 Type 2 Audit for energy systems. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for a lifespan of 10 years following installation.

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FENCE Code 382 Reporting unit = Feet Definition: A constructed barrier to animals or people. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: To exclude livestock from areas that should be protected from grazing; confine livestock or big game on an area; control domestic livestock while permitting wildlife movement; subdivide grazing and to permit use of grazing systems; protect new seedlings and plantings from grazing; and/or regulate access to areas by people or motor vehicles. Applicability: This practice may be applied on any area where management of animal or human movement is needed. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current rates

Interior Fence scenario is to be utilized for a lighter-duty pasture subdivision fence where containment of animals is not critical. This fence is typically constructed of one or two electrified wires and may not require braced corners and ends. Refer to 382 Fence Specification Guide for more information.

The Portable Fence scenario is for portable fence manufactured for the purpose of subdividing pastures into rotational paddocks. This fence is most commonly a system which includes several portable reels filled with polywire and fiberglass rod step-in posts placed approximately 25 feet apart (or less as needed). Number of wires on a linear run (i.e., one strand vs two or more) will vary with animal species and needs of the producer to confine them. Electrified netting may be more suitable for small animals such as sheep and goats. . All other uses for portable fence require approval by State Office.

Safety Fence is typically chain link, and is used in engineering practices for human safety. It must be used surrounding a manure storage consisting of a securely constructed chain link fence or equivalent.

Limitations: Fence is not eligible in continuous grazing systems except in instances where livestock must be excluded from sensitive areas. Where exclusion to protect resources is the purpose, contract this practice only to the extent necessary to protect the resource. Fence for a grazing system is eligible only when a Prescribed Grazing Plan for a rotational system meeting NRCS standards is developed, contracted, and implemented to ensure that environmental benefits will be achieved (see M440 515.80C(8) and515.81D(7)). The Prescribed Grazing system must be a rest/rotational system in which animals are moved to a new paddock at least once weekly. The system must represent an improvement over the current system, and there must be sufficient pasture to provide an adequate animal/forage balance (provide evidence utilizing the Maine Grazing spreadsheet). Failure to subsequently implement the Prescribed Grazing Plan will result in termination of the contract and repayment of all grazing related payments received, with interest and liquidated damages as per the contract appendix. Boundary fence (property line fence) or perimeter fence is only eligible:

On expired or expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land to establish a grazing operation; however, the practice may not be installed until the CRP contract has expired.

On land to protect, restore, develop, or enhance habitat for wildlife or to exclude livestock from an environmentally sensitive area, such as a riparian area or wetland.

On land where the fence is an integral part of a conservation management system, such as a planned grazing system that facilitates improved management of grazing land.

Fence in woods is ineligible except to protect a resource, such as excluding livestock from streams. Woodland will not be considered part of a grazing system.

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Refer to the specific NRCS Fence Conservation Practice Standard and the Specification Guide Sheet for more information. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for a lifespan of 20 years following installation.

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FIELD BORDER Code 386 Reporting unit = Acre Definition: A strip of permanent vegetation established at the edge or around the perimeter of a field. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance:

To accomplish one or more of the following:

Reduce erosion from wind and water

Protect soil and water quality

Manage pest populations

Provide wildlife food and cover

Provide pollinator foraging habitat

Increase carbon storage

Improve air quality Applicability: This practice is applied around the perimeter of planning unit. Its use can support or connect other buffer practices within and between planning unit. This practice may also apply to other land uses where agronomic crops including forages are grown. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates. Limitations:

Program payments are limited to planning unit where practice has not already been adopted.

Foregone Income scenarios are to be used only when land will be taken out of production to install this practice.

Pollinator scenario is used where wild flowers are to be established. o Guidance on pollinator plantings is provided in the 386 Pollinator Planting Job sheet.

See Practice Standard for additional criteria for specific resource concern being addressed. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for lifespan of 10 years following installation.

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FILTER STRIP Code 393 Reporting unit = Acre Definition: A strip or area of herbaceous vegetation that removes contaminants from overland flow. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance: Reduce suspended solids and associated contaminants in runoff, reduce dissolved contaminant loadings in runoff, reduce suspended solids and associated contaminants in irrigation tailwater. Applicability: Filter strips are established where environmentally sensitive areas need to be protected from sediment, other suspended solids and dissolved contaminants in runoff. This standard does NOT apply to areas receiving runoff from animal confinement and/or agricultural waste storage and handling areas. In these situations, use 635 Vegetated Treatment Area. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current rates.

Use scenario “…With Shaping…” when heavy equipment other than typical farming equipment is needed to prepare the site.

Use scenarios with Foregone Income only when land will be taken out of production to install the practice. Limitations: See Practice Standard for additional criteria for the specific resource concern being addressed. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for lifespan of 10 years following installation.

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FORAGE AND BIOMASS PLANTING Code 512 Units = Acres Definition: Establishing adapted and/or compatible species, varieties, or cultivars of herbaceous species suitable for pasture, hay, or biomass production. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance:

Improve or maintain livestock nutrition and/or health. Provide or increase forage supply during periods of low forage production.

Reduce soil erosion.

Improve soil and water quality. Applicability: This practice applies all to lands suitable to the establishment of annual, biennial or perennial species for forage or biomass production. This practice does not apply to the establishment of annually planted and harvested food, fiber, or oilseed crops. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates. Limitations:

For all scenarios, soil testing and fertility/pH adjustment are required for establishment of this practice to help ensure success. Soil test results shall be included in the design process (Jobsheet).

This practice may be used to convert existing cropland to permanent hayland or pasture, or to convert an existing continuous grazed pasture in poor condition to a rotationally grazed system.

Forage and Biomass Planting may not be used for planting grasses and legumes in an established crop rotation.

This practice may NOT be used to replant an existing continuously grazed (non-rotational) pasture in that will remain in a continuously management grazed system.

Cool –Season Foregone Income is only to be used where a Bedstraw Control regimen is contracted in conjunction with 315 Herbaceous Weed Control. For more information on requirements, see 315 herbaceous Weed control and the 315 Jobsheets.

Warm Season Foregone income is to be used only where land is being taken out of production to install this practice.

Overseed scenario is to be used for frost-crack seeding of legumes (typically clover) in accordance with Specification Guide.

Refer to the specific NRCS Conservation Practice Specification Guide Sheet for more information. Financial assistance is limited to installing the conservation practice to the extent necessary to meet the resource concerns addressed by the conservation plan. Maintenance: Practice will be maintained for a lifespan of 5 years following practice installation.

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FOREST STAND IMPROVEMENT Code 666 Reporting units = Acres Definition: The manipulation of species composition, stand structure and stocking by cutting or killing selected trees and understory vegetation. Purposes Eligible for Financial Assistance:

Increase the quantity and quality of forest products by manipulating stand density and structure.

Initiate forest stand regeneration.

Reduce wildfire hazard.

Improve forest health reducing the potential of damage from pests and moisture stress.

Restore natural plant communities.

Achieve or maintain a desired native understory plant community for special forest products, grazing, and browsing.

Improve wildlife habitat.

Increase carbon storage in selected trees. Applicability: All forest land. Scenario Components: See local Field Office payment schedule for most current scenarios and payment rates. Limitations: This practice does not apply to fruit/nut orchards, plant nurseries, or Christmas tree/wreath brush operations. This practice is NOT to be used for invasive species control, if invasive species control is needed, Brush Management, Code 314 and/or Herbaceous Weed Control, Code 31