District staff work directly with landowners to plan and design practices, and develop farm conservation plans that meet the needs of individual landowners. Through a variety of funding sources, the TJSWCD provides cost share and / or tax incentives for the installation of conservation practices. District staff is knowledgeable about state programs and partner organizations.
TJSWCD staff works to guide landowners to the most appropriate funding sources and technical assistance for each situation.
Interested in having a staff member come to your property for a site visit? Click the button below to fill out the site visit questionnaire and email the completed form to agriculture@tjswcd.org. A staff member will contact you once it is received.
Landowner Testimonials
The Clean Water Farm Award Program was established through the Code of Virginia, § 10.1-104.3. Administered through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the program recognizes farms in the Commonwealth which utilize practices designed to protect water quality and soil resources. Each year, the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District provides local level awards in each of our two major watersheds (James River Watershed and York River Watershed). The TJSWCD may then submit these winners as nominees for the “Grand Basin” Awards, which are selected by DCR for each of Virginia’s major river basins. Click here for a glimpse at some past winners.
To nominate your farm or another farm that shows exceptional use of conservation practices, click here for a fillable nomination form.
The Virginia Resource Management Planning Program provides a voluntary way to promote the use of conservation practices that improve farming operations and water quality. Resource management plans can help farm owners and operators take advantage of all the conservation measures at their disposal. The plans are designed to encourage farmers, either the farm owner or operator, to use a high level of best management practices (BMPs) that reduce runoff pollution to local waters and, in many cases, improve the farmer’s financial bottom line. In return for full implementation, the plan holder can be assured that he or she is in compliance with any new state nutrient, sediment and water quality standards; in particular, regulations related to the Chesapeake Bay and all local stream segment TMDLs. The certificate of safe harbor is valid for nine years provided the farmer continues to implement the RMP. Participation in the program is completely voluntary.
Other resources:
Impaired Waterways & TMDLs
Virginia Agricultural Cost Share & Tax Credit Programs
Virginia Agricultural Cost Share Program Manual
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service
Natural Resources Conservation Service for Science and Technology Conservation Webinars
Virginia Agricultural Stewardship Act
TJSWCD Contractor List
Pond Management
Ponds-Planning, Design and Construction-USDA
Private Pond Management Resources-Virginia DWR
List of Private Professional Engineers for Dams-Virginia DCR
Buy Fresh Buy Local Program
Virginia Farmers Market Association
Cultivate Charlottesville-Urban Agriculture Resources