SWCD Tree Program
The Big Stone SWCD is currently taking orders for conservation type tree plantings.
The Big Stone SWCD continues to work with landowners on conservation tree plantings throughout the County. We work primarily on Farmstead/Homestead Shelterbelts, Field Windbreaks, and Wildlife Tree & Shrub Plantings
Wildlife Tree Plantings
Whether they are willing to improve winter pheasant cover, or looking forward to that out of the way place to put their deer stand 15 years down the road, people in Big Stone County have always been interested in planting trees for wildlife.
In years past, funding was available from several sources for wildlife tree planting. Because of the push from various State and Federal agencies to return landscapes to their pre-settlement conditions, wildlife tree plantings in prairie area counties such as Big Stone, have all been dropped from program dockets. Big Stone County Pheasants Forever Chapter still provides assistance for wildlife plantings, but the Chapter's limited funding is not enough to keep up with the interest.
Field Windbreaks
These plantings are usually one or two rows that stretch across open fields, generally on lighter soils, to prevent erosion caused by wind. CRP, EQIP, or State Cost-Share can be used to fund field windbreaks. CRP is used most often because the program pays a land rental rate for 15 years for the area that the field windbreak is planted on. With the increase in residue left by today's conservative tillage methods, field windbreaks are becoming less desired. However, studies show that field windbreaks can increase the average yield across the field, even when considering the space windbreaks occupy, and low yields normally found next to the windbreak. They do this by decreasing the velocity of hot, dry summer winds, therefore decreasing crop stress during those harsh weather conditions.
Farmstead Shelterbelts
Currently there are several programs available to fund shelterbelts - CRP, EQIP, and State Cost-Share. Under continuous CRP, shelterbelts can be funded only on areas with FSA crop history. Cost-share under CRP will usually run about 50%. Landowners most likely will be eligible for incentives that could help fund an additional 30-40% of the cost, bringing the total cost-share in the range of 70-80%. The EQIP program can fund shelterbelts on cropland and non-cropland, but the cost-share rate is lower than the CRP rate. EQIP is a competitive program, and all applicants are not funded. This leaves State Cost-Share as the main source for shelterbelts on non-cropped areas or shelterbelt renovations/replacements. State Cost-Share covers 65-70% of most costs, however funding amounts are limited. Unlike CRP or EQIP, with State Cost-Share we can fund shelterbelts on land that is not under a FSA farm number. Small plantings, or plantings in or near cities and lake lots are reviewed by the SWCD Board on an individual basis to determine if cost-sharing is warranted.
If you are interested in a tree planting, stop at the SWCD/NRCS office and visit with the staff. Some of the services we can help with are: planting design, tree & shrub sales, tree planting, cost-share assistance, and weed fabric sales and application.
Tree Descriptions TREE ORDER FORM
Also available for purchase:
Plantskydd Animal Repellent: 1 lb. concentrated powder - $25 1 quart ready-to-use spray - $22
Tubex Animal Control: inquire with the District for pricing
