ALASKA – Statewide Policy Decisions – Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)- FY08 - Update 6/04/2008

Individual

Individual

None Needed

Joe Smith

Spouse (unless written notification denying this authority has been provided)

Note:  Spouses shall not sign on behalf of each other as an authorized signatory for partnerships, joint ventures, corporations, or other similar entities.  Spouses may only sign on behalf of each others individual interests.

• by Mary Smith
• Joe Smith by Mary Smith
• by Mary Smith, Spouse
• Mary Smith for Joe Smith

• by Linda Rose
• by Linda Rose, POA (or Agent)
• Linda Rose, POA for Joe Smith

Any member of a general partnership may sign for the general partnership and bind all members unless the Articles of Partnership are more restrictive

• Articles of partnership identifying the members
• IRS documents, such as a form 1065 Schedule K-1, showing members and their respective shares
• Properly executed affidavit filed prior to July 20, 2004
• FSA-211, or NRCS-CPA-09 signed by all

• by Ed Forrest
• by Ed Forrest, Partner
• 3F Farms, by Ed Forrest
• By Jonathon Johnson, Agent
• 3F Farms by Jonathon Johnson, Agent
• Jonathon Johnson, Agent for 3F Farms

• FSA-211, or NRCS-CPA-09 signed by all members
• FSA-211, or NRCS-CPA-09 signed by a member authorized to sign for the partnership, unless re-delegation is prohibited

Joint Venture (JV)

Member, Attorney-in-fact, or Agent

JV’s with a Tax ID number: All members must sign the document or it may be signed by an agent if designated by a FSA-211, or NRCS-CPA-09 signed by all members.

by Liza Mills, POA, for Hurricane Farms Joint Venture

JV’s without a Tax ID number:  Each member (or their attorney-in-fact) must sign for their individual interest.  An agent for the JV, as granted by a FSA-211, or or NRCS-CPA-09 signed by all members, may sign only for the JV’s interests.

• Ken Oaks, member               
  Mae Oaks, member
• Ken Oaks, member 
  Mae Oaks by Ken Oaks, Spouse

Corporation, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Company & Other Similar Entities

Authorized Officer or member

• Signed corporate minutes
• The corporate charter, bylaws, or partnership agreement
• A resolution by a corporation’s board of directors
• Properly executed affidavit filed prior to July 20, 2004

• Sleepy Hollow Farms Inc. by Leigh White
• By Leigh White, President
• By Leigh White
• Jeff Woods, Agent, for Sleepy Hollow Farms, Inc.
• By Jeff Woods, Agent

• FSA-211, or NRCS-CPA-09 signed by all officers/members
• FSA-211, or NRCS-CPA-09 signed by an officer/member with authorization to re-delegate
• Resolution by a corporation’s board of directors designating the agent

• Estate of Jason Buford by Tom Taylor, Administrator
• By Anne Grant, Trustee 

Note:  For a bankruptcy or receivership, the signature must include the signatory’s name, capacity, and name of the bankrupt producer or receivership.

Estate, Trust, Conservatorship or Guardianship

Note:  These positions do not require specific signature authority designation.

• Documents signed or certified by an officer of the issuing court that the evidence is in full force and effect
• Orders of appointment
• Court-approved certificate or letter of administration
• Trust agreement or last will and testament that establishes the trust
• Similar document approved by OGC

Waste Storage Facility

• Pay quantities for waste storage structures shall be based on usable storage volume, not including freeboard, etc.
• Requires CNMP

Composting Facility
Concrete Facility with walls

• Pay quantities for composting facilities shall be based on usable composting volume based on NRCS criteria depending on method of composting and space needs.
• Composting facilities are only cost sharable when the waste is produced on the farm.  Composting operations that import the waste product onto the farm are not eligible for cost share assistance, unless the source is an operation and land use which are EQIP eligible, and compiling the waste material to one facility would be more efficient than building facilities at the individual sites.  It is acceptable to import bulking agents or other compost ingredients, but the agricultural waste must not be imported on a cost shared system.
• Requires CNMP

Conservation Crop Rotation

• Cost-sharing for conservation crop rotation is only applicable if the participant will be changing their crop rotation to allow for an increase in the Soil Conditioning Index (SCI) from the current rotation.  Planned SCI rating must be a positive rating. The conservation plan must describe the current and proposed crop rotation.

Well Decommissioning

• Payment for this practice shall be made on a per foot basis determined by measuring the well depth with a well tape prior to commencing sealing operations.
• Well diameter shall be measured on the inside of the casing if the well is cased.  If no casing is present then the average diameter shall be determined by measuring the borehole at the ground surface.  If the surface around an uncased well has been slumping the actual drilled diameter shall be estimated as closely as possible.

353

Monitoring Well
All scenario’s

• Monitoring wells would most likely be used in conjunction with waste management or utilization practices that may contaminate the groundwater if improperly applied. It should be noted that use of this practice is uncommon and is certainly not required in all waste containment/utilization systems.

Monitoring well w/screen

• The well with screen option was costed using commercially produced brass or stainless steel well screens therefore, any screens but these two options shall not be permitted in design of a cost shared structure.  The use of commercial stainless steel or brass screens is due to longevity and very accurate and specific control of opening size of the screen.

355

Well Water Testing

• Well Water Testing is only cost sharable on newly installed or newly renovated water wells which were cost shared by NRCS.
• Minimum testing requirements are total coliform, arsenic, and nitrates.  Other tests may be included at the landowners choice but these 3 are mandatory. Cost share is based on these 3 tests alone and no additional cost share is available if landowner chooses to conduct additional tests such as hardness,
• Landowners must submit a copy of the certified test results to NRCS before NRCS will certify and pay on the practice.

356

Dike

• Use care in distinguishing between pond embankments, dikes, structures for water control, etc.  The difference is typically in the project purpose and care must be taken to ensure you plan the most correct practice for the situation.
• Payment will be made on yardage calculated between approved subgrade and neat line surface as designed.
• Groundwater flooding is a common occurrence in Alaska due to many areas with high permeability soils.  Ensure you have adequately investigated the proposed project site prior to planning this practice as a dike will not prevent flooding in areas subject to groundwater flooding.

367

Waste Facility Cover

• This practice is typically used in conjunction with Waste Storage Facility or Composting Facility as a means of precluding precipitation. 
• Measurement and payment are based on the horizontal projection of the roof structure, not the actual surface area of the sloping roof.

378

Pond

• For embankment ponds, the pay quantity is the measured quantity of earth fill in the embankment only (does not include auxiliary spillway fill, core trench, etc.)
• Excavated ponds are paid on the water surface area of the pond at seasonal high water table elevations, to the nearest 0.1 acre.  The elevation of seasonal high water table should be determined by soil investigation rather water surface observation when possible.

380

Windbreak/Shelterbreak Establishment

• Windbreaks will be cost shared based on linear feet of planting.  If a windbreak consists of three 100 foot rows. One of pine, one of spruce and one of shrubs this would total 300 feet of windbreak rows. Which would be cost share at 300 times the per foot rate.

382

Fencing

• No boundary fences will be C/S.  Perimeter fences will be C/S when necessary to address an identified resource concern or as part of management system when at least 50 feet from the property boundary.
• If a fence type is not specified in payment schedule, it will be classified under “general livestock fence.”

383

Fuel Break
All Scenario’s

• If most of the area does not have trees and the spacing of trees present is larger than the spacing desired in the standard and specification then the use of this practice does not apply.
• Use of this practice in areas with a continuous grass understory, dead and dying over story is not allowed.
• After implementation this treatment should have minimal grass development but allow for shade tolerant herbaceous vegetation

Fuel Break, Moderate

• These areas are either very young stands still in the regeneration to pole size class (4.5" dbh is a pole).
• Forest Stands may not have developed a closed canopy
• Trees - Shrubs found on site have branches that reach the ground in most cases

Fuel Break, Heavy

• Trees in these areas are mature and have dbh's of greater than 4.5 inches.
• Forest Stands should have developed a closed canopy
• Trees - Shrubs found on site should not have branches that reach the ground in most cases

384

Forest Slash Treatment - Light

• Designation of “Light” meaning a situation which  meets all other purposed of the standard and specification, but does not qualify under other categories.

Forest Slash Treatment - Medium

• Medium defined as meeting specification for Hazardous fuels with out removal or treatment by lopping and piling of materials for a prescribed purpose.

Forest Slash Treatment - Heavy

• Heavy  is defined as meeting specification for Hazardous fuel by chipping or removal of materials

Forest Slash Treatment – All Scenarios with Wildlife Emphasis

• Designation of “Light” meaning a situation which  meets all other purposed of the standard and specification, but does not qualify under other categories.
• Where the practice is installed to attain a 75% cost-share rate the following conditions/ requirements must be met:

1. A baseline Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG) must be performed.
2. A Wildlife Habitat Development Plan, approved by the NRCS State Biologist, must be produced to identify the what, how, and why details (see guidance for WHDP from the 2007 WHIP Program Manual) of the wildlife enhancement to be implemented.
3. The plan will identify measures and specifications to improve the WHEG value to meet the Quality Criteria value (.7) for the  relevant forest type or at least an additional 15%, whichever is greater.

Where the baseline WHEG equals or exceeds .75 the State Biologist has the option to approve less than the additionally required 15% increase, if in the biologists estimate achieving the additional index points requires unwarranted or extraordinary costs or measures.

390

Riparian Herbaceous Cover

• Requires completion of the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide, and a Wildlife Habitat Development Plan before obligation of contract.

391

Riparian Forest Buffer

• Requires completion of the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide, and a Wildlife Habitat Development Plan before obligation of contract.
• Does not include shaping of site to be planted see other practice for this cost

394

Fire Break
Non Flam vegetation

• Trees removed, stumps left in place ground is "grubbed" but duff and organic material is left in place, slash is lopped and scattered as described in Slash Treatment.

Forest land

• Desired condition is a bare strip of soil with the sod removed and stumps removed, includes, tree removal and processing to meet the slash disposal requirement for fire hazards

409

Prescribed Forestry

• Prescribed Forestry Plan Implementation - Flat Rate (409 Cap: $500/ contract). Minimum acreage is 20 acres of forest land enrolled.
• Practice is to motivate and enhance the level of landowner participation in forest land management
• Practice will only be cost shareable when the landowner is implementing a additional cost share program practice on forest land.:( i.e. 409 can not be a stand alone practice in a cost share program contract) and is planning on a minimum of 1 prescribed forestry action.
• See matrix for description of actions.

412

Grassed Waterway

• The seeding and fertilizing components of this practice must be planned and contracted under Critical Area Planting.  Mulching is a separate practice as well.
• Payment is computed on total surface area of constructed waterway.  Lateral limits are the actual limits of excavation/earthfill activities, not including spoil spreading.

436

Irrigation Storage Reservoir

• Refer to EQIP Manual, 440-515.52.  A participant will be eligible for cost-share or incentive payment for irrigation related structural and land management practices only on land that has been irrigated for two of the last five years prior to application for assistance.  Producers requesting cost-share assistance with irrigation practices must provide a signed statement certifying this fact.
• Cost sharing for irrigation related structural, vegetative, or land management practices will only be provided if there is a documented net savings in ground or surface water.
• This practice is solely intended to provide storage of adequate irrigation water when irrigation water is obtained from surface water sources and supply is not adequate throughout the required irrigation period.
• Payments are made on a per cubic yard basis for the total excavated yardage and/or total fill yardage, but excavation that occurs at the site and is rolled into fill shall not be paid twice nor shall payment be made on excavation for borrow.

441

Irrigation System, Microirrigation

• Refer to EQIP Manual, 440-515.52.  A participant will be eligible for cost-share or incentive payment for irrigation related structural and land management practices only on land that has been irrigated for two of the last five years prior to application for assistance.  Producers requesting cost-share assistance with irrigation practices must provide a signed statement certifying this fact.
• Cost sharing for irrigation related structural, vegetative, or land management practices will only be provided if there is a documented net savings in ground or surface water.
• A micro-screen filter is typically required for all micro irrigation systems and should be part of the planned system.

442

Irrigation System, Sprinkler

• Refer to EQIP Manual, 440-515.52.  A participant will be eligible for cost-share or incentive payment for irrigation related structural and land management practices only on land that has been irrigated for two of the last five years prior to application for assistance.  Producers requesting cost-share assistance with irrigation practices must provide a signed statement certifying this fact.
• Cost sharing for irrigation related structural, vegetative, or land management practices will only be provided if there is a documented net savings in ground or surface water.

449

Irrigation Water Management
All Scenarios

• Refer to EQIP Manual, 440-515.52.  A participant will be eligible for cost-share or incentive payment for irrigation related structural and land management practices only on land that has been irrigated for two of the last five years prior to application for assistance.  Producers requesting cost-share assistance with irrigation practices must provide a signed statement certifying this fact.
• Cost sharing for irrigation related structural, vegetative, or land management practices will only be provided if there is a documented net savings in ground or surface water.

Irrigation Water Management
IWM, Non-intense

• Non-Intensity Management Payment: This payment is based on the basic IWM principles which include; record keeping using the checkbook method (crop grown, soil moisture conditions prior to irrigation, dates of irrigation (start and stop), inches of irrigation applied, length of the set and inches of rainfall), soil moisture is determined by feel method, control and measurement of irrigation water to the farm, and monitoring.

Irrigation Water Management
IWM, Intense

• Intense Management Payment: This payment is based on an intensive approach to manage irrigation water to the field. This includes; record keeping, use of soil moisture sensors, the use of agreement or weather stations (on or off farm) or web base Irrigation water management scheduler, control and measurement of irrigation water to the field, and monitoring.

468

Lined Waterway or Outlet
Rock Lined Waterway

• This practice is typically used if vegetation components of a grassed waterway are inadequate to stabilize the waterway due to excessive velocity, tractive stress, or long term wetness that prevents a vigorous grass stand from taking hold.

472

Use Exclusion (472 practice cap: $30,000/contract)

490

Forest Site Preparation

• Chemical site preparation may be applied with another site prep treatment if needed.

500

Obstruction Removal

• Obstruction removal is only cost sharable in situations where materials must be removed to make room for a cost-shared structural conservation practice installation.
• Materials that are burned or piled and burned shall be considered same as pushed aside.
• Trash and other debris shall be considered under the organic debris pile scenario.
• Berm rows and other debris piles are to be measured for payment based on reasonably compact pile following pile pushing/building with dozer.
• Quantities for unbroken concrete disposal shall be measured in-place before concrete is broken up.

511

Forage Harvest Management - Wildlife Considerations

• Requires completion of the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide, and a Wildlife Habitat Development Plan before obligation of contract.

516

Pipeline-Summer Use Only

• Summer use only pipeline is only for projects which will be used for grazing systems where use is limited to May-October.
• Summer use only pipelines may be installed at depth desired by the landowner, but a 2 foot burial depth is the minimum allowed.  No surface pipelines are allowed.
• Please note that pipe used to get water from submersible pump to the pitless adaptor or the top of the well is not included in the pipeline standard.  This pipe is accounted for in the cost of the pumping plant and is not to be measured for payment under PS-516.

Pipeline

• Pipeline-Year Round Use
• Most cost shared livestock watering systems are intended to provide additional sources of water to better distribute grazing pressure and/or provide additional water sources due to sectioning of the pasture as required by prescribed grazing systems.  Because of this focus on grazing, it should be unusual when NRCS needs to design and cost share on a year round use pipeline except in conjunction with PS-757, Livestock Use Area Protection.
• Year round use pipelines must be buried a minimum of 8 feet and may require insulation or heat tape to further frost protect the pipeline.
• Please note that pipe used to get water from submersible pump to the pitless adaptor or the top of the well is not included in the pipeline standard.  This pipe is accounted for in the cost of the pumping plant and is not to be measured for payment under PS-516.

528

Prescribed Grazing (528 practice cap: $30,000/contract)

• Incentive payment for these practices is intended as an incentive to adopt new management.  As such, these practices will only be paid one time per farm, as designated by FSA Farm Number.  Nutrient management, pest management, and prescribed grazing all require record keeping by the producer. Examination of these records by the designated conservationist is required for payment certification.
• Prescribed grazing incentive payments will not be allowed on cropland; for program purposes, this will only be applicable for use on pastureland and rangeland.
• No incentive payments will be made for prescribed grazing and use exclusion on the same acres.
• Minimum limit to qualify for Prescribed Grazing Practice (528) is 10 Animal Unit Months (AUMs) of grazeable forage available, or the capability of the land and operator to produce 10 AUMs.  This does not include supplemental feed from acreage outside of the Prescribed Grazing area.  
• Payment will be based on the AUMs of forage on the operation or the actual stocking of Animal Units per month, which ever is less.

533

Pumping Plant

• Since components are not allowed in the payment schedule docket, the cost of items such as pressure tanks, pump switches, controls, etc. have been built into each of the scenario costs since these ancillary items will be used in the great majority of installations.

552

Irrigation Regulating Reservoir

• Cost sharing for irrigation related structural, vegetative, or land management practices will only be provided if there is a documented net savings in ground or surface water.
• Purpose is for short term irrigation water storage.  For example, if the existing well cannot produce enough continuous quantity for irrigation, a regulating reservoir may be used to store water and thus extend the length of time over which the well has to supply the needed irrigation water.

558

Roof Runoff Structure

• Measurement is based on the horizontal projection of roof surface area contributing flow to the gutter system.
• Heat tape should only be used in areas where there is a documented problem with gutters becoming clogged with ice and nonfunctional.  This is typically most prevalent in uninsulated structures (usually with a metal roof) in which animals are housed.

560

Access Road
All scenarios

• The inclusion of a road or trail as an EQIP project will be for the treatment of an eligible resource concern; projects where the sole purpose is to increase access to the area for harvest are not eligible.
• In development of prescriptions for Stream Crossing, it is particularly important to reference CPM-440-515.91G.  Cost share payments are limited to the least cost alternative to achieve the minimum practice standards and specifications to address the resource concern.
• EQIP:  Treatment of resource concerns related to roads and trails is authorized when the primary use of the road or trail is for resource management and production.
• EQIP:  Roads and trails which are primarily used for recreation, education, residential, or non-agricultural commercial purposes, are not eligible.   Sites within the road or trail networks which meet eligibility criteria (listed above) need to be delineated and treated, while those which do not have eligible resource concern should not be included in the EQIP contract. 
• The cooperator is fully responsible for bearing the cost of the non-NRCS engineering services.  These costs are not cost-sharable, considerable as in-kind, or the responsibility of NRCS in any way.

Access Road
Bridge

• Pay quantities on bridges and railcar bridges shall be measured on usable driving surface of the constructed bridge structure.
• Bridges are defined as all approved bridge structures except bridges constructed with a railroad flatcar.
• The cooperator is fully responsible for bearing the cost of the non-NRCS engineering services.  These costs are not cost-sharable, considerable as in-kind, or the responsibility of NRCS in any way.

Access Road
Railcar Bridge

• Pay quantities on bridges and railcar bridges shall be measured on usable driving surface of the constructed bridge structure.
• Railroad flatcars are the only cars that will be considered for use as a bridge.  Gondolas or other types of cars will not be approved.
• All railcar bridges will require a maximum load certification from a licensed civil or structural engineer in Alaska prior to NRCS commencing a design.
• The cooperator is fully responsible for bearing the cost of the non-NRCS engineering services.  These costs are not cost-sharable, considerable as in-kind, or the responsibility of NRCS in any way.

561

Heavy Use Area Protection
Elevated Walkway

• Elevated light penetrating walkway designed to allow pedestrian travel along river or riparian corridors without damaging the habitat and/or creating erosion nickpoints.
• Elevated Walkway must be adequately light penetrating to support vigorous plant growth under the structure.  This structure is intended to be commercially manufactured aluminum grating in most instances or other approved substitute.  Timber structures typically are inadequate in light transmission.

568

Recreation Trail and Walkway

• The inclusion of a road or trail as an EQIP project will be for the treatment of an eligible resource concern; projects where the sole purpose is to increase access to the area for harvest are not eligible.
• In development of prescriptions for Stream Crossing, it is particularly important to reference CPM-440-515.91G.  Cost share payments are limited to the least cost alternative to achieve the minimum practice standards and specifications to address the resource concern.
• EQIP:  Treatment of resource concerns related to roads and trails is authorized when the primary use of the road or trail is for resource management and production.
• EQIP:  Roads and trails which are primarily used for recreation, education, residential, or non-agricultural commercial purposes, are not eligible.   Sites within the road or trail networks which meet eligibility criteria (listed above) need to be delineated and treated, while those which do not have eligible resource concern should not be included in the EQIP contract.
• NRCS has bridge designs for 12, 16 and 20 foot spans using timber or concrete abutments.  Any project requiring a bridge design other than these existing 6 designs will require a consultant (licensed PE in Alaska) to design (and stamp) the bridge plans and specs in accordance with NRCS practice standards and other engineering requirements.  The full cost of the consultant design will be borne by the cooperator.
• The timber abutment bridge scenario is only to be used in areas where it is extremely difficult or impossible to get a concrete truck into for delivery.  Any area along the road system should generally utilize the concrete abutment bridge scenario unless there is an unusual technical justification for utilizing the timber option.    
• When wildlife benefits are claimed, requires completion of the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide, and a Wildlife Habitat Development Plan before obligation of contract.

572

Spoil Spreading

• Spoil spreading is only to be cost shared in instances where surplus excavated earth materials from a cost shared structural practice needs to be disposed of.
• On-site spoil spreading applies to all spoil spreading operations that do not meet the off-cite criterion.
• Off-site spoil spreading rates apply to all operations where the spoil must be loaded into a truck and hauled at least one mile from the project site to be spread

574

Spring Development

• Livestock water developments are typically only cost shared when necessary to implement a new prescribed grazing system.
• Planner must take care to properly address all wetland issues prior to constructing/installing a spring development.

578

Stream Crossing

• In development of prescriptions for Stream Crossing, it is particularly important to reference CPM-440-515.91G.  Cost share payments are limited to the least cost alternative to achieve the minimum practice standards and specifications to address the resource concern.
• NRCS has bridge designs for 12, 16 and 20 foot spans using timber or concrete abutments.  Any project requiring a bridge design other than these existing 6 designs will require a consultant (licensed PE in Alaska) to design (and stamp) the bridge plans and specs in accordance with NRCS practice standards and other engineering requirements.  The full cost of the consultant design will be borne by the cooperator.
• The timber abutment bridge scenario is only to be used in areas where it is extremely difficult or impossible to get a concrete truck into for delivery.  Any area along the road system should generally utilize the concrete abutment bridge scenario unless there is an unusual technical justification for utilizing the timber option.
• Rock fords should be considered as a good option for stream crossing when such a crossing does not adversely impact fish.

580

Streambank and Shoreline Protection

• All scenarios are to be measured for payment by measuring the linear extent of the project along the midline of the project.
• Coir logs are only to be utilized as erosion protection on non-flowing water such as lake shores.

587

Structure for Water Control

Flow Meter

• Water measuring devices on pipelines that are used to monitor the efficiency of irrigation water delivery.

Flap Gate

• Flap gates used to control direction of water flow.  Common example is a flap gate on a culvert preventing backflow during high tides

Culvert

• Culvert placed under a roadway to convey flow from one side to the other without inundating the roadway.

In-stream Rock Chute

• In-stream rock chute is intended solely as a fisheries type practice to allow fish passage in areas where flow depth is currently too low or overfalls block passage

590

Nutrient Management (590 practice cap: $30,000/contract)

• Incentive payment for these practices is intended as an incentive to adopt new management.  As such, these practices will only be paid one time per farm, as designated by FSA Farm Number.  Nutrient management, pest management, and prescribed grazing all require record keeping by the producer. Examination of these records by the designated conservationist is required for payment certification.
• Nutrient management and waste utilization will be paid on no more that 125 percent of the acreage needed for full crop nutrient balance.
• 590 Nutrient Management and 633 Waste Utilization will only be paid on the same acreage under the following circumstance:  1) Animal waste is present, and a resource concern is being created by improper application, 2) Animal waste comprise less than 60 percent full crop nutrient balance, and commercial fertilizer is used for balance of crop nutrient needs. 
• The intent of the nutrient management practice is to manage the amount, source, placement, form and timing of the application of plant nutrients and soil amendments for plant production.  The philosophy behind the nutrient management standard is that soil tests should be used to determine the amount of nutrients needed by plants to maintain plant health and vigor.  Plant nutrient recommendations should be formulated for plant maintenance and realistic yield goals.  Maintenance amounts of complete fertilizers will keep soil test levels in an acceptable zone for continued plant health and vigor.  Maintaining adequate plant health and vigor will provide cover for erosion control, forage/hay amounts to meet realistic production goals, protection of existing water bodies from non point pollutants, insure a healthy crop able to compete with weeds and resist pests, and for the maintenance/improvement of the physical, chemical and biological condition of the soil.
• By agreeing to implement the nutrient management practice clients should be made aware that they will be required to make nutrient applications according to soil test results and written UAF CES fertilizer recommendations that consider current soil tests, realistic yield goals and management capabilities.  The only time nutrient applications would not be required by the standard would be in instances where soil test results show that adequate nutrient levels already exist in the soil to maintain plant health and vigor.  NRCS offices should coordinate closely with UAF CES district agents to obtain fertilizer recommendations. 
• Current soil test information and UAF CES fertilizer recommendations should be used to prepare nutrient management plans.  Soil test information should be no older than one year when developing new plans.  Once a plan is developed soil tests should be taken each year for the first 3 years of plan implementation for both annual and perennial crops.  Thereafter, soil tests should continue to be taken at a minimum of once every three years unless there is a major change in the crop rotation or operation.  Perennial crops such as grass hay will require soil tests at a minimum of once every third year.
• 590 Intensive:  The nutrient management practice scenario is for small scale intensively managed crops such as vegetables, nurseries, seed production or orchards that are irrigated or non-irrigated in Alaska. Intensive agriculture would generally occur on small operations of 20 acres or less of land in production.  Soil tests are required annually and companion practices such as Irrigation Water Management shall be used where appropriate to facilitate in the management of applied nutrients.  If lime is applied, adjustment to fertilizer rates will likely be required.  Record keeping is required.
• 590 Non-Intensive: This nutrient management practice scenario is for traditional field scale cropland and pastures in Alaska and is considered non intensive in management criteria. In order to receive this payment the landowner must maintain records for 3 or more years.  Soil tests for each year of the contract are required.  If lime is applied adjustment to fertilizer rates will likely be required.
• Lime: Producers are required to conduct soil tests to determine current nutrient and lime recommendations.  Tissue tests, if needed, may be required.  Producers shall follow nutrient management plans developed by NRCS by following nutrient budget and recommendations.  Producers are required to keep records of nutrient and lime application.  Records shall include record of crop grown, anticipated and actual yields, types and quantities of nutrients applied (including animal waste) and dates of application and/or the use of green manure crops, lime application including date of application, type of lime, lime analysis, type of application method.  Lime application may require additional equipment or custom application.  Using lime to adjust soil pH and nutrient availability is considered a relatively new practice in Alaska.  A higher level of management will be required to manage soil pH.  As a general rule fields are eligible for the lime incentive payment if they have a soil test SMP Buffer pH of less than 6.5.  There may be exceptions to this general rule depending on soil type, soil-water pH and organic matter content.  The effects of the lime should last for approximately 5 to 7 years.
• At a minimum, lime application rates should be recommended to amend soil pH to the minimum value of the optimum pH range listed in Table 2 of the 590-Nutrient Management Specification.  As with all incentive payments, documentation of lime application should be verified with lime purchase receipts, applicator certification or other similar documentation.  Annual soil tests are required to document changes in soil buffer pH and any changes in available nutrients due to higher pH values.  Nutrient management plans should be updated to reflect any changes that occur in fertilizer recommendations due to the effect of increased soil pH.
• No Lime: Producers are required to conduct soil tests to determine fertilizer recommendations.  Tissue tests, if needed, will be required.  Producers shall follow nutrient management plans developed by NRCS by following nutrient budget and recommendations.  Producers are required to keep records of nutrient application which will include record of crop grown, anticipated and actual yields, types and quantities of nutrients applied (including animal waste) and dates of application and/or the use of green manure crops.

595

Pest Management

All scenarios

• The pest management conservation practice standard requires that a pest management plan be prepared with the minimum components as outlined in the AK595 Pest Management Job Sheet.  The job sheet shall be used to document identified target pests, management method, application techniques and any mitigation techniques as well as to certify producer agreement to implement plan.  Documentation of plan implementation (pest management records, scouting reports, spray records, etc.) is required for incentive payment.
• Pest management plans which have identified target species as noxious or invasive shall be paid at the same rate than those where noxious and invasive species are not present.  Where possible, eradication strategies for noxious and invasive species shall be implemented, especially in areas of newly introduced and isolated populations of noxious and invasive species.
• A noxious and invasive plant species list has been developed for Alaska NRCS and can be found in Section IV of the eFOTG listed under the 595 Pest Management folder.

Pest Mgt, Cropland -Per Acre Rate (595 Cap: $30,000/ contract)

• Per Acre Costs:  This rate includes the annual implementation of pest management techniques such as scouting, pesticide risk analysis, record keeping and weed management techniques.

Pest Mgt, Cropland -Flat Rate (595 Cap: $30,000/ contract)

• Flat Rate Costs:  This flat rate will take into consideration intial pest scouting, the development of a pest management plan, learning basic IPM principles; record keeping and equipment set up, biological, mechanical, and/or use of low risk pesticides.  This rate will also cover initial setup costs for practice.

612

Tree/Shrub Establishment

All Scenario’s – Wildlife Emphasis

• Where the practice is installed to attain a 75% cost-share rate the following conditions/ requirements must be met:

1. A baseline Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG) must be performed.
2. A Wildlife Habitat Development Plan, approved by the NRCS State Biologist, must be produced to identify the what, how, and why details (see guidance for WHDP from the 2007 WHIP Program Manual) of the wildlife enhancement to be implemented.
3. The plan will identify measures and specifications to improve the WHEG value to meet the Quality Criteria value (.7) for the  relevant forest type or at least an additional 15%, whichever is greater.

• Where the baseline WHEG equals or exceeds .75 the State Biologist has the option to approve less than the additionally required 15% increase, if in the biologists estimate achieving the additional index points requires unwarranted or extraordinary costs or measures.

614

Watering Facility

• All watering tanks are paid on a per gallon basis except water fountains such as a Ritchie Waterer which is paid on a lump sum basis.
• Any material allowed under the practice standard and appropriate for the design use may be paid under the water trough option.  The rubber tire trough and fountain options are specific to those installations.  The fountain costs assume an 8'x10'x0.5' concrete pad with a raised section of concrete 5'x6.5'x0.33' on which the waterer itself sits.  Total concrete = 2 CY. This size pad is adequate for anchoring the waterer for most situations, but the planner may require a larger area of concrete, compacted gravel, or other material to protect the surrounding heavy use area.  If so, this extension of the concrete, addition of gravel, etc. should be planned and paid as Heavy Use Area Protection.

633

Waste Utilization

• Nutrient management and waste utilization will be paid on no more that 125 percent of the acreage needed for full crop nutrient balance.
• 590 Nutrient Management and 633 Waste Utilization will only be paid on the same acreage under the following circumstance:  1) Animal waste is present, and a resource concern is being created by improper application, 2) Animal waste comprise less than 60 percent full crop nutrient balance, and commercial fertilizer is used for balance of crop nutrient needs. 

634

Manure Transfer

• Concrete ramps are paid on neat line cubic yards of concrete required to build the ramps.
• Concrete reception pit is paid on neat line cubic yards of concrete required to build the reception pit, not on storage volume of pit.

642

Water Well

Well with screen

• The well with screen option was costed using commercially produced brass or stainless steel well screens therefore, any screens but these two options shall not be permitted in design of a cost shared structure.  The use of commercial stainless steel or brass screens is due to longevity and very accurate and specific control of opening size of the screen.

643

Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats (643 Practice Cap: $20,000/contract)

All Scenarios

Required Actions:

1. Wildlife Habitat Management Plan (requires review and approval by the NRCS State Biologist or their designee).  The plan should identify for which species and habitats the land will be specifically managed. This could also be a level of habitat or plant diversity or specificity (ex. old growth habitats and species). Include details of treatment and management strategies/ actions which will identify how the plan goals will be met/maintained/or improved, etc. Identify what habitat quality or species responses will be used to determine achievement of plan objectives.
2. Baseline Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG)
3. Prepare biannual WHEG's for the length of the contract. Prepare a WHEG in the third year (and biannually for the length of the contract) of implementation of the management plan to examine for potential habitat response changes.  The minimum index value of the land use-appropriate WHEG must meet or exceed the Quality Criteria value established for the land use.  In cases where the baseline condition is below the established value, the focus of the wildlife plan must include activities and management to increase the score to the minimum established value.

• Restoration and Management of Declining Habitat is designed to restore and conserve habitats and their functions and values for native plant and/ or animal species or ecological conditions, which are in danger of disappearing from the landscape in Alaska. In some areas of the state, these habitats might be settings such as old growth forests, or areas where once abundant shallow surface water or wetlands are receding due to local, regional or global environmental conditions. In order to receive this payment the landowner at the minimum will need to manage the soil resource, restore plant and/or animal diversity, control invasive species and when necessary provide cover, water, and food for the identified wildlife species at risk, of concern or threatened and endangered. Wildlife species or ecological sites identified in ADF&G's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS) may also qualify for consideration. An increased level of management may consist of improving the wildlife habitat for connectivity, diversity, and sustainability for the focus wildlife species. This practice is usually facilitated through the application of other structural or vegetative practices necessary for site condition manipulation/ restoration. Facilitating practices may include individually or in conjunction, prescribe burning, brush control, critical area planting, prescribed grazing, and/or tree and shrub establishment, use exclusion, pond, forest stand improvement among others.

Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats - Minimum Level

• Minimum Level: This consists of managing native habitats in order to sustain, improve or restore the native vegetation and/ or the wildlife species which are identified in the required plan as in decline. Existing conditions do not require specialized or extreme effort to perform restoration. Control of noxious weeds may be required in order to prevent further decline of the native habitat along with limiting the season of use for livestock, where applicable. Meeting quality criteria as indicated by the appropriate WHEG is required.

Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats - Maximum Level

• Maximum Level: The required conservation plan itemizes and schedules specific structural and vegetative efforts to facilitate the identified desired condition. This consists of managing or restoring native habitats in order to sustain and improve the native vegetation and the wildlife species. Control of noxious weeds, mowing or burning to stimulate growth, natural regeneration, hydrology manipulation or control non-native species vegetation are essential to this level of treatment, along with limiting the season and duration of use by livestock. Facilitating practices may be required. Meeting quality criteria as indicated by the appropriate WHEG is required.

Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats - T&E, State Sensitive, CWCS

• T&E, State Sensitive/AK CWCS Level: For sites with these species and habitats, manage any and all designed/installed or in place structural and/or habitat features to prioritize the for the desired outcomes. The required habitat management plan will identify the specific ecological conditions and goals of the practice. Timing and uses of the acreage including timing, harvest and management of forage within the planned area in order to provide for nesting, rearing, breeding, or fawning/calving and allow for the establishment, development and management of vegetation. Prohibitions on use of the area or any conditions set forth by regulatory agencies must be included in the plan. The plan will also identify the expected outcomes of the management strategies and the expected effects on the identified species. Establishment/erection of wildlife habitat corridors, nesting trees, hack sites, brush piles, migration routes, and critical nesting and roosting structures can be a apart of this scenario. Implement the design plan to emphasize the features and functions of the plan which will improve the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG) score to the minimum quality criteria value or by 15%, whichever is greater. Monitoring and written reporting is required at this level.
• Maximum accepted acres for this scenario on agricultural lands is 200 acres. In non-agricultural areas, the maximum accepted acres is 500.

644

Wetland Wildlife Management (644 Practice Cap: $20,000/contract)

All Scenario’s

Required Actions:

1. Wildlife Habitat Management Plan (requires review and approval by the NRCS State Biologist or their designee).  The plan should identify for which species and habitats the land will be specifically managed. This could also be a level of habitat or plant diversity or specificity (ex. old growth habitats and species). Include details of treatment and management strategies/actions which will identify how the plan goals will be met/ maintained/ or improved, etc. Identify what habitat quality or species responses will be used to determine achievement of plan objectives.
2. Baseline Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG)
3. Prepare biannual WHEG's for the length of the contract. Prepare a WHEG in the third year (and biannually for the length of the contract) of implementation of the management plan to examine for potential habitat response changes.  The minimum index value of the land use-appropriate WHEG must meet or exceed the Quality Criteria value established for the land use.  In cases where the baseline condition is below the established value, the focus of the wildlife plan must include activities and management to increase the score to the minimum established value.

• The Wetland Wildlife Management practice scenario (s) are intended to be applied for both agricultural and non-ag settings. In order to receive this payment the landowner at a minimum will need to manage for cover, water, and food for the individual or group of focus wildlife species identified. An increased level of management may consist of improving the wildlife habitat for connectivity, diversity, and sustainability for the focus wildlife species.

Wetland Wildlife Management - Minimum Level

• Minimum level: The required habitat management plan will identify the timing, harvest and management of forage within the wetland area in order to provide for nesting, rearing, breeding, or fawning/ calving and allow for the establishment, development and management of vegetation. Eliminate all disturbances to the wetland during nesting and rearing periods. Water sources and availability to facilitate the function of the wetland are required to achieve the identified benefit (exception when beyond the control of the landowner). Nesting structures such as bat or bird boxes, or small roosting structures can be part of the enhancement and management of this scenario.
• Maximum accepted acres for this scenario on agricultural lands is 150 acres. In non-agricultural areas, the maximum accepted acres is 300

Wetland Wildlife Management - Maximum Level

• Maximum level: A minimum equivalent upland area of 15% (in addition to maximum wetland acres) of the identified wetland area, adjacent and surrounding the wetland will be included in this scenario option. The required habitat management plan will identify the timing, harvest and management of forage within the wetland area in order to provide for nesting, rearing, breeding, or fawning/ calving and allow for the establishment, development and management of vegetation. Eliminate all disturbances to the wetland during nesting and rearing periods. Water sources and availability to facilitate the function of the wetland are required to achieve the identified benefit (exception when beyond the control of the landowner). Establishment/ erection of wildlife habitat corridors, brush piles, migration routes, and critical nesting and roosting structures are apart of this scenario. Nesting structures such as bat or bird boxes, or small roosting structures can be part of the enhancement and management of this scenario. Water level control and management plan must be implemented where feasible/ applicable.
• Maximum accepted acres for this scenario on agricultural lands is 150 acres. In non-agricultural areas, the maximum accepted acres is 300.

Wetland Wildlife Management - T&E, State Sensitive, CWCS

• T&E, State Sensitive/AK CWCS Level: For sites with these species and habitats, manage any and all designed/installed or in place structural and/or habitat features to prioritize the species life requirements for the desired outcomes. The required habitat management plan will identify the specific goal of the practice and all timing and uses of the acreage including timing, harvest and management of forage within the upland area in order to provide for nesting, rearing, breeding, or fawning/calving and allow for the establishment, development and management of vegetation. The plan will also identify the required improvements/maintenance or management strategies required for implementation to maximize habitat conditions and utilization by the focus species. Eliminate all disturbances to farm-field sites during nesting and rearing periods.  Establishment/ erection of wildlife habitat corridors, foraging areas, zones of restricted disturbance, hack sites, brush piles, migration routes, and critical nesting and roosting structures, etc. may be a apart of this scenario.  Implement the design plan to emphasize the features and functions of the plan which will improve the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG) score to the minimum quality criteria value or by 15%,  whichever is greater.
• Maximum accepted acres for this scenario on agricultural lands is 200 acres. In non-agricultural areas, the maximum accepted acres is 500.

645

Upland Wildlife Management (645 Practice Cap: $20,000/contract)

All Scenario’s

Required Actions:

1. Wildlife Habitat Management Plan (requires review and approval by the NRCS State Biologist or their designee).  The plan should identify for which species and habitats the land will be specifically managed. This could also be a level of habitat or plant diversity or specificity (ex. old growth habitats and  species).  Include details of treatment and management strategies/actions which will identify how the plan goals will be met/ maintained/or improved, etc. Identify what habitat quality or species responses will be used to determine achievement of plan objectives.
2. Baseline Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG)
3. Prepare biannual WHEG's for the length of the contract. Prepare a WHEG in the third year (and biannually for the length of the contract) of implementation of the management plan to examine for potential habitat response changes.  The minimum index value of the land use-appropriate WHEG must meet or exceed the Quality Criteria value established for the land use.  In cases where the baseline condition is below the established value, the focus of the wildlife plan must include activities and management to increase the score to the minimum established value.

• The Upland Wildlife Management practice scenario(s) are intended to be applied for both agricultural and non-ag settings. In order to receive this payment the landowner at a minimum will need to manage for cover, water, and food for the individual or group of focus wildlife species identified. An increased level of management may consist of improving the wildlife habitat for connectivity, diversity, and sustainability for the focus wildlife species. Wildlife land must be designated as the primary or secondary land use.

Upland Wildlife Management - Minimum Level

• Minimum level: The required habitat management plan will identify the timing, harvest and management of forage within the upland area in order to provide for nesting, rearing, breeding, or fawning/ calving and allow for the establishment, development and management of vegetation. Eliminate all disturbances to farm field sites during nesting and rearing periods. Reduce/ control non-productive wildlife activities to promote the desired (planned) structure and composition of the habitat for the selected individual or group of species. Land unit must meet established quality criteria for site.
• Maximum accepted acres for this scenario on agricultural lands is 150 acres. For non-agricultural sites, the maximum accepted acres is 300. The minimum required acreage is 10 regardless of land use designation.

Upland Wildlife Management - Maximum Level

• Maximum level: The required habitat management plan* will identify the specific goal (s) of the practice and all timing and uses of the acreage including timing, harvest and management of forage within the upland area in order to provide for nesting, rearing, breeding, or fawning/ calving and allow for the establishment, development and management of vegetation. Eliminate all disturbances to farm-field sites during nesting and rearing periods.  Establishment/ erection of wildlife habitat corridors, brush piles, migration routes, and critical nesting and roosting structures are apart of this scenario. Nesting structures such as bat or bird boxes, or small roosting structures can be part of the enhancement and management of this scenario. Implement the design plan to emphasize the features and functions of the plan which will improve the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG) score to increase quality criteria value by at least 15% (under no circumstance can the WHEG value be planned to less than the minimum land use quality criteria value).
• Maximum accepted acres for this scenario on agricultural lands is 150 acres. In non-agricultural areas, the maximum accepted acres is 300. The minimum required acreage is 10 regardless of land use designation.

Upland Wildlife Management - T&E/State Sensitive/CWCS

• T&E, State Sensitive/ AK CWCS Level: For sites with these species and habitats, manage any and all designed/ installed or in place structural and/ or habitat features to prioritize the species life requirements for the desired outcomes. The required habitat management plan will identify the specific goal of the practice and all timing and uses of the acreage including timing, harvest and management of forage within the upland area in order to provide for nesting, rearing, breeding, or fawning/ calving and allow for the establishment, development and management of vegetation. The plan will also identify the required improvements/ maintenance or management strategies required for implementation to maximize habitat conditions and utilization by the focus species. Eliminate all disturbances to farm-field sites during nesting and rearing periods.  Establishment/ erection of wildlife habitat corridors, foraging areas, zones of restricted disturbance, hack sites, brush piles, migration routes, and critical nesting and roosting structures, etc. may be a apart of this scenario.  Implement the design plan to emphasize the features and functions of the plan which will improve the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG) score to the minimum quality criteria value or by 15%,  whichever is greater.
• Maximum accepted acres for this scenario on agricultural lands is 200 acres. In non-agricultural areas, the maximum accepted acres is 500. Where necessary, coordination with responsible regulatory agencies is required to insure any conditional requirements or activity permitting is implemented throughout the contract period.

646

Shallow Water Management for Wildlife

Shallow Water Mgt - Impounding and Regulating Water

• The Shallow Water Management for Wildlife practice scenario is for impoundment, regulating and dewatering on agricultural fields or shallow impoundments to provide resting, feeding and habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds. In order to receive this payment the landowner at the minimum will need to manage the timing and duration of water required for various species of water fowl. Facilitating practices can be Dike, Structure for Water Control, and Pumping Plant. Subject to the details in the design plan, surface water must be available for use by waterfowl and/ or shorebirds during fall migratory periods when within the control of the landowner.
• Management required for payment is developing a plan that insures proper depth of flooding, timing and duration to provide optimum benefit to waterfowl and/ or shorebirds. Monitoring and regulating water levels may be necessary to prevent any adverse effects from noxious or invasive weeds, or non point source pollution to surface or ground water and to maintain temporary wildlife habitat. Maximum acreage to which this practice can be applied is 200 acres.

Required Actions:

1. Wildlife Habitat Management Plan (requires review and approval by the NRCS State Biologist or their designee).  The plan should identify for which species and habitats the land will be specifically managed. This could also be a level of habitat or plant diversity or or specificity (ex. old growth habitats and  species). Include details of treatment and management strategies/actions which will identify how the plan goals will be met/maintained/or improved, etc. Identify what habitat quality or species responses will be used to determine achievement of plan objectives.
2. Baseline Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG)
3. Prepare biannual WHEG's for the length of the contract. Prepare a WHEG in the third year (and biannually for the length of the contract) of implementation of the management plan to examine for potential habitat response changes.  The minimum index value of the land use-appropriate WHEG must meet or exceed the Quality Criteria value established for the land use.  In cases where the baseline condition is below the established value, the focus of the wildlife plan must include activities and management to increase the score to the minimum established value.

Early Successional Habitat Management (647 Practice Cap: $20,000/contract.)

Required Actions:

1. Wildlife Habitat Management Plan (requires review and approval by the NRCS State Biologist or their designee).  The plan should identify for which species and habitats the land will be specifically managed. This could also be a level of habitat or plant diversity or specificity (ex. old growth habitats and species). Include details of treatment and management strategies/ actions which will identify how the plan goals will be met/ maintained/ or improved, etc. Identify what habitat quality or species responses will be used to determine achievement of plan objectives.
2. Baseline Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG).
3. Prepare biannual WHEG's for the length of the contract. Prepare a WHEG in the third year (and biannually for the length of the contract) of implementation of the management plan to examine for potential habitat response changes.  The minimum index value of the land use-appropriate WHEG must meet or exceed the Quality Criteria value established for the land use.  In cases where the baseline condition is below the established value, the focus of the wildlife plan must include activities and management to increase the score to the minimum established value.

• The typical scenario is in mature or thick undesirable second growth mixed communities of willow, birch, spruce. Densities and/ or overstory has excluded understory herbaceous and woody plant species presence and composition to the desired degree.  Many of these ecological sites in the past were disturbed by periodic flooding, scouring and/ or burning. These disturbances caused the plant succession to revert to varying early successional phases with predominately annual species resulting in a mosaic of early and later woody plant communities.  When the ecological objective is to have this mix or retain a certain amount of the broader landscape in an early successional phase, management will mimic a disturbance to change the plant community to this early phase.  Early successional management will be designed to achieve the desired plant community in density, vertical and horizontal structure, and plant species diversity.  Management plan will include timing and extent of physical disturbance such as crushing, blading, mowing, controlled grazing, light discing or prescribed burning with a specific objective of the desired plant community. Utilize appropriate existing NRCS companion practices to facilitate the desired plant and ecological community structure and composition..

Windbreak/Shelterbreak Renovation

• Purpose for cost share participation is to take existing windbreak and modify it by removing, thinning, planting trees and shrubs to meet the density or porosity of the windbreak or shelterbelt to the desired condition.
• It can also be used to modify a left in place windbreak with native cover in order to meet the density-porosity condition

Wetland Restoration

Requires completion of the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide, and a Wildlife Habitat Development Plan before obligation of contract.

Wetland Enhancement

• Wetland enhancement site excavations are paid on the water surface area at seasonal high water table elevations, to the nearest 0.1 acre.  The elevation of seasonal high water table should be determined by soil investigation rather water surface observation when possible.
• Excavation bottom contour should mimic Depth Scenario C from Table 1 of the AK-NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 646 - Shallow Water Management For Wildlife
• Requires completion of the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide, and a Wildlife Habitat Development Plan before obligation of contract.

Tree/Shrub Pruning – Wildlife

• Minimum number of trees pruned per acre is 50. Maximum number of trees pruned per acre is 250.  Payment can be made using an averaging method in order to facilitate practice approval and certification, average number of trees pruned per acre and average height of trees pruned.

* Practices indicated contain scenarios which entail substantially enhanced application of the practice designed to meet specific wildlife habitat resource concerns/ goals to obtain a 75% cost-share rate.  Where the practice is installed to attain a 75% cost-share rate the following conditions/ requirements must be met:

1. A baseline Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG) must be performed.
2. A Wildlife Habitat Development Plan, approved by the NRCS State Biologist, must be produced to identify the what, how, and why details (see guidance for WHDP from the 2007 WHIP Program Manual) of the wildlife enhancement to be implemented.
3. The plan will identify measures and specifications to improve the WHEG value to meet the Quality Criteria value (.7) for the  relevant forest type or at least an additional 15%, whichever is greater.

• Where the baseline WHEG equals or exceeds .75 the State Biologist has the option to approve less than the additionally required 15% increase, if in the biologists estimate achieving the additional index points requires unwarranted or extraordinary costs or measures

Forest Stand Improvement Large

All Scenario’s

• Most cost effective and feasible means of treatment will be selected.
• In determining the number of stems to be removed, dead trees do not count in the inventory since they are no longer competing with live trees.

Forest Stand Improvement

All Scenario’s – Wildlife Emphasis

* Practices indicated contain scenarios which entail substantially enhanced application of the practice designed to meet specific wildlife habitat resource concerns/ goals to obtain a 75% cost-share rate.  Where the practice is installed to attain a 75% cost-share rate the following conditions/ requirements must be met:

1. A baseline Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guide (WHEG) must be performed.
2. A Wildlife Habitat Development Plan, approved by the NRCS State Biologist, must be produced to identify the what, how, and why details (see guidance for WHDP from the 2007 WHIP Program Manual) of the wildlife enhancement to be implemented.
3. The plan will identify measures and specifications to improve the WHEG value to meet the Quality Criteria value (.7) for the  relevant forest type or at least an additional 15%, whichever is greater.

• Where the baseline WHEG equals or exceeds .75 the State Biologist has the option to approve less than the additionally required 15% increase, if in the biologists estimate achieving the additional index points requires unwarranted or extraordinary costs or measures

Irrigation Water Conveyance, Pipeline, Aluminum Tubing

• This practice standard applies to buried aluminum pipe only.
• Cost sharing for irrigation related structural, vegetative, or land management practices will only be provided if there is a documented net savings in ground or surface water.
• Refer to EQIP Manual, 440-515.52.  A participant will be eligible for cost-share or incentive payment for irrigation related structural and land management practices only on land that has been irrigated for two of the last five years prior to application for assistance.  Producers requesting cost-share assistance with irrigation practices must provide a signed statement certifying this fact.

Irrigation Water Conveyance, High Pressure, Underground, Plastic Pipeline

• Buried pipelines are the only applications of this practice standard.
• Cost sharing for irrigation related structural, vegetative, or land management practices will only be provided if there is a documented net savings in ground or surface water.
• Refer to EQIP Manual, 440-515.52.  A participant will be eligible for cost-share or incentive payment for irrigation related structural and land management practices only on land that has been irrigated for two of the last five years prior to application for assistance.  Producers requesting cost-share assistance with irrigation practices must provide a signed statement certifying this fact.

Irrigation Water Conveyance, Low Pressure, Underground, Plastic Pipeline

• This practice applies to buried pipelines only.
• Cost sharing for irrigation related structural, vegetative, or land management practices will only be provided if there is a documented net savings in ground or surface water.
• Refer to EQIP Manual, 440-515.52.  A participant will be eligible for cost-share or incentive payment for irrigation related structural and land management practices only on land that has been irrigated for two of the last five years prior to application for assistance.  Producers requesting cost-share assistance with irrigation practices must provide a signed statement certifying this fact.

Pond Sealing or Lining Flexible Membrane

All Scenarios

• Measurement shall be to the nearest square foot of the actual surface area lined, disregarding quantities required for anchorage, overlap, seaming, etc.

Pond, Flexible Membrane EIA

• All waste storage ponds in Alaska to be lined with a flexible membrane shall use an EIA (ethylene interpolymer alloy) type liner.

Pond, Flexible Membrane GCL

• Clean water ponds in Alaska should use a non-EIA type liner due to cost.

Pond, Flexible Membrane Other

• Flexible membrane other refers to all other flexible membrane liner systems except GCLs and EIA.

Pond Sealing or Lining Bentonite Treatment

• Soil testing should be given strong consideration before planning this practice.  It is critical to plan the correct amount of bentonite required to treat each square foot.

Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP)

• All cost shared Waste storage or compost facilities require an approved CNMP.

Applicant Name:

Application #:

Evaluator Name:

Service Office:

D.C. Approval:

Date:

1.  Is the land proposed for EQIP eligible for the program?

Go to Question 2

Ineligible. Notify applicant by letter

2.  Does the application and proposed practices address one or more of the State Priorities, and/or National Program Objectives, Priorities, and Measures (515.3)

Go to Question 3

Ineligible.  Notify applicant by letter.  If the applicant is uncertain of their objectives, or if technical prescriptions have not been agreed to, defer application until next ranking period.  Conduct field visit to verify eligibility.

• AD-1026
• CCC-501a
• CCC-526
• Signature Authority
• proof of control and/or ownership of land
• Income from agricultural production
• Protracts Applicant Status "eligible"
• Application correctly entered into SCIMS (including all names, addresses, TIN/SS#).