Demonstration Site Application

As part of the Livestock and Land Program Ecology Action and the Resource Conservation Districts of Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties are seeking properties to become demonstration sites for implementing Best Management Practices for livestock facilities. Demonstration site owners will receive technical and financial assistance for implementing improvements to their facility.

Applying to become a Demonstration Site is a two step process:

1. Fill out the attached application and
2. Contact Rich or John at NRCS for a site visit and completion of a conservation plan. During the site visit, Rich or John will work with you to complete a conservation plan for your property. This plan will help to identify potential projects and assist you with completing your application. Once both are complete, mail them to the address on the top of the application.

Download the Demonstration Site Application (PDF)

Potential Demonstration Sites will be chosen from completed returned applications by the program advisory committee for further assessment. Criteria for selecting sites include: potential for improvement with regard to degree of impact on water quality; cost of needed improvements; level of site owner’s monetary match; level of visibility for fellow livestock owners; and feasibility of accommodating a small group on site. (Please note, only properties located in Santa Cruz, San Benito, South Santa Clara and Monterey Counties are eligible to become demonstration sites.)

Technical advisors will visit the sites to assess and prioritize needed improvements, along with site owners, in order to provide the best environment for the animals while lessening their impact on water quality. Upon completion of site visits, technical advisors will meet with the program advisory committee and the final properties will be chosen for inclusion in the program. Bonus points will be given to people who have attended a workshop series.

Property owners selected as demonstration sites agree to match 40% of grant funds expended on site improvements (this can be achieved by labor, materials and/or cash contributions). Landowners must also allow program members (technical advisors, stakeholder advisors, peer leaders and other livestock owners) access to the site on pre-arranged dates & times. Property owners will obtain any permits, if needed.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2007

For more information or to add your name to our distribution list, please call or email Jennifer Harrison at 831-426-5925 ext 132 or jharrison@ecoact.org