Section 50.69. Critical area stabilization.

 

(1)   Definition. In this section, "critical area stabilization" means planting suitable vegetation on erodible areas such as steep slopes and gullies, so as to reduce soil erosion or pollution from agricultural nonpoint sources. "Critical area stabilization" may also include treating areas that drain into bedrock crevices, openings, or sinkholes.

(2)   Eligible costs. A cost-share grant under s. ATCP 50.40 may reimburse the following critical area stabilization costs:

(a) Costs to purchase and install permanent fencing around the critical area.

(b) Costs to establish permanent vegetative cover, or to provide temporary cover until permanent cover is established. This may include costs for mulch, fertilizer, and other necessary materials.

(c) Preparatory shaping and smoothing operations.

(3)   Ineligible costs. A cost-share grant under s. ATCP 50.40 may not reimburse for the costs of planting trees intended for commercial harvest.

(4)   Design, construction, and maintenance. A cost-share grant under s. ATCP 50.40 may not reimburse critical area stabilization costs unless all of the following conditions are met:

(a) The critical area stabilization complies with all of the following that apply:

1. NRCS technical guide critical area planting standard 342 (January, 2013).

2. NRCS technical guide fence standard 382 (January, 2014).

3. NRCS technical guide field border standard 386 (November, 2009).

4. NRCS technical guide access control standard 472 (October, 2008).

5. NRCS technical guide mulching standard 484 (March, 2013).

6. NRCS technical guide tree/shrub establishment standard 612 (July, 2011).

7. NRCS technical guide karst sinkhole treatment standard 527 (December, 2010).

(b) The landowner agrees to maintain the critical area stabilization practice for 10 years unless farming operations on the affected land are discontinued or the practice is no longer required to prevent the soil and water resource problem for which the practice was installed.

CR 01-090 : cr. Register September 2002 No. 561 , eff. 10-1-02; CR 08-075 : am. (4) (a) 1., 2. and 4. to 6. Register April 2009 No. 640 , eff. 5-1-09; CR 13-016 : am. (1), (4) (a) 1. to 7., (b) Register February 2014 No. 698 , eff. 5-1-14; CR 14-047 : am. (4) (a) 2. Register May 2015 No. 713 , eff. 6-1-15.