Technical Resources
Partners For Conservation (PFC) Cost-share Program
Each District has the opportunity to receive PFC dollars to conduct a cost-share program in their District. They must hold an annual sign-up, prioritize the applications, plan the practices (which may include surveying and designing), instruct the construction, and process payments for the program. There are a number of steps to complete and the steps are spread out throughout the year.
Each District has the opportunity to receive PFC dollars to conduct a cost-share program in their District. They must hold an annual sign-up, prioritize the applications, plan the practices (which may include surveying and designing), instruct the construction, and process payments for the program. There are a number of steps to complete and the steps are spread out throughout the year.
During 2019 Winter Training, a presentation was given on conducting the Partners for Conservation program, which gives an employee perspective on the steps to follow and tips on organizing the process. To see a pdf version of this PowerPoint presentation and the handouts given to attendees, please click here.
Natural Resource Inventory (NRI)
By State Statute (ILCS, Chapter 70, Paragraph 405, Section 22.02a), Illinois SWCDs have a duty to provide natural resource information to any county or municipal agency involved in writing or reviewing zoning ordinances and ordinance variances, which includes subdividing ag lands. A Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) report is a great way to convey this information.
As Illinois has become more and more attractive to utility companies (wind farms, solar farms, pipelines, electrical lines) to set up their infrastructure, IDOA has developed Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreements (AIMAs) that companies must sign to develop utilities on ag lands in Illinois. While the AIMAs focus on the reconstruction of the ag lands following the construction phase, many counties/municipalities find it helpful to request NRIs for the ag lands affected by the utility projects so they know some of the potential problems ahead of time.
For more information about preparing a Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) report, view this PowerPoint presentation, review these handouts, and/or see this example NRI report for a solar project.