The District was founded on the principle of service to agriculture and a wide range of conservation practices and services mesh together for the improvement of the farm and community. Most services provided to the farmer begin with an on-site visit to investigate a problem relating to erosion, drainage, manure storage, inadequate water source or USDA program compliance.

Resource Management Systems are developed to plan for all the conservation needs of the farm such as drainage and waste management. Manure management plans are developed as a management and information tool for livestock producers, and can act as an affirmative defense against pollution complaints. Once the producer decides to install an engineering practice, technicians are available to survey, design, draft and lay out the practice for construction. We will also work with the Farm Service Agency and the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources in the allocation of cost share funds for the project. The Stark SWCD is required by State law to respond to agricultural pollution and sediment complaints, and to correct the problem.

Available NRCS programs include:

LEAP (Livestock Environmental Assurance Program)

EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentive Program)

CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) and Continuous CRP

WRP (Wetland Reserve Program)

WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program)

HEL/Wetland Conservation Provisions (Highly Erodible Land)