Youth Conservation Camp
Mountain Castles SWCD is accepting applications for Youth Conservation Camp from students in grades 9-12. Students can attend one of the high schools in our district or be homeschooled. YCC will be held at Virginia Tech on July 14-20, 2024. Camp is full of hands-on activities, field trips, learning, and fun! The application is available below:
Long-range strategic plan
Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District is developing a new long-range strategic plan in 2024, and we need your input so we can better deliver the services you want most. We’ll use the strategic plan to allocate financial and staff resources for the next four years, so it’s important to know what matters most to you.
If you would like to learn more about our agricultural programs, check out this new video: https://youtu.be/bp-SILFLtpo
Here’s the link to the anonymous survey which is designed to take you 5 minutes or less to complete. Please share the link with others who might be interested. https://forms.gle/A2DW4GkWoiXN94yu5
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
2024 scholarship applications available
Mountain Castles SWCD is pleased to offer college scholarships again in 2024. Applications are due April 5th. A $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a qualified graduating senior from each district high school:
- Craig County HS (George Todd Memorial Scholarship)
- Lord Botetourt HS (John & Hallie Seibel Memorial Scholarship)
- James River HS (Harold Entsminger Honorary Scholarship)
New ag cost share video
Mountain Castles SWCD recently worked with Botetourt native and Lord Botetourt HS graduate, Jess Wiegandt of Jess Wiegandt Productions to create this video highlighting district agriculture cost share programs. If you are a local farmer, you will see some familiar faces!
Ag cost share at record high levels
A record amount of funding is available to Botetourt and Craig farmers from cost share programs administered by Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District. Most of the funding is tied to efforts to improve the health of the James River and the Chesapeake Bay, although farms in other parts of the county are also eligible to receive cost share.
“We have the money to fence cattle out of lots of streams,” said Dan Naff, conservation technician for MCSWCD. Agriculture remains the largest contributor to nonpoint source pollution in the upper James, but the cost of installing infrastructure such as fences and alternative watering systems can be a large deterrent to farms whose “bottom line” continues to shrink. Through district programs, farmers can be reimbursed for up to 100% of the costs for certain conservation initiatives.
The process begins with a call or email to Naff, who will schedule a site visit to the farm. “We want to identify issues that are affecting the stream, such as animal waste and erosion, but we also want to learn about the goals and objectives of the farm. We obviously care about protecting water, but we also want to do things that are in the best financial interests of the farm,” said Naff. As it turns out, many of the “best management practices” Naff recommends do both.
To learn more about ag cost share programs or to schedule a farm visit, contact Daniel Naff at daniel.naff@mountaincastles.org.
Apply online for a septic tank pump out
Use this Google Form to apply for 50% reimbursement on septic tank pump outs for qualifying homeowners. No income restrictions apply. Once we determine your home is within the grant area, we will email a W-9 for you to complete. No work is to be completed until your application is approved by the MCSWCD board of directors, which meets the second Wednesday of the month. Questions? Contact Tim at (540) 797-0217 or tim.miller@mountaincastles.org
Residential septic program
The Tinker Creek & Glade Creek Residential Septic Program is available to many homeowners who live in Blue Ridge, Cloverdale, Troutville, or Daleville. Homeowners in these locations may qualify for cost share of 50% or more on septic pump-outs, repairs, and replacement systems. Click here for more information.
Mission Statement
Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District will promote and develop locally-driven solutions to natural resources concerns for the people of Botetourt County and Craig County by leveraging federal, state, local, and private resources.
Vision Statement
Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District will advocate for the sustainable use of natural resources and will act to improve water quality and soil health through conservation and education programs for the people of Botetourt County and Craig County.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Point of Contact (POC) Freedom of Information (FOIA) Officer is the “person to whom the public can direct requests for public records and who will oversee the public body’s compliance with the provisions of this chapter” as per §2.2-3704.2.c
Point of Contact (POC) Officer:
Tim Miller
(540) 400-0707
tim.miller@mountaincastles.org
A research fee of $30/hour will be charged for all FOIA requests.
View the full “Rights & Responsibilities” document here: MCSWCD FOIA_2021