Grassland Stewardship Program

Transcription

1 Species at risk Partnerships Grassland Stewardship Program 2018 on Agricultural Lands This project was undertaken with the financial support of: Ce projet a été réalisé avec l appui financier de :

2 Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) is an Environment and Climate Change Canada initiative that is focused on working with farmers to support the recovery of species at risk on agricultural land. SARPAL funds priority conservation actions currently focused on supporting the Bobolink and the American Badger. The Grassland Stewardship Program is one component of the SARPAL initiative in Ontario. Other activities through SARPAL include the Badger Way Program and education and outreach activities. Grassland Stewardship Program The bobolink, a striking songbird with a bubbling R2-D2 like song, depends on hayfield and pasture for breeding habitat. Due to steep population declines, the bobolink has been designated as a species at risk both provincially and federally. Bobolink population declines are related to pressures on their wintering grounds, loss of agricultural grasslands through conversion to cash crops or reestablishment of forests and a trend towards earlier hay harvesting. Unfortunately, the timing of hay harvest for peak nutrient content and digestibility coincides with bobolink nesting periods, leading to over 90% mortality of nestlings. Stewardship activities by farmers are critical to the conservation of bobolink and other grassland birds, which depend to a great extent on the voluntary actions of farmers and other rural landowners. Many farmers already support healthy bird populations in their hayfields and pastures. Managing your lands for grassland birds versus managing for agricultural productivity does not have to be an either-or situation. The Grassland Stewardship Program (GSP), under SARPAL, provides funding for the implementation of four Best Management Practices (BMPs) that play a key role in maintaining healthy bobolink and other grassland bird habitat, and can help sustain production and profitability on the farm. How do the Supported BMPs help the bobolink and grassland birds? The BMPs funded through GSP help support grassland birds by: 1. Improving habitat for bobolink. The bobolink is a very particular species; it prefers landscapes with very few trees, high grass to legume mixes, and tall dense vegetation. 2. Protecting habitat during nesting, through adapted grazing or delayed haying. 3. Creating grassland habitat. Loss of agricultural grasslands is a major threat to grassland birds. 1 Jen Hoesen

3 Program at a glance GSP FUNDING LIMIT Maximum cost-share funding: $20,000 per farm business (from ) Application submission INTAKE one: January 10, 2018 to February 1, 2018 INTAKE two: April 9, 2018 to May 1, 2018 Completion and claim deadline Project Completion and Claim Submission Deadline: December 15, 2018 Supported BMps Control of Encroaching Trees and Shrubs through Mowing Grassland Restoration Incorporating Delayed Grazing into Rotational Grazing Systems Forage Harvest Management (Delayed Haying) conservation agreements Conservation Agreements, signed between participating producers and Environment and Climate Change Canada, are a requirement of the Grassland Stewardship Program. Get in touch with us SARPAL@ontariosoilcrop.org Phone: Website: Jen Hoesen 2

4 Am I eligible? To be eligible for the Grassland Stewardship Program, you must meet the following criteria: Be actively farming or own actively farmed land in Ontario as demonstrated by: A valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) OR Owning property of 25 acres or more assessed as Farm (indicated on a 2015 or 2016 Municipal Property Assessment Notice or Municipal Tax Bill) OR A Religious Exemption Letter provided by the OMAFRA Appeal Tribunal OR A Cultural Exemption Letter First Nations producers can furnish a letter from the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario verifying the farm business operates in a First Nations community OR A Gross Farm Income Exemption Certificate provided by OMAFRA. Have a completed Environmental Farm Plan (3 rd or 4 th Edition) and Action Plan verified complete by OSCIA within the last five years. Have a valid Premises Identification Number (PID) for the farm property where the proposed project will be completed. For more information call or visit Need to update your efp? Sign up for a workshop online at or call (519) for more information. 3

5 Steps to participating 1. Complete your GSP Application and submit it to OSCIA. See page 7 for details on submitting an application. 2. Receive notification of your application outcome from OSCIA. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via . At this time, conditionally approved applicants can safely move forward with project implementation knowing that they will receive project funding if terms and conditions are satisfied. If a GSP application includes multiple BMP projects, each BMP will be evaluated individually. Approval will be granted by BMP, and not based on the entire application submission. 3. Sign a Conservation Agreement with Environment and Climate Change Canada. Before funding can be released, approved applicants are required to sign a Conservation Agreement with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). In the agreement, participants agree to maintain the funded BMPs for a period of 3 years or the approved number of years (delayed haying projects only) and to monitor the projects for the length of the agreement. Once signed, the participant has committed to maintaining the completed BMPs as approved. 4. Complete approved project(s) and obtain proof of payment for all project costs. 5. Submit your Claim Form and In-Kind Claim Declaration Form to OSCIA, including proof of payment. The Claim Form and In-Kind Claim Declaration Form will be provided to applicants for projects approved by OSCIA. Upon completion of your approved project, you must submit a Claim Form accompanied by invoices and proof of payment for all project costs, and an In-Kind Claim Declaration Form for any in-kind contributions. See page 9 for details on in-kind contributions. 6. Receive project funding from OSCIA and maintain project(s) for the length of the Agreement. What are conservation agreements? One objective of the SARPAL program is to test the effectiveness of Conservation Agreements as a method of supporting species at risk recovery through habitat protection on private agricultural lands. Approved GSP applicants are required to sign a Conservation Agreement with Environment and Climate Change Canada before funding can be released. In the agreement, participants agree to maintain the funded BMPs for a period of 3 years or the approved number of years (delayed haying projects only) and to monitor the projects for the length of the agreement. Once signed, the participant has committed to maintaining the completed BMPs as approved. Jen Hoesen 4

6 BMP 1 Control of encroaching trees and shrubs through mowing Improve pasture quality and bobolink habitat by mowing invading trees and shrubs on existing pasture lands. Applicants are encouraged to rent an appropriately sized piece of machinery to allow for removal of invading woody vegetation. Applicants must demonstrate encroachment pressures through photographs and/or aerial photography. Clearing of wetlands or riparian areas or major clearing of forested lands is not eligible for funding, and will be determined at OSCIA s discretion. Activities must take place after July 15 to protect nesting grassland birds. ELIGIBLE Rental of appropriate equipment for mowing of trees and shrubs Custom services for mowing of trees and shrubs INELIGIBLE Heavy equipment operation or rental (e.g. bulldozers and excavators) Purchase of equipment of any kind, including tractors or self-propelled equipment, mowers, and brushogs Major clearing of wetlands or forested land Activities primarily for landscaping or other purposes not directly related to mowing of trees and shrubs to improve grassland habitat Repeat claims under this BMP on the same pasture area Pasture clipping or other standard practices BMP 2 grassland restoration Agricultural grasslands include hayfields and pasture composed of tame or native species, and provide critical bobolink breeding habitat. This BMP provides an opportunity to restore agricultural land to permanent grassland. Grazing and haying for on-farm use is permitted after mid-july, but not for off-farm sales. Priority will be given to projects that are restoring to native grasslands. Permanent fencing to exclude livestock from the restoration site may also be supported. Please note that cost-share applies to total eligible project costs of up to $11.50/metre of fencing installed, inclusive of all costs and in-kind contributions. If the fencing makes up part of a rotational grazing system, apply under BMP 3 Incorporating Delayed Grazing into Rotational Grazing Systems. ELIGIBLE Mixed planting of native grassland species (e.g. little bluestem, indiangrass, brown-eyed susan) or non-native grassland species (e.g. timothy, orchardgrass, clover) Site preparation Rental of specialized planting equipment Permanent fencing to exclude livestock from the restoration site Use a free online mapping TIP: application, such as OMAFRA s AgMaps, to find INELIGIBLE aerial imagery and/or make Establishment of grasses and vegetation for harvest before July 15 a map of your property. Establishment of monocultures or biomass crops Purchase of cultivation equipment Maintenance and renovation of existing plantings Planting invasive species Opportunity costs associated with payments for land taken out of production 56

7 BMP 3 Incorporating delayed grazing into rotational grazing systems This BMP provides an opportunity to protect nesting grassland birds by incorporating late-grazed paddocks (left ungrazed until after July 15) into rotational grazing systems. The goal is to maximize existing forage resources through effective management, and maintain ungrazed areas until mid July as grassland bird refuges. Funding is to support new fencing and watering system infrastructure to strengthen rotational grazing systems and allow portions of pasture to remain unharvested (grazed or hayed) until after July 15. Only interior fencing sections are eligible for cost-share; it is expected that pasture perimeter fencing is already established. Costs for income loss due to delayed grazing are not eligible for funding. Applicants will be required to submit a diagram of their proposed grazing system with their application. Fencing systems Please note that only temporary fencing is supported and standard rates apply for fencing costs. Cost-share applies to total eligible project costs up to $2.45/metre of eligible fence installed (exclusive of costs for purchase and installation of solar powered systems to support electric fencing). ELIGIBLE Fencing materials, including wire, posts, insulators, fencers, and gates Consultant fees to develop a Grazing Management Plan Purchase and installation of solar powered systems to support electric fencing INELIGIBLE Repair and maintenance of existing fencing Perimeter fencing around the farm property (this includes any sections of fencing along a property line) Professional services not directly related to the Grazing Management Plan Time, effort, and travel by applicant for planning activities Any plan, assessment, report, etc. not prepared by a qualified consultant/professional Livestock watering systems ELIGIBLE Gravity fed systems INELIGIBLE Solar, wind, or motorized powered pumps Repair and maintenance of existing systems Waterlines New water supply development (e.g. drilling Storage tanks a new water well) Water aeration systems on existing ponds/reservoir BMP 4 Forage harvest management (delayed haying) This BMP provides an opportunity to alter current haying practices to protect grassland habitats during the vulnerable nesting season (early May to mid July). This is a change that may impact your farming income. As a result, projections of potential income losses should be made to arrive at a financial cost associated with taking on this activity on your operation. Please identify how you reached the financial cost stated and why you feel it is justified. No invoices will be required for this BMP. Costs for income loss due to delayed grazing are not eligible for funding. This change in practice is only required for the duration of time you indicate on your application, to a maximum of 2 years. Funding is available for multi-year projects, to be paid to the applicant upon claim submission after July 15 of the first year of the project. Please note that total project funding will be capped at $40/acre/year. 67

8 Submitting an application Submit one application per farm business; you may include more than one BMP in your application. Applications to the Grassland Stewardship Program can be made: 1. ONLINE use the online application form available from The online application will include two sections: A. Project and Farm Information. In this section you will provide: Information about the farm business, including address and Farm Business Registration Number Details of the projects you wish to complete, including a description and estimation of project costs (services, materials, and in-kind contributions) A funding request for the amount you feel necessary and appropriate to complete the projects (see page 8 for guidance on how to determine a funding bid) B. Grassland Habitat Information. This section will gather information on the management and characteristics of your hay and pasture fields, and will be used to determine the suitability of your hay or pasture as bobolink and other grassland bird habitat. 2. ON PAPER obtain an application by visiting or calling Completed application(s) can be submitted via: sarpal@ontariosoilcrop.org Fax: Mail: Attn: Grassland Stewardship Program Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association 1 Stone Rd W Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2 Once you submit a paper application, OSCIA staff will follow up with you to obtain grassland habitat information required for your application to be considered. This will gather information on the management and characteristics of your hay and pasture fields, and will be used to determine the suitability of your hay or pasture as bobolink and other grassland bird habitat. Application submission INTAKE one: January 10, 2018 to February 1, 2018 INTAKE two: April 9, 2018 to May 1, 2018 GSP cost-share is available to new projects initiated on or after January 1, 2018 important dates for 2018 Eligible Project Invoice Dates for 2018: January 1, 2018 to December 15, 2018 Project Completion and Claim Submission Deadline: December 15,

9 How are GSP applications evaluated? Applications to GSP are assessed using a competitive, merit-based system. Proposed projects are scored with a set list of criteria and the scores are then evaluated against one another to determine the conservation benefit for bobolink associated with the project and the comparative project cost. Projects that offer the greatest conservation benefit relative to cost-share request will be prioritized for funding. This allows as many high-impact projects as possible to be funded, supporting conservation efforts that will have the most benefit for bobolink and other grassland birds. The scoring system evaluates existing farm habitat, the proposed project s impact, and the cost-share funding requested. The following key components of your application will factor into these calculations: 1. Project description. The description of your proposed project must demonstrate the need for the proposed activity, and how it will support bobolink and other grassland birds. 2. Cost-share funding bid. This section must detail the total costs for the proposed project(s) and a cost-share funding bid, including why you feel your bid is appropriate. 3. Grassland habitat details. This will gather information on the management and characteristics of your hay and pasture fields. It will be used to determine the suitability of your hay or pasture as bobolink habitat, as well as the potential impact of your proposed project for grassland birds. How to determine your funding bid Consider the following when determining the funding bid for your project(s): 1. What are your financial needs to complete the project(s)? First determine the total project costs, and then consider how much funding support you require to complete the project. Ensure your funding bid reflects the bottom line needs of your farm. 2. What cost-share percentages are typically offered? A good starting point when creating your bid is the cost-share percentage you are requesting. Traditionally, cost-share programs fund anywhere from 35 to 75% of project costs. Consider how beneficial your project is to bobolink and other grassland birds. If the benefit is high, a funding bid with a cost-share percentage on the higher end of the traditional range may be justified. If the benefit to grassland birds is not as direct, a more conservative funding bid may be appropriate. 3. GSP is a competitive program. You will be evaluated against other applications, and projects that offer the most conservation benefit to bobolink and other grassland birds for a fair cost will be prioritized for funding. Applications will be evaluated based on the total funding bid, but also the percentage of total project costs requested (i.e. the cost-share percentage). 4. You will not be funded higher than your requested bid. OSCIA sets aside funding for approved projects until all available funding has been allocated. OSCIA will not provide funding over and above the approved amount at the claim stage. Do your research and ensure your estimated project costs are accurate, and your funding bid reflects your needs to complete the project. Please be very clear in your cost descriptions. 5. Delayed haying projects may have multi-year costs. When applying for a multi-year delayed haying project, be sure to consider project costs for the length of the Conservation Agreement. Funding for multi-year costs are not eligible under BMPs 1 through 3. GSP Program Funding Cap $20,000 per farm business ( ) The Grassland Stewardship Program is unique in that there are no set cost-share rates, although there are funding caps. Applicants must identify the total costs for the proposed project(s) and a cost-share funding request (or bid ) in their application. 8

10 In-Kind Contribution policy The applicant s in-kind labour, up to a maximum of $1,500, as supported by an In-Kind Claim Declaration Form and reported on the Project Claim Form, may be considered eligible for cost-share. Reasonable hours of labour invested by the applicant, his/her dependents, and business partner(s) may be claimed. Costs associated with completing the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP), project planning, supervision, or administration will not be cost-shared. The maximum allowable labour rate is $20 per hour. OSCIA will make a final determination on what a reasonable number of hours claimed is based on the BMP being implemented and the nature of the work performed. The maximum allowable in-kind equipment rate for a tractor and implement is $50 per hour of operation. Applicable in-kind operator charges may be claimed along with the in-kind equipment rate, at up to the accepted maximum hourly labour rate. If a business plans to claim in-kind contributions, accurate estimates must be reflected in the total project cost submitted with the GSP Application. When making a project claim for in-kind contributions, the figure added to the Claim Form must be supported by an In-Kind Claim Declaration Form which details specific hours worked, dates the work was performed, and the hourly rate(s) charged. The In-Kind Claim Declaration Form will be provided to applicants upon final project approval. ELIGIBLE Applicant, applicant s business partner(s) or applicant s family members INELIGIBLE Applicant s employee Rates that exceed $20 per hour for in-kind labour Rates that exceed $50 per hour for a tractor and equipment On-farm materials used for project (e.g. on-farm posts, electric wire purchased outside of program year, etc.) Applicant/business partner completing EFP, designing project, filling out applications, supervising project implementation (i.e. any administrative tasks) 9 Jen Hoesen

11 Limits of funding 1. If the applicant goes ahead with the project before receiving final approval from OSCIA, they do so at the risk of forfeiting the cost-share if all terms and conditions are not satisfied. 2. OSCIA issues payments after projects have been completed and the required documentation (including a signed Conservation Agreement) is received. This means projects must be paid for in full by the applicant prior to cost-share being issued. 3. When determining the total estimated cost of the project, obtain quotes and be accurate regarding figures for all applicable materials, services, equipment and in-kind contributions. Please be very clear in your cost descriptions. Gross over-estimates lead to program dollars being unnecessarily allocated and can limit opportunities for other applicants. 4. The maximum GSP cost-share contribution per farm business is $20,000 for the life of the program (until March 31, 2019). 5. GSP cost-share is available to new projects initiated on or after January 1, No cost-share will be offered for project invoices issued before this date. To receive cost-share, all projects must be complete and operational and the complete GSP Claim Form received in the OSCIA Guelph office by December 15, OSCIA reserves the right to perform a project inspection at a mutually agreeable time. 6. GSP cost-share may be utilized by eligible applicants for approved Best Management Practice projects on farm properties owned, rented, leased, or otherwise under their control. 7. Stacking of GSP contributions towards the same project by two or more farm businesses is not permissible. 8. Applicants are entirely responsible for securing all necessary approvals and permits for the proposed project before starting construction, and complying with all applicable municipal bylaws and provincial or federal regulations. OSCIA will require copies of permits obtained for some projects before issuing program funding. 9. Only invoices from vendors or service providers directly engaged in the business reflected in the item or service purchased in accordance with the approved GSP Application will be accepted with the project claim. 10. All invoices that support materials or services provided to a project must originate with companies or individuals not in any way associated through ownership with the farm business making the project claim. All eligible invoices must match the farm business name identified on the Enrolment Form. 11. Materials or products produced on farm (e.g. fence posts) or purchased outside the eligible invoice dates cannot be cost-shared. 12. OSCIA reserves the right to require additional documentation and ultimately accept or reject submitted project invoices and proof of payment for cost-share consideration. 13. A single project may receive cost-share from one BMP category only. Multiple categories cannot be accessed for a single activity in efforts to maximize GSP contributions (i.e. cost-share will only be applied once to a project cost item). 14. The farm business shall ensure that the total cost-share assistance from all sources, including other government or non-government programs, for eligible expenses shall not exceed 100 percent of project costs. The farm business is required to confirm at the time the claim is submitted all other sources of funding for eligible project expenses. 15. Across all BMP categories, HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) is not eligible. 16. Across all BMP categories, maintenance, extended warranties, hand, and power tools and attachments are not eligible for cost-share. 17. OSCIA will not accept additional GSP Applications after the Application Submission Deadline. 18. All applicable information on the GSP Application Form must be complete before it is submitted to OSCIA Guelph. If the OSCIA Guelph office considers a GSP Application Form to be incomplete, it will be returned to the applicant to obtain the missing information. Only proposed projects detailed on GSP Applications deemed to be complete by the OSCIA Guelph office will be considered for cost-share. 19. Information presented is the best available at the time of printing. Check with OSCIA for applicable updates. Material is subject to change without notice as the cost-share program evolves. 20. If a proposed project receives a GSP allocation, the same project is not eligible for other funding programs delivered by OSCIA (e.g. SARFIP, GLASI, or Growing Forward 2). Other cost-share programs may be available from local Conservation Authorities, Ducks Unlimited Canada and other stewardship organizations. Farm businesses are encouraged to seek out these opportunities. 21. GSP cost-share allocation is based on the eligible project costs outlined on the approved GSP Application Form. Accurate estimates must be reflected in the total project cost submitted on the GSP Application Form. If final project costs exceed the original estimate, there is absolutely no obligation by OSCIA to extend cost-share beyond the original allocation. The views expressed herein are solely those of the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Jen Hoesen 10

12 GSP FUNDING LIMIT Maximum cost-share funding: $20,000 per farm business (from ) Application submission INTAKE one: January 10, 2018 to February 1, 2018 INTAKE two: April 9, 2018 to May 1, 2018 Completion and claim deadline Project Completion and Claim Submission Deadline: December 15, 2018 Supported BMps Control of Encroaching Trees and Shrubs through Mowing Grassland Restoration Incorporating Delayed Grazing into Rotational Grazing Systems Forage Harvest Management (Delayed Haying) conservation agreements Conservation Agreements, signed between participating producers and Environment and Climate Change Canada, are a requirement of the Grassland Stewardship Program. Get in touch with us SARPAL@ontariosoilcrop.org Phone: Website: This project was undertaken with the financial support of: Ce projet a été réalisé avec l appui financier de :