Program Overview
This program works with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service engineers to provide training and support to enable SWCDs to increase the number and quality of conservation practices installed by landowners to meet resource management and needs on their land. Division engineers also develop standards and specifications that allow SWCDs to use new and improved technologies to assist urban and rural landowners and land users.
Rural Drainage Systems and Conservation Works of Improvement
Through this program conservation engineers assist Ohio’s SWCDs and county engineers with implementing rural drainage systems throughout Ohio. These systems include networks of tile and open drainage ways (ditches) that receive water from individual farms, home lots and small rural communities. Visit the Rural Drainage Projects page for more information.
Farm Bill Assistance Programs, including EQIP, WRP, WHIP and CRP
Engineering laws (ORC 4733) require this program, in cooperation with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service engineers, to be in “responsible charge” of engineering projects. Although these projects vary in size and scope, assistance is provided to landowners through local SWCDs for survey, design and construction. Visit the NRCS Ohio Page for more information.
Agricultural Pollution Abatement Program
Ohio’s Agricultural Pollution Abatement Program (APAP) is administered by the DSWR and implemented locally by all 88 SWCDs. The program offers farmers with cost share assistance to develop and implement best management practices to protect Ohio’s streams, rivers, and lakes. DSWR engineers provide practice engineering approvals. Visit Agricultural Pollution Abatement Program Page for more information.
Environmental, Economic and Public Importance
This program provides oversight and assigns job approval authority to approximately 200 SWCD technicians. Conservation engineers have developed a training and classification program titled the Technician Development Program, which includes 20 training modules. Conservation engineers also provide technical oversight for Conservation Works of Improvement Projects implemented by SWCDs, and developed Ohio’s Rural Drainage Manual as part of this program. Download the Ohio Rural Drainage Manual now (4.8 MB PDF).
Program Accomplishments
- Technician Development Program
- Rural Drainage Manual
- Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement for pipelines
- Grand Lake St. Mary’s conservation practices
- Drainage Water Management demos
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