Annual Conservation Tree, Shrub and Ground Cover Sale

Orders are accepted from January through April 1. Order forms can be printed from this website under the Tree & Shrub tab from January through March, or requested by calling the Soil and Water Conservation District at 343-2362.

Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)

AEM is a voluntary, incentive-based program that helps all farmers operate environmentally sound and economically viable businesses. Soil and Water Conservation District staff assists farm operators in completing the Tiered AEM assessments. Producers who participate in AEM may be eligible for cost-share opportunities for Best Management Practices implementation.

Hydroseeding

The Soil and Water Conservation District owns a FINN Hydroseeder that applies a custom blend of water, grass seed, fertilizer and wood mulch to areas requiring vegetation. A 1-ton truck or a tractor, not provided by SWCD, can pull the hydroseeder. SWCD orders seed, mulch and fertilizer, and provides staff to operate the equipment. Fees for the service vary depending on site conditions, materials needed, and total area to be seeded.

Planning, Surveying, and Design

The District offers planning, surveying, and design services for all Conservation Practices and Best Management Practices that may be implemented in the community. These services are available in association with grant-funded projects as well as private construction projects. Fees for these services vary depending upon the practices that are being installed.

Pond Assessments (Existing)
 
Do you have questions about weeds, fish, or problems with your existing pond? Our staff will visit your pond location to assess the pond and discuss alternatives for your specific issue. One assessment visit is provided at no charge to residents of Genesee County.

Pond Siting Assessment

Are you considering constructing a pond on your property? Many Genesee County towns require a letter of approval from the Soil and Water Conservation District before allowing ponds to be constructed. Our staff will visit your proposed pond site and evaluate the soils and drainage area in order to make a determination regarding the possible placement of a pond in your selected location. View the Pond Plan Checklist below for more information. 


Soil Group Worksheets for Agricultural Assessment

Landowners who satisfy the minimum farm acreage and gross sales requirements may apply for an agricultural assessment, thereby effectively exempting the land's nonagricultural value from local real property taxes. A district technician can supply you with the Soil Group Worksheet for your property at $40 for a new worksheet and $15 for a revision.


Water Quality Monitoring Program

The goal of the monitoring program is to collect and compile data to assist in the development of effective plans to maintain, manage, and restore the watersheds throughout Genesee County. This data will serve as a database to make informed water quality management decisions, including watershed management planning, and to identify any changes or trends in discharge and nutrient data. The data will also be utilized to measure the success of future best management efforts and to suggest a priority listing of water quality goals.

Currently, the program consists of sampling Black, Ellicott, Murder, Oak Orchard, Oatka, and Tonawanda Creeks once to twice every month. Our technicians collect a sample of water to analyze phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment in the water by scientists at SUNY Brockport. Our technicians measure the water's oxygen levels, turbidity, conductivity, temperature, pH, and discharge (volume of water) flowing in the creeks. Eleven sampling locations across seven watersheds in Genesee County have been selected for this program.