EQIP Ranking Criteria Items

Updated 09/18/2008

B.   Fence (382) Streams, Wetlands, Woodland, Karst Basins, Waterways & Existing Ponds

• EQIP eligibility for fencing is limited to operations where livestock are present during the evaluation period and are causing resource problems to streams, wetlands, forest land, karst basins, waterways, and existing ponds.

• Fencing is authorized for karst basins with no opening as well as those that have an opening.

• Either temporary or permanent fencing is permitted for agronomic practices such as riparian buffers where flooding is eminent. Cost-sharing for temporary fence according to practice standard 382 is limited to two energized high tensile wires.

• Livestock exclusion from structural practices must be done with permanent fence. The cost for the fence shall be included in the cost estimate for the structural practice.

• Cost-sharing is authorized for boundary fences only where streams or wetlands serve as property boundaries.

• Internal property (field boundary) fencing is not authorized for cost-sharing to facilitate prescribed grazing.

• Fencing streams: 50% cost share where the fence is placed at the top of the bank of a stream.

• Fencing streams: 75% cost share where the fence is placed 20 ft. or more from the top of the bank of a stream. This setback is required for 80% of the fence length to adjust for row patterns, odd areas, etc.

• Fencing wetlands: 50% cost share where the fence is placed along the trunk line of trees at the border of a wetland.

• Fencing wetlands: 75% cost share where the fence is placed 20 ft. or more from the trunk line or at the drip line, whichever is greater. This setback is required for 80% of the fence length to adjust for row patterns, odd areas, etc.

• Fencing woodland: 50% cost share where the fence is placed along the trunk line of trees at the border of a woodland.

• Fencing woodland: 75% cost share where the fence is placed 20 ft. or more from the trunk line or at the drip line, whichever is greater. This setback is required for 80% of the fence length to adjust for row patterns, odd areas, etc.

• Fencing a stream with existing trees: Apply the criteria for fencing woodland above.

• Fencing karst basins: 75% cost share where the fence is placed a minimum setback of 20 ft. or more from the karst basin opening or basin center. A setback is required, therefore no 50% cost share rate applies.

• Fencing waterways: 75% cost share for fencing on waterways only when the waterway is located in a loafing area or similar livestock holding area AND a filter strip is installed/maintained in conjunction with the waterway (between the fence and the waterway).

• In a situation where an existing excavated pond is fenced only (no pipeline/watering facility installed) a livestock watering ramp has to be installed. Include all cost associated with the ramp (geotextile, rock, etc,). The cost share rate for the fence is 75%.

• Where setbacks apply and the vegetative cover within the setback area has to be established or enhanced with EQIP cost share funds under the filter strip or riparian buffer standards, award points and apply costs of fencing to the filter strip or riparian buffer. No points are given for fence and costs for the fence are applied to the filter strip or riparian buffer.

• See Appendix A for guidance in determining the primary practice.