EQIP Ranking Criteria Items

Updated 09/18/2008

Z.   Wildlife Watering Facility (648)

• This criteria requires the installation of at least one ephemeral pool for each watering hole that is planned on the contract.

• Installing multiple ephemeral pools when possible maximizes the habitat for many species. When installing more than one ephemeral pool, vary the size, shape, and depth between pools.

• Water holes and ephemeral pools should be constructed in close proximity to each other.

• Water holes must be installed according to the NRCS Wildlife Watering Facility (648) practice standard. For wildlife watering holes, the standard requires that at least 25% of the bank slopes should be 4:1 or flatter. Water holes shall not have a surface area exceeding 6,400 square feet when filled to maximum capacity. Maximum depth must be between 5 feet and 8 feet deep.

• Ephemeral pools must be installed according to the Criteria to Provide Ephemeral Pool Habitat section in the NRCS Wildlife Watering Facility (648) practice. For ephemeral pools, the standard requires the maximum depth to be between 1.5 and 3 feet deep. Side slopes shall not be steeper than 2:1. Ephemeral pools shall have a surface area between 120 and 500 square feet when filled to maximum capacity.

• Wildlife watering holes and ephemeral pools must be in an area protected from grazing. Neither may be used for livestock water.

• Wildlife watering holes must be planned at least 1,500 feet from existing ponds or other watering holes. If this is not possible or feasible, there can be one per farm.

• Work on existing ponds is not authorized.

• Synthetic or clay liners for wildlife watering holes are not eligible for cost-share.

• The $500 Flat Rate (FR) includes cost share for installation of one wildlife watering hole and at least one ephemeral pool.