District Windbreak and Maintenance Program

With fewer fencerows and woodlots, and less fall plowing, Ohio farms lose more and more soil due to wind. Adding to the problem in northwestern Ohio are sandy soils that are susceptible to wind erosion.

Qualification. There is no minimum number of rows or length of row feet.

Cost Share. Cost sharing may be available through the USDA Farm Services Agency (FSA) by signing up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). You must have owned the land for at least one year and own a minimum of 10 acres. The land must have been cropped for four of the last six years to be eligible.

Services Provided. Assistance available to the landowner includes an on-site inspection, windbreak design, and recommendations for species of trees according to your soil type and individual needs.

Landowner Responsibilities. The landowner may need to perform initial site preparation such as clearing brush or tilling a strip for planting. He is responsible for maintaining the windbreak. This includes some weed control and replacing seedlings that die.

Application. Contact Pete Carr at the Fulton SWCD office at 419-337-9662 or e-mail him at pcarr@fultoncountyoh.com to apply for the windbreak program. Don’t miss out on the many benefits of a windbreak; sign-up today.

For More Information Contact:

Pete Carr, District Technician at 419-337-9662