Office Location: 650 Hawthorne Ave SE, Ste # 130 Salem, OR 97301-5894 We are located in the Salem USDA Service Center Phone: (503) 391-9927 Fax: (503) 399-5799 E-mail: marion.swcd@oacd.org Office Photo and Map

Special Project Grant Program (SPG) 2010-2011

Marion SWCD began its Special Projects Grant (SPG) program in 2007. The grant program was established to financially assist and demonstrate innovative and sustainable conservation projects and speed the development and availability of new and effective conservation practices in the District. While funding is often readily available to encourage the establishment of conservation practices such as field borders and cover crops through Farm Bill programs or other grant resources, funding for new and innovative technologies is often difficult to find. The SPG program seeks those conservation practices that represent a cutting edge conservation practice that is currently under represented in Marion County. These projects will then serve as models for others to confidently follow. Funded projects will offer the potential to work towards solving local area resource concerns by developing and implementing tools, ideas, or practices.

Funded projects to date include:

• Native Planting Project for Habitat Restoration
• Water Quality Testing of Aquifer Storage and Recovery Water
• Rain Garden Bio-Swale Enhancement Planting for Improved Habitat
• Solar Powered Mobile Chemigation / Fertigation Unit for Micro-Irrigation of Orchards
• Urban Green Roof Conversion Demonstration Site to Improve Water Quality and Reduce Runoff
• Urban Rain Garden Demonstration Sites to Improve Water Quality and Reduce Runoff
• Mobile Compost Tumbler Unit to Expedite Organic Composting

Application

1. A SPG program applicant must be the landowner or land operator of the property in which the project is to be constructed. Or,
2. Contractors or businesses with valid Oregon Licenses may partner with the landowner or land operator of the property in which the project is to be constructed providing the landowner or operator is the primary applicant.
3. Marion SWCD will pay up to 50% of the project cost, to a maximum of $5,000. Marion SWCD reimburses applicants for actual costs once the project is completed to the appropriate specifications.
4. Landowners are required to provide the remaining 50% of the project funds. This can be provided as labor costs, materials, cash, or financial assistance from other sources.
5. Funded projects may serve as potential demonstration projects for other landowners. Some project sites are used for tours showcasing conservation practices, featured in presentations by SWCD staff, and featured in articles in our quarterly newsletter. Some sites may be eligible to receive a sign indicating project type and funding source.

• Each SPG project application is individually reviewed for the specific components that may apply to the program.
• The total project cost must not exceed $50,000, due to regulations regarding state labor and wage laws set by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries.

"Where Do I Begin?"

To apply, make sure your project meets the criteria above, and utilize the following documents:

• Special Projects Grants Procedure
• Special Projects Grant Protocol
• Special Projects Grant Budget Timeline
• Special Projects Grant Budget Form

These documents will enable you get started on the application process without delay. We look forward to considering all project proposals and establishing a demonstration blueprint for community members to model, that will integrate innovative conservation along with established conservation practices.

Please note all projects regardless of funding are entitled to available free technical planning assistance. We would be happy to review and improve your proposal while assisting with the planning process. Our primary goal at Marion SWCD is to serve all members of the community with technical resource planning which works to sustain and enhance our natural resources.

Interested applicants can contact a Marion SWCD planner at 503-391-9927. We are able to answer questions, provide consultation, establish site visits and provide information and materials for applying. We look forward to the future of conservation.

Back to Top

The Marion SWCD is an equal opportunity employer, providing services to the public without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political belief, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.

Website designed and maintained by the Marion SWCD

Marion Soil and Water Conservation District
650 Hawthorne Avenue SE, Suite 130
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 391-9927
Fax: (503) 399-5799
E-mail: marion.swcd@oacd.org
Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday thru Friday (except federal holidays)

If you have questions or comments about this website E-mail the Website Editor.