COMMUNITY CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CCAP)
CCAP is a voluntary, incentive-based program designed to improve water quality through the installation of various best management practices (BMPs) on urban, suburban and rural lands, not directly involved in agricultural production. CCAP consists of educational, technical and financial assistance provided to landowners by local soil and water conservation districts.
Eligible landowners may include: homeowners, businesses, schools, parks, churches, and community groups. Essentially, all private and publicly owned lands are eligible for the program.
As North Carolina’s land use is changing and rapidly becoming more urbanized, CCAP can educate landowners on water quality and stormwater management, as well as retrofit practices to treat polluted stormwater runoff and ultimately improve the water quality of our state’s waterways.
Interested landowners should submit applications to the Stokes Soil & Water Conservation District. Applications will be ranked based on local water quality priorities. If eligible, a conservation plan is prepared for the applicant to install the BMP (a landscaper may be used). The landowner may be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the pre-established average cost of the BMP. Some contracts require a 10 year maintenance period on installed practices and may, during this time, be subject to random checks by the District personnel to ensure proper use.
The following are approved best management practices (BMP’s) for CCAP
• Bioretention area
• Backyard wetland
• Backyard rain garden
• Cistern
• Diversion
• Grassed swale
• Stormwater wetland
• Riparian buffer
• Critical area planting
• Abandoned well closure
• Pet waste receptacle
• Impervious surface conversion
• Permeable pavement
• Stream Restoration
• Streambank and shoreline protection
For more information on the Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) contact us at the Stokes Soil & Water Office, (336) 593-2490.
Additional Resources:
N.C. Community Conservation Assistance Program Brochure