From the beginning of the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practice (BMP) Cost-Share program in 1984 Headwaters has helped farmers and landowners install thousands of individual conservation pactices (BMP's). Animal Waste Control Facilities, Loafing Lot Systems,  Grazing Land Protection, Stream Protection, Stream Bank Protection, Stream Bank Stabilization, Permanent Vegetative Cover, Nutrient Management Practices, Cover Crops for Nutrient Management, Compost Facilities, Strip Cropping Systems, and Reforestation of Erodible Crop & Pastureland are examples of some of the more popular practices for which Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost-Share funds are used.    For more information on these or other programs we offer, check out the contact tab for our phone number or fill out our form online. 

As of yet, all of the available practices and assistance are optional and voluntary, so public outreach and education are essential to selling the benefits of conservation practices to people and meeting our goals.  Our Conservation Education Goal: Citizens who appreciate the value of natural resources, understand the ecological principles surrounding them and are empowered to make wise decisions about their stewardship.  Headwaters endeavors to bring together good science, good civics, and authentic learning experiences for students of all ages.  
Since the beginning, Headwaters has hosted agriculture and forestry tours, workshops, demonstration days, and generated newsletters and newspaper articles for the general public. We have sponsored area teenagers to Youth Conservation Camp, hosted high school mentorship students, teacher workshops, Envirothon, and nominated college scholarship winners. We have supported scouting and civic programs, and have provided conservation materials to the schools through Natural Resources Conservation Week and Soil and Water Stewardship Week.  Call or email for current information on Conservation Camp, VASWCD Scholarship application and Envirothon.   

Sixteen flood control dams were built in Augusta County between 1954 and 1980 under federal watershed projects known as Public Law 534 and Public Law 566. Eleven of these structures were co-sponsored by the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District, who is responsible for the operation and maintenance  of these 11 structures. The remaining five were co-sponsored by other state, federal and local agencies.  Headwaters is responsible for mowing, applying lime and fertilizer, annual inspections, engineering inspections, storm inspection and data collection, brush clearing  and replacing stone around outlet basins, cleaning risers, and updating emergency action plans . The commitment of local governmental bodies to support the Headwaters District’s watershed maintenance fund helps to extend the valuable protection these structures offer.

The Headwaters Forestry Committee is an active advocate for sustainable forestry practices, with numerous projects toward that end.  For eleven years, the Forestry Committee has undertaken a tree seedling sale in March. The sale features native trees and other plants to spread awareness and generate some funds for other projects. The Forestry Committee has taken the lead in the building of the Marl Creek Trail at McCormick Farm and the Shenandoah Valley Agricultural and Education Center. Every January, the Easements Sub-Committee is responsible for monitoring and defending the District's riparian conservation easements. Many of these easements are co-held with the Valley Conservation Council.  Please feel free to check out the information tab to learn more about Forestry and Riparian Buffers.

Augusta County has an updated comprehensive plan which will guide growth and development in the area for the next 20 years. Currently, public meetings are being held on economic growth strategies, and ordinances are being drafted for erosion and sediment control. Augusta County enlisted a committee called the Agricultural Task Force in 2007 to evaluate and find a way to maintain our agricultural system and control the recession of good farm land.  Headwaters provides consistent representation on legislative issues as part of the Virginia and National Association of Conservation Districts.  More information on Augusta County's  comprehensive plan can be found on the Augusta County Website in our links tab.