Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District

We administer two cost-share programs: VACS and VCAP.

Read more about both (below) on the details and available programs for Virginia land-owners.

Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost‑Share (VACS) 

VACS is administered by Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) through local Soil & Water Conservation Districts, VACS offers financial assistance for over 60 best management practices (BMP)—cover crops, nutrient management plans, stream exclusion fencing, rotational grazing, and more. Landowners may receive up to $300,000 per year, with practices funded at flat rates or cost‑shared up to 100%. Its 2026 funding of $223 million marks the largest investment in program history.

Virginia Best Management Practice Overviews 

• Conservation Buffer
• Continuous Cover Crop
• Continuous No-Till
• Livestock Stream Exclusion
• Nutrient Management Plan

For the entire list of cost-share Best Management Practices please consult the Virginia BMP Manual.

Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)

VCAP is a statewide cost-share program that helps Virginia property owners—including homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, and localities—install stormwater best management practices  that improve water quality and reduce runoff. Managed through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and supported by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (VASWCD), VCAP empowers landowners to voluntarily retrofit developed properties to address problems like erosion, poor vegetation, and excess stormwater.

Let’s Work Together!