The EWP Program, administered by the West Virginia Conservation Agency in partnership with local conservation districts, is designed to protect improved properties—including homes, roads, utilities, and other eligible structures—by addressing watershed impairments that threaten public safety and infrastructure.

Picture shows debris removal on Little Wheeling Creek following June 14th, 2025 flooding in Ohio County, WV.

The program assists agricultural cooperators of West Virginia Conservation Districts with the voluntary implementation of best management practices for agricultural lands to conserve and improve land and water quality. It offers technical and financial assistance as an incentive to implement best management practices. Cost-share practices available include but are not limited to, urban agriculture, nutrient management, pasture division fencing, invasive species management, and pollination planting.

Picture shows pasture fencing at DC Lucey Farm in Marshall County, WV.

To lease equipment, you must be a District Cooperator. Lessees are responsible for picking up and returning the equipment to the designated location for inspection. Additionally, you are responsible for inspecting damages both before and after use. Charges are only applied for the actual days of use, not for the pickup and return days. You will not be charged for delays caused by weather. More information is available on the Lease Agreement Form.

Picture shows New Holland Manure Spreader available for rent at the NPCD Office for $50 a day.

Increased profit is the primary reason for knowing the quality of the forages fed to livestock. Understanding the nutrient composition and potential animal performance that can be expected from a given forage is essential. Accurate analysis of all feedstuffs is needed for balancing rations, formulating least-cost supplements, using homegrown forages effectively, and pricing hay correctly. The NPCD will cost-share 2/3 of Forage Sampling dees up to five times per year for our Cooperators.

Call the office at (304) 238-1231 to rent the Forage Probe and get your forage sampled!

Picture shows Fred Dague of Dague Stock Farm using the Forage Prob to collect samples.

We offer free soil testing for residents in Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, and Marshall County. Whether you're tending a lawn, garden, orchard, hay field, or pasture, healthy soil is key. The lab results will show your soil's levels of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and pH—plus offer guidance on how to improve any deficiencies. To get on the list for free soil sampling, call our office at (304) 238-1231.

To further improve soil health and maximize yields, consider testing for organic matter, micronutrients, and electrical conductivity. These factors affect water retention, nutrient availability, and overall soil function. The Northern Panhandle Conservation District now offers a 50% cost-share on up to five samples per year for these advanced tests: $7.00 per high tunnel sample and $5.50 per field or garden sample. Basic soil testing remains free, and NRCS staff are available by appointment to help interpret your results.

The West Virginia Century Farm Program honors families who have continuously operated the same farm for 100 years or more. Recognitions include Century (100 years), Sesquicentennial (150 years), Bicentennial (200 years), and Sestercentennial (250 years) farms.

To qualify, the farm must be at least 10 acres of the original holdings, generate over $1,000 annually from farm products, and have had a family member involved in daily operations. Ownership can pass through various family members, including spouses, siblings, or nieces and nephews.

Applications are due to the Northern Panhandle Conservation District by February 1st each year.

To learn more, visit wvca.us/education/century_farms.cfm.

Picture shows Brooke County Supervisor Eric Freeland with his Century Farm sign.