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 | |  | | FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) | Q. What if I can't find what I am looking for on this website? A. Naturally, you can contact us with questions by phone (574-291-7444, ext. 3) or email (info@stjosephswcd.org). However, you might try the following things first: - Use the Custom Google Search Box at the top of each page of our website. This search tool looks for phrases ONLY within our website. The search results might look a little funny at first, but give it a try.
- Try using our "Sitemap", which is like an outline of the different sections and sub-sections of our website.
- Try using the Custom Google Search Box at the bottom of each page of our website. This search tool looks for phrases within our website, as well as the websites of our various partners within the "Indiana Conservation Partnership" (other SWCD's, the NRCS, the State Department of Agriculture, etc.)
| Q. What is a "Soil and Water Conservation District" and why are you in the same office as the "Natural Resource Conservation Service"? A. We've covered these questions on a few pages of this website, including: | Q. How do I know if I have a wetland on my property? A. You will need to have a determination or delineation. If you are referring to land that is being farmed or has been in production, please refer to the NRCS's Wetland Conservation Provisions (Swampbuster) webpage that explains the rules for wetland conservation compliance, and contact our office with further questions (574-291-7444 ext 3). If you are not referring to land that is being farmed or has been in production, please contact one of the following agencies: In Northern Indiana: US Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District Office Regulatory Program P.O. Box 1027 Detroit, MI 48231 (313) 226-2218 www.lre.usace.army.mil/who/regulatoryoffice In Central or Southern Indiana: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District Office Regulatory Program P.O. Box 59 Louisville, KY 40201 (502) 315-6733 www.lrl.usace.army.mil/orf Indiana Department of Environmental Management Section 401 WQC/Isolated Wetlands Program 100 North Senate Avenue MC 65-42 WQS IGCN NO45 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (800) 451-6027 or (317) 233-8488 www.in.gov/idem | Q. Where can I get a soil test for my garden/lawn? A. You can purchase soil tests at many garden stores or have it performed by a soil testing lab. For more information, check out our "Backyard Conservation" page and scroll down to the section called "Soil Testing and Soil Quality" | Q. Where can I get my water tested? A. In St. Joseph County, Indiana Options for testing your water include sending it to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), sending it to a commercial lab, buying a home test kit, or participating in screening programs offered by various groups that may offer discounted or subsidized test kits. Currently, the SWCD is unaware of any groups that are offering these discounts. The following links should be helpful, but give us a call if you still have questions: | Q. What type of assistance can I get through the St. Joseph County SWCD? A. The St. Joseph County SWCD can provide you with various publications, some financial and technical assistance, educational resources and programs, and contact information for various governmental agencies, non-profits, etc. Our purpose is to provide information about soil, water and related natural resource conservation; identify and prioritize local soil and water resource concerns; and connect land users to sources of educational, technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices and technologies. | Q. Where can I get a copy of the St. Joseph County Soil Survey? A. Most of the hard copies of the St. Joseph County Soil Survey have been depleted. You can stop by our office to get copies of individual map sheets or to look at the copies available. There may also be copies available in the reference section of the county libraries. If you need assistance with the Web Soil Survey site, please take a look at the Web Soil Survey Help Page first. If you still have questions, contact our office. We can help guide you through it. | Q. Can your agency force my neighbor to correct an erosion problem on his land? A. No. We are not a regulatory agency. If the landowner requests our assistance, we can provide technical assistance in correcting an erosion problem. If the landowner does not want to correct the problem, you may call the regulatory agency (Indiana Department of Environmental Management) in Indianapolis at 800-451-6027 ext. 24464, or visit their Complaints Clearinghouse webpage at www.in.gov/idem/5274.htm. | Q. Do you have maps available that I can look at? A. Yes. We have various topographic maps, wetlands maps, and more that you may view. The Farm Service Agency that is located next door has aerial photographs availabe, however, you must make an appointment with them to do so (574-291-7444, ext. 2) Plat books of St. Joseph County can be purchased at the South Bend office of Farm Credit Services (574-291-1277; 5310 South Main Street, South Bend, IN) Please contact our office with further questions. | Q. What types of classroom programs are available? Who may utilize them? A. We have many classroom programs available. They are listed on our Education & Outreach page. These programs are available (often at no charge) to school groups, scout groups, 4-H groups, church groups, home school groups and many other types of groups! Just give us a call at 574-291-7444, ext. 3 or e-mail us at | Q. What types of cost-share, financial assistance, and/or technical assistance programs are available for farmers? A. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist (DC) or our SWCD County Conservationist would love to tell you about the various types of conservation programs available to you, including the SWCD's cover crop cost-share program ("Cover It Green"). Please contact Debbie Knepp (NRCS DC) or Andy Fox (SWCD County Conservationist) at our office 574-291-7444, ext. 3 to set up an appointment. | |
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