In order to maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with the Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) provisions, agreeing they will not:
- Produce an agricultural commodity on highly erodible land without an adequate conservation system;
- Plant an agricultural commodity on a converted wetland;
- Convert a wetland to make possible the production of an agricultural commodity.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is responsible for providing program participants technical assistance and determinations to assist them in complying with the provisions.
HELC Provision Contact
Nancy Ferlow
State Resource Conservationist
(860) 871-4049
WC Provision Contact
Jacob Isleib
State Soil Scientist
(860) 871-4042
HELC/WC Technical Resources
Given the geographical differences of wetlands, soils, and climate in each state; information and technical resources specific to Connecticut implementation of the HELC/WC provisions are provided below:
- Highly Erodible HEL Soils Lists (Lists the soils that can erode at an excessive rate from either water or wind because of soil properties.
- State Offsite Methods (SOSM) for Wetland Determinations ((Used to make wetland determinations and delineations on agricultural lands utilizing a variety of data, including aerial imagery and other resource inventory data)
- Wetland Conservation Provision Job Approval Authority (List of Agency experts that possess the requisite training, knowledge, skills, and abilities to issue technical determinations and decisions)
Connecticut HELC/WC Fact Sheets
For more information and resources, visit National Conservation Compliance.