Riparian Areas- Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program tbr

Overview of the Riparian Areas- Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program tbr program:

Funding through the Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program (NSCRP, or "Nature Smart") supports two types of projects: conserving existing riparian areas and creating new ones. Riparian areas are strips of land right next to streams or other water bodies. They serve as a bridge between dry land and water, and can include features like ravine slopes, riverbanks, floodplains, and the ecosystems within them. These areas are vital because they help capture and store carbon, combat climate change, improve water quality, and boost biodiversity.

Benefits of the Riparian Areas- Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program tbr program:

• Eligible activities for funding may include:
• Site Work:
• Excavation, earthwork, and erosion control
• Equipment rentals and ditch plugs
• Professional Services:
• Engineering and consultant fees
• Permits
• Preparation and Maintenance:
• Site preparation and ongoing maintenance
• Rental or purchase of specialized planting equipment
• Livestock Management:
• Fencing to keep livestock out (must mention livestock in application)
• Opportunity Costs:
• Compensation for land taken out of production
• Plantings:
• Planting herbaceous plants, trees, or shrubs (non-invasive species only; verify with OSCIA if unsure)
• Water Management:
• Improving or replacing water crossing structures
• Stream bank erosion control (e.g., planting live stakes, tile outlet improvements)
• Invasive Species Control:
• Mitigating brush encroachment and controlling invasive species (mowing or chemical treatment)
• Wildlife Habitat:
• Adding structures like:
• Brush or rock piles
• Deadwood and snags
• Bat houses or roosts
• Specialized nest boxes for birds at risk
• Winter bird roosts
• Turtle sunning platforms and nesting sites
• Pollinator nesting sites and plantings
• Snake hibernacula (overwintering sites)
• Will be beneficial for program applicants

Eligibility criteria of the Riparian Areas- Nature Smart Climate Readiness Program tbr program:

• Own farmland in Ontario, demonstrated by one of the following:
• A valid farm business registration number (FBRN)
• A Religious Exemption Letter from the OMAFRA Appeal Tribunal (provided with application submission)
• A Cultural Exemption Letter from the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario for First Nations farmers, verifying the farm business operates in a First Nations community (provided with application submission)
• An income exemption from the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program, applicable for scenarios such as start-up farm businesses, business structure changes, non-typical production years, or due to age, illness, or the death of a spouse (provided with application submission)
• A current Municipal Property Assessment Notice, Municipal Tax Bill, or Farm Property Tax Class Assessment in the applicant's name, for a minimum of 25 acres assessed as farmland, including the proposed project location (provided with application submission)
• Applicants must:
• Own the farmland where the proposed project will be completed.
• Be willing to enter into a signed Conservation Agreement with OSCIA, committing the farm business to maintaining the proposed project for ten (10) years.
• Be in compliance with all legal requirements and remain compliant throughout the duration of the project.