Diversions:

• To divert excess water from areas to sites where it can be used or disposed of safely. A diversion is classified as a channel with a supporting ridge on the lower side constructed across the slope. It is important to note that there are several sites where this practice may or may not apply.

Construction of Water and Sediment Control Basins:

• To reduce on-site erosion, reduce sediment, reduce sediment content in water, intercept and conduct surface runoff through sub-surface conduits to stable outlets, and reduce peak rate or volume of flow at down slope locations. Water and Sediment Control Basins reduce flooding, prevent gully development, and reform the land surface.

Filter Strips:

• To remove sediment and other pollutants from runoff or waste water by filtration, infiltration, absorption, decomposition, and volatilization, thereby reducing pollution and protecting the environment. A filter strip is defined as a strip or area of vegetation for removing sediment, organic matter, and other pollutants from runoff and waste water.

Grassed Waterway:

• To provide for the disposal of excess surface water from terraces, diversions, or from natural concentrations without causing erosion or flooding, and to improve water quality. To be classified a grassed waterway it must be a natural or constructed channel that is shaped or graded to require suitable vegetation established for the stable conveyance of runoff.

Irrigation Re-Use Pit:

• To collect and store water until it can be used beneficially to satisfy crop irrigation requirements.

Conservation Cover:

• To reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve water quality, and create or enhance wildlife habitat. Establishing and maintaining perennial vegetative cover to protect soil and water resources on land retired from agricultural production, including land entered into retirement programs.

Cross Wind Strips:

• To practice as part of a conservation management system for support of the reduction of soil erosion from wind, reduce the transport of wind-born sediment and sediment-borne contaminants, and to protect growing crops from damage by wind-borne soil particles. Herbaceous covers, resistant to wind erosion, established in strips across the prevailing wind direction works well for cropland. Establishing narrow strips perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction may do this.

Multi-Purpose Dam:

• To provide distinct and specific storage allocations for two or more of the following purposes: floodwater retardation, irrigation, fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, or other recreational use, improve environment or habitat for fish or wildlife, municipal, industrial, and other uses. A dam is classified as being constructed across a stream or natural watercourse, with design reservoir storage capacity designed specifically for two or more purposes.

Wetland Restoration:

• To restore both the hydrology and the wetland plant communities to conditions similar to those that existed before site modification.

Critical Area Planting:

• To stabilize the soil, reduce damage from sediment and runoff to downstream areas, improve wildlife habitat, and visual resources. Planting vegetation such as trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, or legumes on highly erodible or critically eroding areas.

Riparian Buffers:

• To reduce excess amounts of sediment, organic material, nutrients, pesticides, and other pollutants in surface runoff; reduce excess nutrients and other chemicals in shallow groundwater; moderate water temperatures to improve habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms; provide a source of organic matter and large woody debris for fish and other aquatic organisms; lessen detrimental impacts to riparian areas including stream channels and adjacent lands caused by high and low water flows; reduce the rate of lateral stream channel movement; provide habitat for cover for numerous species of wildlife during periods of their life cycle; and produce wood products such as lumber, firewood, and posts.

Terraces:

• To reduce slope length, erosion, and sediment content in runoff water; intercept and conduct surface runoff at a non-erosive velocity to a stable outlet; retain runoff for moisture conservation; prevent gully development; reform the land surface; improve farmability; reduce flooding; or improve water quality. A terrace is considered an earth embankment, a channel, or a combination ridge and channel constructed across the slope.

Tree Planting:

• To establish or reinforce a stand of trees to conserve soil and moisture, control snow drifting, prevent wind damage to farmsteads, provide shelter for livestock, beautify an area, protect a watershed, or improve an area for wildlife and production of wood crops.

Residue Management:

• This practice may be applied as part of a conservation management system to support reduced sheet and till erosion, reduced wind erosion, conserve soil moisture, manage snow to increase available plant moisture or reduce plant damage from freezing or drifting, and provide food and cover for wildlife. Residue management is managing the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residues on the soil surface year-round, while growing crops in narrow slots or tilled strips in previously untilled soil and residue.

Grade Stabilization Structures:

• To stabilize the grade and control erosion in natural or artificial channels, to prevent the formation or advancement of gullies, and to enhance environmental quality and reduce pollution hazards.

Waste Management Systems:

• To manage waste in rural areas in a manner that prevents or minimizes degradation of air, soil, and water resources, and protects public health and safety. Such systems are planned to preclude discharge of pollutants to surface or ground water, and to recycle waste through soil and plants to the fullest extent practicable.