Agricultural land makes up about 50% of the Kawartha watershed, and due to this large land area, there is potential for significant impact on watershed health. By ensuring agricultural best management practices (BMPs) are in place, we can help sustain rural communities, maintain healthy lakes, and protect our local economy.
The Farm Stewardship Fund supports landowners who implement the practices to minimize nutrient and sediment input to waterbodies within the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Landowners with a registered Farm Business Number, Environmental Farm Plan, or other demonstrated agricultural practice may be eligible for funding with projects that address the following issues:
- Nutrient and soil loss
- Cropland and shoreline erosion
- Manure storage runoff
- Livestock access to watercourses
- Sediments and contaminants entering water
- Farm well management
Eligible projects and grant ceilings
| Eligible Projects | Percent Covered | Grant Ceiling |
| Restricting Livestock | 75% | $15,000 |
| Managing Contamination | 75% | $15,000 |
| Shoreline Erosion Control | 50% | $4,000 |
| Agricultural Erosion Control Structures | 50% | $2,000 |
| Diverting Clean Runoff | 50% | $2,000 |
| Planting Native Trees and Shrubs | 50% | $2,000 |
| Well Upgrades & Maintenance | 50% | $1,000 |
| Decommision of Farm Wells | 75% | $1,000 |
| Fuel and Chemical Management | 50% | $2,000 |
| Tile Drainage Control Boxes | 50% | $2,000 |
| Other Projects | Up to 75% | TBD |
Restricting livestock from access to water bodies:
- Fencing that restricts livestock from water bodies
- Remote watering systems
- Stream crossings
- Culvert improvements
Managing contamination from agricultural sources:
- New manure storage structures and upgrades to existing manure storage
- Riparian buffers
- Bioswales
- Biofilters
Shoreline erosion control and shoreline naturalization:
- Bioengineering shorelines
- Naturalized shorelines (native vegetation)
Diverting clean runoff from downslope sources of contamination, such as livestock yard and manure storage:
- Eavestroughs
- Ditches
- Berms
- Filter strips
Planting native trees and shrubs:
- Windbreaks
- Reforestation on marginal lands
Cropland erosion control structures:
- Grassed waterways
- Water and sediment control structures
Farm well upgrades, maintenance, and decommissioning:
- New well caps
- Well pit removal
- Annular seals
- Other maintenance to protect groundwater
- Well decommissioning
Fuel and chemical storage and handling:
- New Technical Standards & Safety Authority approved fuel tanks
- Back flow device
- improvements to mixing & loading of fertilizer
Other Stewardship Projects
Suggest another type of project that will help promote a healthy watershed
Eligible Region
To be eligible, projects must be within the City of Kawartha Lakes. Preference may be given to sites that fall within the priority area, highlighted and outlined in red on the map.
Kawartha Lakes Farmland Stewardship Fund is supported by:
