Working Group meeting to be held March 11, 2026
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in compliance with the Agriculture Act of 2018, issues a public notice of a Local Working Group meeting to review natural resource priorities for Fiscal Year 2026.
The meeting will be held from 3pm – 5pm on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026, in the conference room at the Bonsack Service Center located at 36 Executive Circle, Roanoke, VA 24012. The program is open to all interested individuals and groups concerned with the conservation of natural resources and associated programs and provisions of the Agriculture Act of 2018 (Farm Bill).
The meeting facilities are handicapped accessible. Requests for accommodations, including sign language interpreters, should be made one week prior to the event date. More information may be obtained from Derek Hancock, District Conservationist with NRCS by calling 540-795-3647 or email derek.hancock@gmail.com. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Virginia Agricultural Cost Share & Tax Credit Program (VACS)
The Virginia Agricultural Cost Share Program (VACS) provides technical and financial assistance to address water quality concerns on your farm. Planting cover crops, conversion of cropland, and excluding cattle from streams are all popular practices. Cost share rates vary, but can be as high as 100%. Contact Daniel Naff at daniel.naff@mountaincastles.org or (540) 580-8373 for more information.
The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)
The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program provides technical and financial assistance to address excessive runoff, poor ground cover, and erosion in your yard (businesses are also eligible). For more information about VCAP please visit https://vaswcd.org/vcap/. You can also reach out to Emily Williams at emily.williams@mountaincastles.org to ask questions or set up a site visit.
PY 2025 Annual Report
A copy of the district annual report for Program Year 2025, which ended June 30, is available. Contact us if you would like to receive a hard copy in the mail.
Strategic plan
A copy of the Mountain Castles SWCD 2024-2028 Strategic Plan is available. Email tim.miller@mountaincastles.org if you would like us to mail you a printed copy.
Mission Statement
Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District will promote and develop locally-driven solutions to natural resources concerns for the people of Botetourt County and Craig County by leveraging federal, state, local, and private resources.
Vision Statement
Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District will advocate for the sustainable use of natural resources and will act to improve water quality and soil health through conservation and education programs for the people of Botetourt County and Craig County.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Point of Contact (POC) Freedom of Information (FOIA) Officer is the “person to whom the public can direct requests for public records and who will oversee the public body’s compliance with the provisions of this chapter” as per §2.2-3704.2.c
Point of Contact (POC) Officer:
Tim Miller
(540) 797-0217
tim.miller@mountaincastles.org
A research fee of $30/hour will be charged for all FOIA requests. Requests are also subject to copying and postage expenses.
View the full “Rights & Responsibilities” document below:
Partner/ Non-discriminatory Statement
The Commonwealth of Virginia supports the Mountain Castles Soil & Water Conservation District through financial and administrative assistance provided by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. The District also receives local support provided by Botetourt County and Craig County. All programs and services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or disability.