ATCP 50.733(2)(b) (b) The cost to establish and manage vegetative cover, or to provide temporary cover until the planting is established. This may include costs for mulch, seed, and other necessary materials.

ATCP 50.733(2)(c) (c) The cost to shape, smooth, or prepare the site before establishing native vegetative cover.

ATCP 50.733(3) (3) Ineligible costs. A cost-share grant under s. ATCP 50.40 may not reimburse any of the following for habitat diversification:

ATCP 50.733(3)(a) (a) Plantings that include introduced species.

ATCP 50.733(3)(b) (b) Whole-field conversion.

ATCP 50.733(3)(c) (c) Fertilizing grass plantings.

ATCP 50.733(3)(d) (d) Pasture plantings.

ATCP 50.733(4) (4) Design, construction, and maintenance. A cost-share grant under s. ATCP 50.40 may not reimburse habitat diversification costs unless all of the following conditions are met:

ATCP 50.733(4)(a) (a) The habitat diversification practices comply with all of the following that apply:

ATCP 50.733(4)(a)1. 1. NRCS conservation practice standard 420 wildlife habitat planting (June, 2020).

ATCP 50.733(4)(a)2. 2. NRCS conservation practice standard 386 field borders (January, 2017), which must include the additional criteria to provide wildlife food and cover and pollinator or other beneficial organisms and the considerations to enhance wildlife, or pollinator value, or both.

ATCP 50.733(4)(a)3. 3. NRCS conservation practice standard 472 access control (January, 2018).

ATCP 50.733(4)(a)4. 4. NRCS conservation practice standard 393 filter strips (January, 2017), which must include the considerations for creating, restoring, or enhancing herbaceous habitat for wildlife and beneficial insects and pollinators.

ATCP 50.733(4)(a)5. 5. NRCS conservation practice standard 382 fence (January, 2014).

ATCP 50.733(4)(a)6. 6. NRCS Wisconsin agronomy technical note 5 establishing and maintaining native grasses, forbs and legumes (April, 2013).

ATCP 50.733(4)(a)7. 7. NRCS Wisconsin guidance document 420 habitat development for pollinators and butterflies (August, 2022).

ATCP 50.733(4)(b) (b) Following establishment of native vegetative cover, management of habitat complies with all of the following that apply:

ATCP 50.733(4)(b)1. 1. NRCS conservation practice standard 338 prescribed burning (March, 2016).

ATCP 50.733(4)(b)2. 2. NRCS conservation practice standard 314 brush management (April, 2017).

ATCP 50.733(4)(b)3. 3. NRCS conservation practice standard 315 herbaceous weed treatment (June, 2016).

ATCP 50.733(4)(c) (c) The landowner agrees to maintain the native vegetation for 10 years.

ATCP 50.733 History History: CR 23-024: cr. Register May 2024 No. 821, eff. 6-1-24; correction in (4) (b) 3. made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register May 2024 No. 821.

ATCP 50.738 ATCP 50.738 Harvestable buffers.

ATCP 50.738(1) (1) Definition. In this section, “harvestable buffers” refers to the establishment of grass strips that can be harvested for livestock forage and that are intended to reduce agricultural runoff from entering an adjacent waterbody.

ATCP 50.738(2) (2) Eligibility requirements. To qualify for financial assistance under s. ATCP 50.41, all of the following eligibility criteria must be met:

ATCP 50.738(2)(a) (a) The site is not eligible for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.

ATCP 50.738(2)(b) (b) The buffer must be adjacent to an eligible waterbody. Eligible waterbodies include perennial and seasonal streams, creeks and ditches; lakes and ponds; wetlands; and sink holes. Gullies or areas where water runs only after precipitation are ineligible.

ATCP 50.738(2)(c) (c) Must address a water quality resource concern.

ATCP 50.738(2)(d) (d) The site has been in agricultural production for 4 out of the previous 6 years.