Section 10246.

Grants may be made for land improvements. Use of these grants shall be limited to the improvement of lands protected by agricultural conservation easements under the program, or of lands protected by other qualified conservation easement programs, if the improvement will directly benefit the lands protected by agricultural conservation easements under the program. An application for a land improvement grant shall be evaluated with respect to the extent to which it satisfies one or more of the following criteria:

(a) The improvement will enhance the agricultural value of the land protected by the easement, and promote its long-term sustainable agricultural use such as water supply development and revegetation of eroding streambanks.

(b) The improvement will increase the compatibility of agricultural operations with sensitive natural areas.

(c) The improvement will demonstrate new and innovative best management practices which have the potential for wide application.

(d) The proposed improvement includes the financial and technical involvement of other agencies, such as resource conservation districts, the Wildlife Conservation Board, the United States Farm Services Agency, and the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service.

(e) The improvement is part of a coordinated watershed management plan or the equivalent.

(f) The application satisfies other relevant criteria established by the department.

(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 616, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 2003.)