Stewardship Incentive Program Application Opens

Lewis County Noxious Weed Control Board
Stewardship Incentive Program Introduction

The Stewardship Incentive Program is a voluntary “mini” grant program for Lewis County landowners, provided by the Lewis County Noxious Weed Control Board (LCNWCB), with the goal of providing financial assistance to landowners in their efforts to control priority noxious weeds, as identified by Lewis County. Through a simple application process, LCNWCB will provide site-specific noxious weed identification, consultation on appropriate control measures, and reimbursement of up to 75% of the cost of approved noxious weed control measures or 100% of the cost of acquiring an applicator’s license. Reimbursable expenses include the cost of herbicide, equipment rental, the labor of a licensed contractor, or the cost of pesticide license testing study materials and testing/licensing fees. Itemized receipts will be required for all reimbursements.

Process

1) Landowner fills out the appropriate application form and submits it to the LCNWCB. There will be a different form for noxious weed treatments and WA state pesticide licensing reimbursements. A proposed treatment plan must be developed by the applicant to the best of their ability and submitted for review and approval.

2) LCNWCB will conduct an initial site visit to confirm the presence of noxious weeds and discuss the proposed control measures (herbicide, application timing, etc.). Applications will only be approved once applicants provide a detailed plan, outlined in the application. The level of reimbursement will be determined during the approval process, based on the priority level of noxious weed species present (see below).

3) A written plan will be drafted by LCNWCB, based on the applicant’s plan and site inspection, and both parties will be required to sign off on it. If the applicant-proposed plan is in need of extensive modification, an appointment can be scheduled with LCNWCB staff, at their office.

4) Landowner notifies LCNWCB of weed control activities, such that a post-treatment inspection can be completed within 7-10 days of the activity (OR they notify of pesticide test date and location).

5) Reimbursement to the landowner is processed upon verification of a successful weed control activity or completion of the private applicators license test, completion of Federal Form W-9, and submission of either an approved purchase receipt(s) (of rental equipment, agreed upon herbicide(s), or private applicators pesticide license study materials and testing fees) or a paid, itemized invoice from the contractor.

Level of Reimbursement

*Weed designations as identified in the 2023 Lewis County Noxious Weed List. In circumstances where applications exceed available funds, priority will be given to control activities that target higher-priority weeds and utilize best practices, as determined by the LCNWCB.

Eligibility

Any landowner in Lewis County is eligible for participation in the Stewardship Incentive Program once per calendar year. Due to limited funds, participation will be limited to only one landowner in any dual ownership of a particular parcel. Participation will also be limited to one site per landowner in situations where the landowner has multiple properties. Lifetime benefit awarded to any landowners participating in this program may not exceed $1,500 or 5 years of participation, whichever occurs first.

Deadlines

Applications for the 2023 Stewardship Incentive Program will be accepted March 1 to June 1, 2023. Prioritization and approval of applications will occur in May 2023. Applications received after June 1, 2023, will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis. Costs incurred prior to an approved application are the sole responsibility of the applicant. All paperwork and documentation must be submitted no later than Dec 1st 2023, (including the post-inspection, if deemed necessary) to qualify for reimbursement.

Rules and Guidelines can be found here
Application is available here

Or an application can be requested via email; weeds@lewiscountywa.gov,
or picked up in person at our office 17 SW Cascade ave (in the WSU building) Mon-Thursday 9a-3p.

For more information please contact Lewis County Noxious Weed Control Board, 351 NW North Street, Chehalis, WA 98532
Email: weeds@lewiscountywa.gov. Phone #: (360) 740-1215 or (360) 740-1218