Homeowner

Horseshow Lake ©Andy Olenick.jpg

Tree & Shrub Program

Each year the Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District holds a conservation tree and shrub seedling sale. A variety of evergreen, fruit, softwood, and hardwood bareroot seedlings and transplants are available. Also available are seeds and planting supplies. The annual catalog and order form are made available in January. Orders are ready for pick up in late April each year.

Please call our office to join our electronic newsletter list if you are interested in receiving the catalog. 585-343-2362 ext 5

NYSDEC Stocking Permits

Farm Fish Pond License

A Farm Fish Pond License is required from NYSDEC before stocking fish into any water of the State that is privately or publicly owned. NYSDEC issues several permits that authorizes fish stocking. More information can be found at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7975.html

Grass Carp Permit  

More information for permits can be found at https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/fish-wildlife-plant/special-licenses/triploid-grass-carp-stocking-permit

Pond Sitting Assessment

Are you considering constructing a pond on your property? Many Genesee County towns require a technical review from the Soil and Water Conservation District before allowing ponds to be constructed. Our staff will visit your proposed pond site and evaluate the soils and drainage area in order to make a determination regarding the possible placement of a pond in your selected location. View the Pond Plan Checklist  for more information.  Please contact the SWCD office for any questions at 585-343-2362 ext 5.

Pond Plan Checklist

Ponds for a variety of uses including water supply, wildlife habitat, and recreation are very popular in our area. Each year, the Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District receives numerous calls from property owners interested in building a pond. If you think a pond would enhance your landscape, here are some important facts that you need to know.

Pond Siting Facts for Genesee County

  1. Local zoning regulations may require that your pond be at least 100' from roadways and property boundaries.
  2. Some towns require that the Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District review a pond site before construction. SWCD staff will conduct a pond site evaluation free of charge.
  3. Parcels facing county or state highways require approval by the Genesee County Planning Board in addition to the town planning board approval. The approval process can take 1 -3 months depending upon schedules for town and county planning board meetings.
  4. Residents can build their own ponds if applicable town and county approval requirements are met.
  5. Test holes (at least 6' deep) may need to be dug, and will be at the property owners' expense. This process requires a backhoe, and is performed while SWCD staff conducts an on-site evaluation of soils, bedrock, and water table conditions. It is recommended that the test hole(s) be at least as deep as the planned bottom depth.
  6. Soil types, topography, tax parcel boundaries, wetlands, and stream locations may restrict pond sites. Building a pond in a wetland requires a permit from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. SWCD may assist in preparing the permit application.
  7. Materials excavated from the pond for use as a dike must be able to hold water in the pond. Some soil types are not suitable for dike construction. Also, property owners must move excess materials away from the pond after completion, which may require an additional expense if the materials are moved off-site. NYSDEC Mining and Reclamation permits and plans are required if more than 750 cubic yards of material will be removed from the property.
  8. Fish habitat requires 8ft. - 10ft. depth minimum. SWCD sells bass, fathead minnows, perch, and grass carp. Grass carp purchases require a permit from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. SWCD may assist in preparing the permit application.
  9. All aquatic vegetation chemical controls require permits from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The Region 8 NYSDEC office in Avon can be contacted by calling 585-226-2466.

If you would like more information about ponds, call us at 343-2362x5 Monday -Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

 

 

Pond Assessments (Existing)

Do you have questions about weeds, fish, or problems with your existing pond? Our staff will visit your pond location to assess the pond and discuss alternatives for your specific issue. One assessment visit is provided at no charge to residents of Genesee County.

Soil Group Worksheets

The Town Assessor may ask for a SGW to be completed if landowners are selling or transferring property to a new owner, splitting a parcel, or selling off a portion or inheriting a parcel of land. The district will provide 2 copies of a SGW (one for the landowner and one for the assessor) for $25.00. When calling the office for assistance please have the name ,address and parcel tax id.

Permit Assistance

Staff will assist public and private landowners in obtaining permits from DEC and Army Corp of Engineers. Please call the office for information at 585-343-2362 ext5.

Drainage

A property owner wishing to have us investigate drainage problems will not be charged for a first visit. This includes surface or subsurface drainage systems or flooding. This will include a site visit that may involve a preliminary survey, outlet inspection, discussion of previous work, needed maintenance, or contractors available to do the job.

If a design survey is required, a fee of $44.00 per hour will be charged. The fee will, if needed, include a profile survey, design and cut sheet. Additional materials (marking flags, survey stakes, etc.) required for the work will be billed at the current rate as determined by the District Board.

Occasionally, plans may require the services of a licenses professional engineer, special fees, or other items that are not part of our design. The property owner will be required to either supply materials or pay those costs as needed.

Wetlands Permits and Plans

This includes all proposals or plans for projects that may require a federal or state permit in wetlands or adjacent areas (buffer zones). A fee of $44.00 per hour will be charged after one (1) free hour for work that may include maps, profiles, sketches, drawings, and narratives. Also, any applications, environmental assessment forms, or other required forms are included.

In some cases, due to the complexity of a project, a referral may be made to a private consultant or licenses professional engineer (no fee will be assessed in this case). Additional fees may be charged by the local municipality in some cases. Also, a public notification or advertisement may be required. These additional fees or charges will be the responsibility of the applicant.

General Site Visits & Conservation Planning

We can provide professional technical assistance to homeowners and landowners experiencing streambank erosion, drainage issues, pond health issues.

Back to top