Show All Answers

1. How do I know if I am eligible for the rebate?

A farm planner at the Whatcom Conservation District will help review your eligibility for the rebate program. Call 360.526.2381 for more information.

There are four criteria that must be met to be eligible for the small farm improvements rebate.

• You must have farm animals on a parcel in the current eligible area. Landowners or operators with landowner’s permission are eligible for the rebate. Parcels that are in a coastal watershed in Whatcom County are eligible for the rebate program. Contact a farm planner at the Whatcom Conservation District at 360.526.2381 to determine if your parcel is in the current eligible area.
• You must complete a free Whatcom Conservation District small farm workshop or a free site visit. Find the listing of upcoming workshops at: http://www.whatcomcd.org/speaker-series. Contact a farm planner at the Whatcom Conservation District at 360.526.2381 to schedule your site visit.
• You must purchase supplies for and install one of the eligible Best Management Practices (BMPs).
  • Roof gutters and/or outlet for your barn.
  • Footing materials for your heavy use area.
  • Fencing materials to protect sensitive areas.
• You must take before and after photos of your installed BMP to document your work. 

2. Where do I turn in my rebate application?

Submit application materials by mail or in-person at Whatcom County Public Works- Natural Resources, Attn: Small Farm Rebate Program, 322 N. Commercial, 2nd  Floor, Bellingham, WA 98225 or email to [email protected].  The office is located in the tall gray and blue building across the street from the Bellingham Public Library.

3. What do I need to submit for the rebate?

You will receive the rebate application at your workshop or site visit. You will need to submit:

• Rebate application form.
• Copy of the receipt/paid invoice for materials purchased.
• Before and after pictures of your installed BMP.

4. How large of a rebate can I receive?

Rebates are available to reimburse up to a total of $300 of eligible costs, based upon actual expenses.

• Barn gutters and/or outlets- Up to $300 
• Footing materials for heavy use area- Up to $300
• Fencing materials to protect sensitive areas- Up to $300

5. If I complete a workshop, why do I need to contact a WCD farm planner to be eligible for the rebate?

Management practices are not one size fits all for farms.  This is a grant funded program with a goal of connecting you with farm planners that can discuss siting and materials so your new BMP works the best it can to reduce mud and protect water quality. 

6. What do I need to do to receive the rebate if I am leasing the land?

People that are leasing land for farm animals can be eligible for the rebate with the landowner’s permission. You will need to have a letter from the landowner approving the installation of the BMP or have the landowner sign the rebate application with you.

7. How long does it take to receive the rebate?

Rebate applications are typically processed within 4-6 weeks. You will receive a check at the mailing address you indicated on your rebate application. If you have not received a rebate within two months of submitting your application, please contact the PIC Program at [email protected].

8. When is the last date for me to submit my rebate materials? If something comes up, can I still submit them late?

Funding is limited, so participants are encouraged to submit materials as early as possible. Rebates will be rewarded in the order they were received until funding is exhausted.

9. I followed the instructions I received after completing my workshop and have submitted all of my rebate application materials. Is there anything more I need to do?

Nope! You should be all set. We will contact you if we need any additional information.

10. Can I submit applications for both rebate options?

No, each “farm area” * is eligible for one rebate (one BMP).

*“Farm areas” are defined for this program as adjoining parcels with farm animals under the same land ownership. Each “farm area” is eligible for one rebate (one BMP). If a landowner has more than one separate “farm areas”, each “farm area” is eligible for a rebate. Separate rebate applications must be submitted for each “farm area”.

11. I sent my rebate materials in a few months ago and still have not had any response. Did you receive my information?

Processing time ranges anywhere from 4-6 weeks; if you have not received a rebate within two months of submitting your materials, please contact contact the PIC Program at [email protected].