Our conservation programs are not just for farmers! Here are just a few of the conservation services Holmes SWCD provides for homeowners:

SOIL SAMPLES

Whether you're planting a garden, maintaining your lawn, or establishing a wildlife plot, applying the proper nutrients at the correct rate can save you money and help you achieve your plant-growth goals. Our office processes your soil samples and can make recommendations to help you achieve the results you need. We even have soil probes and augers available for loan to assist you in collecting your samples. Soil samples may be dropped off at our office Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  

SUBDIVISION PERMITS FOR SEDIMENT AND EROSION CONTROL

All new or re-platted subdivisions require a Sediment and Erosion Control permit to be filed with our office. There is no cost for a permit for a re-plat with no planned construction, single-family residence construction requires a $10 fee, and subdivisions with three or more lots require a $50 fee. Permits can be obtained from the office Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Forms may also be downloaded and mailed to our office along with payment. For more information on erosion control, check out our Erosion Control for the Homeowner publication online.

SOIL SURVEYS

Are you looking for information about property you own or are looking to purchase? Soil Survey books are available at no charge from our office. Soil surveys can also be accessed online.

MAPS

The Holmes County GIS website provides current aerial maps online. Our office also has historical aerial maps of the county from 1941/1942, 1951, 1958, and 1983. These maps may be viewed and copied in black and white at our office Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

TREE SEEDLING SALE

Our annual tree sale occurs in the spring. For 2025 we will be accepting orders January 3rd through  March 10 with pick up on April 10 from 8:00 am until 5:30 p.m. at the Holmes County Fairgrounds. We offer a variety of coniferous, deciduous, and ornamental trees at reasonable prices. Click here to be added to our tree sale mailing list.

TIMBER MANAGEMENT

If you are planning a timber harvest, educate yourself on sale expectations and what should be included in a contract with your logger. Our office recommends hiring a consulting forester and filing a voluntary Forestry Pollution Prevention Plan (formerly Timber Harvest Plan) to lay out job parameters and ensures best management practices are considered. Also, check out the Call Before You Cut website for valuable timber harvest. Jake Peer with the ODNR Division of Forestry is the service forester for Holmes County. The Ohio Woodland Stewards Program is a great resource for education about woodland management, and offers classes throughout the year.