Homeowner
Programs and Services
Tree and Shrub Program
Each year the Genesee County Soil and 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. Seeds and planting supplies are also available.
The annual catalog and order form are made available in January. Orders are ready for pickup in late April each year.
To join our electronic newsletter list and receive the catalog, please call (585) 343-2362 ext. 5.
NYSDEC Stocking Permits
Farm Fish Pond License
A Farm Fish Pond License is required from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) before stocking fish into any water of the State that is privately or publicly owned. NYSDEC issues several permits that authorize fish stocking.
More information is available at dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7975.html .
Grass Carp Permit
More information about grass carp stocking permits is available at dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/fish-wildlife-plant/special-licenses/triploid-grass-carp-stocking-permit .
The District can assist with completing grass carp permit applications.
New Pond Site Investigation
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 to determine the possible placement of a pond in your selected location. Please review the Pond Plan Checklist below for more information.
For questions, contact the SWCD office at (585) 343-2362 ext. 5.
Fee: First hour free; $60.00 per hour thereafter.
Pond Plan Checklist
Ponds for water supply, wildlife habitat, and recreation are 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, review the following important information.
Pond Siting Facts for Genesee County
- Local zoning regulations may require that your pond be at least 100 feet from roadways and property boundaries.
- Some towns require that the SWCD review a pond site before construction. SWCD staff conduct pond site evaluations free of charge.
- Parcels facing county or state highways require approval by the Genesee County Planning Board in addition to town planning board approval. The approval process can take one to three months depending on meeting schedules.
- Residents may build their own ponds if all applicable town and county approval requirements are met.
- Test holes (at least six feet deep) may be required at the property owner’s expense. A backhoe is used while SWCD staff evaluate soils, bedrock, and water table conditions.
- Soil types, topography, parcel boundaries, wetlands, and stream locations may restrict pond sites. Building a pond in a wetland requires a permit from NYSDEC. SWCD may assist with permit applications.
- If more than 750 cubic yards of material will be removed from the property, NYSDEC Mining and Reclamation permits and plans are required.
- Fish habitat requires a minimum depth of 8 to 10 feet. SWCD sells bass, fathead minnows, perch, and grass carp. Grass carp require a NYSDEC permit.
- All aquatic vegetation chemical controls require NYSDEC permits. The Region 8 NYSDEC office in Avon can be reached at (585) 226-2466.
For more information about ponds, call (585) 343-2362 ext. 5 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Pond Assessments (Existing)
Do you have questions about weeds, fish, or issues with your existing pond? Our staff will visit your pond location to assess conditions and discuss alternatives. One assessment visit is provided at no charge to residents of Genesee County.
Soil Group Worksheets
A Town Assessor may request a Soil Group Worksheet (SGW) if landowners are selling or transferring property, splitting a parcel, or inheriting land. The District provides two copies (one for the landowner and one for the assessor) for $25.00.
When calling for assistance, please have the property owner’s name, address, and parcel tax ID available.
Drainage System – Survey and Design
A property owner requesting investigation of drainage problems will not be charged for the first visit. This includes surface or subsurface drainage systems or flooding concerns.
If a design survey is required, a fee will apply and may include a profile survey, design, and cut sheet. Additional materials such as marking flags or survey stakes will be billed at the current rate set by the District Board.
Design Survey Fee: First four hours free; $60.00 per hour thereafter.
In some cases, services from a licensed professional engineer may be required. Any associated costs are the responsibility of the property owner.
Stream and Wetland Permit Assistance
Assistance is available for projects that may require federal or state permits in wetlands or adjacent buffer areas. Services may include preparation of maps, profiles, sketches, drawings, narratives, applications, and environmental assessment forms.
Fee: First two hours free; $60.00 per hour thereafter.
Complex projects may require referral to a private consultant or licensed professional engineer. Additional municipal or public notification fees may apply and are the responsibility of the applicant.
General Site Visits and Conservation Planning
Professional technical assistance is available for homeowners and landowners experiencing streambank erosion, drainage issues, or pond health concerns.