How to Get the Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP)

What you get

The statewide North Carolina Community Conservation Assistance Program delivered through Burke Soil and Water Conservation District. Homeowners can be reimbursed up to 75% of a pre-established average cost for an approved practice, including backyard rain gardens, bioretention areas, critical area planting, and riparian buffers, with a 25% homeowner match. Each practice carries its own cost cap set by the statewide program. Sites must be non-agricultural and developed for three years or more (Burke Soil and Water Conservation District; reimbursement rate per the statewide NC Department of Agriculture CCAP page, ncagr.gov; last verified August 2026).

• Residential: Up to 75% cost share

Are you eligible?

• Be a Burke Soil and Water Conservation District customer
• Property located in: Morganton, Valdese, Drexel, Hildebran, Connelly Springs
• Non-agricultural developed property in the district service area
• Site developed for three years or more
• Eligible CCAP practice such as a backyard rain garden, bioretention area, or critical area planting
• Application to the district and approval before installation
• Applicant pays a 25% match

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to Burke Soil and Water Conservation District and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.