Spring 07 article: streambank fencing

streambank fencing

from spring 2007 newsletter

FENCING and AG BMP INITIATVE Begins

--By Tom Doman—

The initial phase of a project to improve water quality of streams in the Penns Creek watershed has started. PVCA, utilizing grant monies awarded through the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Small Watershed grant program, is partnering with the Centre County Conservation District (CCCD) to address nutrient and sediment runoff and help to establish agricultural best management practices on local farms.

Since being notified in 2005 of the $40,000 award to fund Agricultural Best Management Practices (Ag BMPs), PVCA has sought to augment these monies by obtaining additional grants and conservation program funds. Our fundraising efforts have met with limited success. After discussions with the Foundation, a change in strategy was developed to reflect a partnership approach to utilizing the grant funds. The Centre County Conservation District has graciously agreed to assist PVCA in moving forward with implementation of the proposal. In addition to the $40K in grant funds available, PVCA will contribute $5000 cash and $5000 in in-kind services. Now it’s full speed ahead!

John Wataha, an Agricultural Conservation Technician with the CCCD, has identified three local farms which would benefit from assistance through the PVCA Fencing and Ag BMP grant. John met with the farmers to discuss nutrient management planning and develop a site specific plan. Of particular significance is that 2 of the 3 farms where the work is to be done are along Elk Creek and are Amish owned. Instituting nutrient management control measures on these 2 farms is a small but important action in addressing the declining water quality of Elk Creek. Other Amish farmers whose land lies adjacent to Elk Creek have expressed interest in participating in cost share funding for Ag BMPs which would address resource concerns on their farms as well. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step…

Itemized cost estimates for the farms have been created with PVCA’s contribution for each site detailed. Work on the first farm is anticipated to begin in October of 2007. The second and third phases of construction on the remaining farms are expected to be completed by the end of September 2008. A one year extension of the term of the grant can be obtained if necessary. As more needs are identified by Conservation District personnel, we will continue to seek other opportunities to secure funding for water quality improvement and protection within the watershed.

With nearly 4,000 miles of Pennsylvania streams threatened by excess nutrients and sediment from farm run off, local farmers are under tremendous pressure to do even more to improve water quality. Few however can do more on their own. PVCA working in conjunction with the Centre County Conservation District is endeavoring to provide some financial assistance to help farmers remain profitable while protecting our rivers and streams.

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