Maintaining the land is a huge responsibility for our agricultural community. It provides for continued economic sustenance as well as biological support for the region's ecosystems. In keeping with the Township's support of our natural "infrastructure," we've created or provided information and links to various programs that are available to local farmers as a way to provide a more sustainable approach to agriculture in the Township.
Agricultural Runoff Fact Sheet. This
informative fact sheet identifies the various sources and levels of runoff from
farms. It is a useful baseline of information to help farmers to work to
reduce runoff, including the contaminants that can leave a farm and enter
streams.
Rain Barrel Sale. You can help protect the
environment and reduce local runoff by attaching your downspouts to a rain
barrel. This also provides you with a ready source of water for irrigating your
gardens or your pastures.
County Agricultural Programs & Best Management
Practices (BMPs). The Chester County Conservation District is the Countywide
resource for assisting farms to identify the best available practices for
reducing nutrient contamination, improve farming practices to become more
sustainable, and assist with other available State and federal programs that can
assist farmers.
For assistance with preparing Conservation Plans or
providing consultation on BMPs, nutrient management and nutrient trading
programs, equipment rentals, and other programs, please see the Conservation
District website here.
For available resources for developing your own
Conservation Plan, go here.
State Funding Opportunities & Resources for
Agriculture BMPs. The State has programs available to help farmers improve
local environmental management practices, which provide a subsidy in return for
maintaining these measures.
The Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) can be found at the State Department of Agriculture website ( http://agriculture.state.pa.us/ (Select REAP program) ) or contact Mary Bender at 1-717-787-8821.
For more information, including presentations on
Watersheds, Riparian Buffers, Water Conservation, Stream Pollution, Conservation
Plans, and other issues, please visit http://www.lancasterwatersheds.org/education.php