Newsletter. T ake care. Conservation Pages. of the land and the land will take care of you... What s in your soil? Spring Issue May 2017

Transcription

1 Spring Issue May 2017 Conservation Pages Newsletter MECKLENBURG SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT WHAT S INSIDE Cost Share Programs 2-4 Education Programs 5-7 Tree Sale 8 Rain Barrels 8 Supervisor Vacancy 9...and more. What s in your soil? T ake care of the land and the land will take care of you... - Hugh Hammond Bennett Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District offers soil sample kits to residents of Mecklenburg County. The NC Agronomic Services Division in Raleigh, NC analyzes soil for its nutrient content and for properties that affect plant growth. Soil testing... fosters plant growth by providing optimal lime and fertilizer recommendations, diagnoses common nutrient deficiencies and toxicities and, promotes environmental quality A routine soil tests measure ph and acidity; levels of major plant nutrients, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur; levels of plant micronutrients including copper, manganese and zinc; levels of sodium; soil class; percent base saturation; percent humic matter; cation exchange and capacity and weight-tovolume ratio. Based on these data, soil reports provide site-specific fertilizer and lime recommendations. Reports for problem diagnosis also include a measurement of soluble salt content. UPCOMING EVENTS Wild on the Water Paddle Event - Huntersville June am-11:30 am Soil test fees for Routine Samples submitted April-November there is no fee; for Routine Samples submitted during the peak season, December-March there is a fee of $4.00 per sample. The fee helps offset costs to expedite processing during peak season. To obtain a soil test kit, please contact Anganette Byrd at or send an request to Anganette.Byrd@mecklenburgcountync.gov.

2 State Cost Share Programs What a frightful lack of foresight, and what terribly false economy it would be, if we did not go ahead with the soil conservation job! -Hugh Hammond Bennett Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) The NC Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) is a statewide program designed to help citizens to address urban/suburban non-point source pollution and erosion issues, much like our local Urban Cost Share Program. This program is especially valuable to citizens who live within the corporate limits of the towns of Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Mint Hill, Matthews and Pineville (eligible for only limited practices through the UCSP). Available practices include: Cisterns, Rain Gardens, Backyard Wetlands, Riparian Buffers, Pet Waste Receptacles and more. CCAP is available county wide, however funding is limited. During the 2017 fiscal year, the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District submitted and received $15,000 in funding for a project application at the regional level. Applications are ranked and reviewed for maximum water quality benefit. The approved applicant will receive technical assistance related to best management practices (BMPs) specific to their site, as well as reimbursement of up to 75% of allowable expenses. For more information, please call or visit Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP) The District is available to help farmers and other agricultural producers reduce erosion and prevent other water pollution. The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District has received an allocation of $33, this fiscal year; with an additional $5, earmarked for the Goose Creek, Rocky River, McDowell and other impaired watersheds. Funds were available to assist with the cost of installing conservation practices to protect water quality and agricultural interests. We are currently winding down our program year and will receive a new allocation of funds over the summer. For more information, please call or visit www. MecklenburgConservation.com. Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP) The newest of our state cost share assistance programs; the Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP) is available to assist with increasing water availability for agricultural production. The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District has received an allocation of $19, for the 2017 fiscal year. Funds were available to assist with the construction of new farm ponds (restrictions apply), the dredging or repair of existing farm ponds, wells for irrigation and/or livestock watering and other water conservation practices. We are currently winding down our program year and will receive a new allocation of funds over the summer. For more information, please call or visit 2

3 Federal Cost Share Programs USDA Federal Cost Share Programs The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance focused on natural resource concerns. Programs available to approved applicants include: Soil conservation is probably the youngest of all the agriculture sciences. -Hugh Hammond Bennett Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)CREP is a collaborative effort between the local District, the NCDA&CS Division of Soil and Water Conservation and Division of Forest Resources, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency. CREP provides longterm protection of environmentally sensitive cropland and marginal pasture land through conversion to conservation practices (e.g. Stream Buffers) on agricultural land. CREP is currently only available in and east of the Yadkin River Basin (includes eastern Mecklenburg County). Eligibility is subject to qualification by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). For more information, please contact Leslie Vanden Herik at Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) The Environmental Quality Incentives Program provides financial and technical help to eligible producers for installation of conservation practices on agricultural land. Eligibility is subject to qualification by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). For more information, please contact Chris Childers at extension 3. Urban Cost Share Program The Urban Cost Share Program is an incentive-based program designed to help land users address existing erosion and other non-point source water pollution issues in approved watersheds. The program offers financial and technical assistance to reduce runoff, stop erosion and address other non-point source pollution issues. Approved applicants are eligible to receive 75% of allowable costs, up to $7,500, associated with installing approved Best Management Practices at their location. Urban Cost Share Availability: The full Urban Cost Share Program is open to citizens throughout the City of Charlotte and in unincorporated Mecklenburg County. As of 2016, we are also expanding our program to include the six other municipalities in Mecklenburg County. Citizens in Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Huntersville and Cornelius are now eligible to apply for assistance with stabilization of eroding streambanks. Due to restrictions by our grant funding source, citizens in these areas are NOT currently eligible for assistance with remaining practices, excepting riparian buffers associated with a streambank stabilization project. 3

4 Urban Cost Share Program Urban Cost Share Program Information: To be considered for assistance, please complete an interest form as a first step in being considered for assistance. District staff will review forms and property maps and schedule a site assessment and assist with application to the program when appropriate. Urban Cost Share Interest Form All applications to the program are ranked for their benefit to water quality. Qualified applications are funded in order of rank as funds allow. Approved applicants will receive a BMP design and installation guidance. Applicants may begin implementation of practices upon notice of board approval. Funds expended prior to board approval are not eligible for reimbursement. Per contract terms, participants are responsible for maintaining practices for a minimum of five years. Additional restrictions may apply. Best Management Practices (BMPs) Best Management Practices Offered (City of Charlotte and Unincorporated Mecklenburg County only): Critical Area Planting: Establishing permanent vegetation on sites that have steep slopes with high erosion rates, and on sites that have physical, chemical, or biological conditions that prevent the establishment of vegetation with normal practices. Grassed Waterway (Swale): A natural or constructed channel that is shaped or graded to required dimensions and established in suitable vegetation for the stable conveyance of runoff. Pet Waste Receptacles: Receptacles and supplies to better manage pet waste, usually in public areas. Rain Garden: A landscaped area that collects storm water runoff. Best Management Practices Offered (throughout Mecklenburg County, including the seven municipalities): Streambank Stabilization: Vegetative stabilization (planting) and/or grading of erosive streambanks and shorelines to stabilize erosion and reduce soil loss. Riparian Buffers (restrictions apply): An area dominated by trees and/or shrubs located adjacent to and upgradient from water courses or water bodies. For additional information or questions, please contact the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District at or Leslie.VandenHerik@mecklenburgcountync.gov. 4

5 Conservation Education Programs - Contests Productive soil is life, and productive soil is vanishing with each passing year. -Hugh Hammond Bennett Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District participates in educational contests and programs sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. For more details about the following contests and programs, please contact Anganette Byrd at Contests: Contest Winners Contests are conducted on the District, Area and State levels. District 1st Place winners are eligible to participate in the Area contest, and the Area 1st Place winners are eligible to participate in the State contest Bookmark Contest Winners Place Student Grade School Name 1st Raines Copley 1 Palisades Park Elementary School 1st Analia Moscoso 2 Palisades Park Elementary School 1st Austin Riess 3 Charlotte Country Day School 2nd Gavin Espirith 1 Palisades Park Elementary School 2nd Tatum Luedke 2 Palisades Park Elementary School 2nd Sydni Tillery 3 Charlotte Country Day School 3rd Mackenzie Gorby 1 Palisades Park Elementary School 3rd Jazlyn Delgado 2 Palisades Park Elementary School 3rd Sophia Brazzell 3 Palisades Park Elementary School Poster Contest Winners Place Student Grade School Name 1st Alex Boorman 3 Smithfield Elementary School 1st Abby Kerrins 4 Charlotte Country Day School 1st Kingston Trice 5 Palisades Park Elementary School 1st Elena Ong 6 Charlotte Christian School 2nd Addi Bianchi 3 Charlotte Country Day School 2nd Lindsey Kerrins 4 Charlotte Country Day School 2nd Rachel Agnone 5 Smithfield Elementary School 2nd Sarah Walker 6 Charlotte Christian School 3rd Sydni Tillery 3 Charlotte Country Day School 3rd Samantha Hollar 4 Smithfield Elementary School 3rd Natalie O Donnell 5 Smithfield Elementary School 3rd Madeline Persinger 6 Charlotte Christian School Essay Contest Place Student Grade School Name 1st Campbell Littlefield 6 Charlotte Christian School 2nd Eli Rowland 6 Charlotte Christian School 3rd Abby Brandon 6 Charlotte Christian School 5

6 Conservation Education Programs - Envirothon Envirothon Program The Envirothon Program is sponsored by the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The program is open to teams of students in grades 9-12 for high school and in grades 5-8 for middle schools. Teams consist of five members. Each team must have an adult advisor and the team may have alternates. It is important for high school teams to have at least two alternates if you feel that your team may have a chance to win first place at the state competition. The North American Envirothon will allow two substitutes to the original team. For detailed information visit the website at The Southern Piedmont Envirothon is an area competition that includes Mecklenburg and 11 surrounding counties Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly, and Union. The competition was held on March 14, 2017 (middle school) and March 15, 2017 (high school) at the Center for the Environment at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina. Public schools, private schools, home school groups, school clubs, FFA groups, etc. are all eligible to participate in the Envirothon Program. Teams must be sponsored by a Soil and Water Conservation District. Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District staff will work with teams to prepare them for the competition. Interested persons please contact Opportunities for sponsorship are available Southern Piedmont Envirothon Results 2017 Southern Piedmont Envirothon Middle School competition included 26 teams: 8th Place: Jay M. Robinson Middle School Blue Chargers 9th Place: Randolph IB Middle School Isaac Newts 15th Place: Jay M. Robinson Middle School Green Chargers 17th Place: Reid Park Academy Enviro Rams 1 25th Place: Reid Park Academy Enviro Rams 2 26th Place: Randolph IB Middle School Otter Limits 2017 Southern Piedmont Envirothon High School competition included 22 teams: 5th Place: Ardrey Kell High School Smart Acids 8th Place: Ardrey Kell High School Bruce Leaf 10th Place: Ardrey Kell High School Nature Ninjas 17th Place: South Mecklenburg High School Jolly Green Giants 20th Place: South Mecklenburg High School Rainbow Squad 21st Place: South Mecklenburg High School The Wanderers 22nd Place: South Mecklenburg High School Earth Savers State Envirothon Ardrey Kell High School Smart Acids have qualified and competed at the 2017 State Envirothon. The event was held Friday and Saturday, April 28th and 29th at Cedarock Park in Burlington, NC. 6

7 Conservation Education Programs - RCW Resource Conservation Workshop (RCW) - June 25-30, 2017 at NC State University The Resource Conservation Workshop is sponsored by the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts in conjunction with the Division of Soil ad Water Conservation and the Soil Science Department of NC State University. The Resource Conservation Workshop is a five-day training camp that brings together a diverse group of students from across North Carolina. The primary objective of the program is to learn about natural resources and their management in today s environment (forest management, soil characteristics and soil conservation, non-agricultural uses for soils, water quality and watershed management, and wildlife and fisheries management). Students are housed in NCSU campus dormitories under the guidance of live-in counselors. Who is eligible? Students who have demonstrated an interest in natural resource conservation Students that attend a school in Mecklenburg County High School freshman, sophomores and juniors How to apply Start by visiting: Fill out an electronic application form Submit your application to Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District. A Letter of Recommendation from a teacher, principal or guidance counselor is favorable; however it is not a requirement Application deadline: We re no longer accepting applications for RCW. Submit to: Anganette Byrd at Anganette.Byrd@mecklenburgcountync.gov Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD) will sponsor one student delegate to attend the RCW for free. The workshop is a $ value that includes a $ registration fee, a $ meal allowance (covers the cost of meals that are not included in the registration fee) and a $50.00 gas allowance. 7

8 Our 46th Annual Tree Sale Was A Huge Success! Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District in collaboration with TreesCharlotte is pleased to announce that the 46th Annual Tree Seedling Sale was a huge success. TreesCharlotte, established in 2012, is a non-profit organization, created as a public/private collaboration dedicated to planting trees, primarily through volunteer efforts. They have been the driving force behind the bold initiative of achieving 50% tree canopy coverage by TreesCharlotte also educates Charlotte s residents on the importance of the canopy and ways to plant and preserve trees. Having our own goal of encouraging the public native and shrubs, we hosted the Annual Tree Seedling Sale event on Saturday, February 25, We are happy to report that we sold 2,000+ trees to the public. Planting trees helps with developing green buffers to protect water quality, cleaning the air by removing carbon dioxide, improving wildlife habitat and reforestation. Booths at the Annual Tree Seedling Sale included: Mecklenburg Air Quality, Mecklenburg Audubon Society, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and NC Forest Resources Rain Barrels for Sale Rain Barrels provide an easy way for homeowners to help protect our streams and lakes in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Capturing the water that flows off your roof keeps rain water out of the storm drains and allows it to flow into the ground and replenish the ground water supply. Not only are rain barrels ecologically friendly, they are pocket friendly as well. Rain barrels provide you with a FREE source of chemical-free water for your yard and garden and reduce your need for treated water. The next time it rains be prepared to collect rain water in your new rain barrel. Rain Barrels are available for purchase year-round at the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District. We offer two sizes: 60 gallon rain barrel is $105 (price includes tax) and an 80 gallon rain barrel is $120 (price includes tax). Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please call to confirm availability and schedule a time for pick up gallon rain barrel

9 Supervisors Are Sworn-In Brad Johnson won the 2016 Election for Board Supervisor and was sworn into office December 19, Brad will serve a 4-year term. Brad was first appointed to the board in October of 2013, to fulfill the vacancy left by Jennifer Frost. Brad is a Professor at Davidson College, where his studies include soils, geomorphology and historical climates. His work in the Piedmont of North Carolina includes research on soil evolution and the impacts of urbanization on streams. He is also involved with the Davidson Lands Conservancy. Currently, Brad is serving as the Chair of the District Board. Nancy Carter and Brad Johnson On January 23, 2017 Jonathan Schwartz was sworn-in to serve a 4-year term as a Board Supervisor for the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District. Jonathan is serving as an appointed supervisor. Jonathan was appointed to the board in December of 2016, to fulfill the vacancy left by Jason Cathey. Jonathan is a fixed income investment professional. He holds a BS in Accounting and BSBA in Finance from UNC-Charlotte. Jonathan brings to the board a strong business acumen and an analytical approach. Nancy Carter and Jonathan Schwartz Supervisor Vacancy The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District announces that a vacancy exists on our Board. Those with interest, applicable professional experience and commitment to our goals and activities are encouraged to send their resume with a statement why they are willing to serve on this Board for 1+ years to Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District, 2145 Suttle Avenue, Charlotte, NC before June 12th. Applicants are encouraged to attend the June 26th meeting (2145 Suttle Avenue, Charlotte) to present their qualifications, meet the Supervisors and Staff and ask questions of the Board. The Supervisors intend to reach a decision by July 1st. If information is needed, please call

10 MSWCD Information Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District 2145 Suttle Avenue Charlotte, NC Business Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. BOARD SUPERVISORS Brad Johnson, Chairman (Elected) - brjohnson@davidson.edu Eric Spengler, Vice Chairman (Appointed) - eric@spengleraganslaw.com Jonathan Schwartz, Treasurer (Appointed) - j_schwartz@mindspring.com Nancy Carter, Board Supervisor (Elected) - carter.nancy545@gmail.com VACANT POSITION (Elected) ASSOCIATE BOARD SUPERVISORS Gray Newman and Ryon Smalls STAFF Leslie Vanden Herik, Conservation District Manager Leslie.VandenHerik@mecklenburgcountync.gov Anganette Byrd, Administrative Support Assistant/Education Coordinator Anganette.Byrd@mecklenburgcountync.gov Logan Dugger, NRCS Soil Conservationist - Logan.Dugger@nc.usda.gov Chris Childers, NRCS District Conservationist - Christopher.Childers@nc.usda.gov WESTERN REGIONAL COORDINATOR Rob Baldwin - Rob.Baldwin@ncagr.gov and Davis Ferguson - Davis.Ferguson@ncagr.gov *A special thanks to our proud partner Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services. Newsletter Sponsorship Do you own or run a farm, natural resource or other conservation related business? Would you be interested in sponsoring our newsletter through a small ad? If so, we need your input! What size add would you be interested in one eight page, quarter page, half page? How much would you consider a reasonable cost for sponsorship? How frequently would you be interested in sponsoring? Our newsletter is distributed via once a quarter to over 1,100 people in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County and the surrounding area in addition to posting it on our website. We need your feedback to help us move forward with development of a newsletter sponsorship program. If you or someone you know might be interested in newsletter sponsorship, please send us your feedback to Leslie.VandenHerik@ mecklenburgcountync.gov. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.