Capital RC&D Awarded Grant To Assist With Grazing Operations

The Capital Resource Conservation and Development Area Council, Inc. has been awarded a grant to assist eligible landowners with “prescribed grazing systems” within the Lower Juniata and other impaired watersheds in the southcentral Pennsylvania portion of the Chesapeake Bay.

 

The grant will assist participants to install or improve grazing systems on up to 5,000 acres in a 14-county region. The funding will support the “South Central Project Grass” Committee's efforts to improve the economic viability and environmental quality of livestock operations by promoting grazing practices.

 

Project Grass Committee members include representatives of local county conservation districts, non-profit grazing groups, private businesses, landowners and technical advisers, USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service, as well as the Department of Environmental Protection.

 

The Capital RC&D and its partners will coordinate a targeted program aimed at not only installing fencing, crossings, watering systems and other beneficial practices, but also providing on-farm field walks and one-on-one assistance to participants. The project will provide technical assistance along with other tools for success, including opportunities for networking, developing nutrient and carbon credits as well as training on marketing strategies for grass-fed meat products.

 

"This innovative project will help our farms achieve lower inputs for greater profitability, as well as provide lasting benefits for rivers and streams in our region and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay" said Bicky Redman, Capital RC&D Chairperson. Capital RC&D is a regional non-profit organization that networks people, resources and projects to promote responsible use and conservation of our region’s natural, community and economic resources. Capital RC&D is an equal opportunity provider.

 

Funds for the project will be provided through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Chesapeake Bay Program. A total of $12.9 million was awarded to 24 projects that will help reduce nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries

 

For more information on this project or other Capital RC&D programs, please contact your local conservation district office, NRCS Grazing Specialist or Susan Richards, Capital RC&D Program Manager at 717-724-0009 or send email to: susan.richards@rcdnet.net.