07/29/24 - 107 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/7k7dpu47
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Conservation Projects On 54 Farms Funded By Federal Stimulus Funds
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Forty-four farms in Pennsylvania are benefitting from federal stimulus funds made available through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, helping farmers install conservation measures that will aid their farms' sustainability and profitability, while improving local water quality. Terry Inch of Adams County says, "My wife and I started our 250-acre dairy farm in 2000. Today 'Circle Creek Holstein' has grown to a herd of 265. We have invested our time and money in conservation efforts, but this program allows us to do even more to protect water quality. It's a good idea and a good program; without it we would not be able to afford these improvements."
Program participants receive support to install conservation practices through a $14.2 million PennVEST grant to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
CBF estimates the farm practices will avoid more than 838,000 pounds of nitrogen pollution; 286,000 pounds of phosphorus pollution; and 678 tons of sediment pollution. To participate, landowners were required to restore or protect forested buffers at least 35-feet wide on all streams on their farm.
"These changes will help Pennsylvania meet its commitments for improving water quality while boosting local economies," said Brion Johnson, PennVEST's Deputy Executive Director for Project Management.
Additional partners include the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, county conservation districts, Red Barn Consulting Inc., and TeamAg Inc.
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7/19/2010 |
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