A buffer walk for landowners and landscape contractors intended to help both understand issues involved in working in environmentally sensitive streamside buffer areas and help landowners identify appropriate contractors will be held on August 13 in Waynesboro, Pa.

This field walk, sponsored by the Capital Resource Conservation & Development Area Council, will give participants an opportunity to review a professionally maintained riparian buffer enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and learn about the steps necessary to keep a buffer in top condition.

This session will be offered from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on August 13 in Waynesboro, PA at a CREP buffer maintained by the Washington Township Supervisors.

The evening event will conclude with a meal and an opportunity for participants to learn tips for working with a landscape maintenance contractor and meet with other landowners and contractors.  

Staff from FSA, NRCS and Capital RC&D will lead the event and be available to address questions.

According to Washington Township Planner and event speaker, Clint Rock, “… the buffer is a chance to continue to improve a section of Antietam Creek that had, at one time, been in dire need of attention. Before the CREP plantings, there had been work done to repair the stream banks, but this buffer will only help to improve water quality in the east branch and help stabilize the floodplain.”

Landowners with stream frontage are encouraged to participate along with CREP enrolled landowners and landscape maintenance contractors.  USDA-Farm Service Agency and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services staff will address the compliance, management and re-enrollment components of CREP. 

Rebecca Wertime, Capital RC&D CREP contractor, will discuss weed identification and management techniques to reduce weed pressure, encourage natural regeneration and wildlife habitat.

This free session will take place rain or shine in Waynesboro, PA, starting from the Renfrew Park Pavilion, on August 13 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Registration is requested by noon on August 12 and directions to the event site with agenda details will be provided in registration confirmation.

Funding support has been provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

For more information or to register, contact Cheryl Burns at Capital RC&D by calling 717-241-4361 or send email to: cburns@capitalrcd.org.  Online registration is available.

8/5/2013