The Northcentral PA Conservancy will host an Agricultural Best Management Practices Field Days on August 5, 6, 7 and 8 at the Steven and Esther Martin Farm near Lewisburg, Union County.

For five summers, county conservation districts have been working with the Fish and Boat Commission on projects to install projects along sediment-impaired streams.  The projects work to secure the streambank and decrease erosion, while at the same time providing opportunities for increased aquatic habitat. These projects have protected dozens of farm fields, access lanes, roads, and culverts.

To get more information and see the projects firsthand join the Conservancy on Turtle Creek as we work with several private landowners to stabilize the streambank, increase aquatic habitat, and fence livestock from the stream. 

This will be an active construction and you’ll see sections of the stream that still have eroding stream banks, as well as sections of the stream where multi-log deflectors and mudsills have been installed. 

Possibly best of all, you can talk to the designers and installers about the techniques, how they are permitted, and where there might be partnering opportunities for funding.  You’ll also have the opportunity to see the active construction taking place.

Because of the interest, we are opening the site for four days this year.  The days are being set-up for specific audiences, but feel free to contact the Conservancy if you can’t make it on the designated day and would like to come on one of the other designated days:

— August 5 - state and county agencies;

— August 6 – farmers;

— August 7 - conservation organizations, municipalities, and landowners; and

— August 8 - open to anyone.

All four days will have a morning tour at 10 a.m., lasting until about Noon, and a second tour from about 1 to 3 p.m.

Pre-registration is not required, but it will help with planning.  To register, send email to: rcarey@npcweb.org, or call 570-323-6222.  Please include your name and a daytime contact number.

For more information on other activities, visit the Northcentral PA Conservancy website.

7/14/2014