Soil & Water Conservation District
Programs
Ag Non-Point Source Grants
Each year the Lewis County SWCD has the opportunity to apply for grant money from the Environmental Protection Fund through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program. This program is set up to support the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Program in NYS. It does this by funding plans, activities, and projects that will reduce and/or prevent the nonpoint source contribution from agricultural activities, through plans to identify agricultural nonpoint sources of pollution, and through implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)
AEM is a voluntary, incentive-based program that helps farmers make common-sense, cost-effective and science-based decisions to help meet business objectives while protecting and conserving the State’s natural resources. Farmers work with the SWCD to develop comprehensive farm plans using a tiered process: Tier 1 – Inventory current activities, future plans and potential environmental concerns. Tier 2 – Document current land stewardship; assess and prioritize areas of concern. Tier 3 – Develop conservation plans addressing concerns and opportunities tailored to farm goals. Tier 4 – Implement plans utilizing available financial, educational and technical assistance. Tier 5 – Evaluate to ensure the protection of the environment and farm viability. For more information visit:
https://agriculture.ny.gov/soil-and-water/agricultural-environmental-management
Annual Tree Sale
Each spring, the Lewis County Soil and Water Conservation District holds its Annual Tree Sale. Customers can choose from various types of Coniferous and Deciduous seedlings as well as Transplants, Shrubs, Wild Flower Seed Packets and Conservation Packets. The purpose of this event is to help promote Arbor Day while making seedlings and transplants available to all landowners for conservation projects.
Annual Fish Sale Cancelled
Unfortunately, We have lost our long time supplier for this program and despite our best efforts, have been unable to find another hatchery located close enough that can help us provide a fish fingerling sale.
There will be NO FISH SALES by the District effective 2/22/24.
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NYS Grown & Certified
The New York State Grown and Certified Program makes it easy for consumers to identify local, safely-handled, and environmentally responsible agricultural products. This voluntary program is a cooperative effort among producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to meet consumer demand for high-quality food and agricultural products. For more information contact the District or follow this link: https://certified.ny.gov/ .
FLLOWPA
The purpose of the Finger Lakes - Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance is to protect and enhance water resources by: promoting the sharing of information, data, ideas, and resources pertaining to the management of watersheds in New York's Lake Ontario Basin; fostering dynamic and collaborative watershed management programs and partnerships; and emphasizing a holistic, ecosystem-based approach to water quality improvement and protection.
A major tenet of FLLOWPA is grassroots programming. Water quality problems are defined and solutions are developed and implemented at the local level. Through participation in the Alliance, member counties develop a more regional perspective that informs local programming and encourages cooperation.
The major source of funding for FLLOWPA is provided through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), through the support of a committed delegation of legislators representing the 25-county region and the Executive Office.
For more information visit their website: http://www.fllowpa.org/
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