Cattle to be excluded from 17,350 ‘ of stream bank

Board members approved eight cost-share practices at the March 23 meeting,  effectively excluding cattle from 17,350 feet of stream in Amelia and Prince Edward Counties.  The stream exclusion practices  are  voluntarily implemented by producers with cost-share funding from the District.  Cleaner water and healthier cattle will result in this partnership.

General Assembly Sends Budget to the Governor

The General Assembly voted Sunday, March 14 to budget $9.1 million for best management practice (BMP) installation for fiscal year  2011-2012, down from $20 million for fiscal year 2009- 2010.  $ 1.2 million of this amount would be divided between Virginia’s 47 Conservation district’s  for technical assistance staff salaries.  The $9.1 million would be generated by recordation fees. The General Assembly will now send their budget to the Governor to sign.

High Bridge Farm, LLC. Earns DCR’s James River Basin Award

For the third year in a row, a conservation friendly farm in the Peter Francisco Soil and Water District was designated the  James River Basin, Clean Water/Bay Friendly Farm.  The Clean Water/Bay Friendly Farm Award for 2009 was presented to High Bridge Farm, LLC.  Farm owners Marshall and Todd Smith are fourth generation farmers and have excluded all livestock from the streams and plant exclusively using no-till technology.  Congratulations and thanks to a conservation friendly family for all they do to keep Virginia’s waters healthy.

Apply Now for $1,000 Natural Resource Education Scholarship

The Piedmont SWCD  annually awards a $1,000 scholarship to a student majoring in, or showing a strong desire to major in, a course of study related to the environment.  Applications are available at high school guidance counselor or principal’s offices in Amelia, Nottoway and Prince Edward County, or at the Piedmont SWCD office.  Application are due March 1, 2010.  The chosen application will be forwarded to the Virginia Association of Conservation District’s to be considered for an additional $1,000 scholarship awarded to 4 statewide applicants.

Two Youth Conservation Camp Scholarships Available

Two students enrolled in grades 9-12 during the 2009-2010 academic year and residing in Amelia, Nottoway or Prince Edward County are eligible to apply for full scholarship to Youth Conservation Camp.  The camp, now in its 34th year, will be held at Virginia Tech July 18-24.  To apply for the scholarship contact the guidance counselor or principal at your school, or contact the Piedmont SWCD.  Applications are due April 16, 2010.  For more information  visit the VASWCD website at http://www.vaswcd.org/youthcamp.htm, or contact the Piedmont SWCD office at (434)302-3782 ext 131.

Stormwater in Virginia: What’s Coming Down the Pipe?!

The March 25th Middle James Roundtable annual meeting theme is stormwater, and the agenda includes an exciting roster of speakers.  For more information, or to register visit www.mjrt.com or click here to see invite2010.

VCE Spring Pond Workshop

Cooperative Extension will host a Spring Pond Workshop  March 17 at the Blackstone Research Center.  Click here for more information.

VCE Small Ruminant Seminar February 27

A sheep and goat specialist, a DVM,  and an Extension Agent from Scott Co. among others will speak at this day-long seminar that includes a pasture walk.  Click here to learn more.

6 VFGC Sponsored Fencing Schools

Click here to find out how to register for one of six VA Forage and Grassland Council sponsored Fencing Schools.

50 Dine at Producer’s Dinner Jan. 8th

After sharing an excellent meal, the current status of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL program was at the top of the agenda  when producers and agency representatives gathered in Farmville Thursday night.Producer's Dinner

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