Conservation honors presented in Pontiac
PONTIAC – Several conservation awards were presented during the annual meeting of the Livingston County Soil and Water Conservation District in Pontiac.
These are presented annually to individuals, groups or businesses for their efforts in protecting soil and water resources in the county.
The first conservation partner award was given to the Livingston County Environmental Association, which has been around since 2003 to protect the health, welfare and natural resources in the county. Past projects have included radon education, a cancer rate study and Earth Day celebrations. They continue to monitor the Vermillion River and Livingston Landfill.
Barb Howard and Judy Campbell from LCEA were on hand to accept the honor.
Another conservation partner award was presented to Darrin and Eric Sass of Oakview Farms of Streator who have started using cover crops on their fields. They are looking to move more nutrient applications to spring with split applications.
Also at the LCSWCD meeting, the election of directors took place. Marcus Maier and Chuck Hanley were nominated to a two-year term.
Chairman Lee Bunting spoke of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy with certain goals to be met by 2025 like reduced use of nitrogen. The third biennial report will be released to the USEPA.
“We’ve heard we are losing ground, we are not doing well,” admitted Bunting.
Bunting pointed to the need for soil testing and promoting cover crops. He also explained a new farm bill is coming with the old bill expiring at the end of September.
“Republicans have a significant majority in the House. That’s where it is going to be started at.”
According to Bunting, there is an influx of money to get conservation on the ground to protect our natural resources.
District Conservationist Adam Wyant reminded the audience of the Feb. 3 deadline for CSP applications. This is a five-year program for conservation practices on your farm. There are about 63 active contracts in the county on CSP and EQUIP. Compared to 2022 in Livingston County EQUIP, there were 11 new contracts on around 1,700 acres.
コメント