News & Notes December 2006

Chesapeake Bay Educational Mini-Grants
Open Round

PACD is currently accepting applications for its Chesapeake Bay Educational Mini-Grant Program. There is no application deadline for this "Open Round." Eligible projects will be awarded on a first come basis, until all available funds are obligated. PACD must receive, no later than May 15, 2007, all final reports and supporting materials in order to disperse reimbursements to mini-grant recipients. For more information visit our website: http://www.pacd.org/resources/mini-grants/default.htm.

To date, six proposals have been approved during this "Open Round:"

The Dauphin Conservation District held an Act-38 (Nutrient Management) Update Meeting on October 18 for CAOs, CAFOs, VAOs, importers of manure, horse operations, other interested parties in Dauphin and surrounding counties. The Act-38 Meeting provided an update of new nutrient management regulations that took effect October 1, 2006. Frank Schneider was the project coordinator.

On November 20 and 21, Columbia Conservation District hosted two Rain Barrel Workshop for homeowners. The goals of the workshops were to 1) educate to the public about the negative aspects of excessive stormwater runoff on local streams and, ultimately the Chesapeake Bay; and 2) provide solutions for minimizing runoff in their own backyard. Cathy Haffner was the project coordinator.

The Fulton Conservation District hosted an OLDS (On-Lot Disposal System) Management workshop on November 2. The purpose of this workshop was to provide an opportunity for interested parties to come together to discuss on-lot sewage management issues in Fulton County. Township officials, county commissioners, sewage enforcement officers, septage haulers, and the general public were invited to attend. Greg Reineke was the project coordinator.

Two similar projects are being undertaken by the Union Conservation District to educate residents about stormwater management. The Mifflinburg Stormwater Drain Markers and the Lewisburg Stormwater Drain Markers project will enlist the assistance of the local Kiwanis groups. In March 2007 the District will hold NPS workshops in the Mifflinburg and Lewisburg areas. They are planning to produce a companion brochure that will be distributed by the local Kiwanis Club members to residents. In addition, the Kiwanis will install four-inch markers on local stormdrains informing residents that the drains lead to area waterways. Greg Bonsall is the project coordinator.

A 2007 Farmer Field Day, entitled "No-Till Can Work for You," will be hosted by the Cumberland Conservation District. This event will be directed toward the farming community and provide information on no-till and cover cropping farming practices. Pam Eyer is the project coordinator.

Page 3>