$500.00 Sweetland Memorial Scholarship is open for applications.
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ONONDAGA COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
What is a Soil and Water Conservation District?
Conservation districts are local governmental subdivisions established under state law to carry out a program for the conservation, use and development of soil, water and related resources. Districts are resource management agencies, coordinating and implementing resource and environmental programs at the local level in cooperation with federal and state agencies.
What we do:
The District offers a number of natural resources programs and services, including technical assistance for farmers and landowners, environmental education programs, a Prescribed Grazing program and a Tree & Shrub sale. The main focus of our efforts is on the Agricultural Environmental Management Program, which is a voluntary program that helps farmers address water quality concerns on their entire farms by coordinating technical and financial assistance.
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 local AEM resource professionals 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.