March Board of Supervisor’s Meeting Scheduled; click link for details: Announcement
**2020 Annual Implementation Reporting Forms Due March 1
New this year, farmers have the option to file their AIRs electronically using the Maryland OneStop portal. The e-filing option will be available beginning January 11, 2021. For more info visit:
https://mda.maryland.gov/resource…/Pages/air.aspx
New!! A short video highlighting conservation choices for Maryland farmers is now available in the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s YouTube page. The video shows popular best management practices at work on Maryland farms to prevent soil erosion, build healthy soils, protect local streams, and help livestock and poultry producers manage mud and manure. Farmers who want to take advantage of free technical and financial assistance to install conservation practices on their farms, should contact our office at 301-797-6821, Ext. 3.
**Update
Due to the COVID-19, our office remains closed for public access, except those allowable by appointment only!
We are operating, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, with District staff presence every day. Staff may telework on days they are not working in the office and will be reachable via email (see below):
District staff include:
Elmer Weibley (Elmer@conservationplace.com)/Dee Price (Dee@conservationplace.com)
Mark Kendle (Mark@conservationplace.com)/Lori Flook-Bishop (Lori@conservationplace.com)
All Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) staff continue to work remotely; MDA staff include: Jay Duell (Jay.duell@maryland.gov)/Ginger Noble (Ginger.noble@maryland.gov), Kristina Stair (Kristinam.stair@maryland.gov), & Chris Burch (Chris.burch@maryland.gov)
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding!
Lawn Fertilizer Blackout Dates Now in Effect!
Lawn fertilizer blackout dates are now in effect. Nitrogen and phosphorus may not be applied to lawns until March 1. Remember, applying fertilizer to hard or frozen ground increases the risk for nutrient runoff into the storm drains that feed the Bay.
Link: www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer
The Washington County Soil Conservation District
2020-2025 Strategic Plan – (Update/Progress)
Is your SOIL healthy?? See the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Website – Soil Health!!
The History of Soil Conservation Districts!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU-PdpT-2v4&feature=youtu.be
National Association of Soil Conservation Districts (NACD),
“Hall of Distinction“, names one of our own!
Don Spickler (Service beginning in 1971)
What are the legalities of Farmer saved seed?
“Farmer Saved Seed: What is Legal – What is Not”
Public Information Act (PIA)
For Inquiries/Requests, please submit to: Elmer Weibley, CPESC, District Manager