Conservation Planning

Diversion

Conservation Planning

Lebanon County’s leading industry is agriculture and it is home to some of the most productive farmland in the world.  The conservation and protection of the soil and water resources is critical to preserving the productivity of agriculture for future generations.  A conservation plan is a guide for landowners to protect the valuable natural resources on their farm.

The Lebanon County Conservation District has been providing conservation planning assistance since its beginning in 1949.  This important service is available at no cost to the landowner.

What is a Conservation Plan?

A conservation plan is the starting point for managing the natural resources on your farm while maintaining productivity and meeting individual management goals. A conservation plan assesses the potential impacts to natural resources on each farm including soil, water, air, plants, and animals. It is a written record of the producer’s management decisions and conservation practices to be implemented and maintained on a farm.

Some Examples of Conservation Practices: hover over arrow for descriptions

  • Conservation Tillage System (a Core 4 practice)
  • Nutrient Management (a Core 4 practice)
  • Integrated Pest Management - IPM (a Core 4 practice)
  • Conservation Buffer (a Core 4 practice)
  • Cover Crops
  • Crop Rotations
  • Streambank Protection
  • Pasture and Hayland Planting
  • Contour Farming
  • Stripcropping
  • Grassed Waterways
  • Terraces and Diversions
  • Prescribed Grazing

Who needs a Conservation Plan?

According to the PA Clean Streams Law, a written Erosion and Sediment Control Plan is required for all agricultural practices that disturb 5,000 square feet or more of land. A conservation plan serves as an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for agricultural producers.

Additionally, a current conservation plan is required to participate in many state and federally funded programs including: REAP, Park the Plow, Farmland Preservation, and others.

Benefits of a Conservation Plan

  • Protects your soil and your farm’s productivity
  • Improves your soil’s fertility and helps manage soil moisture
  • Protects and improves water quality in your area
  • May help attract desirable wildlife by creating nesting sites and winter cover
  • Assists in protecting the productive value of your land for future generations
  • Qualifies the producer for eligibility in USDA farm programs
  • Helps the producer comply with environmental regulations
  • Commonwealth regulations state that a complete and fully implemented conservation plan can protect farmers from penalties related to sediment pollution resulting from agricultural activities included in the plan

Contact

Stephanie Butler
Agricultural Conservationist
717-272-3908 ext. 150


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