Ag Action Friday, January 29, 2010 For additional information about Ag Action Click Here Session 1 - Ag and Natural Resource Cost Share Opportunities – Stacy Kimble, Kalamazoo County NRCS (CCA Credit) This session will provide an overview of cost share opportunities available through the Natural Resource Conservation Service. From wildlife habitat to nutrient management to improving irrigation efficiency, your local NRCS office has programs to help you protect natural resources. Additional programs available through the Conservation District will also be discussed.
Kalamazoo Valley
Community College
8:00 a.m. –to 4:00 p.m.
CLEAN SWEEP - FREE PESTICIDE DISPOSAL:
Dispose of unused pesticides this summer at the permanent Clean Sweep facility in Kalamazoo County. Additional information can be found at: www.kalcounty.com/hhw/pesticides.htm
WATER USE REPORTING FOR MICHIGAN PRODUCERS:
The need to report is based on having the combined capacity to pump 100,000 gallons per day (70 gallons per minute). This means all the capacities of wells under the control of one operator are added together to determine if they are required to report.
Water Withdrawal Assessment Toolis operational. A Large quantity withdrawal (LQW) with a capacity of 70 gpm or greater must be registered with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality or with the Michigan Department of Agriculture if the LQW is for an agricultural purpose, before the withdrawal can begin. A registration is valid for 18 months. The withdrawal capacity must be installed within this time period or the registration becomes void. Registration may be done at this time through the button at the right on the website.http://www.miwwat.org
What is the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program?
The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) provides educational, technical, and financial assistance to agricultural producers and residents to identify and reduce groundwater contamination risks. The program encourages individuals to take voluntary, proactive steps to protect Michigan's water quality and therefore the drinking water. Purchases of nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides support the program.
More than $3 million annually is ditributed through a competitive grants process to local stewardship teams that set local groundwater protection priorities based on local needs.
Agricultural producers who participate in the program can become environmentally assured through the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Environmenal assurance indicates the farm is in conformance with state and federal environmental laws and guidelines, and is protecting Michigan's important natural resources fsor the use of future generations.
Program Features
- Farm*A*Syst Environmental Risk Assessment Click here for NEW Farm*A*Syst Tool
- Crop*A*Syst Environmental Risk Assessment
- Groundwater Quality Monitoring
- Closing Abandoned Wells
- Emergency Farm Planning Assistance
- Clean Sweep - Pesticide Disposal Program
- Agri-Chemical Container Recycling
For more information, contact:
Linda Jones Zabik,
Groundwater Technician Kalamazoo Conservation District
1911 W. Centre Avenue
Portage, Michigan 49024
Phone : 1-269-327-1258 x4
linda.zabik@mi.nacdnet.net