MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2014
Stroud Water Research Center and the Chester County Conservation District will develop conservation and restoration plans for area farms.
AVONDALE, Pa. – Stroud Water Research Center’s Watershed Restoration Group and the Chester County Conservation District (CCCD) agreed to provide conservation plans, manure management plans, Mushroom Farm Environmental Management Plans, forested stream buffers and other Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Chester County farmers.
Conservation plans help farmers meet state and federal regulations and allow farmers to pursue additional funding to install land improvements such as livestock management infrastructure and streamside forested buffers. Forested buffers act as natural filters, improve water quality, minimize erosion and provide habitats for fish and other wildlife. These are important benefits for Chester County with more than 1,700 farms, agricultural sales topping $553 million, and a mushroom industry making up nearly half of all U.S. mushroom production.
“This agreement formalizes what has already been a very productive relationship and spells out how we will bring together our different, but complimentary, skills and resources,” said Matthew Ehrhart, Director of Watershed Restoration at Stroud Water Research Center.
The partnership takes advantage of the unique strengths of both organizations. The Chester County Conservation District has a long history of providing technical assistance to area farmers, while the Stroud Center produces groundbreaking research, education programs and restoration initiatives.
“The Chester County Conservation District embraces this formal working relationship with the experts at Stroud Water Research Center. I anticipate that Stroud Center’s water quality research combined with the Conservation District’s technical expertise will achieve great benefits for area farmers as well as for our environment,” said Christian Strohmaier, Chester County Conservation District director.
The Chester County Conservation District and the Stroud Center will provide funding and technical assistance for Chester County farmers looking to implement forested buffers and other Best Management Practices. Farmers seeking more information may call Adam Mowery, at 610- 925-4920, ext. 116 or email amowery@chesco.org; or contact Lamonte Garber.
About Stroud Water Research Center
Stroud Water Research Center advances knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems through global research, education, and watershed restoration and to help businesses, landowners, policymakers, and individuals make informed decisions that affect water quality and availability around the world. Stroud Water Research Center is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
About the Chester County Conservation District
For more than 65 years, the Chester County Conservation District has focused on protecting the natural resources of the county for current and future generations. The District assists builders, engineers, contractors, developers, farmers, and local citizens in developing and implementing conservation practices and plans. With the District’s assistance, citizens are brought together with local, state, and federal agencies to design creative solutions to a wide range of conservation and nonpoint source pollution (urban and rural runoff) issues.
