January 2024 | Volume 29 | Issue 1

 

From left to right: Supervisor Jonathan Francis swore in returning Supervisor Steve Davis and newly elected Supervisor JD Bethel at the start of the first monthly board meeting in 2024.  Supervisors are elected to the board by the people of Madison County and serve three year terms without pay.  Supervisors are entrusted to oversee programs that promote the sustainable use of the precious natural resources of Madison County to meet the needs of current and future generations.  We appreciate their commitment to conservation!

As Urban Conservationist, I implement the Madison County’s Sediment, Erosion, and Stormwater Control Regulations, which help the community sustain their natural resources and provide a greener future for residents.  I began my career in May 2023. Once I was hired, I began learning about the regulations and how to properly inspect conservation measures on construction sites. I also found out that the regulations were over 20 years old and in need of an update. 

In 2023, Madison Soil and Water Conservation District and the Madison County Engineer worked extensively on necessary changes to the regulations to require and encourage developers to use the latest preservation techniques to conserve and protect the natural resources in Madison County and the Darby Creek Watershed.  During the drafting process, we were able to meet with different municipalities and organizations for discussions on the protection of the Darby Creek Watershed. The regulations were finalized and brought before the Madison County Commissioners for review and public comment.  The regulations were passed on December 12th and will take effect in 2024.

Although my career at Madison Soil and Water has just begun, I appreciate the strong alliances within the governing entities of the County.  Through construction site investigations and the regulation meetings, the County Engineer’s office has provided me with insight and support for all manners of conservation.  With the increasing concern for the preservation of Madison County’s natural resources in the face of a growing population, the recent adoption of the newly updated Madison County’s Sediment, Erosion, and Stormwater Control Regulations was a major step in a positive direction in 2023.  

 

Developers are required to protect water quality by installing practices to reduce erosion and control the rate of flow from stormwater runoff.  In this example, mulch netting was used to keep soil and seed in place around a stormwater retention pond.

The Madison County Commissioners were awarded $192,227 from the Ohio Department of Agriculture to purchase agricultural easements from willing landowners who wish to preserve his or her farm in perpetuity.  

An agricultural easement is a voluntary, permanent, legally binding restriction placed on a farm. The easement limits landowners’ use of the land to predominantly agricultural activity. The restrictions of the easement prohibit landowners from converting the land to non-agricultural uses and are binding on all future owners of the property. The landowner who gives up these "development rights" continues to privately own and manage the land and may receive significant federal tax advantages for the donated portion of the easement. In addition, the landowner has contributed to Ohio’s public good by preserving the agricultural values associated with the farmland for future generations.

The benefit of an agricultural easement is that the landowner owns the land and may sell, gift or otherwise convey it to others. In addition, the farm will remain in one piece because the landowner and future generations will not be able to subdivide the farm into smaller farms or houses once the agricultural easement is placed on it.  One homestead is allowed per farm. 

Farms with the highest scores are offered a price for their easement based on the score, not to exceed $2,000/acre and $500,000 total.  Costs associated with placing a conservation easement on the land will come out of closing or directly from the landowner. Some costs could be a new survey, an appraisal, title/closing services, and a 1% stewardship fee based on the purchase price of the easement. Based on past easements, expect closings fees to be equivalent to 3% of the purchase price.

Madison SWCD implements the program on behalf of the Madison County Commissioners and monitors the easements annually to verify compliance with the easement and conservation plan. Since 2002, thirty-one farms for a total of 7,204 acres have been accepted into the program, at an average price of $1,400/acre.  If you would like to pursue this opportunity, please contact Julia Cumming at Madison SWCD at 740-852-4003 or visit our office at 831 US HWY 42 NE, London, Ohio.

NRCS offers voluntary programs to eligible landowners and agricultural producers to provide financial and technical assistance to help manage natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Through these programs, the agency approves contracts to provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns or opportunities to help save energy, address concerns related to soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and implement climate-smart agriculture practices on agricultural lands and non-industrial private forest land.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a "working lands" program, meaning it helps agricultural producers to protect the environment while promoting agricultural production.  Common best management practices include livestock watering and animal waste facilities, heavy use pads, fencing, invasive species control and cover crops.  The  application cutoff date for FY 2024 is February 16th. 

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps farmers to improve their current operations and build on existing conservation efforts by planning additional conservation activities that address at least one natural resource concern.  Common best management practices include cover crops, conservation crop rotation, no-till, wildlife plantings and timber stand improvement.  The application cutoff date for FY 2024 is April 15th.

Through one-on-one, personalized advice, NRCS can work with you to find solutions to your conservation goals and farm needs.  Contact James Tillman, NRCS District Conservationist, at 740-852-4003 to discuss these programs.

Manure management is a year-round process; however, winter weather and freezing temperatures can limit acceptable application days. It is important to follow USDA guidelines when applying manure, both on the surface of fields and incorporating manure into the soil, to prevent environmental concerns. Frozen or snow covered ground increases the risk for manure runoff and can cause serious damage to streams and water quality. Next time you are planning to apply manure, check out this helpful applicators forecaster at https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/resources/ohio-applicator-forecast. 

Snow and ice removal is a balancing act between safety and cost. When freezing weather hits, sidewalks and driveways can become dangerously slick. Salt has been used on roadways for snow and ice removal since the 1930’s and remains the most cost-effective deicer. However, without proper use, it can easily be transported by melting water to groundwater or storm drains. Because rain and snowmelt are moved through storm drains straight to rivers and streams without treatment, chloride ions are often delivered to receiving streams in concentrations that can harm aquatic wildlife. Even runoff that is directed to vegetated areas is not safe for rivers and streams. The chloride ion remains in ground water as it moves through the soil profile and can contaminate streams months later when the groundwater emerges into the waterway. 

Alternative chemicals include magnesium chloride, potassium acetate, calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, potassium chloride, and agricultural by-products (ABP) but alternative de-icing chemicals can also have environmental drawbacks, so it becomes a matter of doing less harm rather than no harm. 

Luckily, there are simple actions we can take to conserve salt that maintains safety and environmental sustainability around our own homes and businesses:

The truth is there is no such thing as an environmentally friendly salt or deicer.  All such chemicals cause damage to our waterbodies, plants, wildlife and infrastructure, and should be used as little as possible. Get salt smart at https://www.franklinswcd.org/be-salt-smart.

In the spring of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to join forces with two local high school teams to help them prepare for the Area 4 Envirothon. As we embarked on this environmental challenge, little did I know that the experience would not only deepen my passion for sustainability but also forge lasting connections with like-minded individuals. The journey began with a diverse group of students, each bringing a unique set of skills and perspectives to the table. From soil science to wildlife identification, we were a team of dedicated individuals eager to tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by the competition. Tolles Tech & West Jefferson High School's commitment to environmental education and their previous successes in Envirothon competitions set the stage for an inspiring collaboration. One of the defining aspects of our teamwork was the emphasis on knowledge sharing. Each team member brought their expertise to the forefront, creating an environment where we could learn from one another.

The competition day itself was a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. As we navigated through field stations, solving problems related to forestry, aquatics, and current environmental issues, the cohesion of our teams became evident. Our collective knowledge and collaborative spirit propelled us to the top, earning West Jefferson High School the coveted title of champions in the Ohio Area 4 Envirothon. Beyond the victory, the experience left an indelible mark on each team member. We discovered the power of unity in addressing environmental challenges and the importance of fostering a sense of environmental stewardship in our community. The West Jefferson High School Envirothon team not only exemplified excellence in environmental education but also showcased the impact that a passionate and knowledgeable group of individuals can have on promoting sustainability. As we celebrated our success, I couldn't help but reflect on the friendships forged and the shared sense of purpose that defined our Envirothon journey. Working with Tolles Tech & West Jefferson High School's winning team was more than a competition; it was a transformative experience that deepened my commitment to environmental conservation and inspired me to continue championing sustainability in all aspects of my life.

West Jefferson High School took home their first team win at the 2023 Area 4 Envirothon. 

Envirothon competitors gathered at the Gwynne Conservation Area to prepare for the competition by listening to several industry professionals discuss important topics within their field.

Please consider becoming an affiliate member of the Madison Soil and Water Conservation District for 2024.  Your donation would support conservation education programs for youth, landowners, operators and the general public.  Conservation education and promoting stewardship of our land and water resources will help ensure that future generations will enjoy the best that Madison County has to offer for outdoor experiences and abundant food and water. 

A minimum contribution of only $25.00 is all that it takes to become an affiliate member for 2024. You will receive a receipt for your donation and be recognized in our annual report, banquet program and various displays.  Thank you for your kind consideration.   

Madison SWCD welcomes newest member Dan Barr, Natural Resource Engineering Technician, to the team!  He is new to Madison County, but not to Soil and Water Conservation.  

Dan grew up in Ashland County, where his father was a soil conservation technician for NRCS and his mother was the secretary for Ashland SWCD.  After graduating with a B.S. from The Ohio State University in Earth Science, he spent the past 8 years as a Resource Conservationist with the Delaware Soil & Water Conservation District.  He has worked on a variety of conservation and drainage projects, ranging from house site reviews, grassed waterway design, to ORC 6131 drainage petition projects. 

In his spare time, Dan enjoys escaping to the backcountry to camp and hike with his wife Elizabeth and two dogs, tending to his garden, and training for ultramarathons.

SWCD Staff

 

Dan Barr, Engineering Technician

Julia Cumming, Program Administrator

Emma Ryan, Urban Conservationist

Broc Sehen, Wildlife Specialist 

Gail Wilson, Operations Coordinator

 

 

NRCS Staff

 

James Tillman, District Conservationist

Zach Rusk, Soil Conservationist

 

 

Board of Supervisors

 

Steve Davis, Chairman

Jonathan Francis, Vice Chairman

Bob Hunter, Treasurer

JD Bethel

Nancy Denes-Sparks

1/15 - MLK Day (Office closed)             

1/16 - LAEPP Application Period Opens

2/14 - SWCD Board Meeting

2/19 -Presidents' Day (Office closed)

3/13 - SWCD Board Meeting

3/20 - Annual Planning/LWG Meeting

 

Madison Soil & Water Conservation District

831 U.S. Highway 42 NE

London, Ohio 43140

Phone: (740) 852-4003 opt. 3

www.madisonsoilandwater.com www.facebook.com/madisonswcdohio

All NRCS/MSWCD programs and services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, or handicap. Please contact Gail Wilson at gail.wilson@oh.nacdnet.net if you wish to be put on or removed from our email list.