Interseeded Covercrop planted in July; growing great in October

We’ve got a full plate for 2012, working on many different approaches to improve water quality in the streams and rivers that feed Northern Lake Champlain.

~  Phosphorus and Sediment Abatement in Rock River and St. Albans Bay watersheds:   the fifth year of an agricultural grant that focuses on covercropping, grassed waterways, critical area seeding, manure incorporation, conservation tillage and other field practices.  For 2012 we will be using the new Critical Source Area maps to target our efforts.

~  Water and sediment control basins in agricultural land and related buffers:  the second year of a grant that introduces these basins to Vermont farmers, to state agencies and to other water quality groups.  The Critical Source Area maps will be used for this project also.

~  Water sampling in Rock River:  second year, part of a USDA water quality project.

~  Project to reduce water in manure pits:  new project to reduce water pollution by using improved manure management methods.  Completion in Dec 2012

~  Enhanced silage leachate treatment systems project:  new agricultural project to address the high-nutrient leachate  that comes from feed bunkers.  Completion in Dec. 2012.

~  Stormwater management planning for six municipalities in northern Lake Champlain watershed:  Town of Georgia, Town of Swanton, Swanton Village, Town of Highgate, Town of Enosurgh, and the Village of Enosburg Falls.  In this new project we will develop stormwater management plans for six of our municipal allies, working closely with municipal officials, road foremen and townspeople.  Completion in Feb. 2013. 

~  New approaches to agricultural covercropping and the interseeding of covercrops, with support from Pioneer Seed Co. and Bourbeau Brothers, and in cooperation with Penn State University and the Miner Institute (NY).  Completion in Dec. 2012.

~ A stormwater project in conjunction with the City of St. Albans for the purpose of identifying, prioritizing and implementing practices that will reduce the amount of water from impervious surfaces (roofs, parking lots, streets) that enters the city stormwater system.

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These various projects receive funding and support from the Agency of Natural Resources, the Vt. AgAgency, Pioneer Seed Co., Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, dozens of cooperating farmers, the seven municipalities, UVM Extension, other water quality groups and the Friends of Northern Lake Champlain.

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Covercrop in spring