Oxford County USDA Local Working Group to meet Dec. 14 in South Paris

The Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation Service plans to hold a meeting of the Oxford County USDA Local Working Group at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Oxford County Office at 9 Olson Road in South Paris.

The Local Working Group will provide recommendations for the 2024 Environmental Quality Incentives Program to its local USDA-NRCS. The meeting will help identify local natural resource priorities and define criteria for funding conservation activities. Topics of discussion in Oxford County will include: Ag Waste, Forestry, Pastureland, Cropland, High Tunnels and Wildlife. Other issues and areas of concern can be discussed as well, and a list will be compiled of priorities recognized by this group. In addition to providing feedback, participants will have the opportunity to learn about other programs and incentives available to them, according to a news release from Chantelle Hay, district education and outreach coordinator.

“It is important for us to receive input from our farmers, growers, forest owners, and partners about local priorities regarding natural resource issues in Oxford County. By working together, we can ensure conservation programs are guided by local considerations and delivered to local farmers and landowners where they are needed most,” said Andrew Johnson, a local district conservationist.

The meeting will include an option for virtual attendance. To request the Zoom link to attend virtually, email Hay at oxfordcountyswcd@gmail.com.

For more information, email or call 207-744-3119. Those who require special accommodations to attend this meeting are asked to email or call by Friday, Dec. 9.

Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service and USDA are equal opportunity providers and employers.