SOUTH CHINA — A workshop on small “backyard” farms is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at China Town Office, 571 Lakeview Drive.
The free workshop will be hosted by the Kennebec Soil and Water Conservation District Office for small farms interested in improving the water quality of China Lake.
This workshop is geared toward small-scale “backyard” farms in the China Lake region whose owners are interested in improving the health and sustainability of their natural resources. The talk will focus on water-quality issues commonly found on small farms, best management practices for managing these issues, and programs that provide financial and technical assistance to implement these practices.
Backyard farms are small-scale operations that raise livestock for personal use and enjoyment, such as raising a few hens for egg production or keeping horses for pleasure riding. Producing food and fiber on any scale involves activities that can affect the quality of water resources within one’s watershed. Livestock operations produce waste, which if not properly managed can threaten human health as well as contribute pollutants to streams, rivers and lakes.
There are a number of common-sense practices that local backyard farmers can use to minimize their impact on China Lake. If implemented properly, these practices not only protect water quality, but also can improve the efficiency of the farming operation.
At the workshop, Jeff Dennis from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection will speak about common water quality issues arising from small farms and the best management practices to address these issues. Chuck Penny from Maine Natural Resources Conservation Service will showcase NRCS programs that provide cost-share and technical assistance for the installation of these practices.
Interested participants can register by emailing laura.lecker@me.nacdnet.net or calling Dale Finseth at the Kennebec Soil and Water Conservation District Office at 207-480-3927.
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