On April 6, 2023, our District co-hosted an info session on the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the new state funded CSP Assist program.

Key Takeaways:

• Apply to CSP with USDA-NRCS by April 21.  This round is focused on "climate-smart" activities, listed here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/CSAF%20Mitigation%20Activities_2023.pdf 

• Find your local service center here: https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator 

• Apply to CSP Assist with VAAFM by May 8th: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/CSP-Assist  Remember, existing CSP contract holders may also apply to increase their yearly payment.

• Consider signing up for a Farm Team with the Conservation Districts to get assistance with coordinating the many available grant opportunities on your farm. 

In April 2023, our District co-hosted a mini series with the Franklin County NRCD and the VT Healthy Soils Coalition featuring Juan Alvez, Agroforestry Specialist at University of Vermont Extension. 

Watch his presentations here:

1. Rotational Grazing in Silvopasture:  Research Lessons from Brazil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgmqviz7M_U

2. Proposal to Advance Agroforestry among Vermont Farmers

On Sunday, March 26th at noon, come to the Briggs Opera House in downtown White River Junction to the White River Indie Film Festival to view the film, Whitman Brook.  

Whitman Brook Orchard is an oasis which stands ready to receive, unfolding its lessons season by season. This film is about the pacing of life and the close observation of our natural environment. It's about land stewardship as well as a tribute to a love lost and a place rejuvenated. Hailing from Norwich, VT, director Ben Silberfarb was named New Hampshire Filmmaker of the year at this year's New Hampshire Film Festival.  Presented by White River Natural Resources Conservation District.

On February 21, 2023 our District Manager testified to the Senate and House Agriculture Committees as part of the Small Farm Advocacy Days, presenting the results of our series of farmer focus groups on payment for ecosystem services.   The focus groups discussion included, but was not limited to, the perceived ecosystem services farms can offer, strengths and weaknesses of existing PES programs, and suggestions for and considerations around PES program design.  View full group presentation starting at 34:00 minutes.

Supervisors for the Conservation District board will be elected for a term of five (5) years beginning January 1, 2023.  The Board meets monthly and supervisors are paid a stipend of $50 per meeting, plus eligible expenses.  The deadline for submitting nominating petitions to your local Conservation District office is February 7, 2023.  Elections will be held on February 14, 2023.  https://www.vnews.com/White-River-Conservation-District-To-Hold-Board-Election-49683273 

In 2019, the Tactical Basin plan for Basin 14 (pictured left) was updated to reflect the current status and goals of the basin.  

Click here to read the basin plan and learn more!