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Water’s Edge Transformation Program released to Lake Simcoe Watershed farmers




The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is pleased to announce the Water's Edge Transformation Program (WET), funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF). This two-year program, extending into the 2014 cropping season, is available to farm businesses in the Lake Simcoe watershed interested in adopting Best Management Practices (BMPs) in riparian areas that reduce nutrient risks to freshwater resources.

Many land use activities can impact Lake Simcoe's delicate ecosystem. The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan was developed to coordinate efforts focused on protecting the lake and has helped to bring attention to the issues and launch initiatives that local landowners, business and governments across the watershed can rally behind. Agriculture has an essential role to play in helping to strengthen the health of this vital lake.

“Through WET farm businesses are encouraged to address vulnerabilities on the farm that will reduce threats to water quality while supporting and enhancing existing farm activities,” Christine Schmalz, OSCIA's Senior Environmental Program Coordinator says.

WET offers cost-share funding for a number of key BMPs that aim to bolster watershed health. At the request of the farmer and through an arrangement struck between OSCIA and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LRSCA), a technical specialist will visit the farm property and provide ideas and recommendations for improved performance of the riparian area. Eligible BMPs include installing eaves troughs on barns to divert clean water away from livestock areas, fencing off watercourses to prevent livestock access, planting trees and shrubs to form a riparian buffer, and many more.

WET is not a first come, first serve program and the application process is entirely online. Once the chosen BMPs are identified through consultation with LSRCA, the farmer determines the level of funding necessary to complete their project. This competitive-bid structure allows for allocation of funds based on the project's environmental impact, and gives farm businesses the opportunity to tell OSCIA how much funding they need to reasonably complete the proposed activity.

“Incentive programs like WET are important for farmers,” Henry Denotter, President of OSCIA says. “They help ease the financial burden of adopting stewardship practices on private landscapes, which offer benefits for the broader community. The interest in programs available through OSCIA over the past several years shows the willingness of Ontario farmers to invest in these activities.”

To be eligible for the program, the farm business must be located alongside a watercourse, pond, lake, or wetland in the Lake Simcoe Watershed, have a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) and have completed a current Third or Fourth Edition Environmental Farm Plan.

For more information, interested farm businesses are encouraged to visit the OSCIA website at www.ontariosoilcrop.org/en/programs/wet.htm to download a brochure and learn about the application process or call 519-824-4214. For further resources about the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, please visit: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/resources/STD01_076301.html

Fencing livestock out of waterways are just one of many BMP projects available for cost share.

Fencing livestock out of waterways are just one of many BMP projects available for cost share.
Post date: 2013-10-05 19:33:20
Post date GMT: 2013-10-05 23:33:20
Post modified date: 2013-10-11 09:30:57
Post modified date GMT: 2013-10-11 13:30:57
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