The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has recently released new guidelines related to Manure Management on Pennsylvania farms.

Every farm in Pennsylvania that land applies manure or agricultural process wastewater (generated on the farm or received from an importer), regardless of size, is required to have and implement a written Manure Management Plan. This includes manure and agricultural process wastewater application by various types of equipment and/or direct application of manure by animals on pastures and in Animal Concentration Areas (ACAs). In other words, farms that do not mechanically apply manure but which do have pastures or ACAs still need a manure management plan.

In order to assist with the development of a Manure Management Plan DEP has developed a Manure Management Plan Workbook. The workbook contains the necessary information for developing a manure management Plan. The plan must include the information identified in the workbook.

To further assist with maps for your agricultural operation Penn State in cooperation with DEP has developed a web based mapping program title PA One Stop.  This program works best with Mozilla Firefox.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your manure management plan or your agricultural operation please contact the Wayne Conservation District at 648 Park Street, Honesdale Pa 18431, Telephone 570-253-0930.

Links to information;

Manure Management Plan Workbook

PA One Stop

A new million-dollar grant program for private landowners in the Upper Delaware River Basin to implement forestry practices has been launched.  Forest owners in three states will be eligible to receive financial assistance for implementing sustainable forest management practices on their property.

The Common Waters Fund will provide incentives to qualifying landowners to implement forest stewardship plans, watershed forestry management practices, and/or conservation easements over the next two years.  

For more information click here  Common Waters Fund

In November 2010, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)will release new Chapter 102 Erosion and Sediment Control (E&S) program regulations. Significant changes have been made in the way E&S is managed. New thresholds, best management practices (BMP’s) and permit requirements are included in the regulation.

Whether you are a Municipal Officials, Real Estate seller, Contractor, Engineer, Landscaper, Stone Harvester, Logger or Farmer, you should become familiar with the new requirements.

For more information click here.

Wayne County Plat Book

The Wayne Conservation District is continuing it’s sale of the 2008 Wayne County Plat Book at a sale price of $20.00 regularly $30.00.

 The full color book contains detailed maps showing landowners, acreage, road names and natural features such as lakes and streams. It also contains a landowner and road index to help find those listed in the publication.

 To receive the 2008 Wayne County Plat Book by mail include and additional $5.00 for shipping and handling.

 The books are available for purchase at the Wayne Conservation District office, Wayne County Park Street Complex, 648 Park Street, Honesdale PA 18431, Telephone 570-253-0930.