Lake-Friendly
Farms
Agriculture is the largest single land use in the Cayuga Lake Watershed,
making it important ecologically, economically, aesthetically and
culturally. Most farmers are dedicated stewards of land and water
resources, something the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network wants to
recognize with a new “Lake-Friendly Farm” program. Farms
that have incorporated New York State’s Agricultural
Environmental Management (AEM) practices into their operation
will be recognized.
In support of AEM, the Watershed Network has awarded “Lake-Friendly
Farm” signs since 2006 to agricultural operations within the
Cayuga Lake Watershed that are implementing AEM Best Management
Practices. This program is made possible thanks to funds from the
Farm Bureaus of Cayuga, Seneca and Tompkins Counties; and Tompkins
Trust. Staff from county Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD)
have contributed staff time and expertise.
The AEM process is divided into tiers I through V. Tier I begins
with an in-depth farm assessment by SWCD who work with farmers to
identify environmental risks and the Best Management Practices (BMPs)
that can help reduce and prevent environmental degradation. The
BMPs are tailored to each enterprise and might include creating
an alternative water source that keeps livestock out of a creek,
improved manure storage, and plantings to reduce erosion.
SWCD, NRCS, Cooperative Extension Agents and AEM Certified Planners can nominate farms to receive
an award sign once the farm has started implementing the recommended practices -- AEM Tier IV or the equivalnt.
Announcement of recipients will be made annually in August at Lakefest,
the annual meeting of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network. Applications
received by June 15 will be considered for this
year. The nomination form is available as PDF
and Word
documents. Paper copies can be requested from the Watershed
Network, 315-364-2992 or manager@cayugalake.org.
This program is being adapted from Ontario
County’s Lake-Friendly Farmer program. In order to customize
it to the counties within the Cayuga Lake Watershed we have been
meeting with the Joint Agricultural Committee that provides on-going
support to the Watershed Network and our sister organization the
Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (IO). The Joint
Agricultural Committee consists of farmers; staff of SWCD, Cooperative
Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service; agricultural
consultants; and volunteers with the Watershed Network and IO. The
Joint Agricultural Committee will have the prime responsibility
for selecting those nominees that are eligible to receive a Lake
Friendly Farm sign and the Watershed Network will be responsible
for the overall program.
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