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Farm & Forest Demonstration Farms Field DayFarmers learn about water quality program in outdoor classroom The
Bryant Creek Demonstration Project is a joint effort of the Soil and Water
Conservation Districts of Douglas and Ozark Counties.The project aim is
to show farmers how they can take advantage of voluntary cost share programs
available for improving water quality on their farm.
Grazing, fencing and watering systems that protect water quality by keeping livestock out of streams are eligible for cost sharing. Tree planting along stream banks to stabilize the bank and prevent erosion is also eligible. Several farms have been selected for special cost sharing assistance to be examples of good water quality management. One of the farms is a dairy that will have a lagoon for animal waste control. In the summer of 1999 a field day was held at two of the farms. Seventy-five landowners attended and were treated to a steak dinner. On one farm, trees have been planted along the edge of the field next to a stream bank. On the other farm a spring was developed to provide water for cattle. Spring water flows into a watering trough made from a recycled earth mover tire, so the cows do not have access to the spring itself. Update from the Douglas County SWCD District News, Winter 2003 In the spring we had a farm management workshop in Ava. In the fall we had a field day aimed at lady landowners in the Rockbridge area, and a grazing and riparian management field day in Ava. The animal waste demonstration system at Thomas Lawson's dairy was completed this winter. We also sponsored a 4-H group to do water quality monitoring in Ozark County. We are down to the last year of the project. It officially ends November 14, 2003. All of the public events and activities will end by September so that books can be closed out and the final report written. So what will be going on during this year, you ask? Free soil testing with an accompanying nutrient management plan will continue to be offered to those in the Bryant Creek watershed through June. On the evening of February 27th there will be a forestry, savanna, and glade workshop in Gainesville, at Vaught's restaurant. In the spring there will be a field day at the Lawson dairy to show his new animal waste system, and two grazing field days at some of the project demonstration sites. At the start of the project five years ago a survey was conducted by mail to determine how landowners in the project area felt about water quality issues, and also to determine what topics would be of the most use for field days. To conclude the project, another survey will be conducted to see how you feel about those same issues now. If you want to talk about the project or sign up for any of these last events, please call me. Dean Higley For more information contact Dean Higley
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Bryant Creek Demonstration Project
