Conservation Pages
A Newsletter by Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District
Fall 2015
Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District in collaboration with
TreesCharlotte is pleased to announce the 45th Annual Tree Seedling Sale.
TreesCharlotte, established in 2012, is the driving force behind the bold initiative of
achieving 50% tree canopy coverage by 2050. Learn more about TreesCharlotte by
visiting www.treescharlotte.org.
This annual event will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 9:00
a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (or sold out) at 700 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina (Hal Marshall
Service Center - Auditorium 1 & 2). A wide variety of species will be offered ranging in price
from $1 to $2 (see page 8). Seedlings can be used for developing green buffers to protect water
quality, cleaning the air by removing carbon dioxide, improving wildlife habitat and reforestation.
Those who pre-order seedlings are not only guaranteed selection, but will also receive a 10% discount
off the purchase price of their pre-ordered seedlings (discount applies to pre-orders only). Seedlings
are sold on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The deadline to pre-order seedlings is on
Friday, December 11, 2015; pre-payment is required at the time of order. The order form is on page 10.
Rain Barrels provide an easy way for homeowners to help protect our streams and
lakes in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Capturing the water that flows off your roof keeps rain water out of the storm
drains and allows it to flow into the ground and replenish the ground water supply.
Not only are rain barrels ecologically friendly, they are pocket friendly as well. Rain
barrels provide you with a FREE source of chemical-free water for your yard and
garden and reduce your need for treated water.
60 gallon rain barrel
Mecklenburg County has experienced little rain fall this year. The next time it rains be prepared to collect rain
water in your new rain barrel. Rain Barrels are available for purchase year-round at the Mecklenburg Soil and
Water Conservation District. We offer two sizes: 60 gallon rain barrel is $105 and 80 gallon rain barrel is
$120 (prices include tax). Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please call
704.336.2455 to confirm availability and schedule a time for pick up.
Urban Cost Share Program (UCSP)
The Urban Cost Share Program is an incentive-based program to help land users address existing erosion
and other non-point source water pollution issues in approved watersheds. The program offers financial and
technical assistance to reduce runoff, stop erosion and filter non-point source water pollution. Approved
applicants are eligible to receive 75% of allowable costs, up to $7,500, associated with installing approved
Best Management Practices at their location.
Urban Cost Share Availability:
Currently, the Urban Cost Share Program is open to citizens throughout the City of Charlotte and in unincorporated
Mecklenburg County.
Urban Cost Share Program Information:
Interested parties should complete an interest form as a first step in being considered for assistance. District
staff will review forms and property maps and schedule a site assessment and assist with application to the
program when appropriate.
Urban Cost Share Interest Form. All applications to the program are ranked for their benefit to water quality.
Qualified applications are funded in order of rank as funds allow. Approved applicants will receive a BMP
design and installation guidance. Applicants may begin implementation of practices upon notice of board
approval. Funds expended prior to board approval are not eligible for reimbursement. Per contract terms,
participants are responsible for maintaining practices for a minimum of five years. Additional restrictions may
apply.
Best Management Practices Offered:
Critical Area Planting: Establishing permanent vegetation on sites that have steep slopes with high erosion
rates, and on sites that have physical, chemical, or biological conditions that prevent the establishment of
vegetation with normal practices.
Streambank Stabilization: Vegetative stabilization (planting) and/or grading of erosive streambanks and
shorelines to stabilize erosion and reduce soil loss.
Grassed Waterway (Swale): A natural or constructed channel that is shaped or graded to required dimensions
and established in suitable vegetation for the stable conveyance of runoff.
Pet Waste Receptacles: Receptacles and supplies to better manage pet waste, usually in public areas.
Rain Garden: A landscaped area that collects storm water runoff.
Riparian Buffers: An area dominated by trees and/or shrubs located adjacent to and up-gradient from water
courses or water bodies.
For additional information or questions, please contact the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District
at 704.336.455 or Leslie.VandenHerik@mecklenburgcountync.gov.
Fall 2015
Page 2
USDA Federal Cost Share Programs
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance focused on
natural resource concerns. Programs available to approved applicants include:
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
CREP is a collaborative effort between the local District, the NCDA&CS Division of Soil and Water Conservation
and Division of Forest Resources, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service
Agency. CREP provides long-term protection of environmentally sensitive cropland and marginal pasture land
through conversion to conservation practices (e.g. Stream Buffers) on agricultural land. CREP is currently only
available in and east of the Yadkin River Basin (includes eastern Mecklenburg County). Eligibility is subject to
qualification by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). For more information, please contact Leslie Vanden Herik at
704.336.2455.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program provides financial and technical help to eligible producers for
installation of conservation practices on agricultural land. Eligibility is subject to qualification by USDA Farm
Service Agency (FSA). For more information, please contact Chris Childers at 704.788.2107 extension 3.
Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP)
The District is available to help farmers and other agricultural producers reduce erosion and prevent other
water pollution. The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District has received an allocation of $33,250
this fiscal year; with an additional $95,000 earmarked for the Goose Creek, Rocky River, McDowell and
other impaired watersheds. Funds are available to assist with the cost of installing conservation practices
to protect water quality and agricultural interests. For more information, please call 704.336.2455 or visit
www.MecklenburgConservation.com.
Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP)
The newest of our state cost share assistance programs; the Agricultural Water Resources Assistance
Program (AgWRAP) is available to assist with increasing water availability for agricultural production.
For the 2016 fiscal year funds may be available to assist with the construction of new farm ponds
(restrictions apply), the dredging or repair of existing farm ponds, wells for irrigation and/or livestock
watering and other water conservation practices. For more information, please call 704.336.2455 or visit
www.MecklenburgConservation.com.
Fall 2015
Page 3
Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP)
The NC Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) is a statewide program designed help citizens
to address urban/suburban non-point source pollution and erosion issues, much like our local Urban Cost Share
Program. This program is especially valuable to citizens who live within the corporate limits of the towns of
Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Mint Hill, Matthews and Pineville (outside of a UCSP qualified watershed).
Available practices include: Cisterns, Rain Gardens, Backyard Wetlands, Riparian Buffers, Pet Waste
Receptacles and more. CCAP is available county wide, however funding is limited.
Applications are ranked and reviewed for maximum water quality benefit. Approved applicants will
receive technical assistance related to best management practices (BMPs) specific to your site, as well as
reimbursement of 75% of allowable expenses. For more information, please call 704-336-2455 or visit
www.mecklenburgconservation.com.
Avian Flu
Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District would like to share a link received through the NC Division
of Soil and Water regarding the Avian Flu - specifically FAQs for small poultry flocks (chickens and turkeys).
While the State Vet is requesting that small flock owners register, the FAQs section lists the site where the
information that will be disseminated to registered producers will be posted - it might be useful to check
periodically. The FAQs also have a fair amount of information about preventative measures to protect your
birds. One of our staff members attended a small flock training a few weeks ago that discussed many of these
preventative measures and was very informative, we encourage you to take a look. Please also feel free to share
with other friends or producers.
http://www.ncagr.gov/avianflu/
Being a rather urbanized District we (the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District) will likely have
a very limited role in the event that populations are infected in North Carolina. We are also a non-regulatory
entity, as such, we do not regulate management of an outbreak. With that said, and while we cannot speak for
each individual District, there may be Districts that work with larger commercial operations who will be called
upon to provide financial or technical assistance with mortality management (i.e. proper disposal of deceased
birds). Soil and Water Conservation Districts and our federal partners (Natural Resources Conservation
Service) already provide financial and technical assistance for mortality management on large operations for
the purpose of protecting water quality. Additional measures (rule exemptions, additional BMPs, etc.) are
being implemented at the state and federal level as a preemptive measure to ensure resources are available if
Fall 2015
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Bringing Mecklenburg County to You
Bringing Mecklenburg County to You (BMC2U)
The first phase of the County’s Government Facilities Master Plan, Bringing Mecklenburg to You (BMC2U), is
underway. Over the next five years, some County departments will be relocating as a part of a strategy of moving
toward community-based service delivery model. The goal is to determine the best way to provide the highest quality
of service to our customers in a way that is convenient to them, and create a better work environment for employees .
The move for Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) is tentatively set for Friday,
December 18, 2015 to a building at 2145 Suttle Avenue (the old School of Law Building). LUESA
includes the following agencies Air Quality, Code Enforcement, Solid Waste and Water & Land Resources
(includes Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District) and Geospatial Information Services.
Please visit the Bringing Mecklenburg County To You LUESA Relocation Update page for the latest
information.
Eric Spengler is Appointed to the MSWCD Board of Supervisors
New Board Supervisor
The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD) is a governmental subdivision of the state of
North Carolina, and a public body, corporate and politic, organized according to the Soil and Water Conservation
District Law, operating within the powers set forth in the Law.
Each soil and water conservation district is administered by a five person board of supervisors. Three of these
supervisors are elected at the same time as the regular election of county officers. This election is nonpartisan
and is conducted by the respective county board of elections. Two supervisors are appointed by the North
Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Commission upon the recommendation of the local board of supervisors.
All five supervisors serve four years terms of office.
On Monday, October 26, 2015, Eric Spengler took
the Oath of Office and was sworn-in as an Appointed
Board Supervisor for the Mecklenburg Soil and Water
Conservation District. Mecklenburg Soil and Water
Conservation District recommended Eric Spengler for
appointment and the recommendation was approved
by the NC Soil & Water Conservation Commission.
Chairman Nancy Carter administers the Oath of Office.
Fall 2015
Eric Spengler fills a vacant appointed position. Eric
is an attorney. Eric holds a JD/MPA with a focus
in environmental and energy issues from Indiana
University. Eric is currently a member of the PostConstruction Control Ordinance Task Force and a
representative for Sustain Charlotte.
Page 5
Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District participates in educational contests and programs sponsored
by the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. For more details about the following
contests and programs, please contact Anganette Byrd at 704.336.2455 or send an e-mail to
Anganette.Byrd@mecklenburgcountync.gov.
CONTESTS:
Contests will be conducted on the District, Area and State levels. District First Place winners will be eligible
to enter the Area contest, and Area First Place winners will be eligible to enter the State contest. The Contest
Title for 2015-2016 is “We All Live in a Watershed”. All entries become the property of Mecklenburg Soil
and Water Conservation District.
Poster Contest
Separate contests will be held for 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students.
Essay Contest
The contest will be held only for 6th grade students.
Public Speaking Contest
Separate contests will be held for 7th and 8th grade students.
AWARDS:
Three winners will be selected at each grade level in each contest category.
• 1st Place Winner receives $30.00 cash and a trophy.
• 2nd Place Winner receives $20.00 cash and a trophy.
• 3rd Place Winner receives $10.00 cash and a trophy.
Awards will be presented to contest winners at the District Banquet in the spring.
INCENTIVES FOR TEACHER PARTICIPATION:
* The teacher or informal educator that submits the most entries will be awarded a plaque and recognition at
our district banquet.
DEADLINE:
Please submit all entries by Monday, January 25, 2016.
Fall Edition 2015
Page 6
Resource Conservation Workshop (RCW)
The Resource Conservation Workshop is sponsored by the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation
Districts in conjunction with the Division of Soil ad Water Conservation and the Soil Science Department of
NC State University. For detailed information visit the website at www.ncagr.gov/SWC/educational/RCW.html.
The Resource Conservation Workshop is a week-long intensive study and hands on conservation workshop
requiring student application and participation in a wide range of conservation topics. Students are housed
in NCSU campus dormitories under the guidance of live-in-counselors. In order to achieve success, students
should come prepared to apply themselves to meet the primary objective of this workshop -- learning about
natural resources and their management in today’s environment. Awards and scholarships are won and
presented to students under several awards programs. Interested persons please contact 704.336.2455.
The 2016 Resource Conservation Workshop will be held June 26 - July 1 at NC State University. Mecklenburg
Soil and Water Conservation District will sponsor at least one Mecklenburg County student to attend the workshop.
Envirothon Program
The Envirothon Program is sponsored by the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The
program is open to teams of students in grades 9-12 for high school and in grades 5-8 for middle schools. Teams
consist of five members. Each team must have an adult advisor and the team may have alternates. It is important
for high school teams to have at least two alternates if you feel that your team may have a chance to win first
place at the state competition. The North American Envirothon will allow two substitutes to the original team.
For detailed information visit the website at www.ncenvirothon.org.
The Southern Piedmont Envirothon is an area competition that includes Anson, Cabarrus,
Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and
Union counties. It will be held on March 8, 2016 (middle school) and March 9, 2016 (high
school) at the Center for the Environment at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Public schools, private schools, home school groups, school clubs, FFA groups, etc. are all eligible to participate
in the Envirothon Program. Teams must be sponsored by a Soil ad Water Conservation District. To encourage
participation the State Envirothon Committee will sponsor organized teams if Districts can’t or do not wish to
serve as sponsors. Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District staff will work with teams to prepare them
for the competition. Interested persons please contact 704.336.2455.
Fall Edition 2015
Page 7
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$ 2.00
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$ 2.00
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$ 2.00
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
$ 1.00
Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana
Fall Issue 2015
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Photos Courtesy of USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database, http://bioimages.vanderbilt.edu/, and http://www.mellowmarshfarm.com/
Fall Issue 2015
Page 9
Last Name________________________________ First Name_____________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________________________
City_____________________________________________________ State__________ Zip_____________
Phone_____________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________
Seedling
Buttonbush
Quantity
Price
$1.80 ea.
Cost
Seedling
PawPaw
Quantity
Price
$1.80 ea.
Highbush Blueberry
$1.80 ea.
River Birch
$1.80 ea.
Possumhaw Viburnum
$1.80 ea.
Sweetbay Magnolia
$1.80 ea.
Red Chokeberry
$1.80 ea.
Black Gum
$1.80 ea.
Spicebush
$1.80 ea.
Persimmon
$1.80 ea.
Virginia Sweetspire
$1.80 ea.
Red Maple
$1.80 ea.
Waxmyrtle
$1.80 ea.
Eastern Red Cedar
$0.90 ea.
Winterberry
$1.80 ea.
Eastern Redbud
$1.80 ea.
Cost
Tax (7.25%)
TOTAL
*Seedling prices listed reflect a 10% pre-order discount - Discount expires December 11, 2015
Quantity
Rain Barrel
60 Gallon
Price
$105.00 each
Quantity
Rain Barrel
80 Gallon
Price
$120.00 each
*Rain Barrels are paid for at the time of pick up on February 27, 2015 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
#
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Tree Seedling Sale Policies
Seedling pre-orders will be accepted through Friday, December 11, 2015
Payment in full is due at time of order
Cash, Check or Money Order - Please make check payable to MSWCD
(Check and Money Order only via US Mail)
Receipts will be mailed upon receipt of order and payment
Trees will be available for pick-up at 700 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Friday- February 26th from 12-2 p.m. OR Saturday- February 27th from 9-12 p.m.
MSWCD is not responsible for orders not claimed during the sale - Unclaimed orders will be
considered a donation and sold to the public on a first-come, first-served basis
NO REFUNDS will be issued for orders not claimed during the sale
Reminders will be e-mailed prior to the sale (via postal mail if e-mail is unavailable)
Questions? Please call 704.336.2455 or e-mail Anganette.Byrd@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Return Order Form (include payment for seedlings) to:
Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District
Attention: Anganette Byrd
700 North Tryon Street, Suite 205
Charlotte, NC 28202
Fall Edition 2015
Page 10
Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District
700 North Tryon Street, Suite 205
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
704.336.2455 - Phone / 704.336.5151 - Fax
Business Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
BOARD SUPERVISORS
ChairmanNancy Carter
Vice ChairmanJason Cathey
TreasurerBrad Johnson
Board MemberShawn Greeson
Board MemberEric Spengler
STAFF
Conservation District Manager: Leslie Vanden Herik
NRCS District Conservationist: Chris Childers
Administrative Support Assistant III: Anganette Byrd
WESTERN REGIONAL COORDINATORS
Rob Baldwin
Davis Ferguson
*A special thanks to our proud partner Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services.
Newsletter Sponsorship
Do you own or run a farm, natural resource or other conservation related business? Would
you be interested in sponsoring our newsletter through a small ad? If so, we need your input!
What size add would you be interested in – one eight page, quarter page, half page? How
much would you consider a reasonable cost for sponsorship? How frequently would you be
interested in sponsoring? Our newsletter is distributed via e-mail once a quarter to over 1,100
people in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County and the surrounding area in addition to posting it on
our website. We need your feedback to help us move forward with development of a newsletter sponsorship program. If you or someone you know might be interested in newsletter sponsorship, please send us your feedback to Leslie.VandenHerik@mecklenburgcountync.gov.
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Fall 2015
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