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ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District
MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission of the Conservation District is to advocate for environmentally-sound use
and protection of air, soil, water, forests, and wildlife resources for all residents of the
19-town District by:
Fostering public awareness and appreciation of the value and necessity to
conserve natural resources for current and future generations, and
Providing local leadership that advances environmental stewardship through
education and non-regulatory assistance.*
*As of August 2007.
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2007-2008 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
This past year has been a very busy one.
Our website has been updated by one of our hard working supervisors, Sue Greenall.
Visit http://VACD.ORG/ONRCD, to find a multitude of projects that our board has undertaken.
We will always be involved with dairy, horse and livestock owners; branching out to include
environmental education to land owners. Some of our projects include: agricultural plastic
recycling, reduction of food scrapes from the waste stream by matching restaurants with local
farmers and saving money for both.
This past year a long time supervisor, Ann Debevoise, stepped down after serving 16
years on the board; most recently as treasurer. Jonathon Frishtick also stepped down from the
board. Fortunately two very eager and energetic individuals stepped up to serve in their place.
Hallie Whitcomb is from the southern portion of our district, Springfield and Little Tree resides
in
Hartford. Welcome Aboard!
Our district would not function without the tireless efforts of our District Manager,
Linda Schneider. At our monthly meetings we will discuss upcoming projects. Linda will
take “the ball and run with it”.
To name a few of these projects: Two native tree nurseries located in the
District, one in the north and one in the southern section. Organizing recycling efforts of
agricultural plastics (white plastic film which covers round hay bales, silage covers, and green
house covers etc). A soils workshop was held this spring for local gardeners and farmers. Not
only was the workshop a huge success, but Linda and Sue Greenall incorporated a local and
wild food luncheon. Our most ambitious project, I think, was the Japanese Knotweed Control
Workshop which was held this past August, involved nine partners and attracted a crowd of
fifty people.
Special thanks to sponsors, partners and individuals who have helped us to provide
programs throughout the year.
Respectfully,
Jay Van Arman
Chairman of the ONRCD Board
ONRCD BOARD and their responsibilities
Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District, organized in 1944, is
charged with overseeing the soil and water conservation programs within its 19-town
area. The current District Board of Supervisors consists of Jay Van Arman, Chair;
Xaxakwetet Little Tree, Treasurer; Hallie Whitcomb, Secretary; Deborah Donahue,
Supervisor, Sue Greenall, Associate Supervisor. NRCC representative is from
Windham County. VACD representative position is still open.
The major responsibility is to listen to the needs of their respective communities
within our District and report back at the Board meetings. So the topics and projects we
undertake in a calendar year reflect the needs of our District.
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ONRCD STAFF and their responsibilities
Linda Schneider, District Manager
The major responsibilities are to provide educational programs and organize
conservation projects within the District boundaries. Other responsibilities include
networking with partners, bookkeeping tasks, fund raising and attend District Employee
meetings.
Technical Staff shared with other Districts:
Sylvia Harris, Agricultural Resources Specialist/Basin Planner
Susan Alexander, Agricultural Resources Specialist/Basin Planner
Jennifer Durham, SVNMP Educator
Bruce Howlett, SVNMP Nutrient Management Consultant
Brandon Carpenter, Land Treatment Planner
LONG RANGE GOALS AND STRATEGIC PLAN 2006 TO 2011
From Feb 8, 2006
PRIORITY NATURAL RESOURCE ISSUES - TOP THREE
1. Water Quality - Nutrient Management
2. Sustainable Agriculture
3. Solid Waste Management
These top three are the current major conservation needs in our District and our focus
for the next five years.
ACTION ITEMS
In progress
I. Water Quality - Nutrient Management
*
A. Kitchen Meetings and Farmer Discussion Groups
*
B. Workshops for Agricultural Community and Landowners
*
1. Water Quality
*
a. Basin Plan for Ottauquechee/Black Rivers
*
b. Help to implement Saxton/West/Williams River Basin Plan
2. GMHA and other associations
*
a. Focus on horse owners
b. Assessment of Horse Pasture Management
*
3. Buffers
4. Soil Test
*
5. NM Plans
*
6. NM Assessments
*
7. Animal Mortality Composting
*
8. Invasive Species with controls: Till and reseed, PH & Fertilizer
*
C. Articles (same as above)
*
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D. Press Releases for events
*
E. Find and sustain funding source for District Ag Producers for soil testing
II Sustainable Agriculture
A. Kitchen Gardens with seeds from High Mowing Seeds
*
B. Partner with Heifer International
1. To find needy recipients for animals
2. To do workshops on AMC
*
C. Garden Workshops
*
D. School gardening projects
E. Community Gardens and rain gardens*
F. Sponsor Producers/landowner for Continued Educational workshops,
conferences, classes
*
G. Partner with Vital Communities and Land Link
H. Workshop on Invasive Species control (train the trainer + knotweed control)
*2
III. Solid Waste management
*
A. Agricultural Plastics Program - Recycle
*
1. Bales/white film
*
2. Plastic flower pots
B. Partner with GUVSW District
*
C. Incentive for Recycling Farm opportunities (Amnesty Day)
1. Tires
2. Metal
2007-2008 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
COMMUNITY CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
1. DISTRICT’S ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING October 10, 2007 10:30AM TO 1PM
ONRCD Annual Meeting & Green House Tour with Local Foods Lunch
A. AGENDA
10:30 - INTRODUCTION
Linda Schneider
District Manager - ONRCD
10:35 - 11:30 - GREEN HOUSE TOUR
Sylvia Davatz
Vegetable Seed Saver for USA & Switzerland
Topic: The Importance of Vegetable Seed Saving
11:30 - ONRCD ANNUAL MEETING
Linda Schneider
ONRCD District Manager
Sustainable Agriculture
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Marie Levesque Caduto
Watershed Coordinator –VT DEC
Basin Planning
Jay Van Arman & Deb Donahue
ONRCD Chairman of the Board & Supervisor
District Accomplishments and Upcoming Projects
12:00 - LOCAL FOODS LUNCH
Quiche, Salads and Desserts from local farms
Cost: $25 donation requested
B. Summary: Green house tour & Local Foods Lunch at Sylvia Davatz’ in
Hartland October 10, 2007 10:30am to 1pm
ONRCD Focus: Sustainable Agriculture takes many forms –
Vegetable Seed Saving
Presenters:
Sylvia Davatz, Seed Saver for US and Switzerland
Marie Levesque Caduto, Watershed Coordinator –VT DEC
Topic: Sustainable Agriculture: The Importance of Vegetable Seed Saving
Attendance: 25 farmers, landowners and citizens
Presentation included: Greenhouse Tour at Sylvia Davatz in Hartland
ONRCD Annual Meeting with Local Foods Lunch
Cost: $25.00 donation to ONRCD included tour and lunch
Sponsors: ONRCD
Partners: Local farms are listed alphabetically below who donated food, Sylvia Davatz donated and
spoke and local greens.
Local farms: Cavendish Game Birds, Springfield
Clay Hill Corners, Hartland
Cloudland Farm, North Pomfret
Dream Come True Farm, Hartland
Killdeer Farm, Norwich
Long Meadow Farm, Hartland
MacLennan Farm, Windsor
Sylvia Davatz, Hartland
Rocky Ridge Farm, Hartland
Thorny Hills Farm, West Windsor
Wood’s Cider Mill, Springfield
C. Menu
ONRCD Local Foods Lunch MENU
DRINKS
Apple Cider – Wood’s Cider Mill, Springfield
ENTREE
Harvest Corn Chowder - MacLennan Farm, Windsor
Quiche from Farm Fresh Free Range Eggs – Rocky Ridge Farm, Hartland
Vegetables for Quiche – Killdeer Farm, Norwich
SALADS and BREADS
Tomato Salad – Clay Hill Corners, Hartland
Sweet Corn Salad – MacLennan Farm, Windsor
Quail Salad on Spicy Greens with Poppy Seed Dressing
Spicy Greens – Clay Hill Corners, Hartland
Boneless Quail Breasts – Cavendish Game Birds, Springfield
Poppy Seed Dressing with Yogurt and Honey
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Honey – Lady Bee Honey, Woodstock
Yogurt - Woodstock Water Buffalo Company, Woodstock
Poppy Seeds – Dream Come True Farm
Freshly Baked Artisan Bread – Long Meadow Farm, Hartland
DESSERTS
Apple Crisp with Hartland Granola Co. Topping – Long Meadow Farm, Hartland
Grape Pie – Thorny Hills Farm, West Windsor
Pumpkin Pie – Rocky Ridge Farm, Hartland
$337
TOTAL OF FOOD CONTRIBUTIONS
ONRCD Annual Meeting & Green House Tour with Local Foods Lunch
D. VOLUNTEER HOURS
Volunteer Hours:
($25@)
8 hrs
8 hrs
Chris Schneider food prep- Chowder & grilled quail
Linda Schneider – speech, food prep
corn salad, dressing & decorations
15 hrs
Sylvia Davatz – food prep, presentation prep & day
2 hrs
Marie L. Caduto – presentation prep
12 hrs
Sharon Miller – food prep and serving event day
5 hrs
Jay Van Arman – moving tables & chairs
Speech prep
1 hr
Jon Frishtick – moving tables & chairs
2 hrs
Deb Donahue – speech prep
2 hrs
Sue Greenall – food prep
55 HOURS
TOTAL OF VOLUNTEER HOURS
2. COMMUNITY DISCUSSION GROUP MEETINGS
Discussion Group meetings have both agricultural and landowner topics for the
community. Meetings are usually held once per quarter at different locations. Topics of
interest are suggested by the attendees and the district. It is an opportunity to learn
new information, share concerns and brainstorm new ideas. This is an ongoing
program at this District.
This year three new things happened, first local garden clubs requested the District to
do presentations on topics of their choice. Secondly, the Ottauquechee Black River
Basin Plan process has begun. It required public forums and public announcements at
clubs and gatherings. Thirdly, the district’s focus of local foods has blended nicely with
discussion groups and community programs. A table of local food is highlighted at
each meeting with a “Buy Local” sign and a quick mention in the presentation and
thank you to local farms who donated.
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Community Discussion Group TOPICS 2007-2008
WINTER
Jan 7, 2008 Woodstock Agricultural Forum
Announce Ottauquechee Black River Basin Plan process
SPRING
April 2008 Ottauquechee Black River Basin Plan Four Public Forums
With local foods
May 4, 2008 Rain gardens at Hartland Garden Club
Speaker: Marie Levesque Caduto, VT DEC
Announce Ottauquechee Black River Basin Plan process
SUMMER June 4, 2008 Backyard Wildlife Habitat at Quechee Garden Club
Speaker: Linda Schneider 80 in attendance
Announce Ottauquechee Black River Basin Plan process
Community Discussion Group SUMMARIES 2007-2008
WINTER
Woodstock Agricultural Forum
Billings Farm Museum Woodstock, VT
January 7, 2008 7pm to 9pm
Presenters: Cathy Emmons, Marie Levesque Caduto, Watershed Coordinator, VT Department of
Environmental Conservation, Linda Schneider, ONRCD and Sylvia Harris, ARS/Basin Planner for
southern districts
Attendance: 40 farmers from Woodstock and surrounding area
Cost: none
Presentation: Identify the needs of the farm community in this area
Announce Ottauquechee Black River Basin Plan process to begin in April 2008
Introduction to the partners
Sponsor: Woodstock Farmers and Billings Farm Museum
Partners: Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, technical staff ARS/BP
SPRING April 2008 Ottauquechee Black River Basin Plan Four Public Forums
With local foods by ONRCD
Presenter: Marie Levesque Caduto, Watershed Coordinator, VT Department of Environmental
Conservation
Attendance and locations: Ludlow (7), Woodstock (12), Springfield (16) & Killington (15)
Cost: none
Presentation: Explanation of Ottauquechee Black River Basin Plan process
Introduction to the partners
Local food brought and displayed at each public forum
Sponsor: VT DEC
Partner: Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
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SPRING
Rain gardens at Hartland Garden Club
Hartland Library, Hartland VT
May 4, 2008 4pm to 5pm
Presenter: Marie Levesque Caduto, Watershed Coordinator, VT Department of Environmental
Conservation
Attendance: 20 gardeners from Hartland
Event financials: speaker donation $100 to ONRCD – expenses = $3.00
Presentation: The importance of rain gardens
Why and how to make a rain garden
Challenge: help us find a commercial site to plant a rain garden in the district
Announce Ottauquechee Black River Basin Plan process
Sponsor: Hartland Garden Club
Partner: Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
SUMMER
Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program
Quechee Garden Club’s Annual Meeting
Quechee Clubhouse, Quechee, VT
June 4, 2008 11:30am to 2:30pm
Attendance: 80 gardeners from Quechee
Event financials: speaker donation $100 to ONRCD - no expenses except my time
Presentations by three partners: 1. Large State picture - VT Dept of Fish and Wildlife
2. Smaller picture, your own backyard – ONRCD
Announce Ottauquechee Black River Basin Plan process
3. Area focus on wildlife corridors - Hartford Conservation Commission
Sponsor: Quechee Garden Club
Partners: Hartford Conservation Commission and VT Dept of Fish and Wildlife
National Wildlife Federation supplied power point and handouts
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3. 2007-2008 WORKSHOPS
“Get the Dirt on Soil” Workshop
With a Local Wild food lunch!
Figure 1: Attendees enjoy local foods
Attendees enjoy wild and local foods
Fiddleheads and VT specialty grilled cheese sandwich
Figure 2: Attendees enjoy local foods
Presenter: Dr. Heather Darby, Agronomic and Soils Specialist,
Professor for UVM Extension
Location: Yankee Credit Building White River Junction, Vermont
Date :
Wednesday April 30, 2008
10am to 2pm
Cost: $25 with lunch included
This informal workshop with a lecture, hands on activity and demonstrations, tailor
made for farmers and gardeners. Soil basics:
Soil structure
Demonstrations with a rain maker & erosion
What is soil health?
How to build & maintain soil for long term
What lives in the soil
Soil biology
How & why to improve the soil
Nutrient uptake in the soil
Importance of organic matter
Bring your soil tests and soil questions.
Sponsored by: Lawes Agricultural Service Inc
3 hours of Educational Credits for Vermont Master Gardeners
WILD AND LOCAL FOODS LUNCH MENU
Compliments of local farms, Hanover Co-op and Mother Nature
APPETIZER
Miguel’s Stowe Away Blue Corn tortilla chips with Granny Blossom’s Mile Apple Salsa
MAIN ENTRÉES
Grilled cheese sandwiches made with your choice of La Panciata Multi-Grain bread
Klinger’s Bread Company Deli Pane Bello bread
Homemade bread made with King Arthur flour and home raised eggs
Cobb Hill Cheese – Welsh style cheddar made with raw milk
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Taylor Farm Cheese – Gouda make with raw milk
Cabot Cheeses – Muenster, Seriously Sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Garlic & Herb
TOPPINGS FOR YOUR SANDWICH:
Gourmet Greens – radish greens
Longwind organic tomatoes
Locally gathered wild leeks/ramps
Pop’s Original smoked maple syrup
Rocky Ridge Farm Fresh Egg Dish – Strata with locally grown asparagus, Cabot cheese 3 cheese mix, ham, Baker’s Studio
baguette
SALADS & SOUP
Locally gathered dandelion greens with maple syrup/sunflower oil dressing
Locally gathered fiddleheads, Longwind tomatoes and Vermont Butter & Cheese Company feta cheese salad
Locally gathered fiddleheads with wild leek/ramp greens dressing
Potato and wild leeks/ramps soup
BEVERAGES
Switchel – The Vermont haymaker drink
(brown sugar, molasses, cider vinegar, ground ginger and water)
Mint tea – dried and stored from last year’s herb garden sweetened with granulated Maple sugar
Dream Come True Farm’s Rhubarb Delight
American Classic Tea from Charleston Tea Plantation, America’s ONLY Tea Garden
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Coffee and Vermont Coffee Company Decaf Coffee
DESSERTS
Rhubarb pie
Concord grape pie
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO SUE GREENALL, ONRCD BOARD MEMBER
Goods donated value = $224
Volunteer Hours = 31
SUMMARY OF EVENT
Event on April 30th “Get the Dirt on Soils” workshop with Heather Darby
All the little details for this meeting and I helped with coffee break & lunch beverage
Thanks to Sue Greenall for planning the Wild Local Foods Luncheon
Thanks to Jay for attending and doing a supervisor request at this event
Farmers and horse owners: 5 Gardeners and Master Gardeners: 15
Event financials: total profit was $900 with no expenses
Food was donated by local farms and hand picked wild by Sue
Paper supplies used left over + real cups & silverware
Attendees: 16 x $25 = $400
Sponsors: 2 x $250 = $500
Expenses to District = $0
Income to District = $900
VOLUNTEER HOURS
Heather Darby 14 hours
Sue Greenall
10 hours
John Greenall
2 hours
Linda Schneider
4 hours
Sharon Blake
1 hour
Total volunteer hours
31 hours
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Next FY: Japanese Knotweed Control Workshop for landowners
August 23, 2008 10am to 1 pm
North Springfield Lake
Much planning and organizing went into this fiscal year, but the workshop
actually takes place next fiscal year 2008-09.
Partners: Sponsors:
Hosts and Partners:
Black River Action Team
Chester Conservation Committee
Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District
Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission
The Vermont Nature Conservancy
US Army Corps of Engineers
Vegetation Control Services, Inc.
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
Vermont Dept of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Sponsors: Chippers, Inc. and H.B. Plumbing and Heating
VT DEC Watershed Protection Assistance Grant
Local food contributors: Dream Come True Farm of Hartland – lemon balm iced tea & tomatoes
Grandma Miller's of Londonderry – muffins
Lone Pine Farm of Hartland - blueberries
North Fork Bagels of Ludlow – bagels & cream cheese
Springfield Food Co-Op - cheese & crackers
Value of Donations: $78 (does not include the PBS filming)
Volunteer hours: 70 total
4. EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH ARTICLES 2007-08
Monthly Articles in local newspapers (4 weekly and 2 daily), covering the geographical
area of the ONRCD District on conservation topics.
Author is Linda K. Schneider *Unless noted otherwise
*** special attention
2007
July: Rain, Rain Quench my Yard by Sylvia Harris*
- Aug: Got Ponds? By Sylvia Harris*
- Sept: Where have all the Hummingbirds gone? By Linda K. Schneider
To local newspapers
Gardening for Wildlife: Plant Native Species By Linda K. Schneider
To Parks & Rec Trade Magazine National publication 30,000 circulation
- October: Green House Tour a Success
- November & December: none time to write grants and holidays
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2008
January: VT Standard reported on Woodstock Ag Forum with
Pictures of Marie, Sylvia, Linda and Ann Debevoise
Backyard Conservation by Sylvia Harris*
February: none
March: Your Own Private Drinking Water by Sylvia Harris*
April: Conservation (with Alice Jersey)
Eagle Times reported on Ott/Black River Basin Plan Meeting in Springfield
Agriview Get the Dirt on Soil Workshop
May: Dining on the Wild Side at ONRCD Soil Workshop
VT Standard reported on Ott/Black River Basin Plan Meetings in
Woodstock and Killington
June: Japanese Knotweed Control Workshop press release
Quechee Times on Food Scraps Reduction with Simon Pearce
And mention of Ottauquechee Basin Plan
VT Standard had picture of Watershed Council Meeting and ORG
Articles are offered to the following local newspapers: Windsor Area Observer, Vermont
Standard, Mountain Times, Eagle Times, CT River Spectator, and The Message of the Week. Event
articles are also offered to Valley News. Vital Communities post appropriate articles on their website
and puts them into Tidbits; an email newsletter. All articles are posted on the District website and in a
notebook in the District office for viewing. Articles are also made available to other Vermont
Conservation Districts if they wish to use them in newsletters.
5. PROGRAMS REQUESTED BY PARTNERS & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
INVASIVE SPECIES PHOTO DISPLAY PROGRAM
May 1 – Nov 1 2007 Quechee Gorge and Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome
Center requested the use of our invasive species photo display to put into the Education Room
200,000 people walked through those doors, having a chance to view our exhibit on
Invasive Plants and What is a Conservation District!
Nov 1 2007 to now USDA Service Center Conference Room
Photos go out upon request to special functions and this display can be shared with
Vermont Conservation Districts around our state and nature centers.
6.
NEW
PROJECTS STARTED DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR
A. AG Plastic Recycling
B. Food Scrap Reduction
C. Ottauquechee/Black River Basin Plan
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A.AG Plastic Recycling
VT Ag Plastic Recycling Workgroup
Anne MacMillan
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
Natalie Starr
DSM Environmental Services
Carolyn Grodinsky
Waste Prevention Coordinator
Waste Management Division
Linda Schneider
District Manager
Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District
Technical advisor:
Lois Levitan
Environmental Risk Analysis Program
Department of Communication
Kennedy Hall, Cornell University
Organized meeting in WRJ on May20, 2008
20 attendees
Has grant to do 8 workshops around New England with NEWMOA
to inform recycling community of new information
ONRCD has been instrumental in organizing a Vermont workgroup which is spearheading a state wide project
to recycle agricultural plastic from the round hay bales. This workgroup is four partners strong: ONRCD,
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Division, Vermont Waste Management Division, DSM
Environmental Services.
Currently, this low grade plastic is: 1. Taken to the landfill 2. Burned on the farm 3. Buried on the farm 4.
Collected and sold to China where it is burned for fuel. None of these options are in the best interest of our
environment.
Our goal is to close the loop, closer to home by building a recycling plant in the state of Vermont to recycle this
plastic and make products. In other countries this type of recycled plastic is currently being made into
agricultural boards, sheet plastic for pig stalls, fence posts, railroad ties, outdoor furniture and more. We are
currently doing our product market study for Vermont.
New information has come to light that makes this project timely. The high cost of fuel to transport is rising
daily. There is now technology available to purchase as a franchise, which uses dirty plastic collected and
compacted on the farm. Not having to wash this plastic is a huge advantage and a cost savings on equipment.
This technology is air-cooled not water cooled, making it an environmentally safe plant by not having to use
large quantities of water and not having a dirty water waste product.
We are looking for investors for this project. The grant we are going after to cover the cost of the feasibility
study requires investors to be in place. These unique individuals who will wish to support this project will have
close ties to agriculture, care about Vermont and the environment and have money to invest for a long term
project.
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B. Food Scrap Reduction Project
GOALS: To treat food scraps as a resource, not a waste
Food scraps can be a valuable source of nutrition for animals as feed and the soil as
compost. Diverting food scraps from the landfill conserves landfill space and reduces green
house gas emissions
Figure 3: "Brittony" the pet pig eats food scraps
from Applebutter Inn
Figure 4: Fine dining happens daily at the
Rocky Ridge Chicken Farm. These chickens eat
Simon Pearce Restaurant food scraps.
BRIEF HISTORY OF PROJECT: April 1, 2008 Vermont Organic Recycling Summit at Vermont Technical College in
Randolph Vermont afternoon workgroups were organized by geographic area to discuss their issues and needs. This
project is a direct result of that summit workgroup.
TWO PROJECTS:
1. Small scale project
Food scraps from local restaurants to farms as animal feed for pigs, chickens, sheep and goats
2. Community project
To reduce food scraps on a larger scale by making it into compost at a facility (ON HOLD FOR VT REGS)
PARTNERS: Greater Upper Valley Solid Waste Management District (GUVSWMD)
Southern Windsor/Windham County Solid Waste Management District (SW/WCSWMD)
Farms, restaurants and food service industry members as they join the program
Upper Valley Think Tank business attendees: Dartmouth College, DHMC Hospital, King
Arthur Flour, Hogwash Farm, Simon Pearce Restaurant, Vermont Compost, SW/WCSWMD, Hanover Food
Co-op, GUVSWMD, ONRCD, Norwich Farmer’s Market, Highfields Institute as technical advisor
SMALL SCALE PROJECT
Food scraps from local restaurants to farms as animal feed for pigs, chickens, sheep and goats
ADVANTAGES FOR FARMER
ADVANTAGES FOR RESTAURANT
Lower grain bills
Lower dump fees
High quality food source of nutrition for livestock
Fewer flies at dumpsters
Less odor at dumpsters
Helping the environment by not filling up the landfills with food scraps
TRACKING: Each restaurant and farmer should record the number of pickups and amount of volume
So we can say: This year, this project kept ______ pounds/tons out of the landfill
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1. Rocky Ridge Farm picks up food scraps from Simon Pearce Restaurant
Chicken farm
(Started pick ups May 1, 2008)
Every day in the summer – 55 gallon drum (estimated weight =
)
June – October
x # of days =
Every other day in the spring, late fall and winter
November – May
x # of days =
2. Leonard Britton’s Lumber Yard picks up food scraps from Applebutter Inn
Pet pig - Brittony
(Started pick ups July 1, 2008)
Every other day in the summer –
June – October
x # of days =
Every other day in the spring, late fall and winter
November – May
x # of days =
3. Two pig farmers pick up food scraps from Stella’s Restaurant
Pigs for pork by owner (Started pick ups June 1, 2008)
Every other day in the summer only –
June – October
x # of days =
C. Ottauquechee/Black River Basin Plan
(Received Clean & Clear Grant $2500)
1. April was kick off month – four public forums
a. ONRCD typed minutes, database, publicity and calling stakeholders
b. Dates and locations
1. April 17 Fletcher Memorial Library Ludlow VT
2. April 22 Marsh/Billings/Rockefeller National Park Woodstock VT
3. April 24 Springfield State Office Building Springfield VT
4. April 29 Sherburne Memorial Library Killington VT
c. Local Food Contributions
1. Black Watch Farm – Scottish Highlander Cross Beef Brisquit
2. Taftsville Country Store – VT Specialty Cheese platter with crackers
3. Jersey Girls of Chester – VT Specialty Cheese platter with crackers
4. Mac’s Woodstock Market – VT made product assortment
5. Cloudland Farm – Black Angus Spicy Garlic Sausage
6. Hinterland Farm – Cookies
2. Monthly Steering Committee meetings Jan - May
a. ONRCD typed minutes
b. Dates and locations
1. January 9, 2008 at Tip Top Building
2. February 20, 2008 at Tip Top Building
3. March 12, 2008 at River Mill Building
4. May 14, 2008 at River Mill Building
3. First Watershed Council Meeting June 17th at North Hartland Lake paddle & meeting
a. VERY successful 32 people attended
b. Represented: Trout Unlimited, VT Legislature, farmers, neighbors, concerned citizens,
Hartland Conservation Commission, Luzenac Talc Mine, ONRCD Board, USACE and fisherman
c. Monthly meetings to follow for 2 years
d. Different topics and locations – fisheries, dam safety, buffers, dirt roads etc
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7. PROGRAMS FROM OTHER GRANT SOURCES
A. Japanese Knotweed Control Workshop Project (VT DEC grant $2000 to ONRCD)
VT DEC Watershed Protection Assistance Grant was held at SWCRPC for a total of $5000, of
which ONRCD will organize a workshop on Aug 23, 2008 for $2000. The money came to the District during this
fiscal year as the organizing of the workshop took place from Jan-August 2008. Next fiscal year the workshop
will appear in this report, as an August 2008 event. BRAT organized test plots for different control methods,
writing a brochure, organized local foods for the event day. SWCRPC printed the brochure and managed the
grant money. USACE had the event on site and offered a speaker. Vegetation Control Services and VT DEC
demonstrated chemical control options.
B. Native Plant Nursery in Ludlow – Southern part of District
This project evolved out of the Japanese Knotweed Control Project and the same grant.
Partners: Luzenac Talc Mine, VT DEC, BRAT, SWCRPC and ONRCD. This project was initiated by BRAT and
Luzenac Talc Mine. June 4, 2008 we successfully planted 88 native trees and shrubs. Eight volunteers helped
from all the partner organizations.
Goal: To plant and maintain native plants for District projects and local landowner projects such as: buffer
projects, Japanese Knotweed replacement plants, and rain gardens
Purchase local replacement stock – expense $300 annually for delivery of 300 trees/shrubs
C. Native Tree Nursery in Norwich – Northern part of District
This project was initiated by the ONRCD Board of Supervisors and Jonathan Frishtick, landowner.
Jonathan Frishtick has Stream-co Willow and Red Osier Dogwood for sale for buffer projects. The sale of
these stems will benefit ONRCD to fund other projects. Estimated Income for District 100 stems for $25 –
research to see if this is a current price estimate.
D. ARS/BP- Agricultural Resource Specialist/Basin Planner * see work plan for job description
- ANIMAL MORTALITY COMPOSTING GRANT
DVD created and ready for distribution
E. LTP – LAND TREATMENT PLANNERS
- Nutrient Management Plans for farmers in Districts
For Ottauquechee NRCD by Brandon Carpenter
Land Treatment Plans completed: 3
Medium Farm Operations: 0
EQIP farms: 1
LTP Acres: 564
F. VACD-ENVIROTHON MAY 2008
-
Phone calls to every high school in our District to request teams
Presentations to High Schools did not happen this year. I could not get an audience.
ONRCD Donated $100 to this event
G. SVNMP - NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT GRANT
Nutrient Management assessments & plans with six southern VT District Farmers
H. Grants we wrote but did not receive
Clean and Clear $12,500
Watershed Assistance Grant – Conservation License plates $6000
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8. PROJECTS THAT ARE PENDING FUNDING
Agricultural Plastic Recycling
Educational Scholarship program
Amnesty day to farmers - Tire recycling
Sustainable Agriculture project, animals to low income families
Skidder Bridge
9. WEB SITE http://vacd.org/onrcd
GREAT IMPROVEMENT THIS YEAR ON OUR WEBSITE! Our District website
promotes and publicizes District programs and shares conservation information.
Keeping this website current is a constant priority for the District. Sue Greenall,
Associate Supervisor has taken on the task of revamping and upkeep on our Web site.
It is now a conservation information site with our events & articles posted.
Other Web sites used: Valley Net and Vital Communities post appropriate event
announcements and articles on their websites. Woodstock Ag Forum and Vital
Communities Tidbits; an email newsletter will carry any events or articles that are
important to our local farmers. VT DEC will have the Ottauquechee Black River Basin
Plan project and progress on their website and it should link to ours.
10. Vermont Farm Show
January 29-31, 2008
ONRCD had a presence at the Vermont Farm show, Linda Schneider, District Manager manned
the booth for 4 hours. I requested a VACD brochure this year. Sylvia Harris, ARS was instrumental
in producing this handout - a single page VACD brochure with map that explains the 14
Conservation District and their boundaries. It was a very effective tool to help people know which
Conservation District they reside in.
Woodstock Water Buffalo just changed it’s name to Vermont Spoondance Creamery - donated 10
cases of Water Buffalo Yogurt – always a big hit at the Farm Show. (Value-$215)
11. EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This program offers scholarships to farmers and community members to attend workshops
and conferences to help expand their knowledge. This program is in its infancy as we develop
and organize this program and find funding for its expansion. No recipients this year.
12. FUNDRAISING PROGRAMS 2007-2008
A. Two Appeal Letter Campaigns ($2500)
1. June 2007 ($1510)
2. Dec 2007 ($990)
B. Items for sale: Tree Flags and Tree Wraps, Revetment supplies ($0)
C. Farm Scales Rental Program ($135)
ONRCD owns four hydraulic MD-400 General Electrodynamics Corp Farm Scales to loan to our local district
farmers, for a donation to the District. SVNMP took the scales on the road this year to help produce income for the district.
18
Good nutrient management requires knowing actual crop yields and amounts of nutrient applied. Weighing a few
loads of silage as they come off the field will give a more accurate estimate of the total yield, as well as weighing loads of
fertilizer and manure as they are applied. Together they help determine health of fields and management changes
needed.
E. Workshops - ($1525)
1. Get the Dirt on Soil Workshop $900
a. 2 sponsor @ $250
b. 16 attendees paid $25 total
2. Japanese Knotweed Control Workshop for landowners & Native Tree Nursery Project
a. Dollars came in from this grant held at SWCRPC $625
b. Free and open to the public
C. Two sponsorships for $500 each will show up in next FY’s report Aug event
F. Annual meeting ($220)
ONRCD Annual Meeting was Oct 10, 2007
suggested $25 donation with 18 attendees, fundraiser $220
Greenhouse tour with presentations by Sylvia Davatz and Marie Levesque Caduto
Annual Meeting and Local Foods lunch
Topics: Vegetable seed saver and Ottauquechee Black River Basin Plan
G. Community Discussion Groups and Programs ($200)
1. Rain gardens at Hartland Garden Club = $100
2. Backyard Wildlife Habitat at Quechee Garden Club = $100
H. SEP or EPA Funds ($0)
I. Grants we wrote but did not receive
1. Clean and Clear $12,500 for Basin Plan receive partial funding of $2500
2. Watershed Assistance Grant – Conservation License plates $6000
13. MEETINGS, CONFERENCES, CLASSES, VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES 2007-2008
A. MEETINGS
Monthly Board Meetings
ONRCD District Board of Supervisors meet every month on the 2 nd Wednesday of each month at the
USDA Service Center Conference Room in White River Junction, the public is welcome to attend.
The Board took time at the May meeting to review the 5 year Strategic Plan, Goal Grid and Task Lists
to see if they were on track with the Long Range Goals. They were very pleased with the results.
At our monthly meetings this year, the Board finalized the Personnel Policies, Conflict of Interest and
Operational Procedures and a procedure for handling complaints from the public.
District Managers and Employee quarterly meetings were attended by Linda Schneider, District
Manager
VACD and NRCC representation by Windham County Representative- Meg Kluger
VACD Annual meeting in Nov 2007 in St Albans was attended by Linda Schneider
19
NRCS Reorganization Meeting Oct 2007
District works cooperatively with NRCS. Bill Forbes is the new regional DC. He attends most of the
monthly District meetings. District/NRCS meeting did not happen this year. NRCS did a state wide reorganizational meeting in October 2007, Linda Schneider attended.
Vermont Recycling Organic Summit April 1, 2008
And follow up meeting in WRJ of Upper Valley Think Tank to organize our Food Scrap Reduction
Projects June 2, 2008
NEWMOA Meeting WRJ June 2008
Helped to organize this meeting of recycling stakeholders to inform of workshops on this topic in New England
that NEWMOA is organizing with Cornell University to keep us informed of new events with ag plastic
recycling.
AG Plastic monthly conference calls - Vermont Ag plastic workgroup
B. CONFERENCES AND CLASSES
Employee Development and Training
Linda Schneider, the District Manager completed NRCS – Privacy and Security on line training
Supervisor Development and Training
ONRCD took on two new supervisors this year. The training has been very minimal. Jon Anderson
put together a recruitment guide at our request but no training has happened.
What topics and methods of training would be productive? What is required of a supervisor.
Ray Ledgerwood was very good at helping supervisors understand their role and importance.
C. Volunteer Activities
- Vermont Farm Show – man the booth for 3 hours
- Prepare foods and speeches for events
- Plant trees in native tree nursery
14. ALPHABETICAL PARTNER LIST
Agency of Agriculture
Agency of Natural Resources
Black River Action Team
Chester Conservation Commission
Chris Schneider, Builder
Chippers, Inc
Clay Hill Corners
Cloudland Farm
Cobb Hill Honey
Connecticut River Conservation District Coalition
CVPS (Electric Company)
Dream Come True Farm
Eastern Mountain Mortgage Co.
Farm Service Agency
Green Mountain Horse Association
Greater Upper Valley Solid Waste District
Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce
Hartford Conservation Commission
NEW 2007-2008
Apple Butter Inn
Annie MacMillan in workgroup
Black Watch Farm
Cavendish Game Birds
Clay Hill Collective
Cornell University
DSM Environmental Service
Fletcher Memorial Library Ludlow VT
20
14. ALPHABETICAL PARTNER LIST
Hartland Conservation Commission
Heifer International
High Fields Institute
High Mowing Seeds
Jericho Hill Farm
King Arthur Flour
Long Wind Farm
Mascoma Savings Bank
Montshire Museum of Science
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Norwich Conservation Commission
On the Edge Farm, LLC
Quechee Chamber of Commerce
Rocky Ridge Farm
South Woodstock Fire Department
NEW 2007-2008 Con’t
Hartland Garden Club
H.B. Plumbing and Heating
Hinterland Farm
Jersey Girls of Chester
Jonathan Frishtick, landowner
Killdeer Farm, Norwich
Lawes Agricultural Service Inc.
Long Meadow Farm, Hartland
Luzenac Talc Mine - Riotinto
Mac’s Woodstock Market
MacLennan Farm, Windsor
Fletcher Memorial Library Ludlow VT
Marsh/Billings/Rockefeller National Park Woodstock VT
North Country Organics
Quechee Garden Club
Sherburne Memorial Library Killington VT
Simon Pearce Restaurant
Southern Windsor Regional Planning Commission
Southern Windham/Windsor Solid Waste Management District
Southern Vermont Nutrient Management Plan
The Nature Conservancy of Vermont
Trumbull-Nelson Construction Co.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Upper Valley Land Trust
UVM Extension
Springfield State Office Building Springfield VT
Stella’s Restaurant
Sylvia Davatz Greenhouse Owner
Taftsville Country Store
Thorny Hills Farm, West Windsor
Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission
North Hartland and Springfield Dams
Dr. Heather Darby
Jennifer Colby
Val Vu Farm
Vegetation Control Service, Inc.
Vermont Agency of Agriculture
Vermont Dept of Environmental Conservation
Watershed Protection Assistance Grant
Vermont Dept of Fish and Wildlife
Vermont Dept of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Waste Management Division
Vermont Pasture Network at the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Vital Communities
VT Water Buffalo, Inc.
Waste Not!
Windsor Conservation Commission
Windsor County Forester
Wood’s Cider Mill, Springfield
Woodstock Conservation Commission
Woodstock Water Buffalo Company now Vermont Spoondance Creamery
Upper Valley Think Tank business attendees: Dartmouth College, DHMC Hospital, King Arthur Flour, Hogwash
Farm, Simon Pearce Restaurant, Vermont Compost, SW/WCSWMD, Hanover Food Co-op, GUVSWMD,
Norwich Farmer’s Market, Highfields Institute as technical advisor
21
15. UPCOMING ACTIVITES for 2008-2009
The following three focuses are the priorities in this District for conservation.
FOCUS:
Nutrient Management
Solid Waste Management
Sustainable Agriculture
Community Discussion Groups and Community Programs – The District will
continue quarterly discussion group meetings with the goal of increasing attendance.
Topics under discussion: Manure Management, AAP’s with Agricultural Resources
Specialist at GMHA, Billings Farms, Vet Center, Compost bins for Horse owners,
Backyard Wildlife Habitat in May for QLLA members.
Environmental Educational Programs
– Monthly newspaper column with articles on topics of conservation issues
-- Encourage high schools in our District to participate in the Envirothon, possibly
sponsor 2 schools
- Invasive Species Workshop on Japanese Knotweed Control for landowners’ Invasive
species identification and control education Aug 2008. Bedstraw fact sheet available
Agricultural Resource Specialist – Sylvia Harris
-Farm*A*Syst and Home*A*Syst Programs
- Accepted AG Practices (AAP’S) through environmental assessments
- Accepted AG Practices (AAP’S) to horse owners in February and May
- Manure Management workshops with NERC Oct 3, 2008 GMHA for horse owners
Nov 16, 2008 Billings Farm for livestock
Nov late
Vet Center West Windsor-horses
- Writing the Ag section of the Basin Plan for Ottauquechee Black Rivers
District Manager as speaker for Backyard Wildlife Habitat program for Quechee QLLA
members in May 2009
In-House Projects
- ONRCD Brochure (1000 copies) edit, print and distribute at all functions
- ONRCD Web site keeping the web site current by Sue Greenall.
- Educational Scholarship program
1. Provide scholarships to farmers and landowners for self development to
attend workshops and receive continuing education credits
2. ONRCD set a goal such as: 3-5 per year at $300 each = $1500
3. Research sustainable funding for this program
4. Set up Supervisory Board to set criteria to accept/reject applicants
22
Partner Programs invited to participate:
- Native Plant Nursery Project with DEC, SWRPC, BRAT, Luzenac Talc Mine
Annual Meeting – Our long range plans identify Sustainable Agriculture as a major
focus. Oct 2008 – Sustainable Agriculture focus highlight our Local Foods Cookbook at
Local Foods Luncheon in Woodstock with a Silent Auction. (fund-raiser)
Long Range Plan – ONRCD’s Long Range Plan is completed. ONRCD Strategic Long
Range - 5 year plan. Feb 2006 to Feb 2011.
Farm Scale Equipment Rental Program – Brochure to be distributed to local farm
supply stores in our District. Scale rentals are a service to our farmers and a small fund
raiser for ONRCD, asking for a donation. SVNMP, LTP, ARS positions will help get the
word out and deliver the scales.
Fund raising appeal letter campaign 2008-2009: send one annual letter in
November 2008, increase number sent out and use a printed envelope and printed
letter for a better response.
SEP or EPA Funds – ONRCD Board members are watching the area newspapers for
any funding opportunities that arise in our District.
Expansion plans for ONRCD
1. Solid waste management is a new area for our District. This year we
established the Vermont Ag plastic Workgroup to find solutions for Agricultural
Plastic recycling in Vermont and District. (Hay bale wrap- marshmallows)
Workgroup consists of: Annie MacMillan, Agency of Agriculture Food &
Markets, Carolyn Grodinsky, Waste Management Division, Natalie Starr, DSM
Environmental Services and Linda Schneider, ONRCD.
This summer we hired an intern to explore products that might fit into Vermont that would be made
from this low grade of recycled plastic. (Ex: Boards, railroad ties, fencing, lawn furniture, etc.)
Finding funding to do a feasibility study and business plan are next steps.
As we look for investors, Vermont businessmen with direct ties to agriculture and an environmental
interest in Vermont.
ONRCD GOALS: Keep agricultural plastic out of the landfills
Do not burn it
Keep local solutions in mind (Not ship to ChinaChina burns plastic for fuel and California’s air
suffers as a direct result.)
Find an end result that is environmentally friendly
23
Ultimate goal for the project: Getting Canadian Company -Think Plastics Inc patented technology into
Vermont by setting up a plant. (They recycle dirty Ag plastic and make Ag grade products with an air
cooled system.) Or build a plant in Vermont with their franchise.
2. Ottauquechee/Black River Basin Plan is a strategy to improve water quality on
these two rivers. This District has other basin plans in place because of overlap into
other Districts. Watershed Coordinator, Marie Levesque Caduto will guide us through
this process. Started April 2008, it is a five year process with planning and
implementation. We have six partners in place to begin the Watershed Council core
group to help bring stakeholders to the table.
WISH LIST PROJECTS and IDEAS - IF FUNDING FOUND
Sustainable Agriculture Projects: Encourage small farmers and gardeners to try
organic farming on a small scale. Promote Community Supported Agriculture
programs. Partner with Vital Communities. Continue to encourage new gardeners with
workshops or speakers in the spring and winter.
Partner with Heifer International to help establish new small diversified farms to the low
income levels in our District.
Water Quality projects: Ottauquechee, White, Connecticut, Black, Williams Rivers, as
well as Mell and Lull Brooks all flow through our District. Our lakes include: Amherst,
Echo, Rescue, and North Springfield Reservoir. Our rivers, lakes and streams need to
be examined closely. The only river in ONRCD that currently has Water Quality data is
the Williams River. Our two ARS positions will be focusing on water quality, one in the
north end of our District and one in the southern end. Ottauquechee/Black River Basin
Plan has begun – April 2008. Marie Levesque Caduto at DEC will be writing this
document while Sylvia Harris, ARS/BP will write the agricultural section.
Solid Waste Projects: Partner with GUVSWD
AGRICULTURAL PLASTIC RECYCLING PROJECT
FARM/PROPERTY CLEANUP DAY - Old Tires and steel (Amnesty Program
Nursery Pots recycling
Food Scrap reduction project continues
Other Ideas:
Farm tour on bus to 4 local farms with local food lunch at end – Annual meeting
2009 possibly a Norwich church.
24
District Actual Dollars for 2007-2008
ACTUALS FY 07-08
ACTUALS FY 0708
Balance Forward 6/30/07 Bank
Accounts+F52
3601.59
Jul '07 – Jun
08
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
donation
equipment rental - farm scales
Total Donations
2,735.00
135.00
2,870.00
Grants
Clean and Clear Grant
SWCRPC-Japan Knotweed Wrkshp
Total Grants
2,500.00
625.38
3,125.38
Investment Dividends
Diversified Income
Putnam High Yield
Total Investment Dividends
1,242.75
546.25
1,789.00
Program
Backyard Wildlife Habitat
100.00
Annual Meeting
220.00
Program - Other Rain Gardens
100.00
Total Program
420.00
SpecProject
Wksp Sponsor
500.00
workshop
400.00
Total SpecProject
900.00
State funding
NRCC - Reimbursement
State funding - Other
Total State funding
Total Income
Gross Profit
150.14
9,000.00
9,150.14
17,899.52
17,899.52
Expense
Admin. Overhead
153.51
DPC Exp Claim
Conferences
Meetings
Mileage
Total DPC Exp Claim
260.42
25.00
295.96
581.38
25
Dues
1,055.00
Insurance
Bonding
100.00
General Liability
375.00
Workers Comp Insurance
354.00
Total Insurance
Miscellaneous
829.00
0.00
Office
Accountant
290.00
High Speed Internet - home offc
238.00
Office - Other
200.00
Total Office
728.00
office supplies
155.76
pass-thru
Payroll Expenses
Postage (reg.)
92.00
19,110.96
266.95
Programs
Annual Meeting
139.75
Envirothon
100.00
Programs - Other
Total Programs
Subscriptions
14.03
253.78
12.00
Super Exp.
meeting
14.17
Total Super Exp.
14.17
taxes 941
2,023.13
taxes 944
790.39
Unrealized Losses on Investment
Diversified Income
2000.00
Putnam High Yield
100.00
Total Unrealized Losses on Investment
Total Expense
Net Ordinary Income
2100.00
26,066.03
-8,166.51
Other Income/Expense
Other Income
Insurance Reimbursements
Total Other Income
Net Other Income
Net Income
2.00
2.00
2.00
-8,164.51
Beginning balance in bank accounts
3601.59
-4562.9
26
July 9,2008 IN CHECKING ACCOUNTS
Total in checking accounts
988
0
988
SWCRPC Grant balance+F2
800
Now Account balance
Clean & Clear Grant balance
************************************************************************
C. Total Volunteer donations to the District 2007-08
- Volunteer Time in hours = 576 hours
- Volunteer Goods Value $5975
- Volunteer Services Value $3226
**************************************************************************
Wish List if funds would become available
Legislative Luncheon
Printing Brochure (1000 copies x $1)
Scholarship program
($500 x 3)
Water Quality projects as they arise in Basin Plan
Skidder bridge program
Solid Waste Management – 1. Ag Plastic
2. Plastic Pots
3. Tires Amnesty Day
**********
SEE Attached reports from NRCS, ARS\BP, SVNMP and LTP
$ 500
$1000
$1500
$10,000
$75,000
$5000
$8000