Management Ideas We Implemented In Our Plan
We have been working on our conservation plan since 1987. When we first bought our property it was solid tansy ragwort. We used sheep and mowing to eliminate it. From there we started breaking our fields into smaller pastures. When we planned for buildings we got assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and our local Soil & Water Conservation District to help us decide where to place buildings, drainage ditches, and how to divert roof runoff. Now that the buildings are in, we will concentrate on removing weeds, berry vines, improving our pastures including more cross fencing. We also plan on adding wetland plants around our ponds and the swale where roof runoff is diverted.
We protect our water, streams, and fish by leaving vegetative buffers of shrubs & trees.
Adding recycled shavings & manure to banks improves soil quality and reduces erosion. Picture to right is a bank that was then replanted with plants & shrubs.
Reseeding banks & ditches slows water movement & reduces erosion.
Keeping manure covered between October & March keeps nitrates from leeching into our streams and watersheds. You can store manure in a building or cover with large tarps.
Diverting water away from pastures & turn-outs keeps water clean