New USDA Report Shows Conservation Practices Reducing Sediment, Nitrogen and Phosphorus

A new USDA study shows that farmers using combinations of erosion-control and nutrient-management practices on cultivated cropland are reducing losses of sediment, nitrogen and phosphorous from farm fields and decreasing the movement of these materials to the Great Lakes and their associated waterways.

“The Great Lakes Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) study confirms that good conservation planning and implementation have reduced loadings of sediment and nutrients to waterways throughout the region,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said today. “The Administration appreciates the actions of every farmer who is stepping up to implement conservation practices, protect vital farmlands and strengthen local economies. At the same time, we also see opportunities for even further progress.”

OWLA supports these efforts in the Owasco Lake watershed and we hope more of these efforts can be continued in all of the FingerLakes watersheds. 

Read more at:   http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/newsroom/?

Ceremony to Honor Lake Advocates

Owasco Flats Nature Reserve and Owasco Watershed Lake Association

Invite you to celebrate the lives of the late

Dr. Joseph Wasileski and Pamela Sullivan

on October 16th, 2011

1:00 pm- 2:30 pm

 

Dr. Wasileski (Dr. Joe) and Ms. Sullivan (Pamela) recently left this earth, after having devoted much of their lives as stewards of Owasco Lake.  Their stewardship efforts were instrumental in improving the water quality and educating the public and our elected officials on what was needed to be done to accomplish these goals through the Owasco Watershed Lake Association. 

Both Dr. Joe and Pamela were long time supporters of and participated in the Swim Owasco events, attended the Cayuga County Water Quality Management Agency meetings and supported the Owasco Flats Nature Reserve efforts to restore wetlands for water quality and wildlife habitat.  They were most successful at being our voice, our leaders in the fight to improve Owasco Lake for future generations. Their leadership will be sorely missed.

We have selected October 16, 2011 from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm to celebrate the lives of these two very special people.  We will be gathering for the event at the Owasco Flats Nature Reserve, Route 38 parking area and kiosk at 1:00 pm, with the program commencing shortly thereafter. This is a rain or shine event. Cider and a snack will be available. Please bring chairs for sitting, your own cup for cider (or your own refreshments) and an umbrella to keep you dry if raining. Hope to see you there!

 

We are collecting photographs, so if you have any that you would like to share please send them to annkmoore@gmail.com

For more information contact OFNR  Chair

Sandie Doran at owascoflats@gmail.com