InFocus Conservation No-Till

20 Oct by

The progressive planting process readies the soil for new tree planting. before an apple orchard

This week’s InFocus features Conservation No-Till and the District’s No-Till Drill Rental program. 

Pictured is a farm that uses a progressive planting process that readies the soil for new tree planting. The row of radish is planted where future trees will be planted and will reduce compaction, allow future tree roots to reach further in the soil for water, and reduce nitrates in the soil, reducing the odds of excess nutrients from running to nearby waterways.

One big field of a cover crops, radish will reduce compaction and improve drainage

The Sorghum-Sudangrass seen in the image suppresses weeds, provides cover and protection again erosion, and is an excellent source of organic matter when planning for future orchards.

Local crop farmer plants a mix of oats, radish, and peas to improve soil health. The radish will reduce compaction and improve drainage while the oats provide weed suppression and uptake of excess nutrients. Peas are a great source of nitrogen and organic matter. All three provide protection against erosion throughout the winter season.

The District’s No-Till Drill is a pull-style with a working width of 10’ and requires approximately a 70 hp tractor to run it. It has the main seedbox with a 25-bushel capacity and a native seedbox with a 10-bushel capacity. The machine is ideal for many conservation projects, cover crops, pasture renovations, and food plots.

Rent the Seeder / Tiller Drill $15/ Acre + $50 Set Up Fee

For more information Contact: Ian Priestley ian@waynenyswcd.org  (315) 946-7200

Filed Under: InFocus

Work Party: Alasa Farms — Genesee Land Trust – October 30th – Registration required

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On October 30th the Genesee Land Trust will host a “work party” at Alasa Farms to help with trail improvements. ( Registration required)

According to the Genesee Land Trust’s website, “Work Parties are family-friendly weekend events where volunteers work alongside Genesee Land Trust staff on the trail and habitat improvement projects. If you’ve got some time on the weekends and an interest in giving back to the local conservation lands we invite you to join in on the work party fun.”

To attend you must sign up  (click here to sign up)    Once you register an e-mail reminder will be sent the week of the event with directions and parking details. Contact Kevin Farrell at kfarrell@geneseelandtrust.org with questions.

Alasa Farms, located in North Rose, has had over 350 acres of woodlands, two creeks that feed Sodus Bay, marsh along the Bay, and rolling orchards on fields of fertile soil. The woods, fields, and wetlands provide resting areas for migrating songbirds on their journeys north to Canada and after their long flights from as far away as South America.

Conservation Event:

When: October 30th
Time: 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Where: Cracker Box Palace
6420 Shaker Rd
North Rose, NY, 14516 (map)

 

 

Filed Under: Events of Interest Tagged With:

Keep Leaves Away from Storm Drains

13 Oct by

storm_drainsNow is the time of year to be conscious of the yard and garden clean-up. Make sure you keep leaves and grass out of storm drains.  Fallen leaves and grass clippings can plug storm drains and can cause flooding to our roadways.  If yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and small twigs are disposed of in a storm drain, they will make their way to a natural body of water where they threaten aquatic life and degrade water quality.

Don’t feel obligated to rake up every last leaf in your yard this fall. Let some leaves stay on the ground — they have many benefits to wildlife and the garden. A composting-leavesleaf layer sometimes called duff, several inches deep is natural on forest floors. This leaf layer is its own mini-ecosystem! Many wildlife species live in or rely on the leaf layer to find food like earthworms and other beneficial microbes.

From a gardening perspective, fallen leaves offer a double benefit. Leaves will form a natural mulch that helps suppress weeds and at the same time fertilize the soil as they break down. Why spend money on mulch and fertilizer when you can make your own? Here is a great video on how to create leaf mold, it takes a few years, but it is considered garden gold. Farmer’s Almanac  page.

If leaves must be racked, don’t throw them in the trash. Compost them or drop them off at a municipal recycling center so they can be turned into compost that you and other members of your community can use in the spring. Some communities even offer curb-side pick up of leaves specifically for municipal composting operations.

  1. Leaves make good insulation for overwintering tender perennials. The best time to mulch perennials is after the ground has frozen, so put aside shredded leaves in bags to use later in the fall.
  2. Mow leaves and clippings into the lawn, lawns actually benefit from thin layers of leaves. Leaf litter improves the soil, lessening the need for fertilizer in the spring.
  3. Leaf humus can lighten heavy clay soils, so leave a layer in the garden.
  4. Leaves increase the moisture retention of dry, sandy soils.

The Wayne County Master Gardeners can offer more information, visit http://ccewayne.org/gardening-home-grounds

Happy Raking!

 

Filed Under: Water Quality Updates

Blind Sodus Bay and Port Bay REDI Project Updates Available

7 Oct by

Port Bay, Wayne County NY

In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, the Resiliency & Economic Development Initiative (REDI) was created to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region. Wayne County in partnership with the New York State REDI program has committed to working together on addressing resiliency shoreline issues and has been in the process of choosing priority projects across the County since June 2019. The Wayne County Project Profiles provides a full overview of the projects chosen for Wayne County.

Wayne County Soil & Water Conservation District (WCSWCD) is working in collaboration with Wayne County as a general contractor to address shoreline resiliency needs for the Port Bay Barrier Bar System and the Blind Sodus Bay Bluff and Barrier Bar System.

The District is pleased to announce project information and updates are now available.  Updates include project history, story maps, engineering design reports, project profiles, SEQR reports, and more.

Follow these links to the project reports:

REDI Project Updates

      • Project Overview
      • BLIND SODUS BAY, Bluff and Barrier Bar System – WCSWCD collaborating with Wayne County as a general contractor
      • PORT BAY, Barrier Bar System – WCSWCD collaborating with Wayne County as a general contractor

At the bottom of the two project pages, there is a way for the public to make comments. The District hopes a 90% project report will be released by the end of the year.

Filed Under: Water Quality Updates

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) is asking for the public’s help in combatting the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF)

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With Population Spreading in New York City Area, Department Asks Public to Destroy or Use Control Measures to Treat Spotted Lanternfly
Encourages Residents to Report New Sightings The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) is asking for the public’s help in combatting the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), an invasive pest from Asia.  First found in New York State on Staten Island in August 2020, the population has now been observed in all NYC boroughs.  SLF (see photo below) is a destructive pest that feeds on more than 70 plant species, including tree-of-heaven, and plants and crops that are critical to New York’s agricultural economy, such as grapevine, apple trees, and hops.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Department has been working diligently to mitigate the impacts of this destructive pest, which can weaken plants and have a devastating impact on agriculture.  Despite intensive surveys and the implementation of targeted management plans, AGM has continued to find SLF around the New York City area.  We are once again asking for residents’ help, this time with spotted lanternfly control measures, particularly in this area.  Outside of NYC, we’re asking for the public to continue to be vigilant and report any sightings to help slow the spread of this invasive.”

New York City Region

NYS AGM has been receiving increased reports of SLF in the five boroughs of New York City since early this month.  While inspectors continue to survey and respond to these reports, AGM is asking residents to destroy SLF adults. Later in the fall the public can help further by scraping off and destroying SLF egg masses. The public can also reach out to Cornell University’s Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) to learn about control measures or a certified pesticide applicator for treatment options to help combat SLF. Because NYSAGM is aware of the population spread, it is asking NYC residents to forgo reporting sightings of SLF at this time.  In addition to reaching out to Cornell, AGM encourages the public to thoroughly inspect vehicles, luggage and gear, and all outdoor items for egg masses and adult SLF before leaving the New York City region.

While these insects can jump and fly short distances, they spread primarily through human activity. SLF can lay their eggs on any number of surfaces, such as vehicles, stone, rusty metal, outdoor furniture, and firewood. Adult SLF can hitch rides in vehicles, on any outdoor item, or cling to clothing or hats, and be easily transported into and throughout New York.

Residents can also help by allowing surveyors access to properties where SLF may be present.  Surveyors will be uniformed and will always provide identification.

Upstate New York

SLF has also been detected in several isolated areas upstate, including Ithaca, New York; however, that population is relatively small and scheduled for treatment.

For residents living outside of New York City, AGM urges New Yorkers to report sightings of the SLF, using the web reporting tool found here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/a08d60f6522043f5bd04229e00acdd63

Reporting in Upstate New York is critical, helping inspectors identify any newly impacted areas.

Brian Eshenaur, Sr. Extension Associate at Cornell University’s NYS Integrated Pest Management Program, said, “In New York, we’re particularly concerned about the impact Spotted Lanternfly could have on our grape and wine industries. Our NYS Integrated Pest Management Program has been working with our colleagues in Pennsylvania over the past few years to learn from their experience and prepare our growers for this insect advance.  We are currently scouting vineyards and have NYS appropriate management options available for producers and tips for residents as well.”

In February of this year, the State also launched an innovative effort to combat the spread of SLF in New York State. A new online interface allows volunteer members of the public to assist in surveying for SLF in a specific area, or grid of land, and tracking associated data. The program encourages broader surveying for SLF and increased public awareness of this invasive pest.

The State is holding a series of training webinars to educate volunteers on how to identify SLF and tree-of-heaven, a plant that SLF commonly feeds on. Each training webinar will focus on a different life stage of SLF based on the time of year that stage would be most likely found during survey.  Currently, the training focuses on identifying adult SLF. The training will also cover how to use iMapInvasives, how to sign up for a grid and track data, and details about land access. The next webinar will be held on October 27, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. More information about the program, including upcoming webinars, can be found at https://www.nyimapinvasives.org/slf.

Spotted Lanternfly Devastating to New York Agriculture

SLF feeding can stress plants, making them vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. SLF also excretes large amounts of sticky “honeydew,” which attracts sooty molds that interfere with plant photosynthesis, negatively affecting the growth and fruit yield of plants, devastating agriculture and impacting forest health.

The estimated total economic impact of invasive insects in the US exceeds $70 billion per year, and if not contained, the SLF could have an impact to NYS of at least $300 million annually, mainly to the grape and wine industry.

SLF also has the potential to significantly hinder quality of life and recreational activities due to the honeydew and the swarms of insects it attracts.

First discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014, SLF has since been found in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and Virginia. Given the proximity to the Pennsylvania and New Jersey infestations, New York State is at high risk for infestation.

Since 2017, AGM, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, New York State Department of Transportation, and New York State Thruway Authority have taken an aggressive approach to keeping SLF from establishing in New York State, conducting surveys of high-risk areas across the State; inspecting nursery stock, stone shipments, and commercial transports from quarantine areas; and launching a comprehensive education and outreach campaign to enlist the public’s help in reporting SLF.

Identifying SLF

Adult SLF are active from July to December. They are approximately one inch long and half an inch wide at rest, with eye-catching wings. Adults begin laying eggs in September. Signs of an SLF infestation may include:

  • Sap oozing or weeping from open wounds on tree trunks, which appear wet and give off fermented odors.
  • One-inch-long egg masses that are brownish-gray, waxy and mud-like when new. Old egg masses are brown and scaly.
  • Massive honeydew build-up under plants, sometimes with black sooty mold developing.

For more information on Spotted Lanternfly, visit https://agriculture.ny.gov/spottedlanternfly.

 

Filed Under: Invasives

Attention Educators Emergency Response to Spotted Lanternfly 1.5 CFE credits

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A representation of the Spotted Lanternfly during its lifecycle. A winged adult SLF is center. The insect as it appears with black and white markings after hatching during May and June is to the right. As the insect matures, it changes from black to mainly red, usually during July through September, as shown to the left. It assumes it adult, winged form in late summer, and lays its eggs in the fall, starting the cycle again. (Artwork by Juliet Linzmeier, Student Conservation Association member, Invasive Species Unit, NYS Parks)

The Finger Lakes PRISM is hosting a webinar to address titled Emergency response to Spotted Lantern Fly. Right now, Spotted lanternfly is wreaking havoc downstate and is expected to take a foothold in our region as soon as this season. Learn what SLF is, what this means to our communities, and how we can build a response plan for its imminent arrival. This program is for municipal leaders, planners, educators, and community advocates.

This program is approved for 1.5 Category 1 CFEs through SAF.

Agenda:

10am-10:30   An overview of SLF. What it is, what is does, and why we are worried

Brian Eshenaur, Sr. Extension Associate, Cornell University and NYS IPM

10:30-11:00    NYS response to SLF- where it is currently, what is being done, and how we can mitigate the impacts

Thom Allgaier, Invasive Species Coordinator, NYS Dept. of Ag and Markets

11:00-11:30    A response plan to SLF. How to mobilize your community, develop and disseminate a communication plan, and engaging your stakeholders in the region

Linda Svoboda, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County; Judy Wright, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County; and Hilary R. Mosher, Coordinator for the Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management

11:30-12pm    Detailed Q/A session with expert panel including Linda Rohleder, PhD, Director of Land Stewardship for the NY-NJ Trails Conference and Lower Hudson PRISM Coordinator, Mitchell O’Neill,  iMapInvasives and NY Natural Heritage Program, and Hans Walter-Peterson, Viticulture Specialist for Cornell University in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

Click here to register

Filed Under: Events of Interest

Floating Duckweed & Water Levels Highlight this Week Water Awareness 9-9-2021

9 Sep by

Water levels are beginning to taper off with an average at 245.35 at local south shore Lake Ontario stations this week and will be losing a few more inches of water on Lake Ontario in the next few weeks according to US Army Corps of Engineer projections. Click here for USACE Forecast

Local water levels on bays will continue to be low and will increase and decrease from upland watershed flows and wind events which will last up to 36 hours before calming.  Monitor boat slips, and other watercraft regularly.   Wind events in the last two weeks have been the culprit for surface weed exposure, creating floating bogs and break off.

Floating Duckweed can help alert boaters to areas of weed concentration as the Duckweed collects at the surface. Shown in the photos below.  This time of year, weed populations are dying off due to the cooler temperatures and the increased disturbance from wind/rain events. (click on images for larger view)

The SWCD Weed harvesting program continues to address weed mats and floating areas.  This year’s focus has been on flow and circulation as many of the areas are too shallow to adequately access fully loaded.  The last week, the Crew has focused on South of Port Bay area, closest to Wolcott Creek Inlet to open up water flow for the fall and winter season.  The crew is going to make its way north and clear out the cove areas on Port Bay after surface control of breakoff mats from this last week’s storms and back to Sodus Bay to address areas where collection mats have floated into tributary outlets and coves.

Filed Under: Water Quality Updates Tagged With: , ,

Are you located in an Ag District? Do you need a Soil Group Worksheet?

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The agricultural assessment program allows eligible farmland owners to receive real property assessments based on the value of their land for agricultural production rather than on its development value.  Any assessed value which exceeds the equalized agricultural assessment on the land may qualify for a reduced tax assessment.

Landowners must apply through the local town assessor for an agricultural assessment. Further Information on Agricultural Districts can be found here, contact information for local assessors can be found here.

Do you qualify? Find out by visiting the Soil Group page, there you can find more information about the program and will be able to download a brochure. You may also call our office at 315-946-7200

Filed Under: District News

Water Quality Awareness update August 13th-26th

26 Aug by
Sw

Second Creek increased streamflow. This is an important part of a natural cycle because of its impact on water quality and the living organisms and habitat in our streams.

As we enter the final week of August, we can see the end of summer just around the corner. All of the recent precipitation has provided a stark contrast to the weather from May and June. Over the past two weeks, we have seen the aftermath of tropical storm Fred and additional passing showers from Hurricane Henri’.

Rainstorms are categorized by their rainfall intensity and frequency of occurrence. This is determined by calculating the amount of rainfall per hour, or the total rainfall for a 24-hour period. For example, in Wayne County, a one-year storm event will drop 1.9” of rain over 24 hours, whereas a 100-year storm will provide between 5” to 5.5” of rain for the same time period. The intensity is the amount of rain falling and the frequency is listed as the 1-year or 100-year storm. The frequency represents the probability that a storm of that magnitude will occur. In other words, it is a safe bet that Wayne County will receive a storm that drops at least 1.9” of rain over a 24 period, or 0.08” in an hour. On the other hand, there is a 1% chance (1/100) that a storm will drop at least 5” of rain over a 24-hour period. Between 1” – 1.5” of rain was forecasted to fall throughout the County on the 18th. Lyons received nearly 3” of rain over the course of the day, which puts last week’s storm at about a 10-year storm event for the region. This high-flow rain event had an immediate impact on our local streams and rivers.

FL PRISM – NYS Parks On Water Chestnut Awareness Event – Hand Harvesting Water Chestnut – Black Creek

In other news, Wayne County wrapped up its Water Chestnut hand pull season on Friday, August 13th. A patchwork crew from FL-PRISM and NYS-PRHP (Parks) surveyed a new location within the Black Creek Unit of DEC’s Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Area. The crew of seven had to carry kayaks 1/2 mile to and from the hand launch due to a fallen tree blocking the access road. 1.25 miles of stream corridor was surveyed, and a small population of water chestnut was found towards the end of the stream. The infestation was documented, and all the invasive plants were removed from the wetland within an hour of finding them. After reporting to NYSDEC, it was determined that this will be a targeted area for next year’s management efforts.

At first glance, this event may seem insignificant, but it highlights some critical points for invasive species control. First and foremost, the working partnerships between agencies are critical for keeping up with landscape-wide surveying and management. Secondly, since this infestation is relatively small, this site is a great candidate for eradication with one to two annual management events.

Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District has hosted five water chestnut awareness events this season. Work was done in 4 locations with 75 people, 21 hours on the water hand pulling and surveying for this invasive species.

At the end of the day, the District and Partners covered over 4 miles of streams and removed ~2650 lbs. of water chestnut.

Filed Under: Water Quality Updates

Regional Dry-Down Day in Seneca County on 9-3-21

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The Cornell Cooperative NWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team will be working with Keystone Mills in Romulus, NY to put on a Dry-Down Day on September 3rd, 2021 from 10:00am to 2:00pm.  Farmers in the local area are encouraged to cut a bundle of 3 stalks from each corn field that they would like to be tested for dry matter, and bring them to the mill between 10:00am and 2:00pm on that day.

What:  Seneca County Regional Dry-Down Day
When:  September 3, 2021
Time:  10:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Keystone Mills
1975 State Route 336
Romulus, NY 14541

CCE NWNY team members will be there with a wood chipper to chip down the stalks and several drying options to determine the current dry matter of whole corn plants.  Based on the dry matter percentage of your corn stalks, we will be able to provide you with an estimate of your optimal harvest date.  There will not be a formal presentation, though information on best management practices for 2021 Corn Silage Harvest will be provided.  You do not have to wait around to get your results, but feel to take advantage of the opportunity to ask your questions and have some refreshments.  There is no cost for this program, and all are welcome to attend.

Sampling details:  Sample corn stalks should be from a representative area in the field, and should be cut the morning of September 3rd at the height you plan to set your chopper.  If you are unable to bring your stalks to the mill during the dry down timeframe, please reach out to Margaret Quaassdorff (585-405-2567) to make a plan before the 3rd to get your samples picked up.

Free coffee and baked goods will be provided by Keystone Mills.

 

Filed Under: Events of Interest
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