Watersheds:
Sugar Creek
Counties:
Tuscarawas
Contact Name:
Tracy Haney
Job Title:
District Program Administrator
Affiliation:
Tuscarawas Soil and Water Conservation District
Address:
277-B Canal Street
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
Phone:
(330) 339-5584
Fax:
(330) 339-1559
Email:
HUC:
0504001-110-020
In the early 1990s, local stakeholders first spoke aloud about the need
for long term solutions for livestock operators in the East Branch Sugar
Creek Watershed. In 1994 the Tuscarawas Soil and Water Conservation
District applied for and received Ohio EPA "319" funding for the East
Branch Sugar Creek Dairy Waste Separation and Treatment Demonstration
Project, which ran from 1995-98.
In summer 1998, Ohio EPA began a water quality study of the Sugar Creek Watershed, including the East Branch. At the same time, with a grant from ODNR Division of Soil and Water, a summer intern completed a livestock inventory of the East Branch Watershed. At the end of the summer, a group of East Branch Watershed landowners were invited to an initial "watershed meeting". There we shared the results of the livestock inventory, the purpose of Ohio EPA's study, and proposed the preparation of a watershed action plan. The group has been meeting quarterly since then, with 10 to 20 stakeholders attending each meeting. Smaller work groups meet more often.
The Tuscarawas SWCD Board of Supervisors has been supportive of the watershed planning efforts, providing financial support, office space and other in-kind contributions. Ohio EPA awarded the District a "319" Watershed Planning Grant, which has enabled a full time staff person to continue working with landowners/users in the East Branch Watershed.
The majority of the land in our watershed is in family farms, which have been in the same families for three or four generations. They are concerned about communicating a better understanding of the economics of agriculture, especially the dairy business, to the public and to regulatory agencies. They are concerned about their ability to meet water quality goals and potential permitting requirements, and maintain the family farm as a financially viable way of life.
Both agency staff members and local stakeholders have extensive background and training in manure management, including manure collection, storage, treatment (including separation), and agronomic use. They are also knowledgeable about soil capabilities and drainage systems. We have Certified Crop Advisors in our group, and people highly experienced in dairy management. Staff members have lab and research experience with collection and processing of manure, soil and water samples.
The majority of the land in our watershed is in family farms, which have been in the same families for three or four generations. They are concerned about communicating a better understanding of the economics of agriculture, especially the dairy business, to the public and to regulatory agencies. They are concerned about their ability to meet water quality goals and potential permitting requirements, and maintain the family farm as a financially viable way of life.
In summer 1998, Ohio EPA began a water quality study of the Sugar Creek Watershed, including the East Branch. At the same time, with a grant from ODNR Division of Soil and Water, a summer intern completed a livestock inventory of the East Branch Watershed. At the end of the summer, a group of East Branch Watershed landowners were invited to an initial "watershed meeting". There we shared the results of the livestock inventory, the purpose of Ohio EPA's study, and proposed the preparation of a watershed action plan. The group has been meeting quarterly since then, with 10 to 20 stakeholders attending each meeting. Smaller work groups meet more often.
The Tuscarawas SWCD Board of Supervisors has been supportive of the watershed planning efforts, providing financial support, office space and other in-kind contributions. Ohio EPA awarded the District a "319" Watershed Planning Grant, which has enabled a full time staff person to continue working with landowners/users in the East Branch Watershed.
The majority of the land in our watershed is in family farms, which have been in the same families for three or four generations. They are concerned about communicating a better understanding of the economics of agriculture, especially the dairy business, to the public and to regulatory agencies. They are concerned about their ability to meet water quality goals and potential permitting requirements, and maintain the family farm as a financially viable way of life.
Both agency staff members and local stakeholders have extensive background and training in manure management, including manure collection, storage, treatment (including separation), and agronomic use. They are also knowledgeable about soil capabilities and drainage systems. We have Certified Crop Advisors in our group, and people highly experienced in dairy management. Staff members have lab and research experience with collection and processing of manure, soil and water samples.
The majority of the land in our watershed is in family farms, which have been in the same families for three or four generations. They are concerned about communicating a better understanding of the economics of agriculture, especially the dairy business, to the public and to regulatory agencies. They are concerned about their ability to meet water quality goals and potential permitting requirements, and maintain the family farm as a financially viable way of life.
HUC8:
05040001
HUC11:
05040001110