A bill recently introduced in the state Senate would increase conservation and technical assistance for farmers to reduce the impact of pollution on local creeks and streams.
Under the bill, local county conservation districts would receive and manage funding for agricultural conservation projects determined by local officials. These projects would improve local water quality.
The conservation districts would work directly with farmers and landowners to determine the best management practices.
“Agriculture is looked to for significant reductions to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and other major watersheds in the state,” state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford County), who introduced the bill, said. “Nevertheless, almost one-third of our Commonwealth’s streams do not meet standards for drinking, fishing or recreation, and agriculture remains one of the largest sources of impairment. To meet the challenges, I have introduced legislation to establish an Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program.”
The bill was referred to the Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee for consideration. It resulted from a collaborative effort between the government and numerous organizations, including Penn State University, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Senate Bill 1272 is modeled after the Dirt and Gravel Road Program that apportions funding according to a formula.