|
Welcome to Helpful Horse Hints!Conservation Corner
Prince William Soil & Water Conservation District
By Kate Norris
The function of a District is to take available technical, financial, and educational resources, whatever their source, and focus or coordinate them so that they meet the needs of the local land user for the conservation of soil, water, and related resources.
Adapted form Pete Nowak's "The Conservation District Official: Villain or Victim?"
I'm pleased that "horsehints.org" has given me an opportunity to share conservation ideas, and opportunities for horse owners through this website. Horse owners in the northern Virginia area may also visit www.pwswcd.org to learn about seminar, events, and financial incentive programs available through our agency. Some of you may already be familiar with the mission and services of soil and water conservation districts. My conservationist peers and I have visited many Virginia horse farms, learned about your concerns and objectives, and are working with you to develop and implement solutions. Your overwhelming interest and support continues to keep us extremely busy! We thank you for your commitment to protecting community waters. Pasture Management Budget Horse Farm/Achieve Your Vision! I'm a life-long horse owner and a conservationist with the Prince William Soil & Water Conservation District (PWSWCD). PWSWCD is a state- and locally-supported, non-regulatory agency, dedicated to helping citizens voluntarily manage their land in a way that protects water quality. We have a staff of six that provide technical and financial assistance to the varied PWC agricultural community as well as educational programs to citizens, both youth to adults. A board of directors, comprised of three elected positions, one state appointed position, and a county extension agent, govern the District. Our District is a "suburb" of Washington D.C. and includes urban, suburban, and a few rural communities. The majority of our agricultural operations are small horse farms on 5-10 acres. Our communities drain into the Potomac River and eventually into the Chesapeake Bay. In the following articles I will introduce you to "Environmentally Sensitive Horsekeeping." I hope to provide you with the tools to evaluate your land stewardship skills and the inspiration to begin to make needed changes. The steps you take will benefit not only your property and horses, but also local and downstream water quality. Thank you, Kate, for sharing your infinite equestrian and farm management knowledge with all of us. This information was reposted by the permission of the author. |