Blog Archives - Gratiot Conservation District

Local Farmer Delbert Crumbaugh Awarded Master Farmer of the Year for 2016

1/14/2016

Delbert Crumbaugh of Ashley in Gratiot County was awarded Master Farmer of the Year for 2016 by Michigan Farmer Magazine. According to the magazine’s website, The Master Farmer of the Year Award recognizes the finest farmers in Michigan.

Delbert has been farming since he was just a little boy when his parents raised dairy cows, pigs and chickens, then later feeder cattle. In an interview with Brownfield Ag News, he mentions remembering his mom sending him out to work with his father and helping on the farm from a very young age.

Over the years, Delbert built his farming business by continually purchasing available land surrounding his own farming operations. In the interview, he said that as farms near him or within a short distance came up for sale, he would buy them if he was able.

Delbert describes how farming, like any other business, involves commitment and learning to do it correctly. He says that using modern technology, such as no-till farming, can lighten your load and better your chances of success. He says if you can’t make it work for you, than don’t work with it.

According to Delbert’s son Mark, a long time Director on Gratiot Conservation District’s Board of Directors, the Crumbaughs were one of the first families in Gratiot County to embrace no-till farming technology. He recognized that with his clay-based soils, it’s important not to get on the field until it’s dry enough.

In his 85 years, Delbert says that he’s survived enough bad years (as a farmer) to enjoy the good years, and he’s thankful for that.

The Master Farmer of the Year Award is awarded by Michigan Farmer Magazine, Michigan Farm Radio Network, and Michigan Agribusiness Association. It is sponsored by Greenstone Farm Credit Services and Mosiac.

- Julie

MAEAP Fiscal Year 2015 Accomplishments in Gratiot County

1/13/2016

The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is an innovative, proactive, and voluntary program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. MAEAP has continued to move forward this year and has seen great support from the agricultural community here in Gratiot County. While the final step in the MAEAP process is verification, many producers begin mitigating high risk practices long before that takes place. The Conservation District reached out to many producers in FY’15, providing a vast number of services and bringing the total number of MAEAP Verifications in the county to 67 throughout the life of the program.

Fiscal Year 2015 accomplishments include:

Conducted 23 voluntary on-farm environmental risk assessments
Helped producers attain over 220 risk-reducing practices
6 individuals took part in a free well water screening for nitrates and nitrites
Held 3 Phase 1 Educational events reaching over 200 people; 13 of which expressed a higher level of MAEAP interest
Partnered with Gratiot Farm Bureau to host 1 of the Phase 1 Educational event as a result of a partnership mini-grant
Assisted producers to achieve 8 new MAEAP Verifications and 2 Re-Verifications

These 8 verifications resulted in the substantiation or adoption of conservation practices resulting in:

Reduction of almost 19,128 tons/yr of sediment delivery to surface and groundwater
Phosphorus reduction of over 30,605 lbs/yr to surface and groundwater
Reduction of over 61,210lbs/yr of Nitrogen delivery to surface and groundwater
6,225 acres of conservation tillage
2,980 acres of no-till/zone-till tillage
2,459 acres of cover crops planted
31.2 miles of filer strips are maintained

Gratiot County Farms who achieved MAEAP Verification in 2015

Fisher Tradition Farms, Inc. – Cropping Verification
Jerry Grigar Farm – Cropping Verification
J. Humm Farms, LLC – Farmstead Verification
Kendall English Farms – Farmstead & Cropping Verification
Stoneman Farms, LLC – Cropping Verification
Wiles Farm– Farmstead & Cropping Verification

Gratiot County MAEAP Verified Farms in Good Standing

Brown Farms – Cropping System
Cary Pioneer Farms – Farmstead, Livestock & Cropping Systems
Crumbaugh Farms, LLC – Farmstead, Livestock & Cropping Systems
Fabus Family Farms – Cropping System
Fisher Tradition Farms, Inc. – Cropping System
Four D Farms,LLC – Farmstead & Livestock Systems
G & L Waldron Farms, LLC – Cropping System
Greg DeMott Farm – Cropping System
High Point Livestock – Cropping System
Humm Farms, LLC – Farmstead & Cropping Systems
Huyck Farms - Farmstead & Cropping Systems
Jerry Grigar Farm – Cropping System
J. Humm Farms, LLC – Farmstead System
Kendall English Farm – Farmstead & Cropping Systems
Maple Shade Farm – Farmstead & Livestock Systems
Miller Family Farm – Farmstead & Cropping Systems
Nelson Farms – Cropping System
Owens Farm – Farmstead & Livestock Systems
Stoneman Farms, LLC – Cropping System
Stoneman Pro Services – Farmstead System
Wiles Farm – Farmstead & Cropping System
Willow Creek Farms – Farmstead & Livestock Systems

MAEAP Basics

1/13/2016

Mission
To develop and implement a proactive environmental assurance program ensuring that Michigan farmers are engaging in cost-effective pollution prevention practices and working to comply with state and federal environmental regulations.

Program Establishment
MAEAP was first developed in 1997 by a coalition of farmers, commodity groups, state and federal agencies, and conservation and environmental groups to provide a venue for farmers to become better educated about management options in order to protect and enhance the quality of natural resources. Partners from these groups are still involved with MAEAP’s work serving on committees and spreading the word to farmers. On March 8, 2011, Governor Rick Snyder signed the first legislation of his new administration, establishing MAEAP into law.

With confidentiality guaranteed by law, MAEAP provides a structure under which Michigan farmers can be assured they are effectively following approved MAEAP standards. These standards include inspected practices that are consistent with the identified Right to Farm Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). Through MAEAP, farmers show that they are working to comply with state and federal environmental laws specific to each system of the program.

Program Basics
This comprehensive, voluntary, proactive program is designed to reduce farmers’ legal and environmental risks through a three-phase process: 1) education; 2) farm-specific risk assessment and practice implementation; and 3) on-farm verification that ensure the farmer has implemented environmentally sound practices. The program’s four systems — Farmstead, Cropping, Livestock and the newly developed Forest, Wetlands and Habitats System — each examine different aspects of the farm. After becoming MAEAP verified, a farm can display a MAEAP sign signifying that MAEAP partners recognize the farm is environmentally assured.

What Is Your Farm’s Environmental Risk?

1/13/2016

The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, or MAEAP, is an innovative proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agriculture pollution risks. It teaches farmers how to identify and prevent environmental risks and to comply with state and federal environmental regulations.

To become MAEAP verified farmers must complete three comprehensive steps which include attending an educational seminar, conducting an on-farm risk assessment, and passing a third party on-farm verification.

Farms can be verified in four systems: livestock, farmstead, cropping and the new system for forests, wetlands and habitats. Currently there are over 3,000 verifications with 67 right here in Gratiot County.

For more information about MAEAP, or how to get involved, you can check out the MAEAP website at www.maeap.com or contact Lindsey Martin at the Gratiot Conservation District at (989) 875-3900 Ext. 3

Pine River Septic Source Identification & Database Development Project

1/13/2016

Gratiot Conservation District has teamed up with the Mid-Michigan District Health Department, the City of Alma, and Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) to update health department records of septic systems and begin the process of fixing failing systems.

The first step of this long-term project involves creating informational and educational materials that will be distributed to landowners in the Upper Pine River Watershed (mostly upstream of the City of Alma).

The next phase involves working with the health department to update records of septic systems using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and digitizing hard-copies of existing data. This will be used, along with other scientific data, to create a proposal that will be presented to potential partners, grantors & funders to gather support for Phase II of the project.

Phase II of this long-term project will involve a revolving loan system of replacing failing septic systems similar to the sustainable model developed in Bay County, a canine source tracking study similar to what has been used in Clinton & Shiawassee Counties as well as on the Chippewa Indian Reservation, and continued education & outreach.

This project has been made possible by a grant through the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN). WIN is a volunteer organization that includes more than 90 citizens and organizations and focusses on opportunities to better link the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of Saginaw Bay communities in order to sustain and improve the region’s quality of life.

Twelve area foundations and corporations work together as a Network to financially support WIN projects. This Funders Network includes: Bay Area Community Foundation, Consumers Energy Foundation, Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation, Midland Area Community Foundation, Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, Saginaw Community Foundation, The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, The S.C. Johnson Fund, the Cook Family Foundation, the C.S. Mott Foundation, and the Saginaw Bay Foundation.

More information about WIN is available on its website at www.saginawbaywin.org

For more information, stop into the office in the USDA Service Center at 301 E. Commerce Drive in Ithaca. You can also call the office at 989-875-3900 Ext 115 or email us at GratiotConservationDistrict@gmail.com

- Julie

Septic Sytems: One Source of Pollution in Our Water

1/13/2016

Your septic system is your responsibility!
As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your septic system. If your septic system is not working correctly, it could be polluting the water. Be proactive! New technologies can trace pollution right to your door. Check your septic system now to avoid legal trouble later!

What Is a Septic System?
Most septic systems have four main parts: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drainfield, and the soil.

Why Should I Maintain My Septic System?

Keep your family and neighbors healthy by preventing the spread of infection and disease.
It is less expensive to maintain your system than to replace it.
You can protect the water under and around your home.
No one wants to drink or swim in your waste!
It’s your responsibility as a homeowner

Four Things You Can Do to Protect Your Septic System

Inspect your system every 3 years and pump your tank as necessary (every 3-5 years)
Use water efficiently
Don’t throw away hazardous materials in your sinks or toilets
Care for your drainfield

Tip: to keep your septic tank working, have your tank pumped every 3-5 years to remove buildup, sludge, and floating scum. Regular inspections and pumping are the least expensive ways to keep your septic system working.

Finding Your System: older septic systems are sometimes hard to find because you can’t see them from the ground. An inspector or pumper can help you locate yours. If yours is newer, there should be a drawing on file at your local land records office.

Care for Your Drainfield

Plant only grass on or near your drainfield. The roots from trees and shrubs can clog or damage your drainfield.
Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your drainfield. This can compact the soil and damage your pipes, tank, or other parts of your system.
Keep surface water and flooding away from your drainfield. Water from roof gutters, basement sump pumps and drainage systems can flood your system and slow it down. It could even cause the waste to back up into your house.

Signs of Septic Failure

Pooling water or muddy soil around your septic system or in your basement
Toilets and sinks backing up when you flush or do laundry
Strips of bright green grass over your drainfield

Causes of Septic Failure

Household cleaners or other toxins such as oil-based paints, solvents, gasoline, pesticides, antifreeze, etc.
Avoid anything labeled “Danger” or “Poison” because they are highly hazardous, “Warning” or “Caution” means they are slightly hazardous. Look for products that say “Nontoxic” and “Septic Safe”
Hot tubs – your septic system was not designed to handle large quantities of water
Water purification systems such as water softeners
Garbage disposals that grind up kitchen scraps and send them down the pipes with your
water.
Anything that clogs your system such as diapers, cat litter, cigarette filters, coffee
grounds, grease, feminine hygiene products, etc.
Improper design or installation

Alternative Systems: You might need an alternative septic system if the soils aren’t suitable for a typical system, if houses are too close together or too close to groundwater or surface water.

- Julie

Healthy Pine River Group Taking Action Working to Improve River Quality

1/13/2016

The Healthy Pine River group (HPR) was formally organized in September. The group is committed to bringing together community members interested in improving the health of the river.

“We don’t want to reinvent the wheel. We want to support the efforts of the Gratiot County Conservation District and of the various city governments and area agencies that are working to improve river quality,” said Chair Gary Rayburn.

To that end HPR advocated for a study of water quality conducted by the City of Alma and by Alma College this past summer, then arranged a public meeting to discuss the results. The reports showed unsafe levels of e-coli bacteria in the Mill Pond, high enough for the Mid Michigan District Health Department to post warning signs at the boat launch in Conservation Park and the canoe launch at Luneack Landing. There are also issues with high ammonia and nitrate levels, large algae blooms and excess vegetation and sedimentation.

The group is putting together a community workshop to inform people about the challenges the river faces, to offer some possibilities for short and long-term action, and to find out what residents see as the most important issues to address first.

“Currently we’re a board of seven people who care, but we can’t decide what priorities to advocate for and support in isolation. No one “owns” the river, but we all have a stake in it and we need input from everyone,” Rayburn said. The workshop is tentatively scheduled for late spring, and the event will be widely publicized to encourage maximum attendance.

Meanwhile people are encouraged to visit the HPR website www.healthypineriver.org, where they can join the group for a $5 annual fee and sign up for the email list to receive updates, including minutes of all the meetings. The group meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., usually at the Alma Public Library. All are welcome to attend. Anyone with questions can contact Gary Rayburn, 989-330-3686.

‘Tombstone Town’ Author Discusses Work of St. Louis CAG

1/13/2016

ALMA — Local author Jane Keon, recognized for her leadership and advocacy for the Pine River Superfund clean-up efforts, will discuss the work and history of the St. Louis Community Advisory Group (CAG) in a talk at Alma College.

She will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 in the Swanson Academic Center, Room 113. Admission is free and open to the public. Keon also will be available to sign copies of her book, “Tombstone Town: Left for Dead, Marked with a Tombstone, A Toxic Town Fights Back.”

Keon chaired for 12 years the Environmental Protection Agency-sanctioned St. Louis CAG, a group of volunteer citizens who spearheaded the cleanup of sites contaminated with chemicals and radioactive waste by a now-defunct DDT manufacturing facility.

“Jane Keon has devoted a lot of time and energy in leading her community’s environmental clean-up efforts,” says Alma College President Jeff Abernathy. “Her book describes the persistence of community volunteers in dealing with local, state and federal agencies. She models for our students how to use what they learn in the classroom to better their communities.”

Her book serves as a memoir of the first 16 years of the Pine River Superfund Citizen Task Force, which worked closely with the City of St. Louis, Alma College faculty and students, and other agencies. The EPA continues to work with the town of St. Louis to end the deaths of robins from DDT poisoning and to clean up a failed Superfund site that is leaking into the Pine River.

Keon was honored by Alma College in 2011 with the Community Service Award and by the City of St. Louis with the Spirit of St. Louis Award, and in 2014 by the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy for her efforts in protecting and preserving the Pine River. In 2008, Alma College and the Pine River Superfund Citizen Task Force were the recipients of the Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Partnership Award for Campus-Community Collaboration, given annually for collaborators who work in exceptional ways to improve lives and enhance learning.

A memoir of the first 16 years of the Pine River Superfund Citizen Task Force, a Community Advisory Group (CAG) in St. Louis, Michigan. Jane Keon chaired the group for 12 years as they volunteered as citizen overseers of sites contaminated with chemicals and radioactive waste. EPA is working with the town to end the deaths of robins from DDT poisoning, and to clean up a failed Superfund site that is leaking into the Pine River.

Now available on Amazon.com
Kindle edition: $4.99 Paperback edition: $12.99 http://www.amazon.com/Tombstone-Town-Jane-Keon-ebook/dp/B018MVZG16/

Cost Share Dollars Available in the Bad River Watershed

1/13/2016

Landowners in the Upper Bad River Watershed are taking advantage of cost share dollars by implementing conservation practices designed to hold soil in place and prevent soil erosion and sedimentation in high risk areas.

In August of 2015, the Conservation District hired Mike Gurnee to take over as Watershed Technician. Ben Wickerham led the program for the first year and a half. Together the two guided the program to a productive and encouraging 2015.

The number of participants in the program nearly doubled from year one (2014) to year two (2015), and the number of enrolled acres ballooned from 308 acres to 4,018 acres in year two! Landowner cooperators received over $55,000 since the start of the program and more funding is available in 2016.

The Upper Bad River Watershed Sedimentation Reduction Program is administered through the Gratiot Conservation District, funded by a grant from the Great Lakes Commission using money provided through the Great Lakes Watershed Initiative Network.

For questions about the program and eligibility, please contact Mike Gurnee at (313) 618-9258 or mike.gurnee@macd.org.

The Upper Bad River Watershed in Gratiot County, MI.

Evaluating Conservation Practices Using Aerial Imaging and Maps

1/13/2016

Viewing a field from an aerial view can illustrate where conservation efforts are most needed. Keeping permanent vegetation between a field and a stream goes a long way towards keeping the stream free of sediment buildup. Where there is no buffer, there is a higher likelihood of sedimentation. Conservation practices like no-till farming and planting cover crops can drastically help keep the soil on the land by reducing exposure to wind and water erosion.

Installing a filter strip or buffer strip along the edge of a stream or ditch is one of the ways landowners are preventing sediment from eroding off the land and into the streams and ditches. It can be as simple as planting grasses and shrubs, or can be an elaborate combination of conservation practices designed around each unique landscape.

If your property is within the Saginaw Bay Watershed, technicians at the Gratiot Conservation District can sit down with you to go over your resource concerns, develop sediment-reduction scenarios for your property, prepare maps, show you how your property compares to the surrounding landscape, and help you decide what conservation practices will work best for you.

Aerial photography can help in the administration of conservation practices.