Cattaraugus County Soil & Water Conservation District 8 MARTHA STREET, SUITE 2 P. O. BOX 1765 ELLICOTTVILLE, NY 14731 Phone (716) 699-2326 Ext. 101 Fax (716) 699-5506

Conservation Today... SPRING 2012 ISSUE Cattaraugus County Ag & Farmland Protection Board To Host 1st Annual Farmer-Neighbor Dinner sentatives of agencies and organizations such as the County Department of Economic Development, Planning, & Tourism; Cattaraugus County Farm Bureau; Cattaraugus County Soil & Water Conservation District; Cornell Cooperative Extension; and others. The role of the board is to protect and enhance the viability of the agricultural industry in the county through protection of important agricultural land, and promoting awareness of the importance of the industry to the overall economy of the county and the region.

The Cattaraugus County Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board will be hosting its first annual Farmer-Neighbor Dinner on April 25th at the Ellicottville Lutheran Church. The purpose of this dinner is to bring together farmers and their non-farm neighbors, as well as local businesses and elected officials, for an evening of fellowship and celebration of the contributions that our diverse agricultural industry provides for the residents and the economy of Cattaraugus County. The dinner itself will include a substantial amount of locally produced foods, including everything from the meat and potatoes to the vegetables and dessert offerings. Several local businesses and organizations are helping to provide financial and organizational support for the event. The Cattaraugus County Ag. & Farmland Protection Board is made up of various local farmers and repre-

The Farmer-Neighbor Dinner will provide an opportunity for the County Ag. & Farmland Protection Board to showcase its goals and objectives to our agricultural producers, non-farm residents, local businesses, and elected officials. If you would like to join us at the dinner, please contact the Cattaraugus County Dept. of Economic Development, Planning, and Tourism at 938-9111.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:  New Directors on District Board

Pg. 4

 Technical Assistance for Streams

Pg. 5

 USDA Farm Service Agency News

Pg. 5

 2012 TREE SELECTION GUIDE

Pg. 6

 2012 SEEDLING ORDER FORM

Pg. 7

 2011 Annual Report

PRODUCTS & SERVICES WE OFFER CONSERVATION PRODUCTS:

NOTE: All charges and fees are to be paid in advance for any services unless prior arrangements are made.

PRICE(tax included)

TECHNICAL SERVICES:

FEE



Soil Survey of Cattaraugus County CD-ROM Free



USGS Topographic Maps

$ 5.00



Conservation Planning - Agricultural Land* Free



Buffalo, NY Relief Map

$17.00



Erosion & Sediment Control, Drainage Planning



Western NY Map

$ 7.00

- Agricultural Land*

Free



Rain Gauge

$ 8.00

- Non-Ag. Land

$25/visit



Tree, Flower, Bird, Fern, & Berry Identification Guide



Stream Disturbance Permit Applications

Booklets

$ 3.00



Interpretation of Resource Information**



Conservation Seed Mix—25lbs. bag

$75.00

- Landowner/Farm Operator

Free



Bat Nesting Box

$12.00

- Commercial

$25/hr.



Bluebird Nesting Box

$12.00



Ponds - Preliminary Site Evaluation



Wood Duck Nest Box

$30.00



Soil Worksheets for Ag. Assessment



Survey Marker Flags

$



Tile Outlet Rodent Guards

.10 ea.

4” - $5.00 or 6” - $6.50

$50

$25

- New parcel

$25

- Revisions

$10

*Consists of land currently being used for commercial production of agricultural products, including livestock, crops, or forest products. **Includes gathering & describing information & maps pertaining to soils, wetlands, flood plains, aerial photos, etc.

Drainage products available by special order

All programs and services provided by the Cattaraugus Co. SWCD and USDA NRCS are available to everyone, without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, religion, or national origin.

SWCD DIRECTORS (Name, representing, SWCD office) Herbert Herman - Grange - Chairman Mark Alianello - At-Large - Vice Chairman Joyce Telaak - Farm Bureau - Treasurer Donna Vickman - County Legislature Rick Lamberson - County Legislature

SWCD STAFF Brian E. Davis - District Field Manager Robert M. Shenk - District Field Technician Allison C. Thomas - Administrative Assistant, Secretary/ Assistant Treasurer to Board of Directors Allan J. Ormond - Part-time District Field Technician

All Board of Directors meetings of the Cattaraugus County Soil & Water Conservation District are open to the public, and are held on the first Thursday of each month at 9:00 AM in the District Field Office, unless otherwise scheduled, at which time public notice will be given.

USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE STAFF Angela Perkins - District Conservationist Lori Snyder - Area 1 Assistant Joshua Mason - Civil Engineer -2-

What’s Happening on the Conservation Front… On-going District Activities By Brian Davis, District Field Manager

So far we haven’t had much of a winter, although I haven’t heard too many people complaining. I suppose the snowmobilers may be disappointed. However, as long as things don’t change drastically in the next month or so, hopefully we won’t have to worry about a big winter thaw and all the possible flooding and erosion that we often experience. The following is what we have been working on over the winter months.

spring’s construction season. Water Quality—The Cattaraugus County SWCD is partnering with Erie and Chautauqua County SWCD’s and local governments from each county in a recently formed watershed group known as the Lake Erie Watershed Protection Alliance (LEWPA). This group will collaborate on projects which will address watershed related problems in the Lake Erie Basin in Western NY.

Agricultural Value Assessments—Bob, our technician, has been feverishly working on soil group worksheets for landowners applying for ag. value assessment. The March 1st application deadline is fast approaching.

Spring Tree & Shrub Sale—The District’s tree sale is in full swing, and orders are coming in steadily. See the Species Selection Guide and order form on pages 6 & 7 of this issue of Conservation Today.

Technical Assistance—The relatively tame weather has given us the opportunity to look at a few stream and drainage concerns over the past few months.

2012 Envirothon—Preparations are underway for the 2012 Cattaraugus County Envirothon, which will be held on April 26th. A review workshop will be held on March 21st.

Streambank Projects—The District completed project plans and permit applications, and the county has put the 2012 stream projects out for bid. We will be completing the projects in the early summer.

County Ag. & Farmland Protection Board—The District has been working with the AFPB in planning a Farmer Neighbor Dinner to be held on April 25th. See the article on the cover of this newsletter.

Agricultural Projects—We submitted an application for Round 18 of the NYS Ag. Nonpoint Source grant program to address ag waste and nutrient management on 3 farms in the South Branch Cattaraugus Creek watershed. We have also been working with farms under current grant contracts to prepare for this

Annual Reports—The beginning of the new year is the time when the staff prepares a variety of annual reporting information and submits to the county and state government. These annual reports are required in order to secure program funding.

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Cattaraugus Co. SWCD Welcomes New Directors on District Board Two new directors have joined the Conservation District board as representatives of the County Legislature. Donna Vickman of Farmersville and Richard (Rick) Lamberson of Allegany have been appointed to serve on the board. They replace former legislators Jim Ellis, who reached his term limit, and Bob Neal, who chose not to run for another term. The District Board and staff would like to express its thanks and appreciation to Jim and Bob for their years of service on the board.

EXCAVATING-BULLDOZING-GRAVEL

Donna is in her second term on the county legislature. She is retired from the County Nursing Home system. Several of the Ischua Creek flood control dams are located in Donna’s legislative district, so her input and experience with our watershed maintenance program will be very valuable.

E. R. RULE & SONS, INC. 6 Bixby Hill Road Arcade, NY 14009 (585) 492-4090

Rick was recently elected to his first term on the county legislature. He also serves as the Mayor of the Village of Allegany. Rick recently retired from National Grid. The District has worked with the Village and Town of Allegany on numerous occasions, so Rick’s experience with municipal issues will be very helpful to the District.

We are collecting inkjet print cartridges at our office for recycling to raise funds for the NYS Envirothon and other environmental education activities.

Jim Ellis served as the District board chairman upon his departure, so Herbert Herman, Jr. was elected by the board to be the new chairman. Mark Alianello was elected Vice Chairman. The District Board and staff would like to welcome our new board members. We look forward to their valuable input and participation.

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Technical Assistance Available for Stream Related Problems

Farm Service Agency News By Jean Davis, County Executive Director

The spring rains often result in stream erosion problems, particularly in years with a lot of snow cover. Often the problems aren’t visible until snow and ice melt away, revealing that a stream channel may have migrated, or had a buildup of fallen trees and debris. The Conservation District can provide technical assistance to help landowners and local highway departments address stream related problems.

The Farm Service Agency budget has been decreased significantly over the past few years. Because of this, FSA will not be able to send newsletters out this year reminding producers of program signup dates. We are instead using other methods to get information out to our producers to the best of our ability, including articles in newsletters from partner agencies and organizations, as well as the local media. Also, you can help by spreading the word to other producers.

One of the first things that needs to be determined is if the stream is classified as a protected trout stream by the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, in which case a permit will be required for most stream disturbance activities. The US Army Corps may also require a permit for certain activities. When a permit is required, the District can assist with the application process by preparing necessary drawings, maps, and associated forms and paperwork for a service fee of $50. Permit applicants are not required to have the District prepare the application, but it typically helps to expedite the approval process.

The Direct and Counter Cyclical Program (DCP) signup has already begun. Please call the office for an appointment. (716) 699-2375 ext. 2. Other programs that are available are the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, Farm Storage Facility Loan Program, Commodity Crop Marketing Assistance Loans, Conservation Reserve Enhanced Program, and Conservation Reserve Program. A general signup for the Conservation Reserve Program will be held from March 12 through April 6, 2012. Please contact the Cattaraugus County FSA office for details.

Usually, work is allowed in most protected streams from June 1 to Sept. 30. Some more sensitive streams may have more restrictive work dates. There are also restrictions to the type of work that will be allowed in protected streams. For instance, gravel removal, channel straightening, and bank shaping are typically no longer permitted by the NYS DEC. Therefore, the District will not submit applications for these type of activities. However, we can assist with applications for bank protection measures using appropriate native rock, woody materials, vegetation, or rock riprap when justified. Anyone needing assistance with a stream problem can call the District office at 699-2326.

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2012 TREE SPECIES USE AND SELECTION GUIDE SPECIES

MATURE HEIGHT

SITE REQUIREMENTS

POSSIBLE USES

Colorado Blue Spruce

100 ft.

Prefers moist soil, full sun.

Windbreaks, Christmas trees.

Norway Spruce

75 ft.

Tolerates most soils.

Windbreaks, wildlife cover

White Spruce

60-70 ft.

Grows in most soils. Shade tolerant. Windbreaks, wildlife cover, Xmas trees.

Douglas Fir

200 ft.

Prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Xmas trees, lumber, ornamental.

Balsam Fir

60 ft.

Tolerates most soils. Very shade tolerant.

Good Christmas tree and ornamental, wildlife shelter.

Fraser Fir

60 ft.

Most soils on north facing slopes.

Christmas trees, windbreaks.

Black Walnut

100 ft.

Deep, well drained soil , full sun.

Valuable for lumber, edible nuts provide wildlife food.

Sugar Maple

100 ft.

Tolerates most soils.

Lumber, maple syrup, shade.

Black Cherry

50-60 ft.

Prefers well drained soils.

Lumber, wildlife food, shade.

Rich, well drained loam, full sun, tolerant of urban conditions

Lumber, veneer, shade, wildlife food and cover.

Red Oak

85 ft.

White Oak

50-60 ft.

Tolerates wet soils.

Acorns preferred by wildlife

Sycamore

75-100 ft.

Fast growing, prefers moist soils along riverbanks and floodplains

Timber, shade along streams to enhance aquatic habitat.

Grows in most soils.

Firewood, shade, ornamental.

Tolerates most site conditions.

Flowering, attracts birds, butterflies

Tolerates most soils.

Food for wildlife and humans.

Native White Birch Lilac Blueberry (early)

75 ft. 8-12 ft. shrub 6 ft. shrub

Red Raspberry

3-5 ft. shrub

Prefers well drained soils, full sun.

Food for wildlife and humans.

Blackberry

3-5 ft. shrub

Prefers well drained soils, full sun.

Food for wildlife and humans.

Tolerates most site conditions.

Flowering shrub, fruit edible by humans & wildlife.

Prefers mod. to well drained sites

Shade, food for songbirds Fruit edible by humans & wildlife.

American Cranberry Black Gum/Tupelo

10-12 ft. shrub 60-80 ft.

Elderberry

5-12 ft. shrub

Tolerates most soil conditions.

Sassafras

30-60 ft. tree

Prefers light shade and moist, sandy Fruit provides food for songbirds. soils.

Nannyberry

18 ft. shrub

Tolerates most site conditions.

Food & cover for wildlife.

American Filbert

10-15 ft. tree

Prefers well drained soils.

Nuts edible by wildlife and humans.

American Beech

60-80 ft.

Well drained soils, shade tolerant.

Important wildlife food, timber.

Pin Oak

100 ft.

Grows well in wet soils, full sun.

Provides shade & wildlife food.

Black Alder

60 ft.

Tolerates most site conditions.

Provides shade & habitat for birds.

Honey Locust

60-100 ft.

Tolerates harsh site conditions, such Flowering shade tree. as urban sites, salt, etc.

Silver Maple

50-70 ft.

Tolerates most site conditions.

Tulip Tree

80-100 ft.

Prefers full sun & well drained sites. Flowering, food for songbirds, lumber. -6-

Shade, lumber.

2012 TREE SEEDLING ORDER FORM Name______________________________________ Phone________________________________ Address____________________________________ Zip__________________________________ eMail____________________________________________________________________________________________ CONIFERS Ave. Height* 25 for 50 for 100 for 500 for Total Ordered Total Cost ———————————————————————————————————————————————— Blue Spruce 10-16” $15.00 $25.00 $40.00 $175.00 _______ _______ White Spruce 10-16” 15.00 25.00 40.00 175.00 _______ _______ Norway Spruce 10-16” 15.00 25.00 40.00 175.00 _______ _______ Douglas Fir 10-18” 15.00 25.00 40.00 175.00 _______ _______ Balsam Fir 6-12” 20.00 30.00 50.00 200.00 _______ _______ Fraser Fir 8-14” 20.00 30.00 50.00 200.00 _______ _______ DECIDUOUS TREES/SHRUBS Ave. Height* 10 for ———————————————————————————————————————————————— Black Walnut 18-24” $12.50 _______ _______ Sugar Maple 18-24” $12.50 _______ _______ Red Oak 12-24” $12.50 _______ _______ White Oak 12-18” $12.50 _______ _______ Native White Birch 18-24” $12.50 _______ _______ Black Cherry 18-24” $12.50 _______ _______ Sycamore 12-24” $12.50 _______ _______ Lilac 12-24” $12.50 _______ _______ Red Raspberry 9-12” $20.00 _______ _______ Blackberry 12-24” $20.00 _______ _______ Early Blueberry 9-12” $25.00 _______ _______ CONSERVATION PACKETS - Average Seedling Height 12-18"* ———————————————————————————————————————————————— Packet #1 - Songbird Packet (10 Plants) 2 American Cranberry, 2 Black Gum/Tupelo, 2 Elderberry, 2 Sassafras, 2 Nannyberry $15.00 _______ _______ Packet #2 - Nut Tree Packet (10 Plants) 2 Black Walnut, 2 Pin Oak, 2 American Filbert, 2 Red Oak, 2 American Beech

$15.00 _______

_______

Packet #3 - Fast Growing Shade Packet (10 Plants) **NEW!** 2 Black Alder, 2 Honey Locust, 2 Black Gum/Tupelo, 2 Silver Maple, 2 Tulip Tree $15.00 _______ _______ ———————————————————————————————————————————————— **The District has no control over actual size of seedlings. Sizes may vary depending upon selection by our nursery sources. Please remember that these are bare root seedlings, they are small and do not come in pots or as balled & burlapped stock.

Fertilizer Tablets

$.10 each _______ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED

_______

$_____________________

SPECIAL ORDERS: We will consider special orders for species not listed above when sufficient quantities are requested. Please call our office early in the program if you are interested in a particular species not listed, as quantities may be limited. Make checks payable to CATTARAUGUS COUNTY SWCD. Submit payment by CHECK or MONEY ORDER (when paying by mail) with this order form before March 31, 2012. Orders are being filled on first come first serve basis while supply lasts. Prices include all handling, shipping and taxes. Pick up dates for orders will be APRIL 20-21, 2012, at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in Little Valley. Notice will sent prior to pick up date. NO REFUNDS will be made for failure to pick up order on scheduled dates. Because we cannot check where the seedlings will be planted or guard against improper handling, we will not be responsible for replacement of your order, after notification and/or pick up date.

Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District 8 Martha Street, P.O. Box 1765, Ellicottville, N.Y. 14731 PHONE (716) 699-2326 Ext. 101 -7-

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT 8 MARTHA STREET, P. O. BOX 1765 ELLICOTTVILLE, NY 14731

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