The conservation district will help participants learn the new farm regulations

Staff reoirt

MERCER, PA.

Manure Management, Ag Erosion and Sediment Control Plan writing workshops will be offered by the Mercer County Conservation District.

The conservation district will help participants learn the new farm regulations and offer guidance on writing plans. Dates are available for workshops designed to help farm operators write their manure-management and agricultural-erosion and sediment-control plans.

The workshops will be a two-part series, and interested individuals should choose one of the series options and plan to participate both dates as follows: Jan. 26 and Feb. 23, Feb. 2 and March 2, or Feb. 9 and March 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mercer Area Library, 110 E. Venango St. Space is limited to five seats in each series, so participants are urged to register soon. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided free of charge.

Pre-registration for these events is required. Attendees will receive a copy of the updated Manure Management Manual, and one-on-one assistance will be available in order for attendees to leave the workshop with completed Manure Management and Agricultural Erosion and Sediment Control Plans for their farm.

A portion of each workshop will be dedicated to developing farm maps and plans using online computer resources such as PA OneStop. PA OneStop, which was developed by the Penn State Geospatial Technology Program, requires users to have an account to utilize this online tool. It is recommended that participants establish an account before attending the workshop. To establish a free account, go to www.paonestop.org.

Contact Shawn Hedglin of the Mercer County Conservation District at 724-662-2242 to register by phone with your name, address, and number of people attending.

Financial support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection through the Clean Water Fund.