Perspectives

Soil and water conservation districts: encouraging responsible farming practices

To the previous article To the next article

Conservation districts assist local residents to implement solutions to natural resource concerns, such as non-point source pollution, also known as agricultural runoff.

Among other things, conservation districts help:

*implement farm conservation practices to keep soil in the fields and out of waterways

*conserve and restore wetlands, which purify water and provide habitat for birds, fish and numerous other animals

*protect groundwater resources

*plant trees and other land cover to hold soil in place, clean the air, provide cover for wildlife and beautify neighborhoods

*help developers and homeowners manage the land in an environmentally sensitive manner

*reach out to communities and schools to teach the value of natural resources and encourage conservation efforts.

For more information on specific practices and assistance offered by soil and water conservation districts, a good overview is provided at http://wi.nacdnet.org/vernon/ConPract.htm.

Please move through the textBack to homepageConclusionsEutrophication and hypoxiaAgricultural biotechnologyJoin the discussionReferences and readingsNext page in the subjectPrevious page in the subject