2005 - Gloucester County Soil Conservation District

Gloucester County Soil
Conservation District
2005 Annual Report
Serving the Residents of Gloucester County
for over 60 years.
GLOUCESTER SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT
14 Parke Place Blvd. Suite C
Sewell, NJ 08080
(856) 589-5250
Fax (856) 256-0488
www.gloucesterscd.org
Email: [email protected]
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Gloucester Soil Conservation District is to conserve the natural
resources for the citizens of the South Jersey region, and be recognized leaders in
resource conservation by providing technical assistance, conservation education,
watershed planning and effective regulatory enforcement.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MIKE VISALLI, Chairman
JOHN FURFARI, Vice Chairman
JOSEPH J. ORLINS, PhD P.E. Secretary/Treasurer
DALE LEDDEN, Member
WEST J. KANDLE, III, Member
DISTRICT STAFF
VICTOR P. DE VASTO, District Manager
DARLENE HESS, Administrative Assistant
GIRARD REKER, Natural Resource Specialist
ROBIN BERGEMAN, Natural Resource Specialist
RICHARD EIGENBROOD, Natural Resource Spec.
SARAH POLHAMUS, Natural Resource Specialist
CHRISTINA CHRISTINE, Education Coordinator
KATHY KOZUBAL, District Secretary
WAYNE BIRCHLER, Ag. Engineer
DAN BROWN, Ag. Resource Specialist
P. SCOTT BOYER, Ag. Resource Specialist
KAROL STOMS, Ag. Program Assistant
STEPHANIE MEEKINS, Ag. Program Assistant
Front Cover: Photo captures the “Bountiful Harvests of
Gloucester County” at a farm stand in Mullica Hill. Photo
taken by Mary Sorbello. Ms. Sorbello’s photo entry was the
first place winner in the District’s 2005 Photo Contest.
USDA-NRCS
MONA PETERSON, District Conservationist
RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
JEROME FRECON, County Ag Agent
NJ BUREAU OF FOREST MANAGEMENT
DAVID FINLEY, Regional Forester
FARM SERVICE AGENCY
AL Di BELLA, County Executive Director
2005 Annual Report Editor:
Christina S. Christine
District Manager’s Report
Victor P. De Vasto, District Manager
The Gloucester Soil Conservation District is responsible to implement three major programs: Chapter 251 the Soil
Erosion & Sediment Control Act (SESC), the Conservation Assistance Program (CAP), and our Regional Stormwater
Management Program. As one can guess, these three major program areas kept the District very busy during 2005. Let’s
take a brief look at our activities and accomplishments for the last year.
During the past year, the Gloucester Soil Conservation District in partnership with Camden Soil Conservation District,
Rowan University and the Gloucester County Planning Division continued to work on the development of Regional
Stormwater Management Plans for the Raccoon Creek and the Upper Mantua Creek watersheds. Fieldwork for the
Raccoon Creek watershed was completed in 2005 and we expect to publish our Regional Stormwater Management Plan
in early 2006. Fieldwork on the Upper Mantua Creek watershed will continue through 2006.
During 2005, the District partnered with Rowan University and the NJ Department of Agriculture, State Soil
Conservation Committee to host two SESC short courses, one for design engineers and the other for developers. The
SESC course for engineers focused on how to use the SESC Standards in the design phase of site development. The
course for developers focused on how to utilize the certified SESC plan in order to avoid costly mistakes and what our
field inspectors look for in the field. Both courses featured an on-site field day to the Richman American Homes
subdivision “Willowoods” in Monroe Township to examine real-life applications of soil erosion and sediment control
practices.
In 2005, the Gloucester Soil Conservation District entered into a contribution agreement with the USDA-NRCS for the
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) School Site Habitats Program. This program agreement allows schools in
Gloucester County interested in receiving funding for the establishment of a wildlife habitat site on the school campus to
apply for WHIP funding directly to the District. This provides the schools a greater chance of receiving WHIP funding
and the District the opportunity to work directly with these schools in the creation of their habitat sites.
The Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (CAP) was also very busy in 2005. The CAP program is a joint
program between the Gloucester Soil Conservation District, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the
USDA-NRCS. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the USDA-NRCS has provided funding to three Soil
Conservation Districts in New Jersey to provide conservation planning and technical assistance to agricultural
landowners on a regional basis. Conservation planning assistance involves the development of conservation management
plans for farmers and landowners using best management practices (BMPs) for soil erosion and sediment control, animal
waste, nutrient management, water quality improvement, and other natural resource management concerns. The
Gloucester Soil Conservation District provides agriculture technical assistance to landowners in Atlantic, Cape May,
Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem counties.
2005 was also a banner year for Chapter 251, the Soil Erosion
& Sediment Control Program. Under this program, the
Gloucester Soil Conservation District is responsible for
reviewing and certifying all SESC plans for almost all soil
disturbances over 5,000 square feet while performing
subsequent inspections to insure compliance with the SESC
practices shown on the certified plans.
Joining our staff in 2005 was Sarah Polhamus who accepted the
position of Natural Resource Specialist working in both the
watershed and Chapter 251 SESC Program areas.
In 2006, we hope to build on these accomplishments and we
look forward to working with our conservation partners and
hope to find new and creative ways to achieve our goals.
Hydroseeding demonstration performed at the SESC short course at
the “Willowoods” Residential Subdivision in Monroe Twp.
Chapter 251 Report
Richard T. Eigenbrood, Natural Resource Specialist
One of the primary conservation and enforcement duties of the Gloucester County Soil Conservation District
is the administration of the Chapter 251, P.L. 1975, the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act of New Jersey.
This law is designed to minimize soil erosion and offsite sedimentation resulting from land disturbing,
grading and construction related activities throughout the State. Unknown to most, sediment is the major
pollutant of water by volume in the United States. Sedimentation interferes with the feeding and reproduction
of aquatic life, affects wetlands productivity as fish and wildlife habitat, distorts stream beds and stream
banks, fills ponds, lakes and various aquatic bodies and reduces the storage capacity of our reservoirs and
lakes. Turbidity caused by sedimentation also affects recreational use and aesthetic enjoyment of the water
resources. Sediment can also “transport” chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers and various pollutants
into our waterways. The need for soil erosion and sediment control is critical to continue to improve the
quality of our environment.
The Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act requires, with few exceptions,
that all proposed land disturbing activities in excess of 5000 square feet
submit a soil erosion and sediment control plan to the District for review
and approval. These land or soil disturbing activities would include
home construction, industrial and commercial projects, demolition,
construction of parking lots, public facilities, mining, and clearing/grading
activities.
Under this New Jersey State Law, the District is charged with the review,
certification and subsequent compliance inspection of soil erosion and sediment control plans submitted for
land disturbing activities. As part of the review process, the soil erosion and sediment control plans submitted
to the District must be reviewed for their conformance with the New Jersey Standards for Soil Erosion and
Sediment Control. Once approved, the District technical staff is responsible for inspection of these
construction sites to assure compliance with the certified Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
As an addition to the Gloucester Soil Districts’ continuing conservation education program, the District
offered a “Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Short Course” for designers and contractors in 2005. The
designer’s course focused on site design utilizing the NJ Standards while the contractor’s course emphasized
the proper installation and maintenance of soil erosion and sediment control measures on construction sites.
These courses were sponsored in cooperation with the NJDA State Soil Conservation Committee, Rowan
University and Gloucester County.
The following is an overview of the Gloucester Soil Conservation Districts 251 workload for 2005:
Plans Received:
Proposed Land Disturbance (acres):
Plans Certified:
RFA’s Issued:
Project Inspections Completed:
Reports of Compliance Issued:
Complete Compliances Issued:
251 Staff Hours:
212
2,121.30
267
115
2,858
1,522
54
13,237
The Gloucester Soil Conservation District will continue its dedication to the conservation of natural resources
throughout 2006. With ongoing assistance between municipalities, engineers, developers, farmers and the
general public, the District will help to ensure environmental resource quality for the citizens of Gloucester
County for years to come.
Education Report
Christina S. Christine, Educational Coordinator
Under the District’s full-time education program, in 2005, 28 presentations were given to over 750 students
at schools across Gloucester County. Presentations focused on soil conservation, backyard conservation,
forestry, and watershed education.
The District set up a backyard conservation display at Waterfest in June, 2005, which was held at Scotland
Run Park, Clayton NJ. The display consisted of a butterfly garden, complete with flowers that attract
butterflies and hummingbirds, some attractive native trees, shrubs, and grasses, and a vegetable garden. A
scavenger hunt was set up throughout the display where children had the opportunity to find insects and
animals that were “hidden” throughout the garden. The display was well received, with many children
participating in the scavenger hunt. The District set out pamphlets, materials and various “freebies”
focusing on conservation practices, watersheds, and backyard habitat information. The District also set up
an informational display at the Gloucester County 4-H fair in July.
Some additional 2005 accomplishments through the education program:
• Signed a Contribution Agreement with United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service under the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, School Site Habitats to provide
funding for five schools in Gloucester County so that they can create a wildlife habitat garden on the school
campus and use the garden as a teaching tool.
• District sponsored the annual conservation poster and bumper sticker contest. There was a total of 5
entry winners, ranging from 2nd grade to 12th grade, who each received a US Savings Bond.
• District hosted a one-day WILD School Sites Workshop, which drew 19 area teachers, park commission
members, and concerned citizens to learn how to create a wildlife habitat garden on a school campus or in a
community park. The workshop was held at Scotland Run Park Nature Center, Clayton, NJ.
• In 2005, the Gloucester Soil Conservation District created and circulated the first copy of their quarterly
newsletter, “In Your Backyard”.
• The District education coordinator participated as a judge at the NJ Envirothon competition that was
held on May 7, 2005 at North Branch Park, Bridgewater, NJ. The District was a NJ Envirothon Sponsor.
• The District held its first Annual Photo Contest. Three winners were chosen; the first place winning
photo is displayed on the cover of the Annual Report.
For more information about the Gloucester Soil Conservation District education programs, please contact
the education coordinator at: [email protected] or (856) 589-5250 x 16.
Above: Conservation education materials and other “freebies”
were displayed at Waterfest.
Right: District’s butterfly garden display at
Waterfest.
The Conservation Assistance Program
Karol Stoms, Program Assistant
The Conservation Assistance Program (CAP) is a partnership between the New Jersey Department of
Agriculture, Gloucester Soil Conservation District, and Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS). As a result of this partnership, five CAP employees are located between three southern New
Jersey NRCS offices: Woodstown, Vineland and Hammonton.
2005 presented the CAP employees with an opportunity to continue their conservation work throughout
Salem, Gloucester, Cumberland, Cape May and Atlantic counties. Through federal and state cost share
programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Farmland Preservation
Program, CAP employees were able to assist landowners and farm operators with conserving natural
resources.
The 8-Year Farmland Preservation Program, which
increased from 50% to 75% cost share and from $50,000
to $75,000 total eligibility in 2005, is popular amongst
agricultural producers. This program provides cost
sharing for producers to improve their facilities and
techniques in ways which help the environment. CAP
employees fulfilled the administrative and technical
aspects of assisting farmers in installing structural
practices such as Agrichemical Handling Facilities that
provide producers with an impervious area to mix
fertilizer and pesticides, and Manure Storage Facilities
that provide a storage area for manure until the correct
time to spread it for soil enhancement. These practices
help protect both surface and ground water from being
contaminated by preventing excess nutrient runoff.
Manure storage facility at a local dairy farm. This
concrete pit holds manure until it can be applied to
the field for soil enhancement.
Another widespread practice that CAP employees assist with is installing drip irrigation. Many local
farmers are converting to this type of irrigation. The use of drip irrigation reduces the amount of water
needed to irrigate. This helps prevent excess water runoff which causes soil erosion. Therefore, the use
of this system in place of more traditional forms of irrigation helps conserve both soil and water.
From the time CAP Agriculture Program Assistants process the cost share applications to the time they
process the payment requests, the CAP Agriculture Resource Specialists and CAP Agriculture Engineer
are busy writing conservation plans, surveying, designing,
and laying out the necessary conservation practices.
Although 2005 came to a close, the opportunity for CAP
employees to assist landowners and farm operators to
conserve our natural resources will continue throughout the
upcoming years.
Drip irrigation in newly planted vines. This
irrigation system was cost-shared through the
8-Year program.
Regional Stormwater Management Planning in Gloucester County
Craig McGee, Project Director
During this past year the Gloucester Soil Conservation District continued their work on two Regional
Stormwater Management Plans. The district has partnered with the Camden County Soil Conservation
District, Rowan University and the Gloucester County Planning Division to prepare plans for the upper
Raccoon Creek Watershed and the Upper Mantua Creek Watershed. Both projects are funded by a
319(h) Nonpoint Source Pollution Control grants.
In the Raccoon Creek, project staff have completed a detailed
characterization and assessment of the watershed. This
assessment included mapping and inspection of nearly all
stormwater features, like stormwater outfalls, bridges and
culverts and stormwater basins. The stream corridors were
inspected and evaluated, with each stream reach ranked on a
wide variety of parameters. Project staff performed biological
assessments at different ambient sites along the Raccoon Creek.
These assessments monitor water quality by counting and
comparing the macroinvertebrate populations at a given
sampling area. Further, the watershed characterization included
an analysis of the hydrologic response of the watershed, both by
studying stream gage records and by completing detailed
hydrologic models.
Overall, the Raccoon Creek appears to be in good condition, but
Map of the Raccoon Creek Watershed.
may be on the cusp of decline. Rapid development within the
watershed is changing the land use and the hydrologic response to rainfall. It is likely that these
changes will have some impact on the streams and lakes of the Raccoon Creek Watershed.
The results of the work so far, including a variety of suggested management strategies will be
published in the Raccoon Creek Watershed Draft Characterization and Assessment Report. This report
will be distributed to stakeholders in early March for their review and comment. A meeting of the
Regional Stormwater Management Committee will be held a few weeks later. At that time, the project
staff and stakeholders will begin the process of developing the Raccoon Creek Regional Stormwater
Management Plan. Once completed, approved and adopted this management plan will provide specific
strategies and requirements to better maintain the overall conditions of the Raccoon Creek
The Upper Mantua project has entered the second year
of this three-year project. Project staff worked through
2005 to conduct a similar characterization and
assessment as in the Raccoon Creek. The fieldwork in
the Mantua Creek watershed is expected to be
completed by spring 2006. This work, plus the results
of our hydrologic and hydraulic modeling efforts will
be described in the draft C&A report scheduled for
delivery late in 2006.
Typical reach of the Raccoon Creek.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Report
Mona Peterson, District Conservationist
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Helping People Help the Land
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance to help
agricultural producers and others care for the land. Our goals include high quality, productive soils; clean and
abundant water; healthy plant and animal communities; clean air; and an adequate energy supply. NRCS
provides assistance through the Gloucester County Soil Conservation District, working directly with farmers
and landowners to help them conserve our natural resources.
Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, we are helping 25 Gloucester County producers
conserve soil and water, manage animal waste, and improve water quality with practices ranging from nutrient
management to tailwater recovery systems. We are helping one landowner and one elementary school in
Gloucester County develop and enhance wildlife habitat through the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.
With help from the Agricultural Management Assistance Program, one Gloucester County farmer is
transitioning to organic production and another is saving water using irrigation water management. We are
helping 20 producers install soil and water conservation practices cost shared through the State Farmland
Preservation Program.
NRCS has recently made the Gloucester County Soil Survey just a mouse click away, thanks to the Web Soil
Survey. The Web Soil Survey is an inventory of soil resources that helps identify sites that are suitable for a
wide variety of land uses as well as identifying the best ways to protect soil and water quality. The new system
allows you to select your geographic area of interest and download soil interpretations and soil suitability's for
different uses to your computer. Just do a search for the Web Soil Survey to enter the soils electronic age.
The NRCS staff is ready and willing to help Gloucester County producers help their land. Ready to help are:
Mona Peterson, District Conservationist; Dan Mull, Resource Conservationist; Dan Brown, Ag. Resource
Specialist; Bryan Stimpson, Soil Conservationist; Wanda Mercado, Soil Conservationist; Karol Stoms,
Program Assistant; Wayne Birchler, Ag. Engineer; and Hillary Barile, Ag. Resource Specialist.
Example of a Soil Map from the Web Soil Survey
Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension of Gloucester
By: Jerome L. Frecon, Agricultural Agent
Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension of Gloucester County improves the lives of Gloucester
County residents through programs that are delivered by faculty and staff. As an integral part of Cook College,
the NJ Agricultural Experiment Station, and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, we utilize research
and science-based, non-bias, factual information for our education and outreach programs. We reach our
clientele through educational seminars, field demonstrations, home-study courses, school enrichment programs,
telephone inquiries and helplines, newsletters, fact sheets, and web-based information. We are funded by the
US Department of Agriculture, the State University of NJ, and the Gloucester County Board of Chosen
Freeholders.
With increasing development pressure resulting in land use conflicts and competition, educational
programs and services have been introduced and delivered on right to farm laws, planning for agriculture’s
future, and farmland preservation. Two agricultural management practice documents on Agritourism and Direct
Marketing were developed for the State Agricultural Development Committee to use as approved best
management practices for Right to Farm issues.
The impacts of the Seeds to Success youth farmstand project impacts the Gloucester County community
in ways that exceed its job preparedness, entrepreneurship focus. The agribusiness community benefited by the
farmstands purchasing more than $10,000 in locally produced goods last year.
RCRE assists Gloucester County’s 832 farmers with a detailed and difficult NJ DEP water allocations
program with 241 water registrations and certifications in the county. All water needs are calculated and
recommended by agricultural agents for new and existing water users.. We have recalculated water usage to
correspond with low-use irrigation technology and thus reported reduced groundwater drawl on 6 farms in
Gloucester County. Goals of the program are to train volunteers to work on educational projects to conserve
water and other natural resources.
An aggressive peach marketing program was developed. Program activities have been delivered to assist
in the publication of a state newsletter; editing and publishing 1,400 copies of the “New Jersey Peach Buyers’
Guide”; assistance in operating the jerseypeaches.com web site; assistance in conducting peach media day for
food writers and editors; and assistance in conducting and hosting the New Jersey Peach Festival that is
attended by 30,000 consumers annually.
The peach and nectarine variety development project, funded and operated since 1983, is the largest
testing project in the northeastern United State with 407 cultivars. ‘Ruby Queen’ plum developed by the United
States Department of Agriculture, but tested in this program, was
introduced. ‘Laurel’ Peach tested and introduced from this program is
one of the most important peaches in the eastern United States.
Fourteen thousand trees of ‘Laurel’ were sold and planted in 2005 and
12,000 in 2004.
Eight educational programs related to vegetable production and
marketing were presented to update farmers on the best cultural
methods and pest control options, along with marketing strategies for
increased profitability.
The Master Gardener Program has trained 144 students with a
60-hour volunteer mission to provide horticulture-related service
projects in the county. Volunteers have provided educational
opportunities and beautification projects at parks, schools, libraries, and
at county facilities like the Shady Lane Nursing Home. Master
Gardeners contributed 3,732 hours of service last year for a total of
14,539 hours over the lifetime of the program for a value of $278,858
in volunteerism to the county.
2005 Financial Report
Sources of Incom e (approx.)
1.00%
Sources of Income (approx.)
4.20%
16.60%
78.2% Erosion Control Fees
16.6% CAP Income
4.2% Interest and Misc. Income
1.0% Grants
78.20%
Expenses (Approx.)
1%
1%
7%
Expenses (approx.)
1%
10%
80.3% Salaries, Taxes and Benefits
9.7% Supplies, Postage and Equipment
7.0% Rent, Utilities and Insurance
1.0% Vehicle Expenses
1.0% Training & Meetings
1.0% Professional Services and Dues
80%
2005 District Snapshots:
District staff reviewing a site plan.
District Manager, Victor De Vasto
Sarah Polhamus, Natural Res. Spec.
Scott Boyer, Ag. Resource Specialist
Stephanie Meekins, Program Asst.
Christina Christine, Education Coordinator
Rich Eigenbrood, Natural Res. Spec.
Robin Bergeman, Natural Resource Spec.
Rich Eigenbrood, Natural Resource Spec.
Sarah Polhamus, Natural Resource Spec.
Wayne Birchler, District Engineer
In November, the Gloucester Soil Conservation District moved to a new location. The Districts new office is
located off of Route 47 (aka: Delsea Drive) in Washington Twp., New Jersey. The District office is adjacent to Parke
Bank and directly across the street from Wacker's Trading Post.
Building during construction.
New District office.
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
Gloucester Soil Conservation District
14 Parke Place Blvd. Suite C
Sewell, NJ 08080
To:
Gloucester Soil Conservation District 2005 Annual Report