Small Scale Farmer Tour a Huge Success

(above) participants listen to a Virginia Department of Forestry official discuss the benefits of managed pine plantings (below) participants learn the importance of conservation planning and the benefits of cost-share programs

The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation and Falkland Farms recently partnered with NRCS; Virginia Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service; Department of Forestry; and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to host the first Small Landowner Forestry and Wildlife Field Tour.  Approximately 55 participants from Southside Virginia boarded vans to learn about the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, forestry and more. Farmers and landowners were able to get a first-hand look at various sites while learning more about forest resource management and conservation programs.

Agency experts led discussions and provided information to landowners on cost-share programs and benefits associated with forestry, wildlife, and timber sales. The group participated in tree planting demonstrations and visited prescribed burning sites. Landowners asked interesting questions about resource planning and utilizing cost-share to reach their conservation goals.

Find out more about NRCS in  Virginia.

Participants evaluating the trip, said that they now had a better understanding of tools and funding sources they could utilize in their operations.  Following this success are two additional tours planned for other parts of the State later this year.
Your contact  is Dastina Johnson, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 804-287-1609.