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Extension and land conservation staff report on tree sales, watershed outreach and producer-led groups
Summary
Extension and county land conservation staff reported on spring permit activity, a recent producer-led watershed effort, tree-sale pickups, and a planned county listening session to collect community input on extension programming.
Richland County extension and land conservation staff updated the committee on recent program activity, including tree sales, producer-led watershed outreach, conservation practice certification, and an upcoming listening session to gather community feedback.
Staff reported 37 land-use permits year-to-date with 18 in April and 13 sanitary permits so far, and noted several septic permit applications pending. They said a tree sale pickup was held and that leftover trees would likely be planted on county land if not claimed. Land conservation staff described ongoing work with producer-led watershed groups to encourage voluntary nutrient-management practices and watershed-scale cooperation; staff said these groups help facilitate "self-regulation" and on-farm trials for cover crops and nutrient capture.
Extension staff outlined a planned Richland County listening session on May 21 from 5 to 6 p.m. to present current staffing and programming, solicit feedback on gaps in extension services, and follow up with educators to align programming with community needs. Staff will summarize comments and present findings to the committee in June. The committee also heard that a stewardship program ranking deadline recently closed and that NRCS and county staff expect a busy season certifying practices and conducting compliance spot checks for federal program participants.
Staff asked committee members to share tree-sale information posted on the county Facebook page and to encourage participation in watershed groups and upcoming outreach events. No binding program changes or new funding were approved at the meeting.
