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Concerning Conservation Wake Soil and Water Conservation District ~ Spring 2023

Conservation Spotlight

Grassed Waterways

A grassed waterway installed on a farm in southeastern Wake County. April 2023.

This spring we have had some producers install grassed waterways, or meadow strips, across the county. Grassed waterway practices are designed to concentrate runoff from fields and then remove the water from the field through an outlet. These practices are designed to sustain a 25-year storm within the drainage area in which it is located. Grassed waterways have a flat bottom to help the water spread out so it does not channelize and form gullies in the field. Some sedimentation is expected to occur in the waterway to help retain valuable soil in the field and discharge clean water to our creeks and streams. After the waterway is installed, they are seeded with a tall fescue and some other warm or cool season grain, depending on the time of year it is installed. Waterways are designed with the producer’s operation in mind and are built to ensure they can be farmed across.

The 3 pictures featured here, as well as the drone shot in the background, all feature a grassed waterway installed on a farm in southeastern Wake County this year.

Installing the grassed waterway on March 8th. Photo by Caleb Lippard.
In this photo, you can see the pond at the end of the grassed waterway. Photo by: Caleb Lippard.

If you have a need for a grassed waterway, or any other conservation practice, reach out to our office and we will be glad to assist you.

Program Updates

Big Sweep

S&P Global's Big Sweep at Forest Ridge in September 2022.

2022 Impact Report

Wake County Big Sweep saw its first full season since COVID last year. In 2022, 43 events were conducted throughout Wake County. Over 60,000 pounds of litter was removed and about half of that was diverted from the landfill through recycling. This season's litter-removed surpassed the previous personal best by 87%. View the entire report at the link below:

New Facebook Group & Upcoming Events

Big Sweep is gaining steam in a hurry! See for yourself what all the hype is about by joining our Facebook Group and signing up for a Big Sweep.

Education

PBS NC Producer/Director Evan Howell (bottom right) interviewing Garner Magnet High School FFA student Amarion Singetary (top left) and Wake Forest High School student Dylan Medlin (bottom center).

Two Students Join Conservation Conversation on PBS

Two Wake County students came home from last summer’s 2022 Resource Conservation Workshop to find themselves in the TV spotlight. Both were invited to interview with PBS North Carolina Producer and Director Evan Howell for an upcoming episode of the ncIMPACT series. After months in the production studio, the episode premiered on Friday, April 28th, 2023. Check out the clip below to see these two students -- FFA student Amarion Singletary from Garner Magnet High School and Dylan Medlin who lives on a farm and attends Wake Forest High School -- speak about how they feel about the tremendous growth in their state and the urgent need for land conservation.

PBS ncIMPACT - SEASON 5 EPISODE: Conserving the Landscape in the Face of Growth.

Population growth and land fragmentation in North Carolina have threatened wildlife as well as natural habitats and resources. A study projects that two million acres of undeveloped land in NC will be gone in the next 30 years. Visit two communities working to conserve the landscape in the face of growth, including Jones County, which is repurposing a property that was badly damaged by a hurricane.

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Current Issues testing area at the 2023 Area IV Envirothon competition.

Six Wake County Teams Rock Area IV Envirothon!

Having a good breakfast, dressing in layers, and studying hard for six months paid off for six Wake County Envirothon teams at the 2023 Area IV Envirothon! The regional competition was held March 16 at the West Point on the Eno Park in Durham. This academic challenge tests the knowledge of teams from an 11-county area on the topics of aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and current environmental issues.

Wake County teams captured both the high school and middle school Area IV Envirothon championships! The Mean Green Beans from Panther Creek High School in Cary and Mustang FFA from LeRoy Martin Magnet Middle School both earned 1st Place, an engraved plaque, a $100 cash prize, and numerous top score medallions. Mean Green Beans made two perfect scores in Forestry and Soils, and tied for the highest score in Aquatics and Current Environmental Issues. Mustang FFA made top scores for Aquatics, Soils, Wildlife, and tied for the highest score in Forestry.

A total of six Wake County teams earned the privilege to advance to the 2023 North Carolina Envirothon April 28-29 at Cedarock Park in Alamance County where they can win additional cash awards, prizes, and recognition. The Wake District Board of Supervisors proudly sponsor Wake County’s advancing teams to the state competition each year at $200 per team.

Wake County school rankings at Area IV Envirothon 2023.

Congratulations to all our Wake County Envirothon teams that are learning about environmental science and natural resource management!

Farmland Preservation

Wake County Farmland Preservation Logo. Image by Wake County Communications.

Wake County Farmland Preservation Program Officially Launched!

After years of planning and hard work, in February of 2023, the Wake County Farmland Preservation Program was finally announced to the public! The program expands upon the existing Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) Program, adding two new conservation options for landowners looking to protect their land, the Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD) program, and Conservation Easement programs.

Why?

Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District staff have created the Farmland Preservation Program to remain compliant with changes to the state statute on VAD programs and in response to the significant loss of farmland that has accompanied rapid growth in the county. In the last nine years, Wake County lost 22,964 acres of farm and forest land, which is nearly 20%. In addition to this data, the recent Farms Under Threat report from the American Farmland Trust projects that Wake County could lose another 30,000-55,000 acres of farmland by 2040. With unchecked losses on farmland, local food security is under threat and there is greater potential for flooding due to increased impervious surface. The goal of the new Farmland Preservation Program is to provide multiple strong conservation options for landowners to ensure the continued environmental and economic strength of Wake County agriculture.

What?

As previously mentioned, there are now three different farmland preservation options for landowners to choose from: the Voluntary Agricultural District, Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District, and conservation easements. These options are voluntary, but they come with varying levels of commitment from a landowner. The program details are as follows:

Voluntary Agricultural District

  • Requires a 10-year conservation agreement that is revocable with 30 days written notice to the Agricultural Advisory Board.
  • Landowners may renew for 10 years after the initial period.
  • The program may provide assessments for utilities by city or county be held in abeyance.
  • Program provides public recognition and education about agriculture.
  • Enrollment provides increased protection from nuisance suits and landowners can receive bonus points on agricultural cost share applications through the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District office.

Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District

  • Requires a 10-year irrevocable agreement that must be recorded on the deed.
  • Landowners may renew for 3 years after the initial 10-year period.
  • The program may provide assessments for utilities by city or county be held in abeyance.
  • Landowners may receive up to 25% of its gross sales from the sale on non-farm products and still qualify as a bona fide farm that is exempt from zoning regulations.
  • Landowners are eligible to receive higher percentage of cost share funds (90%) under the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District’s Agricultural Cost Share Program.

Conservation Easements

  • Results in permanent protection of land involving a landowner selling the development rights on the property.
  • Landowners can receive funding to compensate for the sale of development rights through the conservation easement.
  • Landowners can qualify for tax incentives and federal tax deductions.

The three new farmland preservation options are at the heart of the new program, but they are not the only improvements. Wake Soil & Water staff worked with the county communications department to create new logos, graphics, and other website changes to effectively market the new program. Also, in collaboration with the information services department, a new online database for managing applications and previously enrolled properties was developed.

Finally, financial support from the county manager’s office and the county commissioners have helped to ensure the success of the program. Late last year, county commissioners approved the allocation of annual rollback tax revenue to fund agricultural conservation easements. With this format, tax revenue from land being removed from Present Use Value will be utilized to help keep other land in agriculture. This funding will be used to leverage federal and state funds for agricultural conservation easements and will greatly improve the success of the program.

When?

Now! All new information is listed on our website, including the online application and paper application for VAD and EVAD. Follow the link below to learn more!

Event Recap

Speakers and attendees at the Southern Farm Show Breakfast. Photos by Riley Holcraft.

Southern Farm Show Kick-Off Breakfast

February 1st , 2023

Over 70 community members, professionals, and local officials gathered at the NC State Fairgrounds for the 47th Annual Southern Farm Show Kick-Off Breakfast, hosted by the Wake County Agribusiness Council and the Wake County Agricultural Advisory Board. These dedicated individuals came together on a cold and rainy morning to take part in important conversations about farmland preservation, and were treated to a hearty breakfast provided by Pam's Farmhouse.

We were honored to have Dr. Courtney Owens, Southeast Regional Director with the American Farmland Trust, present the Farms Under Threat 2040 Report. The report projects how development and climate change will affect agricultural land under several different future scenarios. Dr. Owens emphasized that North Carolina has the second highest rate of farmland loss across the nation, and that immediate action is necessary to save the farmland that remains. Other distinguished speakers added their own remarks about the importance of developing policy and creative solutions to protect North Carolina's farmland. These speakers included Wake Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Beth Pugh Farrell, Wake County Extension Director Katherine Williams, Southern Shows President David Zimmerman, Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson, Wake Soil & Water Director Teresa Furr, and NC Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Wake County Farm Bureau, AgCarolina Farm Credit, Agri Supply, Campbell Road Nursery, and Southern Farm Show.

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Image by Wake County Communications.

Keeping the Farm Workshop

March 22nd, 2023

The 18th Annual Keeping the Farm Workshop was offered in-person this past March for the first time in two years - and it was a joy to be back! 150 community members convened at the Wake County Commons Building to learn about topics related to protecting and preserving their family farms. In addition to the in-person guests, over 500 people viewed a livestream of the event on Facebook. Attendees heard presentations on property tax and land value, deeds and records, county growth plans, local farmer insights, wildlife issues, estate planning and asset protection, and farmland preservation programs. After a delicious lunch provided by Forks Cafeteria, smaller breakout sessions were offered where attendees could ask questions and presenters could go more in-depth on their subject matter.

To see video clips of this year's presentations and the presenter's slides, visit the Wake Soil & Water Conservation District website.

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Draft Middle Creek Area Plan. Image by Wake County Planning.

Middle Creek Area Plan - Community Meetings

February 16th & April 20th, 2023

Wake County Planning is creating the Middle Creek Area Plan, one of six area plans being developed or updated as part of the implementation of Wake County's comprehensive plan. This comprehensive plan, known as PLANWake, charts a course to guide growth over the next 10 years. Middle Creek residents have provided feedback at two community planning meetings in the past few months, hosted by Wake County Planning and supported by Soil and Water Conservation District staff.

February 16 – This in-person meeting at Amplify Church was well-attended by Middle Creek residents. Participants marked their desired future land use on the map, which was then integrated into the new plan.

April 20 - The purpose of this second in-person meeting at Amplify Church was to present the results from the online and in-person outreach efforts. One of the Planning Department's findings was that people currently using their land for agriculture and forestry, mostly wanted to continue doing so.

Wake County Planning continues to encourage and accept feedback on the Middle Creek Area Plan, with a goal to adopt the plan this summer 2023. If you'd like to learn more about the Middle Creek Area Plan or provide feedback, please see the information below:

Email: areaplan@wake.gov

Phone: 919-856-6310, press 8

Website: wake.gov/MC

Announcements

One Water Survey

Facing water issues? Worried our growing county won’t have enough clean water? We need your voice! Weigh in before May 8!

As the most populous county in North Carolina, with more than a million residents, Wake County takes proactive measures to maintain a clean and abundant water supply.

Our population is projected to double within the next 40 years, which will increase demand for drinking-water resources. That growth, coupled with less predictable concerns such as climate and environmental conditions, requires integrated and adaptive water management.

For the next two years, Wake County will be working with the community to develop a countywide “One Water Plan.” The 50-year One Water Plan integrates all water planning (water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater and flood management, and groundwater protection) with County and municipal development and transportation planning. This One Water Plan aims to equitably support all aspects of our growing population and preserves our limited natural resources.

Got to Be NC Festival

Forever Farms Celebration

Date: Friday, May 19th 2023

Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Location: The Stanfield Center near Gate 6 at the State Fairgrounds

The NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Farmland Preservation Team is gathering on the morning of May 19th for the inaugural NC Forever Farms Award Reception. There will be an award ceremony and reception as they honor a leader in agricultural preservation. They will have breakfast refreshments and a presentation by Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler.

If you have a farm and would like to learn more about preservation options, local conservation entities and farm preservation staff will be on hand to talk you through options for your farm.

Contact Sarah Weavil to RSVP: sara.weavil@ncagr.gov or (919) 707-3074

Post reception, enjoy the offerings of the Got To Be NC Festival at the Fairgrounds.

Meetings and Closures:

May 10th, 2023 - Wake SWCD Board Meeting

May 29th, 2023 - Memorial Day, Office Closed

June 14th, 2023 - Wake SWCD Board Meeting

June 19th, 2023 - Juneteenth Holiday, Office Closed

June 29th, 2023 - Resource Conservation Workshop, Soil & Water Day

July 4th, 2023 - Independence Day, Office Closed

Staff Updates

Congratulations Diana!

We are wishing Diana Irizarry, NRCS Supervisory Soil Conservationist, a big congratulations on her new job as the North Carolina NRCS Outreach Coordinator. The SWCD office is sorry to see her go, but thrilled for her success! Fortunately for us, Diana will continue to serve as Acting Supervisory Soil Conservationist for the time being.

Background Photo Credits:

  1. Header Photo - Sunrise over a field - Caleb Lippard
  2. Conservation Spotlight - Drone shot of a grassed waterway - Caleb Lippard
  3. Big Sweep - Tires - Winifred Dorer
  4. Education Background Photo - Area IV Envirothon - Winifred Dorer
  5. Farmland Preservation Background Photo -
  6. Event Recap - Farm Landscape - Winifred Dorer
  7. Announcements - Water Ripple and Pink Flowers - Adobe Stock Photos
  8. Staff Updates - Wake Soil and Water Truck - Loren Hendrickson

If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to email us at swcd@wake.gov or call 919-250-1051.

Agricultural Services Building, 4001-D Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610

Credits:

Created with images by Claudio Divizia - "water texture background" • eakarat - "Pink cherry tree blossom flowers blooming in spring, easter time against a natural sunny blurred garden banner background of blue, yellow and white bokeh. "

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