The Butler County Conservation District is preparing to undertake a strategic planning process early in the new year.

The first meeting will be held at noon on Jan. 22 at the Farm Service Agency office, 625 Evans City Road.

As part of this process, we are asking cooperating agencies, customers and the public to provide verbal and written input. Please contact the Conservation District if you wish to do so.

The strategic plan articulates the issues facing the district as well as the issues it will face in the future. The plan will build upon the goals by developing objectives and actions to address issues of natural resources, customer needs and enhance the district's ability to carry out goals.

This document is intended to maintain strong, working partnerships and ensure continued support within the District and with outside partners.

The Butler County Conservation District is one of 66 districts in the state. Some of the district's annual objectives include the following topics:environmental education, watershed programs, farmland preservation, environmental plan reviews, erosion and sediment pollution prevention, national pollution discharge elimination system permitting, dam safety and encroachment permitting, nutrient management, best management practices for farmers, dirt and gravel road maintenance, tree planting and West Nile Virus prevention.

Applications accepted

The Butler County Conservation District is accepting applications for grants to implement the best management practices on livestock operations in Butler County.

Farmers throughout the county can submit an application to install BMPs that address environmental concerns on their operations.

Eligible projects can include grazing systems, stream bank fencing, riparian buffers, stream crossings and watering systems.

All projects must meet the Natural Resources Conservation Service field office technical guide standards and specifications.

Eligible livestock may be defined as beef, dairy cattle, swine, sheep and poultry used for the production of food for human consumption or fiber.

Farmers can contact the Butler County Conservation District to discuss funding for BMPs on their farm. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 16 at the district office.

For information or an application, call 724-284-5270.

Ron Fodor is district manager of the Butler County Conservation District.