News & Updates

September 2023

Important

Dates

Oct. 11 • Stormwater Workshop (2 of 3)

Oct. 3 & 11 • CCR Recertification

Oct. 27 • Poster Contest Deadline

2023 Poster Contest

SCD is accepting entries for the annual conservation poster contest from Sussex County public, charter, private or homeschooled students in grades K-12.

Posters will be judged on the 2023 theme,

“One Water."

Deadline: Friday, Oct. 27, 2023

Learn More

Cost Share Updates

SCD announces oyster aquaculture cost-share program

The Sussex Conservation District (SCD) board of supervisors has approved a new cost-share program to increase oyster aquaculture in Sussex County. This program will provide an incentive payment per harvested oyster to fund nutrient reductions in the Inland Bays watershed. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.

SCD approves $4.6M cover crop program

The Sussex Conservation District (SCD) board of supervisors voted to approve the annual cover crop cost-share program at the board meeting on Aug. 22. "Just over $4.6 million in funding for the cover crop program is available to reach a goal of 80,000 acres of cover crops to be planted in Sussex County this fall," said Debbie Absher, director of agricultural programs at SCD.

SCD approves over $770,000 in tax ditch cost-share funding

The Sussex Conservation District (SCD) board of supervisors voted to approve the annual tax ditch cost-share program funding, totaling $772,000, at the board meeting on Aug. 22. "Tax ditches are a critical drainage infrastructure for much of the county and many ditches date back to the 1950s.

Stormwater Updates

Oct. 11

Learn about tax ditches and the enhancement and management of drainage infrastructure.

Overview of Tax Ditches

Wes Allen, SCD tax ditch program manager

Simplifying Designer Ditches

John Sandkuhler, Nanticoke Watershed Alliance (NWA) restoration coordinator

Right of Way Invasive Plant Management

Blake Moore, University of Delaware extension agent

Nov. 8

Learn about community enhancement and available funding opportunities.

Converting Lawns to Meadows

Beth Wasden, Nanticoke Watershed Alliance deputy director.

Urban and Community Forestry Program

Taryn Davidson, Delaware Department of Agriculture urban and community forestry program acting director

Attend in-person or online

10 - 11:30 a.m.

2024 Conservation Stewardship Awards

Mark your calendar!

Entries for the 2024 Conservation Stewardship Award will be available in early October.

Now in its third year, SCDs Conservation Stewardship Award recognizes organizations that exceed sediment and stormwater regulations.

Through recognition and appreciation of these organizations, we hope to catalyze future voluntary conservation and encourage residents to choose conservation-focused organizations

Learn More

CCR Recertification

The next Certified Construction Reviewer (CCR) recertification course will be held on Oct. 4 and 11, 2023.

The course is $90 and highlights changes in the Sediment and Stormwater Program and Regulations, along with newer approaches to stormwater management.

CCRs eligible for recertification will be notified by DNREC, registration is required.

Learn More

Partner News

Landowners:

Apply for Assistance to Protect Working Lands

Deadline: Friday, Sept. 29, 2023

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) through Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. The ACEP has two easement components to protect agricultural lands and wetlands, Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) or Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE)

• ALE helps preserve productive cropland, grassland, pastureland, and nonindustrial private forestland from conversion to non-agricultural uses.

• WRE restores and enhances wetlands and improves wildlife habitat. Wetland conservation easements are either permanent or for 30 years.

Learn More

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