In 2013, LCCD joined in a state-wide initiative to reach out to new and small farms to introduce them to conservation partners and programs such as the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, UVM Agricultural Extension Program, among others. With initial support from the Vermont State Legislature, VT NRCDs assisted “small” farmers to learn about Soil Health and Nutrient Management Planning. Through this initiative, LCCD helped create Conservation in Vermont: Best Management Practices for Farm and Forest Owners that showcases a number of cost saving and resources practices that landowners can participate in through district and partner programs. Printed copies are available at the Morrisville USDA Service Center. Binning this spring we will be offering a no‐till workshop series. This will entail gathering community members and producers to partake in learning about no‐till practices through a series of both demonstrations and informational sessions.

LCCD is also working to address the recommendations set forth by the Lamoille County Tactical Basin
plan. The Tactical Basin Plan has assed the agricultural needs of the surrounding watershed and
has made recommendations based off of those results. Some of the goals have been to increase
outreach and farmer participation that results in more landowner willingness, increase rates of
repayment for services, building strong partnerships and increasing trust within the farming community, and increasing no‐till in areas with continuous corn and annual flooding. Overall the Tactical Basin plan aims to protect and restore Vermont’s surface waters.