In 1999 the grower of this 25-acre cranberry bog applied for funding assistance to replace three deteriorated flumes. The purpose of the flumes from a water quality improvement point of view is to hold water on a bog for a specified period of days after applying pesticides. The pesticides become inactivated during this time and the water can be released to the water body without threat of harm.

These pictures show the condition of the old flumes and after the installation of the new flume.

The farmer is implementing the Natural Resource Conservation Plan developed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Part of the Plan includes installing fence approximately 50 feet from the edge of the wetland. The field adjacent to the wetland is used as a loafing area for the cows. The MDAR funds were applied to the cost of installing over 300 feet of fence along the wetland. The USDA developed the fencing specifications.

These pictures show the area of concern before and after the fence was moved to include a 50-foot buffer between the edge of the field and the wetland.

DIVERSIFIED FRUIT AND VEGETABLE FARM, ESSEX COUNTY,

MERRIMACK RIVER WATERSHED

This diversified farm is home to a spectrum of farm animals and fowl that add another dimension of learning about farming to visitors. The farmer has been implementing the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Plan and sought funding assistance from MDAR to fence off the wetland and stream from any hoofed or foot traffic in accordance with the Plan.

The pictures show the wetland when animals had access to graze in it and the same area one year later after installing fencing to prohibit human and animal traffic.

SHEEP OPERATION, HAMPSHIRE COUNTY,

CONNECTICUT RIVER WATERSHED

This farmer employs a rotational grazing system of managing his flock. This management technique allows more intensive use of fields but rotation of the animals within the paddocks is critical to prevent over grazing that can lead to erosion and subsequently, potential contamination of a surface water supply.

The pictures show the flock coming towards the barn after being allowed to graze all day in one paddock. The vegetation in the paddock shows that the animals are being rotated before the area is over grazed. The standards to install the fencing came from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service.