At a recent Ontario County Board of Supervisors meeting, Megan Webster, the District Manager, presented an overview of the Soil & Water Conservation District’s achievements in 2023 and outlined its objectives for 2024. Established in 1940, the district has been pivotal in addressing water quality, soil erosion, agricultural management, and environmental preservation across five Finger Lakes.
The district celebrated securing $2.2 million in grants, stabilizing over a thousand feet of roadside, conducting 215 septic system inspections, and engaging a thousand students in educational programs last year. Other accomplishments include significant soil conservation efforts and recycling over 25 tons of residential tires, underscoring its critical role in environmental stewardship within the county.
Looking ahead, the district aims to tackle climate change challenges, reduce methane emissions, and launch a forestry initiative. With ongoing projects valued at over $8 million, the Soil & Water Conservation District is set to enhance local infrastructure, support the agricultural sector, and contribute to Ontario County’s ecological well-being. The county is also gearing up to host the prestigious Western Finger Lakes Regional Envirothon, spotlighting its commitment to environmental education and awareness.
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