We have many things to be thankful for as we close out 2019. One initiative that we are particularly proud of and thankful for this past year has been the momentum and success of the Turkey Hill Clean Water Partnership (THCWP).
The THCWP is the first public-private partnership of its kind to secure funding to support farmers in adopting increased conservation standards, and to also dedicate dollars to pay farmers for their product once conservation compliance has been achieved.
The THCWP has secured two grants, one each from the Natural Resources Conservation Services and the National Fish and Wildlife Federation, plus support from Turkey Hill Dairy for a total of $2 million dollars to fund the initiative.
The program pays for 100% of the cost for developing conservation/nutrient management plans, as well as up to 75% of the cost of installing conservation practices outlined in those plans.
Since its inception, the Partnership has helped over 160 dairy farmers develop conservation plans and funded 10 on-farm conservation projects. The goal is to decrease phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment runoff to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay, and to achieve 100% conservation compliance among farms supplying Turkey Hill Dairy.
As we look to 2020 and a new decade, we remain committed to furthering the efforts of the THCWP and improving the health of our local streams and waterways.
Take a moment to watch this video and learn more about what we’re doing with Turkey Hill and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.
