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It is the mission of the  District to protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the present and future generations of Erie County residents through the conservation of soil, water, air, plant and animal resources by delivery of sound, science-based, locally-directed, technical and educational assistance.

 

November 2022 Lake Effect Storm Damage Fund Program

The Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District is administering the November 2022 Storm Damage Fund program on behalf of Erie County. Up to $2 million in funding for this program will be provided through Erie County 2023 Budget Balancing and appropriations and do not include any state or federal funds. The objective of the program is to indirectly provide grant funds to eligible farms and agribusinesses throughout Erie County to assist them with covering the cost of capital damages to buildings, structures, machinery, or equipment resulting from the 2022 November Storm that were not covered by Insurance or a Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan. 

Program Goals:

To help stabilize farms and agri-business in their recovery from November 2022 Storm damage to facilities, structures, equipment, machinery, and capital assets which were determined not eligible for insurance coverage, in a manner in which will preserve agricultural lands and conserve agricultural soils, and protect water quality for future generations.

To strategically invest in and strengthen our local farms and agri-businesses that were adversely impacted by the November Storm but were not eligible for full insurance coverage or federal/state loan assistance resulting from the November Storm not being declared a federal disaster.

Non-farm/agribusinesses are welcome to apply; however, their eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis as allowable under applicable NYS laws

Program Guidelines

Application Form

 

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2025 Erosion and Sediment Control Workshops NYSDEC-endorsed 4-hour GP-0-20-001 Training Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District and WNY Stormwater Coalition will host two DEC-Endorsed 4-hour Erosion and Sediment Control Workshops for Construction Site Contractors and Operators in Winter 2025.  The workshops will be Tuesday January 14th and Wednesday February 19th, 2025; 8:30am- 1:00pm.  (Please note both classes will be virtual)  All contractors and subcontractors working under the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's (NYSDEC) Permit GP-0-20-001 (SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity), must identify at least one Trained Contractor from their company that will be responsible for implementation of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and have at least one Trained Contractor perform a daily site inspection when soil disturbance activities are being performed.  Also, developers must have a Qualified Inspector conduct regular site inspections in accordance with GP-0-20-001. All Qualified Inspectors and Trained Contractors must complete 4 hours of training in the principles and practices of erosion and sediment control through a program endorsed by NYDEC, SWCD or CPESC, Inc. every three years. Upon completion, each participant will receive a NYS DEC registration number that is valid for 3 years.  Certified Professionals in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), LA's and PE's are exempt from these training requirements.  These events are not a workshop series; they are the same class being provided on two different days. Registration fee is $95.00 per attendee.  Attendees must pre-register. Register for a class by clicking a registration link below. Please contact Don Stribick at (716) 652-8480 x 8556 or don.stribick@ny.nacdnet.net for questions.. Also check the NYSDEC website for more trainings and additional information at https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quality/stormwater/construction-stormwater-toolbox January Workshop February Workshop

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Are you a high school student or teacher interested in the outdoors or the environment? If so, the ERIE COUNTY ENVIROTHON is a perfect opportunity for you! To learn more about this exciting local program that connects students with environmental professionals and gives participants a chance to win some great prizes, click on link below! Don't miss out on this year's program - sign up now! Click here for information on the Envirothon

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POND INFO!

Images courtesy of USDA NRCS.

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Conservation Practices

Click here for Bluebird Conservation

Windbreaks - Click here for information on how to use nature to protect natural resources

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Stop by the District office for these additional items: Bluebird and Bat Houses - Wood Duck Boxes - Field Identification Guides - Planting Spades Topographic Maps - Backyard Conservation Kits Gift Certificates also available in any denomination    Office Map