The Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District, in partnership with the Loudoun County government hosted an informational workshop on a unique riparian buffer planting project on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at the Loudoun County Government Center,in Leesburg.
Private residential, industrial, commercial, and Homeowner Association (HOA) landowners in Loudoun are all eligible to apply for funds to plant buffers along perennial (year-round) streams and water bodies. An effective technique for improving water quality, this program reimburses landowners for planting materials and labor costs. Conservation Technician Chris Van Vlack will brief workshop attendees about the project’s planting options and application deadlines. This project complements the existing agricultural buffer planting program offered through the state Agricultural Best Management Practice (BMP) Cost-Share Program. Funding is limited and anticipated to be highly competitive, so interested landowners are strongly encouraged to attend the workshop to enhance their application opportunities.
Last spring, a total of six acres of forested riparian buffers were planted through the program in Loudoun by HOAs. These buffers help filter pollutants from stormwater runoff, which improves water quality for humans and wildlife and makes streams, creeks, and rivers safer for recreation. Forested buffers can also reduce mowing costs and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Presenters at the workshop include Chris Van Vlack, Conservation Technician, LSWCD; Jim Christian, Chairman, LSWCD; Dana Malone, Urban Forester, Loudoun County; and Laura Edmonds, Environmental Review Team Leader, Loudoun County.
The deadline for applications is March 1, 2013. Applications should be submitted to Loudoun SWCD, Attn: Chris Van Vlack, 30 Catoctin Circle, SE., Suite H, Leesburg, VA 20175. For more information, please contact Chris at (571) 918-4530, ext. 107.
