Would you like to receive benefits as a FRIEND of the District? Do you have Natural Resource Concerns where Farm Bill programs may be able to help?

Our next meeting will be held late April and is open to those interested in participating. Please contact Lisa.trotto@ma.usda.gov 

The WCCD is a subdivision of state government established to address natural resource problems within the County. Our primary vehicle for addressing the concerns of landowners and communities is through our relationships with cooperating agencies of USDA and the Massachusetts Agricultural Resources, and through Farm Bill Programs. We report our findings from the Local Working Group process each fall to the Massachusetts State Technical Committee who steer the direction of Farm Bil Programs in Massachusetts.                                

     The 2008 Farm Bill included conservation and environmental incentive programs to encourage farmers and forest owners to adopt conservation practices to improve the natural resources on and around their lands. Last year over $973,000 federal dollars were invested in environmental improvements on private lands in Worcester County.   Include the landowners and farmers time, technical assistance and financial contribution, well over a million dollars was invested in conservation on our farms and forests in the County. 

     Please join us in developing an inventory of what still needs to be done in our county. Help prioritize the work load and ultimately help direct Farm Bill Programs and other programs toward natural resource sustainability.  If you are unable to attend but would still like to provide your comments on natural resource concerns in your community, please write to WCCD, 52 Boyden Road, Holden, MA 01520 or email Lisa.trotto@ma.usda.gov.                                                                                                              You will become a FRIEND of the District after attending one spring meeting and one meeting in September at Tower Hill. FRIENDS will recieve the following benefits:

 Fruitlands Museum- free admission

Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston- free admission

Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge- free admission

Mass. Audubon- discounted admission statewide

and

A chance to win family passes to Davis Farmland and Ecotarium

(48 hr. notice is needed and issued on a first come, first serve basis)