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Activities Prince Edward Island Ecological Goods and Services Pilot Project - 2007-08
The expected results of implementing these practices include improved water quality and biodiversity within the Founds River and Souris River Watersheds. The coordinator, Fred Cheverie and agrology specialist, Erica MacIsaac, speak to community groups regarding to this program. Their presentation, at Emerald, P.E.I. to the BMP Farm Tour on July 31, 2008, may be found HERE. The Trout River Environmental Committee Inc., and the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation recognize the harsh economic conditions that face farmers and the importance of maximizing farm yield to gain even a modest profit. That being said, its critical to note that many farmers are acutely aware of environmental problems and have already begun implementing best management practices independently of this project.
Photos 6 & 7 are examples of Fencing Cattle From A Watercourse. It is now legislation that cattle be fenced away from a watercourse. This action was implemented to improve water quality. There is a payment through EG&S, for maintaining fences adjoining a watercourse/wetland. The amount of payment in based on the presence/absence of stream crossings and alternate water sources, the length and type of fence. Fence with stream crossing and alternate water source: Fence with stream crossing or alternate water source: Fence without stream crossing or alternate water source: Photos 8-10 are of Retirement of Sensitive High Sloped Land. Through the EG&S program, farmers can be paid for taking high sloped land (>9%) out of annual crop production. This land can be left in trees or grass. Photo 11 is of a Cover Crop and photos 18-19 are of spring ploughing. Exposed red land in the winter can increase the potential of wind erosion. There are a number of ways to eliminate red land over winter. Prior to a potato crop being planted, a producer may plough the hay land in the spring as opposed to the fall. After potato harvest, a producer may apply mulch or a cereal cover crop to provide winter cover. Through EG&S, a payment will be made available and will be based on the type of producer action, and whether the same field involved elimination of red land before and/or after a potato crop. Photos 12-13 of an Enhanced Buffer Through EG&S there is a financial incentive to leave an extra acreage of buffer zone adjoining a watercourse, over and above what is legislated. The idea behind this, is to reduce the runoff from fields that may be deposited into watercourses. The hope is to improve water quality, as well as fish and wildlife habitat. Photos 14-15 are of a Hedgerow There are many benefits of a hedgerow. These include providing shade for cattle, reducing soil erosion, and providing habitat for wildlife. For payment in the EG&S program, a hedge must be at least 20 ft wide, contain a mixture of coniferous and deciduous species, and interconnect with another habitat. In a pasture field, a fence may be erected to keep cattle from damaging a new hedge. A payment will be given for the land utilized by a hedgerow, and the length and type of fence if applicable. Photos 16-17 are of a Grassed Headland A grassed headland at the bottom of a cropped field may help to filter runoff before it drains into a ditch, which may eventually lead to a watercourse. The hope is to improve water quality. In order to qualify for EG&S payment, the field must slope towards the grassed headland, and be near a ditch.  Copyright Souris Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation All pictures appearing on this site or its associated flickr account are the property of the photographers and the Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation. |
