CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Conservation District held its Farm Lane Workshop on Oct. 22. The workshop was a demonstration of the use and installation of conveyor belt diversions to reduce erosion on dirt lanes.
More than 25 farmers, township staff and other conservation partners participated in the workshop. Examples of completed structures were displayed and important factors, such as the placement, angle of the belting, the importance of directing water into a stabilized outlet and the amount of fill surrounding the belt, were discussed.
Participants were also able to observe and assist with the installation of three conveyor belt diversions on a hillside farm lane.
The process includes excavating a ditch across the road at an angle, securing the belting to treated lumber with deck screws and washers, placing the diverter in the ditch, filling the ditch and compacting the soil around the belt.
The belts can be run over by vehicles and equipment, are easily maintained and are a relatively low-cost option to control water.
The Conservation District hopes as a result of this workshop to see more of these structures on private lanes to help prevent erosion.
A representative from NRCS informed attendees that financial assistance is available for agriculture producers to implement this practice through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP).
Attendees also observed a demonstration of the use of a Great Plains Turbo Max for incorporation of liquid manure, which the Kennis family uses as part of their no-till program.
The Conservation District would like to thank the Kennis family for hosting the event at their farm. This workshop was funded through the Dirt and Gravel Program Education Funds.
The Clearfield County Conservation District has an ongoing commitment to Environmental Education and is planning more workshop style events for the coming year.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about erosion control, please contact the Conservation District at 814-765-2629 or clfdccd@atlanticbbn.net.
