Administrative Officer:
Kelly Keifer

201 Scott Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26508
Phone: (304) 296-0081
Fax: (304) 285-3151
Email: mcd@wvca.us
Driving Directions

USDA ANNOUNCES WATER CONSERVATION PROJECT ASSISTANCE

MORGANTOWN, WV, April 8, 2010—Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced the availability of $20.7 million in financial assistance funding for Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) new project proposals. This funding will help producers conserve surface and ground water and improve water quality on agricultural land.

“NRCS is seeking more water conservation on working lands and more opportunities to improve water quality by working with our partners," said Kevin Wickey, West Virginia State Conservationist. “AWEP projects are implemented by NRCS entering into partnership agreements with eligible entities. NRCS works with these partners to help landowners plan and implement conservation practices in project areas established through the agreements.”

The following partnership entities are eligible to submit proposals for funding: States, units of local government, agricultural associations, and other groups of producers–such as irrigation associations, agricultural land trusts, or other non-governmental organization–that have experience working with agricultural producers. When an AWEP project area has been approved and announced, individual producers may apply for program benefits through their local NRCS office. The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill) established AWEP. To view the full request for proposal, for additional AWEP information, or to apply visit: www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/AWEP/.

Types of water enhancement activities intended with this request for proposal are:

• Water quality or water conservation plan development;
• Water conservation restoration or enhancement projects;
• Water quality or quantity restoration or enhancement projects;
• Irrigation system improvement and irrigation efficiency enhancements;
• Activities designed to mitigate the effects of drought; and
• Related activities determined to help achieve water quality or water conservation benefits on agricultural land.

Deadline for partner organizations to submit a proposal is close of business on May 17, 2010. Submit proposals to Kevin Wickey at

West Virginia State Office
1550 Earl Core Road, Suite 200
Morgantown, WV 26505

For additional information about NRCS and conservation programs that may be available for you, visit: www.nrcs.usda.gov, or visit the nearest USDA Service Center in your area. 2010 represents the 75th year of NRCS helping people help the land. Since its inception in 1935, the NRCS conservation delivery system has advanced a unique partnership with state and local governments and private landowners delivering conservation based on specific, local conservation needs, while accommodating state and national interests.

USDA Announces Funding to Enhance Market-based Approaches to Conservation

Conservation Innovation Grants Pre-proposals due April 26, 2010

MORGANTOWN, WV, April 8, 2010—The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the availability of approximately $25 million in fiscal year 2010 to fund projects designed to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies through its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) in fiscal year 2010.

"USDA's investment in these grants will advance our goal of producing long-term dividends in environmental enhancement and protection," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "The grants will assist producers in using market-based approaches to conservation and innovative technologies that can put conservation on the land."

USDA will use these competitive grants to seek creative solutions to assist producers with emerging and traditional agricultural and natural resource issues. In addition to market-based approaches to conservation, emerging issues include energy conservation, specialty crops, and new methods of tackling climate change. The grants also will fund solutions to improve water, soil and air quality, improve nutrient management, and enhance wildlife habitat and pollinator populations. The USDA–Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers CIG.

CIG, a component of NRCS's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), provides competitive grants to, state and local units of governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals. CIG funds one-to-three year projects that targets innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. The maximum federal contribution for each project is $1 million.

“Up to $5 million will be available for proposals that address natural resource concerns in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed,” said Kevin Wickey, West Virginia State Conservationist. Last year, a team of West Virginia University researchers received an $181,000 grant to demonstrate precision agriculture’s effectiveness for protecting water quality in the Eastern Panhandle. The project uses global mapping and other precision agriculture technology to improve ground and surface-water quality in fields that have limestone.

USDA encourages beginning farmers, limited resource farmers or ranchers, community-based organizations that service these groups to apply for grants. Ten percent of the total funding is being set aside for this purpose.

USDA will use a two-phased approach to award CIGs this fiscal year. Applicants must submit pre-proposals to NRCS's National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. by close of business on Monday, April 26, 2010. Full applications for selected pre-proposals must be submitted by June 4, 2010. All CIG projects must include agricultural producers who meet EQIP eligibility requirements. For more information about the EQIP eligibility requirements, please visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip.

Information about the CIG Announcement of Program Funding can be found at www.grants.gov where applicants can apply electronically, and at the CIG Web page at www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/cig/index.html.

The West Virginia Agriculture Enhancement Program (“WVAEP”) is a pilot program administered by the West Virginia Conservation Agency through local Conservation Districts to increase farm productivity by conserving soil, making wise use of agricultural resources, and to improve water quality in the state’s streams and rivers.  The program offers technical and cost-share assistance as an incentive to implement selected best management practices (BMP’s).  The basis of the program is to increase farm profitability and sustainability and encourage the voluntary installation of agricultural best management practices. 

The program will offer cost-share assistance on Livestock Exclusion Fencing, Water Development (stabilized watering area-concrete or rubber tire trough), and Stream Protection (crossings).

Applications are available at and can be requested from the District office.  They can be submitted to the District from March 15, 2010 until April 16, 2010.  Applications submitted to the district office on April 16th must be in by 3:00 pm.

For applications, please contact the District at 304-296-0081.  For more information regarding the program guidelines, please contact Amy Sine at 304-285-3118.

William Keck Bunner

William Keck Bunner, 60, of Daybrook, died Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at his home on the 200-year-old Keck farm.  In 1982, Mr. Bunner was elected to the Monongahela Conservation District on a write-in campaign.  He continued to serve as a Supervisor on the Board for 26 years.  He treated his service as Supervisor as a full-time job for many years and participated in several National Association Conservation District events.  During his tenure, he received awards for his service and initiative.  In addition, as a Supervisor, he was named Monongalia County Solid Waste Authority Representative and served as Chair for several terms.  He took great pride in establishing awards in others’ names and for those involved in conservation matters.  He served as an advisor to the West Run Watershed Improvement District, Dunkard Creek Watershed Association, and Deckers memorial.  Mr. Bunner unexpectedly fulfilled his wish to die at home, among family and friends.

Friends were received at the Owen-Neely Funeral Home in Blacksville on January 29, 2010.  Condolences can be received online at www.tennantfuneral-home.com.

The District Says Goodbye to a Special Friend of the Cheat River

Keith Pitzer, Executive Director of Friends of the Cheat since 2001, died on the morning of December 22nd following a year and a half long battle with cancer.

Under his leadership, Friends of the Cheat dramatically expanded its efforts to restore, preserve, and promote the outstanding natural qualities of the Cheat River Watershed.

Key milestones under the Pitzer tenure include: establishing three public river accesses, completing an interpretive driving trail, invasive species eradication, and a major expansion of the organization’s primary focus.  This was cleaning up acid mine drainage that has rendered many miles of streams in the watershed that had been unable to support life for decades.

Today the Cheat River, once considered dead below Albright, is making a comeback.  The water is visibly cleaner and fish, eagles, herons, and otters have been sighted.  Still, much work remains to further improve water quality in the river and tributaries.

Keith also laid the foundation for ongoing projects including: developing rail trails in the Kingwood area, building an outdoor classroom from Albright to Rowlesburg, developing a key river and trail access at the confluence of Pringle Run and the Cheat River, and many additional acid mine drainage remediation projects throughout the lower Cheat watershed.

An accomplished musician and songwriter, Keith and his wife Joan recorded albums and played at festivals and other venues throughout the East Coast.  They were instrumental in establishing the fine music tradition of the annual Cheat River Festival, which is one the region’s first outdoor festival held the first weekend in May of each year.

Despite his deteriorating health, Keith remained actively involved in leading Friends of the Cheat through mid-November of this year.  On December 1st, co-founder, past president, and Executive Director, Dave Bassage, was named interim director to keep the organization and small staff moving smoothly forward.

In lieu of flowers, the Keith Pitzer family has asked that donations be made in his memory to Friends of the Cheat website (www.cheat.org).  Condolence notes can be sent to his email:  kpitzer@cheat.org, and will be passed along to his family.

This article was written and shared with the District by the Friends of the Cheat.

Interpreting the West Virginia Soil Test Report

Devinder K. Bhumbla

Soil and Water Specialist

West Virginia University Extension Service

The West Virginia University Soil Test Report is an important tool in making fertilizer and lime application decisions for field crops and forage production. This guide will help you understand the soil test report and make the results more useful in your farming operation.

The three components to soil testing are: a) soil sampling, b) laboratory analysis, and c) interpretation of results and recommendations for soil fertility management. Improper soil sampling and limited information about field history and intended use of the soil test may severely limit the usefulness of a soil test report.

The most important step in using a soil test is to make sure that the soil sample that you collect truly represents the field. Instructions for collecting a representative soil sample are given on the back of the questionnaire that is a part of the WVU soil test kit. These instructions on soil sampling are provided in a fact sheet titled "How to Take a Good Soil Sample." This fact sheet answers questions about time, method, depth, and frequency of soil sampling. It is important to follow the instructions for obtaining a representative soil sample.

The first part of the soil test report contains information that identifies the soil sample with the field or sample location. This information includes the field name or number, field size, soil texture, tillage method, liming history, and previous crop in the field. This information is taken from the soil test questionnaire that the farmer fills out and submits with the soil sample. Also included in the questionnaire is the crop for which fertilizer recommendations are needed. It is important to have the information about previous liming and cropping history of the field for making correct interpretation of soil test values.

The second part of the soil test report contains information on soil test results. The regular soil test includes information on soil pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, and lime requirement. In addition to the above listed elements, the micro-nutrients zinc, copper, and manganese are also analyzed when a request is made for that analysis. The soil test report contains information on amounts of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium that is extracted by a mixture of sulfuric and hydrochloric acid. The values for these nutrients are given in pounds per acre. Although these nutrients are often referred to as available nutrients, the numbers for nutrients in the soil test report are index numbers or scale for determining nutrient status of a soil.

In addition to the numerical values for the nutrients (P, K, Ca, and Mg), soil test values are classified into "low", "medium", "high", and very "high" categories. The meaning of each of the interpretation levels follows.

LOW- A nutrient or pH level listed as "low" has a "high" probability of limiting plant growth and yield. A recommendation will be made to substantially increase the soil level of that component. If the level is very "low", several years of corrective fertilizing or liming may be necessary to achieve an optimum nutrient level in the soil. Close monitoring by yearly soil testing is suggested in this case. For row crops, banding of fertilizer near the row becomes critical at this test level to insure efficient use and maximum nutrient availability within the rooting zone of the crop.

MEDIUM- A nutrient or pH level listed as "medium" may be adequate for some "low"-demand crops in some cases. This is taken into account in the recommendation for those specific crops. A "medium" level may limit plant growth or yield by the end of the growing season in years of very good growing conditions. There can be many soil types in which a nutrient testing "medium" may not be adequate for meeting crop nutrient requirements. Corrective fertilizing or liming is usually recommended in moderate amounts to cause a slight increase in soil level after the crop has been harvested or to support exceptional yields in a very good year.

HIGH- A nutrient or pH listed as "high" is in theoretical ideal range to support plant growth and maximum yield. Corrective fertilizing is not recommended. Any amendments or fertilizers applied for a soil test component listed as "high" are to compensate for crop removal so that the optimum levels may be maintained from year to year. A small amount of starter fertilizer containing the nutrient may also be recommended for giving the crop a good start.

VERY HIGH- A level listed as "very high" for a plant nutrient may indicate levels higher than those needed to support optimum crop growth and production. Growth and yield may be inhibited by the soil nutrient that is testing in the "very high" range, either because of direct toxic effects to the plant or because excess of one nutrient may interfere with the uptake or availability of other nutrients. Crops grown on soils testing "very high" in phosphorus are known to show zinc deficiency symptoms. Additional application of a nutrient testing in the excessive level will only increase the likelihood of reduced yield. There will be no recommendation for further additions of a nutrient to soils testing "very high". One exception is the optional application of a very small amount of starter phosphorus on corn to compensate for cold soils in the spring. Crop removal and other natural losses over time should eventually reduce the nutrient levels to a "high" range. However, there have been some reports that suggest that once a soil tests "very high" in phosphorus it may be many years before it will again respond to phosphorus application.

The soil test report also contains a section marked " for office use only". The information in this section is used for interpreting soil test results. This section contains information on relative amounts of nutrients in the soil. This information is useful specifically for making recommendations for magnesium application. If a soil has a very "low" magnesium saturation (magnesium saturation less than 10%), recommendations are made for using dolomitic limestone. This section also has information on cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soils and percentage base saturation (BS) of a soil.

The numerical values for a given nutrient depend upon the method used to extract and determine soil nutrients. Thus, laboratories using different extraction methods can have very different numerical values for the nutrient content of a soil. These values are used as a check on the accuracy of the procedures in the laboratory. An explanation of each of the measurements in a soil test result follows.

SOIL - pH is an indicator of the acidity or alkalinity of a soil sample. A pH below 7.0 is acidic and pH above 7.0 is alkaline. In the WVU Soil Testing Laboratory, soil pH is measured in a soil water paste made with distilled water. "Low" soil pH is an indicator of acidity, but does not by itself predict lime requirement. Also, pH is a master variable that controls the availability of most plant nutrients. Different crops require different soil pH levels for best growth and optimum production in terms of yield and economic costs. For most crops, optimum pH levels are between 6.0 and 7.0. Many row crops, small grains, and grass legume mixtures should be maintained in soils with pH between 6.1 and 6.6. Alfalfa requires a slightly higher soil pH of 6.6 to 7.0. Many pure grass stands do well with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0. Crop production may be severely reduced in soils with a pH at or below 5.0. As soil pH falls below 5.0, aluminum and manganese may increase to toxic levels. Also, phosphorus and molybdenum availability decreases as soil becomes more acid.

Pounds per acre extractable phosphorus (P) is an index for determining phosphorus availability. In West Virginia, the soil test for phosphorus is called the Mehlich-1 test. The test results are expressed in pounds of elemental P per acre. This test is a measure of relative availability of phosphorus for plant growth . The test does not measure the total amount of phosphorus that may be available to a crop. Soils testing "low" or "medium" for P will produce economic yield increase with phosphorus fertilizer applications. However, if soil pH is "low", excessively "high" rates of phosphorus fertilizer will be required for obtaining yield increases. Thus, soil pH should be corrected with application of limestone before embarking on a phosphorus fertilization program. The "high" level for P for most crops is 50 to 80 pounds per acre. Soils testing "high" in P are not likely to produce economic yield increases with an application of additional phosphorus. When soils test in the "high" range, applying only a small quantity of phosphorus is suggested to maintain "high" fertility status. There is no economic benefit to applying phosphorus to soils testing "very high" in P, and WVU does not recommend it.

Pounds per acre extractable potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mg) is an index for determining the availability of these three nutrients over the next growing season. The ratings of potassium soil test levels are similar to those made for phosphorus. Very "low" to "low" soil K levels strongly indicate that crop will respond to K. Band application of a portion of the total requirement may also be adventageous. "Medium" soil test K levels indicate that a crop may respond to potassium application if climatic conditions are favorable. Soils with "high" soil test K levels are not likely to respond to fertilizer application, but fertilizer may be applied to replace crop removals. Fertilizer application to soils testing "high" in K will maintain "high" fertility levels of the soil. Very "high" soil test K shows that you can allow crops to deplete K until soil test drops into the "high" range. "Low" calcium and magnesium are often associated with soils testing "low" in pH. Liming is recommended to supply these two nutrients. Magnesium is recommended if the present soil test levels is below 10% saturation of the cation exchange exchange capacity of a soil . The most common and most economic source of magnesium is dolomitic limestone. Quite often when lime is not needed, no magnesium recommendation is made. Cases of acute magnesium deficiency in crops are quite rare, and the cost of other sources of this nutrient is often prohibitive. In most cases, it is acceptable to wait until lime is needed again and then apply a magnesium lime (dolomitic). Where forage is grown on "low"- magnesium soils, the cattle must be fed a magnesium-containing mineral mixture.

Lime requirement (LR) is determined by a buffer pH value. Limestone recommendations are made to correct the problem of soil acidity. The lime requirement determines the amount of ground limestone that should be added to a soil to raise its pH to 6.5. WVU liming recommendation are based on soil test and crops to be grown.

The third part of the soil test report is " recommendations to landowner for agricultural limestone and fertilizers." These recommendations are based on soil test values, previous cropping history of the field, yield goals, and estimated nutrient removal by crops. Recommendations are made for agricultural limestone, nitrogen , phosphorus, and potassium. Agricultural limestone recommendations are in tons/acre of calcitic limestone required for pH correction. Recommendations for nitrogen fertilizer are not based on soil testing. These recommendations are based on expected crop removals and fertilizer use efficiency. You should pay attention to the yield goals for which nitrogen recommendations are made. If expected yield in your field is different than those given in soil test report, you need to correct the recommended fertilizer rates for your situation. Credit should also be given for any manure added to the soil and contribution of a previous legume crop such as alfalfa or soybeans.

Phosphorus and potassium recommendations are based on soil testing. Recommendations for these nutrients are given in lbs/acre of P₂O₅ and K₂O. It is important to understand recommendations made are not in terms of pounds of fertilizer that should be added to a given field. You will have to calculate the amounts of fertilizer based on the nutrient analysis of the fertilizer that you are using.

The Importance of Applying Lime

Good soil is the foundation for great pastures.  Fall and early winter are an excellent time to sample, test and adjust pH soil levels.  The pH level of the soil may need to be corrected with a lime application.  A pH deficiency entering winter can increase winterkill chances.  Winterkill occurs when a weak root system dries out and the grass is damaged during a hard freeze.  Lime helps promote root development will safeguard against winterkill.

Beside convenience, it is preferable to apply lime in the late fall or early winter for a number of reasons.  Alternate freezing and thawing during the winter months enhance the movement of lime into the soil.  The chemical processes that produce the favorable pH responses take 2 – 5 months to occur.  By applying it fall or winter, the lime will have time to dissolve and react by spring green up.  

Liming is essential to correcting soil acidity.  Soil acidity is an imbalance of soil elements caused by natural plant growth, fertilizers, precipitation and irrigation.  Most fertilizers are acidic by composition and thereby contribute to soil acidity.  If you regularly apply fertilizer to your pastures, you will need to counteract the acidifying effect with lime.  Grasses and legumes thrive in a less acidic or neutral soil.   Lime also provides calcium which is an essential element for plant growth, especially for legumes.  Dolomitic lime has a high percentage content of magnesium which is another essential element for plant growth and development and is also linked to the prevention of grass tetany in cattle but should not be used as the only means of preventing the disease.

Broad ranges of benefits have been linked to the use of lime.  By liming your pastures you will prevent restricted root growth, deterioration, thatch build-up, and stress from drought or weed activity.  Increased root growth will make grass less vulnerable to severe injury from root feeding insects.  Maintaining a desirable soil pH (6.0 – 7.0) will speed organic residue decomposition and help prevent thatch accumulation.  Lime increases the availability of most essential plant nutrients making fertilizer applications more effective and efficient and also decreases the availability of some of the toxic elements present in the soil that can restrict plant growth.

Lime should be applied uniformly and at the correct rate.  In order to achieve this, service and calibrate your spreader to insure even, accurate application.  Apply lime at rates recommended by the soil test results.  Do not exceed this amount, over application can cause plant damage when it is in direct contact with plants, heavy rains can wash it off and when the pH levels goes above 7.0 (alkaline) the result is nearly the same as having a pH that is too low.  Only enough lime should be applied to correct the acidic condition, alkaline soil conditions caused by an excessive lime application can be as detrimental to your pastures as an excessively acidic soil. If the soil test results are below 5.5 resample those fields in 2 to 3 years as additional lime may be required to bring the pH to the most re

Several types of liming materials are readily available and include ground agricultural lime, Dolomitic lime (high magnesium content), hydrated and peletized being the forms most available in this area.  The two qualities of lime material that relate to quality are fineness, which determines how quickly the material will react in the soil, and Calcium Carbonate Equivalent, the neutralizing value.  Liming material should have a varied fineness which can provide several years of neutralizing effect.  Lime that is too fine works fast but has a short lived effect and can be easily carried by water deep into the soil where if is of little value.  On the other hand, lime that is too coarse may never become effective as a pH neutralizer and should not be used.   Calcium carbonate equivalent is reported as a percentage and recommendations for application rates are based on this number.  Liming material with a low measurement score may need to have rates of application increased to compensate for a low analysis to achieve the desired neutralizing effect.  If the percentage is higher that 100% it may be possible to reduce the application rate and achieve the desired results.  The WVU Extension Service has a comparison worksheet available on their website to help with decision making when comparing liming materials.

Ground agricultural lime and Dolomitic lime are the materials most frequently used by farmers due to cost and availability.  Dolomitic lime is considerably more expensive than ground limestone but may be a good product to use if magnesium levels in the soil are low and need to be amended.

Hydrated lime (burnt lime) is a good material but expensive, may cause damage to plants and is so fine it has short lived effectiveness.  Peletized lime is usually a high quality material with varied particle size providing short and long term effectiveness but is expensive due to the processing it undergoes.  It is a convenient material for application since it is not as dusty as the other types.   However, neither of these products is used extensively by farmers due to high cost.

The Lime Incentive Program, which is funded by the West Virginia Legislature, is once again available through the Monongahela Conservation District.  The Lime Incentive Program reimburses eligible farmers as much as 50% of the cost of bulk, agricultural lime and trucking on fields with permanent grasses and legumes, in accordance to program guidelines.  The lime must also come from a vendor that is registered with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to insure quality.

To participate in the program the applicant must be a landowner or operator and must sign up to be a District Cooperator.  The land must be established in permanent grasses and/or legumes and must be used for agricultural purposes in a grazing system.  A current soil test is considered current if it has been taken within the past three years.  In order for samples to be approved, the must have a pH level of 6.0 and below.  The program has a 3 year life span therefore, fields enrolled in the program 3 years ago or more become eligible for additional lime if soil test results indicate a need based on the pH value when this 3 year cycle had been reached.

If you own farmland in Monongalia, Marion or Preston counties and would like further information regarding the program and eligibility requirements, please contact the District office @ (304)296-0081 Monday thru Friday between 8:00am-4:00pm. 

The District also rents a 4-ton and a recently, purchased 2-ton lime spreader to cooperators.  Renters need to bring their drivers license and current insurance certificate prior to usage.  There is a $25 security deposit, daily rental fees are $30 and the weekend rental fee is $50.  Those interested, please call the District office to reserve rental times.

Just recently, the Supervisors of the Monongahela Conservation District (MCD) tested their newly, purchased Wheatheart Post Driver purchased from Middletown Tractors in Fairmont.  Steve Cronin, salesperson from Middletown Tractors, made arrangements to meet with the Supervisors from the Monongahela District to demonstrate how the driver works.  Posts were kindly donated by Shriver Farm Supplies for the demonstration. 

Generally speaking, the public views traditional conservation efforts as pertaining to the support and maintenance of natural resources; such as rivers, forests, and wildlife.  While in fact, many conservation efforts relate to farmers and landowners.  Mollie Beattie, who served as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, once said "In the long term, the economy and the environment are the same thing. If it's unenvironmental it is uneconomical.  That is the rule of nature."  Farmers and landowners understand that if they do not make efforts to conserve the quality and health of their land; the land becomes useless. 

The MCD makes great efforts to support conservation practices by working with agencies such as the West Virginia Conservation Agency (WVCA), the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and Farm Service Agency to provide assistance to farmers and landowners in Marion, Monongalia, and Preston counties.  Along with a grant from the WVCA, these collaborations drove the decision to purchase a post driver and make it available to local farmers and landowners. 

For example, the NRCS offers cost share programs to the public that encourage the use of fences.  The NRCS provides technical assistance in the building of exclusion fences, division fences, and small plot fences.  These fences protect streams, support the longevity of pastures, and deter deer from entering crop areas.  With the aid of a post driver, these projects would be easier and more efficient.

In many cases post drivers can be difficult to work with, but the MCD did their homework.  They visited the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District, which has a post driver available to community members, and had several discussions with the District’s collaborating agencies regarding the usefulness of such a machine.  After doing their research, the MCD decided to purchase a Wheatheart, self contained post driver with an auger mounted on a trailer.  They believed the equipment was needed in the area; it would be functional with little difficulty, and easy to transport.  

Thanks to the support of the WVCA and MCD, farmer members of Marion, Monongalia, and Preston counties can rent the equipment for a daily fee of $80.  This income will be used to offset maintenance cost of the equipment.  The District also rents a lime spreader and no-till seeder.  For more information regarding rental equipment and District services, please contact Kelly Keifer, Monday-Friday from 8am to 4pm, at the MCD office at 296-0081.

Monongahela Conservation District
2010 Board Meeting Schedule

The Monongahela Conservation District Board meets the first Thursday of each month.  Throughout the year, meetings usually take place at the Steve Lebnick Agricultural Center in Morgantown, WV at 9:30am.  The only exceptions are in July, the Board meets in Preston County, and September, the Board meets in Marion County.   The following is this year's schedule.  Our next scheduled meeting is highlighted. 

January 14th
February 4th
March 4th
April 1st
May 6th
June 3rd
July 1st
August 5th
September 2nd
October 7th
November 4th
December 2nd

Please feel free review our September Agenda added as an attachment.  Also, contact Kelly Keifer at 296-0081 if there are questions or directions are needed.

Monongahela Conservation District
201 Scott Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26508
(304) 296-0081
FAX (304) 285-3151
mcd@wvca.us

Monongahela Conservation District has rental equipment available to encourage and support the installation of conservation best management practices.

The following equipment is available for rent:

4 ton & 2 ton Stoltzfus Lime Spreader -$30 daily rental, $50 for the weekend (Security Deposit $50)
Wheatheart Post Driver-$80 daily rental fee (Security Deposit $25)
6' Great Plains No Till Seeder-$10 per acre (Security Deposit $25)

Monongahela CD also sells supplies.
 
18 by 30" Spring Boxes-$40
18" Diameter Concrete Lids-$18.90
Float Valves-$58
Geotextile Fabric-$1.19 per linear foot

Please contact Monongahela Conservation District at (304)296-0081 for more information.