THE PRINCE GEORGES SENTINEL

APRIL 1, 2010

See Prince Georges County Council Notices, Page E14
Automotive 1035 - Antiques & Classics 1039 - Domestics 1040 - Imports 1041 - Sports Utility Vehicle 1043 - Pickups, Trucks & Vans 1045 - Motorcycles/Mopeds 1046 - Auto Services 1047 - Parts/Accessories 1051 - Vehicles Wanted RVs 1059 - Airplanes 1065 - Boats 1067 - RVs Announcements 2001 - Adoptions 2003 - Carpools 2004 - Happy Ads 2005 - Camp Directory 2006 - Classes/Seminars 2008 - Found 2031 - Lost 2033 - General Announcements 2037 - Personal Ads 2039 - In Memoriam Services 3000 - Accounting Services 3017 - Business services 3021 - Carpet services 3030 - Ceramic Tile 3031 - Child care services 3033 - Chimney cleaning 3035 - Cleaning services 3039 - Computer Services 3041 - Concrete 3045 - Decorating/Home Interior 3052 - Editing/Writing 3053 - Elder Care 3055 - Electrical Services 3057 - Entertainment/Parties 3062 - Financial 3066 - General Services 3071 - Gutters 3072 - Hauling 3073 - Health & Fitness 3075 - Home Improvement 3085 - Instruction/Tutoring 3086 - Insurance Services Landscaping Lawn & Garden Legal Services Masonry Medical/Health Moving & Storage Painting Paving/Seal Coating Pet Services Photography Plumbing Pressure Cleaning Roofing Sewing/Alterations Snow Removal Tax Preparation Tree Services Upholstering Wallpapering Wedding/Parties Window Cleaning Windows

LASSIFIEDS

5022 - Garage/Yard Sales 5024 - Health & Fitness 5026 - Horses, Livestock & Supplies 5030 - Lawn & Garden Equipment 5032 - Merchandise For Sale 5034 - Miscellaneous 5036 - Musical Instruments 5040 - Pets & Supplies 5045 - Trips, Tours & Travel 5048 - Wanted to Buy Rentals 6035 - Apartments/Condos 6037 - Apartment Complexes 6039 - Commercial Space 6043 - Homes/Townhomes 6047 - Industrial/Warehouse 6049 - Office Space 6051 - Roommates 6053 - Room for Rent 6057 - Storage Space 6059 - Vacation Rental 6061 - Want to Rent Real Estate 6101 - Commercial property 6117 - Lots & Acreage 6119 - Mobile Homes 6121 - Owners Sale 6123 - Real Estate 6127 - Real Estate Services 6131 - Real Estate Wanted 6133 - Vacation Property
Positions Wanted Child Care Wanted Domestic Help Wanted Volunteers Wanted Career Training Help Wanted, General Medical Dental Allied Health Part-time Positions Seasonal Help Business Opportunities
To Advertise in The Sentinel:
Employment 4107 - Resumes/Word Processing
Merchandise 5000 - Give Aways 5002 - Antiques 5003 - Appliances 5004 - Arts, Crafts & Hobbies 5005 - Auction & Estate Sales 5008 - Building Materials 5012 - Cemetery Lots & Crypts 5014 - Computers & Software 5015 - Consignment 5016 - Events/Tickets 5018 - Flea Market 5020 - Furniture
Phone: 1-800-884-8797 (301) 317-1946 DEADLINES:
Prince Georges Sentinel Monday 12:30 pm Montgomery County Sentinel Monday 12:30 pm

VEHICLES WANTED

CONCRETE

LAWN & GARDEN 3093

A-1 DOUBLE S H R E D D E D DARK MULCH. $25 per yd. 3 yd min. Spreading & Delivery avail. 443-686-1567 ABC LAWN CUTTING, Trimming, Edging, Mulching, Spring Cleanup. Free Estimates. 410-484-0299 MOWING SERVICES Affordable Free Est See ad on Professional Services Directory. MK Exteriors 410-772-0489 MULCH INSTALLED $35 per yard. See our ad on Professional Services Directory. MK Exteriors 410-772-0489

PAINTING

ROOFING

TREE SERVICES 3133

HAMBY BROS. C om pl e te line of Tree Service, Stump removal. License & Insured. Call: 410-526-5530
CONCRETE SERVICES Installation & Repairs. See our ad on Professional Services M. K. Exteriors 410-772-0489 GODLEWSKI & SONS Remodeling & Additions. Kitchens, bath, concrete & masonry. MHIC#6633. Call: 410-477-4469

CAREER TRAINING

AARON BUYS
Car/Trucks Any year or condition. Fair prices. 410-299-9640
ALL AUTO,TRUCKS & SUV WANTED Will pay top dollars in CASH on the spot. Any make, model & cond. Call anytime 443-447-3392. DONATE VEHICLE Receive $1000 grocery coupons. Your choice, NOAHS ARC NO KILL Animal Shelters. Advanced Veterinary Treatments. Free towing. IRS Tax deduction. Non-runners. 1-866-912-GIVE DONATE YOUR VEHICLE Receive free vacation voucher United Breast Cancer Foundation. Free mammograms, breast cancer info www.ubcf.info FREE Towing, tax deductible. Non-runners accepted. 1-888-468-5964
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LICENSED & INSURED WOODSMAN TREE EXPERTS All phases of tree work. Service you can trust. MD DNR#472. 410-321-0900 or 410-730-0029.
AIRLINE MECHANIC - Train for high paying Aviation Career. FAA Approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (877)818-0783
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Professional Services

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ADOPTIONS 2001

!ADOPT!Art Gallery Owner & Celebrity Hair Stylist yearn for 1st precious baby. Expenses paid Paul & Mandy 1800-816-8424.!!!!!!!!
Windows-Siding-Roong Decks-Sunrooms

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Custom Carpentry & Remodeling ROOFING ADDITIONS GARAGES FINISHED BASEMENT DECKS/SCREEN PORCHES MASONRY/BRICK & BLOCK Call: 410-245-0269 301-318-5739

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! ADOPTION

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MILITARY DISCOUNT

Call Lisa 1-888-324-8934

443-250-6703
GENERAL 2033 ANNOUNCEMENTS
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HOME 3075 IMPROVEMENT

HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers, Inc. for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN www.woodfordbros.com License #121861 LOUIS SEBASTIAN Italian mechanics specializing in concrete, masonry, stucco & bsmt dug-out. MHIC#3802. Please call: 410-663-1224. POWER WASHING Home exteriors, decks, driveways. See ad-Professional Services MK Exteriors 410-772-0489 R.M. GARHART AND SONS Custom Carpentry & Remodeling. See our ad on The Professional Service page. 410-245-0269 or 301-318-5739
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Prep for Rental Prep for Resale Faux Painting Handyman Items

continued on page 2

Inside
Plan for Pastures Now Pull-out Section Mortality Composting Winter Disaster Plans Staff News Farm Bill Options Free Manure Program
City Chickens -continuedYour chicks will also need:
Food and water, such as chick crumbles/starter and a chick waterer Time to get used to being around people, pets, noises, etc. Outside time, so section off part of your yard where chicks can explore, scratch, etc. (Make sure you can catch them when its time for them to come in! Throwing some feed inside should help encourage them in.)

A Home for Your Hens

Once your chicks have feathered out (in about 60 days), youll want to move them from the brooder into a chicken coop. A coop usually includes nest boxes for laying eggs, and perches for sleeping and resting. You can buy a ready-made coop, or build your own, and make it permanent or portable. Plans and designs abound in books and on the Internet. You can be thrifty, spending $100 or less, or go all out and spend $1,000 or more. Space is an important consideration for you and your chickens. The rule of thumb is you will need about two to three square feet per chicken inside your hen house. Build it tall enough for you to walk in or hing the roof or sides so you can reach all the way in. This will make it easier for you to clean, gather eggs, and check the health of your ock. When deciding on the perfect spot for your chicken coop, be sure to put it on high ground, away from drainage areas and wet patches. Whatever design you choose, add gutters and downspouts so that rain runoff is directed away from your coop and chicken run.
The Red Roost Inn is home to four chickens in this Everett backyard.
While this might sound silly for a smaller coop, it helps keep things dry. For instance, if your coop is ve feet by ve feet, or 25 square feet, and the annual rainfall for your area is 35 inches, the total amount of rain owing off your coop roof is 547 gallons of water a year - and that means lots of mud! In your coops attached, fenced pen (or run), the space rule of thumb is four to ve square feet per chicken. Putting a roof on the run is critical - it helps keep everything dry (as do the gutters and downspouts), which helps your chickens stay free of disease.

Chicken Coop Essentials

Your adult chickens will need the following to stay safe, healthy, and productive: Clean Flooring/Litter. Chickens technically do not urinate. They pass urine with their feces. Keeping this ammonia smell at bay is important for odor control and the health of your chickens. Wood shavings, wood chips, sawdust or straw all work well inside the coop for easy cleaning and good hygiene. Many local chicken owners like using sand as the run oor due to our rainy climate. You can pick up chicken poop on a daily basis, every other day or even weekly - it depends on your preference as well as the size of your coop and the number of chickens you have. Replace all litter with new litter every month to every three months, again depending on the size of the coop and the number of chickens. Some people use the deep litter method, adding new bedding over the old and letting it build up over time. As it slowly decomposes, it heats the coop up and keeps the chickens warmer. This method involves less frequent cleaning, however, wear a mask and keep children away from the coop on cleaning days to avoid inhaling dust. Food and water. Most people use chicken layer feed or pellets. Use a dispenser that triggers food each day in a specic amount. Additional dispensers for grit or oyster shell are useful, too. This provides enough food for your chickens so you can leave for a weekend, but have a neighbor check on them anyway. Hanging feeders tend to be less messy and create less waste. Chickens also need access to fresh water daily. Treats. This includes fruit, yogurt, vegetables, cottage cheese, bread, bugs, chicken scratch (cracked corn, milo, wheat), ax, sunower seeds, etc. Some owners let chickens eat most of their kitchen food waste, and in turn add the chicken manure and bedding to their compost pile. Too much food scraps can attract rodents though so feed only what will be eaten in a day. Lighting. An electric light source is a necessity to trick your hens into laying. Light bulbs can also keep the coop warmer in cold weather. Ventilation. This is the most important piece to odor control. Make sure there are secure windows in your coop for cross ventilation. They should Wolfgang Bauer with one of his stay open even during the winter months backyard chickens. to help keep your coop odor-free. Yearly Sanitation. This requires the removal of everything in the coop, once a year, so you can give it a top to bottom scrub down. Its also a good idea to thoroughly clean the waterer, too. Again, wear a mask.

Photographs on this page by Donna Gleisner. Watch for the next issue of the NEXUS for more on backyard chickens!

Beware of Predators

Keeping poultry will no doubt attract predators. Chicken coops provide predators with free room and board, great hiding places, and access to free food and water. In other words, easy-pickins!
Here is a line-up of the usual suspects
Rats and Mice Rats and mice live everywhere, including near you, even if you never see them! Rodents dont like to be in open areas, so mow your grass, clip back your bushes and clean out wood and/or junk piles to deprive them of hiding places. Rodents have extremely strong jaws and can chew through wood, some plastic and alas, feed bags. To avoid this, make sure all chicken food is stored in strong plastic or metal containers, with a tight-tting lid. And make sure your coop and run are rodent-proof. Lastly, make sure there are no other areas containing water on your property (buckets, tires, ower pots, etc). Unleashed Dogs, Feral and House Cats Sometimes its a neighborhood dog or cat that is terrorizing your hens. This is when good fencing becomes important. Woven-wire fence or an electric fence about ten feet away from the coop and chicken run or access areas (if they are free range) will help keep a good distance between predator and prey. If your neighbors dog is a digger consider burying chicken wire around the area; this could also work for raccoons. Coyotes, Raccoons, and Other Critters Locking up your chickens at night is the best way to protect them from predators. However, handy raccoons have been known to pull the chicken wire off coop windows to get the birds. Keep all windows and entry points high, and make sure there are no easy ways onto the coop roof via a fence, tree or other structure. If your chicken coop is on the ground, laying chicken wire on the ground around the perimeter of the coop will keep raccoons at bay. Predatory Birds Owls and hawks will also eat chickens. Using overhead bird netting in open runs helps deter avian chicken thefts. Also, consider making your chicken runs narrow. The wide wing span of hawks and larger owls will discourage their raids.
Compiled by SCD Farm Planner Megan OBrian

The Season for Grass

by Alan Shank, Certied Farm Planner
Noxious Weeds to Watch Out For
Many weeds are poisonous to livestock. In most cases, livestock poisoning from plants occurs when there is little else to eat in the pasture (due to overgrazing and poor management), or the hay you are using contains toxic plants. The Central Washington Animal Agriculture Team has a great fact sheet called Selected Poisonous Plants of the Pacic Northwest (#1007-2005) available at http://www.animalag.wsu.edu/forages/ Kerr-PoisonousPlants1007-2005.pdf. A few common weeds to watch for in the Northwest include Tansy Ragwort, Bracken Fern, Buttercup and Common Groundsel. It is important to note that these are not very palatable to livestock. Poisoning usually occurs when the plants are mixed with hay, or when an animal is turned out in a pasture with very little else to eat. The best way to prevent poisoning livestock is to keep pastures well managed (to prevent weed issues) and to use good quality forage. Tansy Ragwort contains a liver toxin. Signs of poisoning can appear months after the plant was ingested. Symptoms include lethargy, poor appetite, weakness, nervousness, colic, aimless wandering, blindness, abdominal distension, incoordination, jaundice, coma and death from liver failure.

Bracken Fern causes thiamin deciency in single-stomach animals like pigs and horses. Signs of poisoning include weakness, depression, muscle tremors, incoordination, decreased heart rate, poor appetite and weight loss, and convulsions. In ruminants like cattle and sheep, Bracken Bracken Fern Fern suppresses bone marrow activity. Symptoms include a marked fever, bloody urine and hemorrhage from multiple orices. Buttercup is toxic when consumed fresh, but not when dry. Signs of poisoning include drooling, nasal discharge, diarrhea, colic, depression or excitation, labored respiration, a wobbly gait and sometimes blindness. Buttercup also contains a chemical that causes blistering and inammation of tissues.

Buttercup

Common Groundsel is in the same family as Tansy Ragwort and also contains a liver toxin. Signs of poisoning are similar to those caused by Tansy Ragwort. Livestock poisoning from Common Groundsel is most common when it is consumed with hay. Check hay carefully for the seed heads, which will be little white puffballs (similar to dandelions).

Place for a Paddock

To improve year-round pasture management, youll need a place to keep livestock at various times, such as when new grass is being established or needs a rest. If possible, isolate livestock to one pasture or paddock so the rest of your pastures can recover from trampling or overgrazing. If livestock are still on your pasture when its overgrazed with too many weeds, bare spots or muddy areas, start planning a winter paddock or sacrice area. This is where your animals can be comfortably away from mud and off the pasture. Ask a District farm planner to visit now and help determine the best paddock location and design so you are ready to install one come spring time. So go ahead; dream, scheme and plan for greener pastures. If you have any questions or need more information, contact District Planner Alan Shank at alan@snohomishcd.org or 425-335-5634 ext 120. Check out the next two pages for timely tips to keep your pastures green, your animals healthy, and your chores easy.

Noxious Weed Resources

Common Groundsel
Snohomish County Noxious Weed Control Board Call 360-435-7830 or visit the website: http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Public_Works/Divisions/Road_Maint/Noxious_Weeds/ Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board Visit the website: http://www.nwcb.wa.gov

May - Watch that grass grow!
Begin grazing in March when your grass is at least six inches tall and soil is no longer saturated. If it is saturated, limit animal trafc on the grass. Introduce horses gradually to grass to prevent laminitis. Once you start grazing, its wise to practice rotational grazing, moving animals from one area to the next after theyve grazed the grass down to three or four inches. This maximizes the use and production of grass and helps it recover. Begin rotational grazing if warranted (if your grass is higher than six inches) Plant native trees and shrubs Restrict livestock access to surface water, wells, and septic drainelds Cut or mow weeds when buds appear Review your farm plan for fertilizer and lime needs for the upcoming season
Rotate animals off pastures when grass height is down to three inches Mow pastures after grazing to ensure all plants are 3 tall and to prevent weeds from going to seed Dont allow livestock back on pasture until grass is six inches tall Apply up to 40% of annual fertilizer needs. Add compost now too Spread manure and drag pastures to evenly distribute it

out Section

Avoid under-grazing -- dont allow grass to get ahead of livestock Mow pastures to prevent them from going to seed and losing nutritional value, or set aside some pasture to grow hay Continue weed pulling or treatment, mowing, and dragging
in board for future reference

October

The rain begins! Its time for livestock to be removed from winter pasture. This rest also gives lime time to alter the soil while the pasture is not in use. Restrict livestock from pastures when soil is saturated Prevent manure nutrient run-off into groundwater with buffers around animal areas (size of buffer will vary) Store manure covered and at least 100 feet from any well to prevent contamination Collect manure from horse paddocks twice a week to prevent nutrient leaching, runoff, or manure build-up Clean gutters
July and August are generally dry months when grass is dormant. Dont let animals graze grass below three inches in height. If your pasture is small, take your animals off entirely until the grass begins to grow in September. Continue to rotate, drag, and clip pastures Check for erosion where livestock congregate and move feed, water and mineral blocks away from gates and shade to more evenly distribute your animals Plan for a winter connement area and footings Stay vigilent on weed control, its imperative to keep weeds from going to seed Purchase additional feed (hay) now Avoid overgrazing as grass growth slows Apply remaining 25% of annual fertilizer needs Do not feed animals hay or grain on the ground when the soil is dry (They will create bare spots where weeds can invade; horses can get sand colic from ingesting dirt in their feed) Plan to reseed -- order seed, lime and fertilizer and reserve equipment now (remember, total renovation should be done only as a last resort when pastures are unproductive or unhealthy for your animals) Purchase additional feed (hay) now

August

Continue to keep animals off pastures when saturated Make sure manure stays covered -- have extra tarps handy if necessary Use fallen limbs and branches from winter storms to create brush piles for wildlife Keep water troughs/tanks from freezing (clear ice if needed) If weather predictions look daunting, this may be the year to think about investing in a generator

November

December
Prepare for winter storms and the damage they can cause. Do you have all you need to keep your family and your animals fed and warm? Stock up on batteries, feed supplements, pet food, and anything else you may need if you cant get into town for a couple of days. Make sure propane, diesel and gas tanks are full. Is the chain saw ready in case a wind storm causes tree or limb damage? Continue to restrict livestock from pastures when soil is saturated Protect wetlands from livestock access to prevent damage to wetland functions and habitat Store manure covered Make sure birds and other wildlife have access to water during freezing weather
Spread composted manure and seed new grass or broadcast seed over established grass Spread seed just before predictions of a light rain. (You have until about October 10th to seed before the soil becomes too cold and daylight too short for seeds to germinate) Apply some lime to increase the pH of your soil. (You can lime any time of year but fall is the best time. Lime takes time to react with soil chemistry). If you havent already, apply the remaining fertilizer needs for the year Install or check existing gutters and downspouts on buildings adjacent to livestock pens Purchase additional hay if you havent yet Make sure your sacrice areas are ready for your animals. Order hog fuel, chips or other footing material before paddocks get muddy.

Late August/September

Snohomish Conservation District 528 91st Ave NE, Ste A Lake Stevens, WA 98258 Phone 425-335-5634, ext 4 FAX 425-335-5025 Website: www.snohomishcd.org
After an Animal Dies, Then What?
by Caitlin Price, Small Farm Planner Our wet, windy and damp winters can be very hard on aging and sick animals. Winter can also be a difcult time to bury a carcass on your farm, or remove it. Mud makes it difcult to drive through pastures and around barns, roads are slick, and the groundwater table is high. If you believe you may lose an animal this winter, think ahead about where to bury or compost it on your farm, or if you would prefer to have the animal picked up for rendering or cremation. Several businesses offer rendering or cremation services in Snohomish County (see Resources- bottom right). When an animal carcass is rendered, the various parts are made into products such as pet food and fertilizer. If you choose cremation, you have the option of a private or communal cremation. In the case of a private cremation, you can choose to have the ashes returned to you, or not. Again, make sure all edges of the pile extend at least two feet beyond any part of the carcass. This is critical - an exposed carcass will smell bad and attract pests!

Resources

Livestock Mortality Resources
Washington State Department of Ecology: On-farm Composting of Livestock Mortalities at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0507034.html. Washington State University Extension: On-farm Composting of Large Animal Mortalities (EB2031e) at http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb2031e/eb2031e.pdf. Washington State Department of Agriculture: Livestock Disposal Manual at http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/docs/LivestockDisposalManual10709.pdf. Snohomish County Environmental Health: 425-339-5250 http://www.snohd.org/Shd_EH/Default.aspx.

On-Farm Composting

Composting dead livestock on your farm is also a viable option. Most on-farm composting operations (whether they include dead livestock or not) are exempt from reporting or permitting. If compost is being distributed off your property, or the total amount of nished compost and raw feedstocks is greater than 1,000 cubic yards, additional reporting or permitting may be required. When done correctly, composting dead livestock is a low cost, safe, and effective method of disposal. An additional advantage of composting is that nutrients stay on your farm in the form of a valuable soil amendment. While the process is simple, it does require some basic knowledge of compost principles. If you are considering a carcass compost pile, you are encouraged to contact the District ofce for additional information or assistance.
General Compost Resources
Washington State University Extension: Backyard Composting (EB1784e) at http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1784e/ eb1784e.pdf. To learn more about the compost process, be sure to attend the Country Living Expo, January 29, 2011 at Stanwood High School (see page 8). Caitlin will be teaching classes on both soil and compost.

Area Disposal Companies

Diagram of a compost pile with a carcass. Leave a minimum of two feet of material on all sides of the carcass and keep adding if it subsides.
These local businesses may be able to help in the event you lose an animal. The Conservation District does not provide recommendations for businesses or services; the following list is provided for informational purposes only: Q.A.R. Dead Animal Disposal: 800-924-8690. Rendering fee for one horse is between $250 and $500, depending on location. Accepts all small and large livestock, plus cats and dogs. Also provides cremation services, starting at $1.10 per pound. Tri-County Dead Stock: 360-815-4219. Rendering fee for one horse is $250. Rendering fee for a llama or cow is $150. Longhorn (formerly Rawhide Haulin): 253-686-7732. Rendering fee for one horse is $325 to $350, depending on the location and size of the horse. Petland Cemetary, Inc.: 800-738-5119. www.peturnspl.com. Offers cremation services. Will accept any animal, except cows. Costs vary depending on size of the animal and type of service (private or communal).

Key Steps to Successfully Compost Dead Livestock 1. Location
Choose a well-drained site, at least 300 feet from any stream, lake, pond or well. Also consider the location of neighbors, other animals, and access roads. Be prepared to leave this compost pile alone for a full year if necessary, and make sure it is accessible in case you need to cover it with more compost material.

2. Building the Pile

Start with a base of absorbent high-carbon material, such as sawdust, shavings, or old hay, that is two to three feet deep. If high moisture or poor drainage are concerns, a base of large wood chips or similar coarse material under the primary composting materials will increase air ow and drainage. Place the carcass on this base so that it is at least two feet away from any edge.

3. Covering the Pile

Cover the carcass completely with two to three feet of high-carbon compost material, such as manure, bedding, old hay, silage, straw, and sawdust.
Are You Prepared for Winter Disasters?
by Melissa Michael, USDA Farm Service Agency
This time of year means the start of our rainy season and possible ooding, freezing, wind storms or other natural disasters. When you need assistance after a natural disaster, several programs are available through the U.S. Department of Agricultures Farm Service Agency. Some of these programs are only available after a disaster is ofcially declared in Snohomish County by the Secretary of Agriculture. Other programs require that you have purchased one of two types of insurance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture prior to the disaster event.
Available Insurance/Assistance Coverage
For insurable crops, producers must buy, at a minimum, catastrophic insurance through the U.S. Dept. of Agricultures Risk Management Agency. For non-insurable crops, producers must buy Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program coverage from the Farm Service Agency. This covers all non-insurable crops grown on your farm, including hay ground. For more information or a list of local insurance agents, contact the Lake Stevens Farm Service Agency at 425-334-3131 ext 104. The deadline to buy insurance or assistance coverage for all spring planted crops will be March 15, 2011. In addition, most assistance programs also require that you ll out an annual Total Farm Crop Acreage Report.
Flooded South Fork of the Stillaguamish River.
Disaster Assistance Programs Not Requiring Coverage
1. Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) This program is for farms that have livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality due to hurricanes, oods, blizzards, disease, wildres, and extreme heat or cold. Insurance requirements do not apply, however you must report livestock inventories before and after the disaster event. 2. Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) This program rehabilitates farmland and conservation structures damaged by wind and water erosion, oods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. To be eligible you must produce a food, feed, or seed commodity, and have been affected by the disaster (program authorized for 2009 ood). Contact Melissa Michael, North Puget Sound Farm Service Agency Director, at 425-334-3131 ext 104 or melissa.michael@wa.usda.gov.

Disaster Assistance Programs Requiring Coverage
1. Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payment Program (SURE) This program is available to eligible producers on: Farms in disaster counties (including contiguous counties) that have crop production losses and/or crop quality losses during the crop year Farms which, during the calendar year, have at least a 50 percent loss of production because of weather Disaster counties are included in a geographic area covered by a qualifying natural disaster declared by the Secretary of Agriculture. Snohomish County was designated for 2009 and may be designated for 2010. 2. Tree Assistance Program (TAP) This program is for orchardists and eligible growers who produce nursery, ornamental, fruit, nut, or Christmas trees for commercial sale, that lose in excess of 15 percent mortality (after adjustment for normal mortality) because of a natural disaster as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. 3. Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) This program provides emergency relief to producers of livestock (including honey bees and farm-raised sh) due to losses from weather or other conditions not adequately covered by any other disaster program. 4. Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) This is for eligible livestock producers with grazing losses due to: Drought, on land that is either native or improved pasture with permanent vegetative cover, or planted to a crop specically for grazing Fire on rangeland managed by a federal agency, if the producer is prohibited from grazing the normal permitted livestock on the managed rangeland Insurance on your grazing land is required to be eligible.

Resources in a Disaster

Disaster, Trafc and Weather Alertswww.rpin.org Weather Reportswww.weather.gov Snohomish County Floodingwww.co.snohomish.wa.us/pwapp/swm/oodwarn/ King County Floodinghttp://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/
Bobbi Lindemulder Wins Special Service Award
Bobbi Lindemulder, Lead Small Farm Planner for Snohomish Conservation District, received the coveted Washington Association of Conservation Districts Special Service Award on December 1, 2010. This award is given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution in the eld of conservation. The award was presented at the annual meeting of the Washington Association of Conservation Districts in Cle Elum. According to District Manager Monte Marti, Bobbi received this award for her tireless efforts at the District. She has worked with a wide variety of partners to promote the wise and proper use of natural resources and the implementation of projects. Her efforts and contributions have had a positive impact on natural resources within Snohomish County and Washington State, as well as nationally. Bobbi and her husband Chuck run a grass-fed beef operation on the family farm in Duvall. She has been with the District for 16 years.

Composting Specialist Joins Us
Caitlin Price is our new Small Farm Planner for the Stillaguamish Watershed. She offers landowners technical assistance and farm planning, and will work with a wide range of partners to address farm and livestock-related issues within the watershed. Caitlins primary focus is helping landowners improve their operations so as not to impact water quality and the health of the watershed. Before coming to the District, Caitlin worked as a ranch manager and summer camp director at Ekone Ranch in Goldendale. She has also worked as a research assistant on several projects for WSU Extension. Caitlin holds a B.S. in Animal Science and an M.S. in Soil Science, both from WSU. Her thesis research project focused on large animal mortality composting research and education. She is also a Certied Livestock Adviser (WSU Extension) and has completed the Compost Facility Operator Training through the Washington Organics Recycling Council. You can reach her at caitlin@ snohomishcd.org or 425-335-5634 ext 114.

Upcoming Events

Low Impact Development Tour Saturday, March 12!
The Sustainable Development Task Force of Snohomish County is planning a tour of homes that use residential designs to control rain water runoff, pollution and ooding. Come see how others have gently reshaped their landscape to clean runoff and enhance the aesthetics of their communities using rain gardens, cisterns, rain barrels, permeable paving, and more. Get ideas and inspiration for how you can help reduce water pollution and ood- Rain garden installed and photographed by Stewardship Partners. ing, while beautifying your yard. To learn more or suggest a stop, contact Stacy Smith at stacy@ snohomishcd.org or 425-335-5634 ext. 102.
Dont Let That Manure Pile Up!
Classes at Skagit Farm Store - Stanwood
Saturday, February 12, 2011 - 11am Mud, Manure Management and Sacrice Areas Saturday, February 19, 2011 - 11am Habitat Restoration and Native Plants for Wildlife Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 - 11am Rotational Grazing and Pasture Management Saturday March 19, 2011 - 11am Rain Barrels, Rain Gardens, and Permeable Paving Options
This huge manure pile had been pushed into a ravine for many years. It all nally gave way taking out all the trees in its path. Note, it is NOT advisable to walk onto piles, they can give way, combust, or otherwise harm people and animals.
Snohomish Conservation District is restarting the popular Farm Manure Share Program for residents of Snohomish County and Camano Island. This program connects manure producers with gardeners, landscapers, and farmers looking for free manure. If livestock owners have more manure than they can use, and are willing to share the wealth with others, they can be added to our list as a provider. Manure can be fresh or composted. Please keep in mind that raw manure may contain pathogens and weed seeds, and can contaminate surface water if improperly stored or spread on pastures. Participants will receive a fact sheet to review. The list will be provided by request only. It will be the responsibility of manure users to contact manure producers and arrange for pick-up. The District is providing this list as a service to landowners, and does not make any statements about manure quality. Contact Caitlin Price at 425335-5634 x 114 or caitlin@snohomishcd.org with questions or to add your name to the list.

Natural Yard Care Series - Mill Creek
April 6, 13, and 20, 2011. Find out more at the website below. Find more workshops at http://snohomishcd.org/workshops
Farm Bill Options for Landowners

Did you know?

The Natural Resources Conservation Service offers 15 different programs to landowners interested in conservation through its 2008 Farm Bill. Some programs offer annual conservation payments; others offer payments for long-term contracts and conservation easements. Whether through an agreement or easement purchase, all programs include federal funds to assist with or offset the costs of conservation practices and activities. The 2008 Farm Bill offers agricultural producers and non-industrial private forest landowners more assistance than ever before to voluntarily conserve natural resources. Technical and nancial assistance is also provided to help producers implement conservation practices that reduce erosion, protect water, conserve energy and improve sh and wildlife habitat and air quality.

More Great Opportunities

Country Living Expo & Cattlemens Winterschool
Saturday, January 29, 2011 at Stanwood High School
Hosted by Stanwood FFA Presented by WSU Extension and WSU Livestock Master Foundation
Heres a Sampling of Whats Available:
Wildlife Incentive Program (WHIP) This is a voluntary program for developing or improving high quality habitat that supports sh and wildlife populations of national, state, tribal, and local signicance. The Natural Resource Conservation Service provides technical and nancial assistance to private and tribal landowners to develop upland, wetland, aquatic, and other kinds of habitat benecial to wildlife. Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) This program provides nancial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats to soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. The Natural Resources Conservation Service develops contracts with agricultural producers to implement conservation practices that address environmental natural resource problems. The organic Environmental Quality Incentive Program is similar, but it is for producers using organic farming methods, or who are transitioning to organic farming. Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) This program encourages agricultural and forestry producers to voluntarily maintain, manage and improve existing conservation activities, and adopt additional ones on their property. Eligible lands include cropland, grassland, prairie, improved pastureland, rangeland, non-industrial private forestland new to this program, and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an American indian tribe. You can submit an application to your local service center at any time. Contact Gale or Kelly at the Natural Resources Conservation Ofce at 425-3342828. More information on these and other Farm Bill programs can be found at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2008/index.html.

www.skagit.wsu.edu/CountryLivingExpo/
This popular all-day event has classes on a multitude of topics including: beekeeping, animal husbandry, agribusiness, and other farm and homestead- related topics. Network with other small farmers, enjoy a prime rib lunch and visit with local agricultural businesses. See website to register.
26th Annual Conservation Plant Sale
March 4 & 5, 2011 Evergreen State Fairgrounds Monroe Find out more at: www.snohomishcd.org/plant-sale
Snohomish Conservation District
Board of Supervisors Mark Craven, Chair Adam Farnham, Vice-chair Karl Hereth Steve Van Valkenburg Jeff Ellingsen Associate Member Duane Weston District Manager Monte Marti Phone 425-335-5634, ext 4 FAX 425-335-5024 Contact: Lois Ruskell 425-335-5634, ext 108 Editing: Donna Gleisner The Written Edge 425-923-7110 www.snohomishcd.org
The NEXUS is published quarterly and distributed free of charge to residents of the District. Funding provided by Snohomish County Surface Water Management, Washington Department of Ecology, and the Washington State Conservation Commission.