(The story at the link has the full story on the WWUB site, but you will need to register to access the full story; fair use limits what I can copy&paste here.)
From the article:
According to the state Conservation Commission, the long-term goal of the program is to allow ongoing agricultural production in sensitive areas in such a way as to protect the environment, yet still allow economically viable farming and ranching.So this is an important meeting. The idea seems straightforward, but as Commissioner Tompkins asks, "What's the catch here?"
The intent is also to avoid challenges and lawsuits between agricultural groups, environmentalists, landowners and state agencies over such rules as buffers between working farmlands and streams.
At a workshop in October, commissioners discussed the possible pros and cons of the program with staff members and representatives of farm and watershed groups. Participants agreed that while the program holds the promise to protect critical areas on agricultural lands through voluntary actions by farmers, ranchers and landowners, many questions still need to be answered.
