About the District

Agricultural

Best Management Practices

The Tompkins County SWCD is very interested in assisting local farmers with the implementation of "Best Management Practices" (BMP's).

According to New York's Soil and Water Conservation Districts Law, a BMP "means methods, measures or practices determined to be the most practical and effective in preventing or reducing the impact of pollutants generated by nonpoint sources to a level compatible with water quality standards established pursuant to section 17-0301 of the Environmental Conservation Law." Furthermore, "Best Management Practices can be applied before, during or after pollution-producing activities to reduce or eliminate the introduction of pollutants into receiving waters."

The District can provide technical assistance to local farmers by helping to design grass waterways, roof gutter systems, barnyard runoff management systems, and other projects.

If you have questions about having a BMP implemented on your farm, please contact us and ask to speak with either our District Technician or District Manager.