Disqus - Latest Comments for deemarie

Re: Q&A Session – 26.3

deemarie — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 19:29:08 -0000

Then you know me :)

Re: Q&A Session – 26.3

deemarie — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 08:28:08 -0000

Your not on the facebook page are you Joseph?

Here's a loose lease form that could be a guide

http://www.uvm.edu/farmtran...

If you want I can put this on the facebook page as a question. Denise

Re: 13.61 – Channel, Canal and Chinampa [VIDEO]

deemarie — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 18:30:39 -0000

Our county has had pollution issues with streams many times caused by the additions of road and sometimes improper sewer systems. Older factories used to let their toxins flow into the streams and rivers. We were also one of the first areas to find oil and the first wells were very damaging to the environment. So, to help out these issues they do believe in riparian barriers.

Recently they have started to hire consultants from cities who have no idea what a small rural area needs so we have many over puffed restrictions. I have spent the last few days looking at their regulations and looking at wording to see where I can fit or slip in ;) Their fees are outrageous so I am hoping i can be considered non invasive or a small project that is either overlooked or waived for restrictions. If I can prove whatever I do will help clean water or any negative flooding I should be ok. Everyone has advised me to play dumb and beg for forgiveness if need be.

Non uses all depend on size of the project. A small dock is ok, a larger dock needs a permit. Campsites are ok of its tent camping only, other than that need a permit and monitoring. I have to really dig into the PDF's on regulations to figure out what is acceptable.

Fire rings must be above the 100 year flood line.

Small ponds or added drainage is ok if the water does not directly enter into the stream or creek. I have inlets here so I am hoping I can set up water to enter there in a non obtrusive way. Reed beds will also be implemented.

Boats with motors have a 5 mile speed limit on the Conewango due to wildlife and life jackets are required from Novemeber to April, no exception. Jet skis are not allowed but are used anyways.

Being registered as Agricultural land I have older regulations grandfathered in for animals that are positive for me. Buildings for animals have to be so many feet away from the floodplain. Its 75 feet for me but newer farms its 150 feet if its a one house property, more for each additional house.

Its going to be a challenge to see what is acceptable and what can
be acceptable with positive wording. Pollution and erosion control will
be my major wording if I am contacted about any project or improvement.

Re: 13.61 – Channel, Canal and Chinampa [VIDEO]

deemarie — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 13:06:23 -0000

Hi Bill,

I am still analyzing the sun patterns and will take in account any future plantings. I may keep any tree or shrub low on the south side. The wooded land on the south is quite far away now so at this time there is not a lot of shade. I am also looking at wind patterns.

I would like to see about a greenhouse on a smaller part of a chinampa or as a floating greenhouse to extend the growing season.

As for crops and what I grow, I am still researching that. I have plans to visit two cold climate chinampas in the next month. I would like to grow wild rice as one crop and my main idea is to create a micro climate and extend the growing season here. To grow as many plants as possible to create a diverse area.

From what I have read in the PDFS regulations I downloaded I think a pond with chinampa fingers would be more accepted. Ponds can usually go in here without a permit as long as they are not huge and hold back a certain amount of water. I think the pond would have to have a dam around 25 foot high. Agricultural ponds are often favored over the use of the creek or small streams. I have learned in my county phrasing is what makes or breaks a plan.

I have also started to research zoning and conservation issues. The property being listed agricultural helps me out in most ways. Some of the new regulations may not be as harsh. If I can prove I am helping the land with erosion and contaminants it will help my plans. I know I am listed in the floodplains but I am not sure if I am listed as wetlands - I don't think I am at this time. I have to verify that. A wetland designation will make plans more complicated. I will have expensive fees for every plan and regulated land checks. So do I get permission or just beg for forgiveness later? I really think from what I have read if I have a plan for everything I do I will be ok.

From my reading they are all for riparian barriers so if I have one in my plans, which I do want, I think my ideas will be more favored. I also plan to do a lot of plant research and know what is there and what it means for soil and the ecosystem.

Road contamination entering the creek along with silt is also another conservation issue. I can help out with that with a proper design. The roads were poorly designed here and the issues are unbelievable.

Also in this area, if I hand dig or use a small backhoe or kabota that is not considered as invasive. If I bring in an excavator that's a big red flag. At this time they do not come and inspect your land for such issues, unless you are reported.

So I am doing a lot of research and setting up any project i have to show all the positives it adds to the land, creek area and wildlife.

As comical note of rural Pennsylvania life. I heard a knock on the door one day and a guy said there was a cow stuck in the creek and close to sinking in mud. Since we did not have cows I thought this was suspicious but it was true. The neighbors fence had a hole and the cow walked into the creek by the end of out property. The guy actually arrived in our back yard via canoe.

So it ended up being an all day cow rescue project with two backhoes to get the cow out of the mud.The cow was rescued at about 3 am with floodlights on the site.

And they say country life is dull!~ Denise

Re: Q&A Session – 26.3

deemarie — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 12:32:19 -0000

Do you have any kind of a contract?

Re: 13.61 – Channel, Canal and Chinampa [VIDEO]

deemarie — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 10:35:26 -0000

The chinampa design I have in mind will be off of a pond and will have fingers on one end, a lot like the chinampa design in the animation. I feel this design will give me more options. Would the chinampa section of the pond be better located on the south side of the pond for my cooler climate?

My contour lines run primarily north to south on the property. The area I have in mind is open on the south and west with a forest are on the east. The north has a few trees. I will also have a canal in the area for easier access and harvesting. I have a natural canal in the area when the water id high, I just need to widen and make it a bit deeper.

It also has a meadow I will connect to, a floodplain, the creek nearby and several small stream and springs.

I am testing the soil this weekend and started silently checking my zoning regulations for northwest Pennsylvania. With my agricultural zoning I think I will be able to put in a chinampa without to much problems. But I am also going to make sure I phrase everything right when asking questions. Denise zone 5B cold temperate climate USA

Re: Q&A Session – 26.3

deemarie — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 04:57:17 -0000

Joseph, Question 8. Please get a hold of me. We chatted a bit in the early bird class. You're not that far away (In Rural Pennsylvania terms) We talked some about the plans for your property and I would like to talk more. Deemarie / Denise

Re: 13.62 – Chinampas [ANMTN]

deemarie — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 12:34:25 -0000

Bill: The Thunderbay site was wonderful. I am a 5B -6 ( I think the chinampa would creat more of a zone 6 where it would be located.

I did not think about the affect of ice in the winder so this gives me a whole new area to think about. Such potential.

Re: 11.67 – Braided Streams [VIDEO]

deemarie — Sat, 24 Jun 2017 10:01:02 -0000

lol. Yes, every county state and country has a different name for these places.

They know me by name there Rasili. I make sure I do a lot of research before I go there, make sure not to use certain words and not give them any extra information than I need to about the project I am working on.

But I usually have some sort of interesting information for them on something they don't know so they find my visits interesting.

So far I have been able to do everything I need to but I have a few very different ideas coming up to challenge them.

Re: Q&A Session – 9.2

deemarie — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 17:57:37 -0000

Question 8. There are three evergreens, grouped in Deciduous Evergreens in the United States. I do not know if they grow in other countries. They are considered rare. They are Dawn redwood, European Larch (grows in my area NW Pennsylvania), and Bald Cypress.

Then there is evergreen needle drop. Evergreen conifers shed some old needles every year in the fall. These needles fall from the inner branches and may not always be noticeable. Generally, pine trees keep their needles for two to five years, while spruce trees keep their needles for five to seven years. The tree drops more needles when it's stressed due to poor cultural conditions, such as too much sun or not enough water. A few years ago with a severe drought we had severe needle drop on the pines and some were to badly damaged to live. Denise

Re: 11.80 – Dams [VIDEO]

deemarie — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 06:42:07 -0000

I am working with my erosion issues and making sure my water has been cleaned from any road toxins in 7 areas of my land. This in formation is so valuable to what I need to do. Thank you.

Re: 11.67 – Braided Streams [VIDEO]

deemarie — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 05:43:27 -0000

Oh my zoning board will retire after my next trip in to see them.

Re: 11.67 – Braided Streams [VIDEO]

deemarie — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 05:28:23 -0000

I love this class. Each module makes you think outside the box and the ideas I am coming up with are astounding.

Re: 11.65 – Slope Stabilisation for Infiltration [VIDEO]

deemarie — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 05:07:13 -0000

Fantastic information. It makes you think of all the possibilities you can do if you just think. I'm a cold temperate climate but I can see where this would also help me in so many areas.

Re: 11.57 – Halting and Absorbing Water Run-Off [VIDEO]

deemarie — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:24:09 -0000

Will the trees be affected by the build up of soil behind the swales? I have always heard that if you build soil up by tree roots the roots will not be able to breath as well, possibly leading to illness and disease of the tree.

Re: 11.49 – Large Tanks Forming Foundations [ANMTN]

deemarie — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 23:51:15 -0000

I wonder what zoning regulations would think of this. Would it hold up to snow?

It could interesting for my new roof I need on my barn. Denise NW Pennsylvania cold . Koppen Dfb

Re: 11.47 – The Conservation of Rainwater [VIDEO]

deemarie — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 23:38:08 -0000

Would road side swales work as well in the cold temperate climates?

Our ditches put in by the road company do not work. I end up with water being directed in the wrong places, clogged or seeping in places it should not. Denise

Re: 11.37 – Strategies for Healing Active Gully Erosion [ANMTN]

deemarie — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 22:02:47 -0000

Great information

Re: 11.36 – Flood-Outs, Gullies and Badlands [VIDEO]

deemarie — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 21:58:17 -0000

So many of these ideas are perfect for my gullies and ravines. I have 4 large ones that can create large rock and gravel movement.

Unfortunately they start across the road and I even know the exact area they occur for each one but, the neighbors are not at all friendly to any one so I'll have to fix the problem on this side and enjoy the benefits of flat rock, gravel and silt.

The fence idea will be perfect for the one area. Denise Zone 5B Pennsylvania USA Koppen Dfb

Re: 14.20 – The Final Limit to Development [VIDEO]

deemarie — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 21:39:01 -0000

Great list!

Re: 13.40 – Some Common Structures in Pond Landscapes [ANMTN]

deemarie — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 20:44:24 -0000

Thank you

Re: 13.69 – Wild Rice Culture [ANMTN]

deemarie — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 17:43:00 -0000

There's a beautiful beaver pond area just north of us in New York State, about 5 miles away. Three ponds link together and the last is quite large. People come for miles to watch the beavers. Someone must have set this up with them in mind.

I should go and try to find out who owns this and talk to them. Its really quite amazing.

Thanks for the link.

Re: 14.8 – Bioregional Organisation [ANMTN]

deemarie — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 12:18:07 -0000

There are so many ways to implement permaculture in your life and the lives of those around you. Its often overlooked or just not thought of. This mind map brings it all together.

Re: 13.69 – Wild Rice Culture [ANMTN]

deemarie — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 10:56:46 -0000

I have always thought if I can improve the swamp/wetlands and make it an area that is full of positives others will see areas like this as valuable not wastelands.

This also sounds a bit weird but I watch the land and wait for it to tell me what it wants and needs.

When I took this class the first round I knew I could not design this land, I was not ready. This class I have learned a lot more . I was concerned my first round that a chinampa sounded fun and maybe it was not the right thing, but its feels so right and I know the area needs help. I can see it in the trees. Our area also need fresh good produce so its a win win situation.

Beavers can be your friend. You just have to learn to work with them. They can be fun to watch play in the creek late at night. I also have otters.

The one thing I like about this piece of property is the variety of wildlife. I always see something new. Every day is an adventure.

Thank you for your input. There is much information to think about .

Re: 13.64 – Schematic of Integrated Pond System [ANMTN]

deemarie — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 10:48:47 -0000

Wonderful! Thank you Geoff.