Meyers appointed to Soil Conservation Committee

August 14, 2000

Meyers appointed to Soil Conservation Committee

By SCOTT BUTKI / Staff Writer

Betty J. Meyers of Sharpsburg has been appointed Western Maryland representative of the State Soil Conservation Committee.

One of her goals is let people know how state policies affect farmers.

"I hope to make the general public more aware of the farmers' plight in the nutrient management program," she said.

State law requires farmers to develop nutrient management plans designed to minimize the amount of pollution that ends up in the groundwater. The plans must be submitted by December 2001.

Some farmers are frustrated that they must take these mandatory steps to make sure their pollution stays out of the water while other contamination, such as de-icer put on roads during winter storms, isn't also being regulated, she said.

She said farmers are fairly aware of their impact on streams.

"They do try to ensure that there is no runoff," Meyers said.

"Farmers have protected the land for many years. And have been strong conservationists and environmentalists," she said.

Meyers is chairwoman of the Washington County Soil Conservation District and has served as secretary and treasurer of the Washington County Farm Bureau for the past 11 years.

With this appointment she will represent Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Garrett, Allegany and Catoctin soil conservation districts during her four-year term as a voting member.

She will work on developing and refining soil conservation and water quality policies for the state.

Meyers praised the federal Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which has been popular locally. Under the program, landowners are paid to take environmentally sensitive farmland out of production.

"I think it has merit, she said.

As a farmer's wife she raised four children before becoming a volunteer in many organizations in more recent years.

She is a charter member of Anitetam Lioness Club and is on the Washington County Gaming Commission, among other volunteer work.

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