Remember back in early June, we reported that the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) had submitted to the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR) proposed changes for the state’s nutrient management regulations, in order to bring them into compliance with federal environmental regs? Well, the proposed regs have finally been released to the general public via the Maryland Register. They are also available on MDA’s website.

These proposed regulations are the results of months of discussions with stakeholder groups (including horse people) and input from Governor Martin O’Malley’s Baystat Scientific Panel. MDA hopes that these proposed regs will achieve consistency in the way all sources of nutrients are managed and help Maryland meet nitrogen and phosphorus reduction goals spelled out in its Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay.

But what do you think? MDA will hold four public meetings across the state to provide information to landowners, farmers, environmental interests, local governments and other stakeholders and to provide an opportunity for public comment.   All meetings will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Nutrient Management Program at 410-841-5959.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012 – North Central Maryland
Harford Community College
Amoss Center
401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD  21015

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 – Western Maryland
Washington County Agricultural Education Center
7313 Sharpsburg Place, Boonsboro, MD 21733

Monday, July 23, 2012 – Eastern Shore
Talbot Community Center
10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD 21601

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 – Southern Maryland
Calvert County Fairgrounds
140 Calvert Fair Drive, Prince Frederick, MD 20610

Comments may be sent to Jo Mercer, Ed.D., Program Manager, MDA’s Nutrient Management Program, Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401, or email jo.mercer@maryland.gov, or fax to (410) 841-5950.  Comments will be accepted through August 13, 2012.

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What has…

                2,000 miles of bridle trails?

                          105 parks in which you can ride your own horse?

                                    36 stables where you can rent a horse for a trail ride (or go on a guided trail ride)?

Maryland! And you can find out more in the July issue of The Equiery!

Pick it up in a tack or feed store (or restaurant or grocery store) near you!

Also in this “On The Road” issue – 20 tips before you haul your horse to one of our fabulous bridle trails!