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In This Week’s Edition . . .
A Report from the Executive Director, Jennifer Boyle
SWCD Directory. Please help us update the SWCD directory by filling out the SWCD Directory Form. We have gone low-tech this year; so fill it out in Word and feel free to email it back to jaclyn-casale@iaswcd.org or fax it to us at 317-423-0756. Once we have all the updates, we will email the directory out to all the offices. Again, any time during the year, you are welcome to ask us for an updated file. We continuously make updates as we receive them throughout the year. Thanks for your help! >>Click here to download the form.
NRCS PowerPoint Available. The Flood of June 2008, A Natural Resources Perspective, a PowerPoint produced by the Indiana USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, is now available to download from our Web site at www.cleanwaterindiana.org.
The PowerPoint is an excellent recap of last year’s natural disaster that impacted much of Central and Southern Indiana. It describes the structural damage for the heavy rainfall; the upland and downstream effects; the bottomlands / soil damage; topsoil and nutrient loss; and how conservation practices reduced losses. Go to www.cleanwaterindiana.org and scroll down on the left to click. This is a great tool to use to show your county councils/commissioners when you, as a District, are talking about the important work you do to put critical conservation practices on the ground in your county. Conservation BMPs such as trees and grasslands, filter strips, no-till, waterways and pasture management all help to maintain and protect our soil and water resources.
District News - Hats Off to Montgomery County. Partnering is the name of the game in Montgomery County as the County Farm Bureau convened a group of local organizations Monday evening to hear a presentation on the Ins and Outs of County Zoning presented by Brad Buening, land use and zoning consultant. The Montgomery County SWCD was represented by Supervisor Kenny Cain, IASWCD South-NW Region Director and co-chair of the Natural Resources Committee, as local organizations gathered to discuss an important natural resource issue such as land use. Other groups represented included the local League of Women Voters and the Friends of Sugar Creek. Representatives asked many good questions and ultimately decided to take the next step and invite elected officials from the county and the 10 incorporated towns to a similar meeting later this month. They feel the political climate is right to move forward with more discussion on zoning issues. The group decided to invite the officials with a joint letter signed by these four organizations with individual follow-up. Thanks to the County Farm Bureau for taking the lead on this important land use issue, and for the SWCD for participating. Greg Slipher, livestock development specialist with Indiana Farm Bureau says, “An interesting side note . . . the Montgomery County League of Women Voters has had zoning on their agenda since 1952.”
Reminder: 2009 Annual Conference. You will find a recap of the 2009 conference on our Web site >>click here. The minutes from the Annual Business Meeting have also been added in addition to the speaker presentations and much more information.
Reminder: River Friendly Farmer 2009. As a Soil and Water Conservation District, you may nominate up to two farmers from your county for the 2009 River Friendly Farmer Award. Nominations are due to our office by June 16, 2009. River Friendly Farmer Award winners will be honored at the Indiana State Fair in a statewide ceremony on August 19.
Have a good week,
Jennifer
Farm Bill Program -
A number of meetings have been taking place around the state to roll out Farm Bill program information to local producers. I would encourage SWCDs to become involved and assist in these meetings and help get the word out about them to the landowners. If meetings are not taking place, I would encourage you to work with your local FSA and NRCS staff, along with local Farm Bureau staff, to have a Farm Bill meeting. This is an opportunity to get the word out about changes and eligibility in these conservation programs.
NRCS has made available all of the following information for your use. Take the time to look through this information to educate yourself about the Farm Bill programs. As local SWCDs, each of you are an important clearinghouse for this information.
If you have any specific Farm Bill program questions, please talk to your local FSA and NRCS staff.
The following new materials are available for Farm Bill rollout activities:
- Conservation Planning tabletop exhibit, located at the State Office (contact Pam Davidson, NRCS Public Affairs, 317.290.3200, ext. 322.)
- Farm Bill tabletop exhibits, located in each of the eight Tech Team offices
- Farm Bill Talking Points provide an overview of the NRCS conservation programs and can be used as a guide when giving short presentations on programs.
Four new Indiana NRCS publications can be found online at http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/index.html, click the ‘Publications (Indiana)’ link. They include:
Click here for page one ‘At A Glance’ fact sheets for each program. These are good handouts to use with the Farm Bill exhibit, along with the NRCS: Who We Are publication.
Watershed Moment
by IASWCD Watershed Information Specialist
Weeklong Radio Series on WFYI highlights local watershed activities and Districts
Last week, WFYI focused its attention on Indiana's waste, storm and sewer water infrastructure in a five-part series. These local stories titled Water Pressure are connected to the PBS documentary Liquid Assets. The Marion County SWCD and IUPUI-Center for Earth and Environmental Science (CEES) did a wonderful job providing information in a way that promotes local issues and community resources in Tapping the Future. To listen and download each part of Water Pressure >> click here, and if you missed the television documentary >>click here for Liquid Assets.
Partnership aims to facilitate disposal of pharmaceuticals in a safe, environmentally-friendly manner
This month, Hoosiers will have the opportunity to dispose of outdated or unwanted medications in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner. The program is presented by Marsh Pharmacies. Sponsors include the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), the Indiana Poison Center, CLS/Med-Turn and Statewide Medical Services.
- Who: The Indiana Department of Environmental Management and Marsh Pharmacies
- What: Unwanted medicine collection
- When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat., March 14, 2009, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun., March 15, 2009
- Where: 41 Marsh Pharmacies throughout Central Indiana
Audio Public Service Announcements available online here. Additional details can be found in the full news release online here.
Public Service Announcements Aid Community Water Protection
The National Environmental Services Center (NESC) at West Virginia University announces the availability of three video public service announcements (PSAs) about the importance of septic system maintenance to the homeowner, the environment and water quality. Presented in a humorous light, each brief video drives home the message that homeowners can safeguard our drinking water through proper septic tank operation and maintenance. NESC encourages communities to freely use these brief PSAs as part of a public awareness campaign to protect source water. >>View and download them online here.
GrantStation Funding Opportunity - Land Acquisition Projects Supported
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Acres for America
Acres for America, a partnership between Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, was established to provide funding for projects that conserve important habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants through acquisition of interest in real property. The goal of the Acres for America program is to offset the footprint of Wal-Mart's domestic facilities on at least an acre by acre basis through these acquisitions. All grant awards require a minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services. Preference will be given to acquisitions that are part of published conservation plans (North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Partners in Flight, etc.), State Wildlife Action Plans, or Endangered Species Act Recovery Plans. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation regional director in their area to discuss project ideas prior to applying. Pre-proposals are due April 1, 2009; invited full proposals must be submitted by June 1, 2009. Visit the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation website listed above for program details.
Workshops offer educator excitement in natural resources arena
Join Indiana Projects WET and WILD for a two-day workshop featuring Project Webfoot and Flying WILD, wetlands and bird curricula for educators grades 4-6. Project Webfoot is a wetlands education program that includes the WOW! The Wonder of Wetlands Educator Guide. Project Webfoot curriculum and materials include background information, lessons and techniques for teaching about wetlands. For more information about Project Webfoot and to view a list of materials included the educator kit, please visit www.projectwebfoot.org. Flying WILD provides an introduction to bird biology, identification and migration.
All curricula employ hands-on activities that can be used in the classroom or outside. The workshop will include trips to sites on the hosting property and discussions on how to plan a field trip to the property for your students. Through a generous sponsorship by Ducks Unlimited, participants will receive curriculum materials ($300 value) and lunch both days at no cost. To register, contact the Natural Resources Education Center at 317-562-1338 or at nrec@dnr.in.gov. The workshops are scheduled for April 2-3 in Winslow or April 17-18 in Morocco (see the Calendar of Events for details).
Webcast Available on SmartGrowth and Urban Forestry
The National Association of Conservation Districts has encouraged Districts to get engaged in local and state efforts for SmartGrowth. Another opportunity to learn more is a March 19 webcast sponsored by the Alliance for Community Trees in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and Home Depot. This event, titled “SmartGrowth and Urban Forestry - Part II: City Planning,” is scheduled for 1 to 2 p.m. EST. Participants will learn about green infrastructure, urban greening and land banking; the challenges of creating attractive and healthier built environments; financial sustainability and how these programs are cost effective; what authority and partnerships are necessary; and why to include trees in planning. >>You can register for this free event online by clicking here.
Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
OFFICERS:
President: Paula Baldwin, Marion Co.
Vice President: Ray McCormick: Knox Co.
Secretary: Jeff Meinders, Ripley Co.
Treasurer: Brian Campbell, Elkhart Co.
REGION DIRECTORS:
Board Roster / Region Map
North-Northwest: Larry Strole, Newton Co.
South-Northwest: Kenny Cain, Montgomery Co.
North-Northeast: Tom Crowe, Allen Co.
South-Northeast: Bobby Hettmansperger, Wabash Co.
North-Southwest: Bob Weaver, Johnson Co.
South-Southwest: Alan Weyer, Dubois Co.
North-Southeast: Brad Dawson, Dearborn Co.
South-Southeast: Brad Ponsler, Jennings Co.
IASWCD STAFF:
Executive Director: Jennifer Boyle, 317.692.7519
Watershed Information Specialist: Elizabeth Trybula, 317.692.7514
Communications Manager: DeeDee Sigler, 317.692.7374
Project Assistant: Jaclyn Casale, 317.692.7325
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