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For the Week of April 21-25, 2008
In This Week's Edition . . .
A Report from the Executive Director, Jennifer Boyle
2008 IASWCD Award Information
Master Farm Conservationist and Conservation Farmer of the Year Awards. Applications for the 2008 Master Farm Conservationist and Conservation Farmer of the Year are available online - click here. There are a few changes to the awards so read the applications carefully (new information is in bold). Applications are due to the IASWCD July 15, 2008. If you have any questions, please let me know.
River Friendly Farmer. Applications for the 2008 River Friendly Farmer Award are available online. They are due to the state IASWCD office by Monday, June 16, 2008. Each county Soil and Water Conservation District may nominate up to two farmers from their county for the River Friendly Farmer Award annually.
Updating Contact Information. An email was sent on Monday containing the 2008 SWCD contact information. If you haven’t already, please review the information for your District carefully and contact Jaclyn Casale with the updated information by May 7. She can be reached by email or at 317.692.7325.
New Look for DNR Web Site. There is a new look to the DNR Web site http://www.in.gov/dnr/. Also note the new address for the LARE home page: http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/7032.htm.
District News / Exchange
- Bartholomew County SWCD. Christine Goldstein is the new watershed resource specialist for the Clifty Creek Watershed. Welcome, Christine!
- Posey County SWCD. Autumn Thompson has joined the Posey County SWCD as a part-time District Technician. Welcome!
- Gibson County SWCD. The Gibson County SWCD has a 2003 Kawasaki ATV for sale, like new, used very little, new battery, $2000 or best offer. Call 812.385.5033 ext. 3.
Reminder: NACD Membership. Your annual NACD membership is due. If you did not receive your letter and invoice, please email Naomi Watson, NACD, at Naomi-watson@nacdnet.net.
Reminder: IASWCD dues. Please take the time to read over the important information in the dues brochure on how your dues support SWCD activities in the state.
Reminder: 2009 Annual Conference – Call for Abstracts. A Call for Abstracts is being distributed around the state to generate renewed interest and expand our pool of speakers for the 2009 Annual Conference for Indiana SWCDs. The deadline to submit an abstract is May 16, 2008.
Have a good week,
Jennifer
Watershed Moment
Connecting water monitoring activities across Indiana
Water monitoring councils work to integrate statewide water monitoring activities in many states across the nation. Currently, there is strong, organized momentum from Indiana’s water monitoring community to develop a statewide water monitoring council that serves to increase the use and value of water monitoring information, by maximizing resources through improved communication, coordination, data sharing and collaboration.
Based on input from water monitoring interests across the state, an interim team has developed a draft framework for such a council. This draft framework is currently available online and is open for comment. Draft Charter | Bylaws | Interim Planning Team Progress Report.
The final draft of this work will be presented immediately before the upcoming Indiana Water Resource Association Meeting on Wednesday, May 14th. At this time, the next steps for forming an Indiana Water Monitoring Council will be taken a representative board will be chosen.
Click here for the full article, complete with detail on the comment process, District involvement and IWRA Spring Meeting information.
Congratulations Hoosier Chapter Region 4!
The Outstanding Chapter Award from the Soil and Water Conservation Society this year goes to Region 4 of the Hoosier Chapter.
The Outstanding Chapter Award recognizes up to one chapter from each region for its accomplishments in carrying out its overall program during the year. This chapter was able to implement policy and program objectives like creating an electronic format for their newsletters to save money and resources as well as being active in establishing outreach programs with other agriculturally-related groups within the state while involving members in community-based programs to promote soil and water conservation efforts.
The chapter had two great learning workshops in 2007 focusing on topics like intensive rotational grazing on a family-owned and operated dairy farm as well as examining bio-energy and the processes of ethanol and soy-diesel and how these new production plants will affect farming in the Midwest. Programs like these were able to bring members together with industry leaders and university researchers.
For more information on upcoming events or on how to become a member of the Hoosier Chapter of Soil and Water Conservation please visit their Web site at www.hoosierchapterswcs.org.
Nominations for Outdoor Lab of the Year Currently Being Accepted
Each year the Indiana Tree Farm Committee recognizes an outstanding outdoor classroom by giving out the Outdoor Lab of the Year award. The Tree Farm Committee strongly encourages the development of outdoor education facilities.
This is the 32nd year this award will be given out with many of the state award winners going on to win further awards. Materials and the application for the nomination of an outdoor classroom for the award can be found here. Nominations are due to the Tree Farm District Forester by June 15 .
The award will be presented at the annual convention of the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers (HASTI) in February. Any questions may be directed to Donna Rogler at 317.549.0354.
INDIANA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
OFFICERS:
President: Jim Droege, Posey Co.
Vice President: Paula Baldwin, Marion Co.
Secretary: Ray McCormick: Knox Co.
Treasurer: Jeff Meinders, Ripley 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: Ray Chattin, Knox 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 Manager: Jaclyn Casale, 317.692.7325 |
