| For the Week of June 1 - 5, 2009 >> click here for the printer friendly version
In This Week’s Edition . . .
A Report from the Executive Director, Jennifer Boyle
SSCB Meeting. The State Soil Conservation Board will meet Tuesday, June 9, at 9 a.m. in Warsaw, at the Fireman’s Building, 1009 E. Arthur Street. >> Click here for the agenda. Note: this agenda is in draft form. Open Door Law does not prohibit the public agency from changing or adding to its agenda during the meeting. You can also view the agenda on the SSCB Web site.
After the meeting the SSCB will have lunch followed by tours of conservation practices. If you plan to attend the meeting and would like to purchase a boxed lunch for $8, RSVP no later than Friday, June 5 to kgentry@isda.in.gov. Lunches will be provided by Brown Bag Marketplace and include a 9-inch sandwich, one side item, chips, drink and cookie. They will provide an arrangement of different sandwiches, sides and drinks. You also can request a vegetarian lunch, just let Kelly Gentry know in advance.
Farmer’s Market Cost Share Program. The ISDA is offering the Farmers’ Market Cost-Share Reimbursement program to provide grants to Indiana farmers’ markets. Indiana has seen a dramatic growth in farmers’ markets and feels the need to increase consumer awareness and overall appeal of Indiana farmers’ markets. Farmers’ Market Directors or Market Masters with an established Farmers’ Market listed on ISDA’s Web site at http://www.in.gov/isda/2342.htm are eligible to apply. Organiza-tions which have purchased advertising, displays and promotional materials on or after January 1, 2009, may apply for this reimbursement program. The program will reimburse 50 percent of the advertising, displays and promotional materials farmers’ markets pay for these items up to $500.
Reminder: 2010 SWCD Resolution Request Form. Resolutions will be considered at the 2010 Annual Conference business meeting on January 13, 2010. An update on current resolutions will be sent out in June. >>Click here for the letter (DOC) and >>click here for the resolution process (PDF). Let us know if you have any questions.
Reminder: 2009 IASWCD Conservation Awards. The IASWCD has revised and updated our conservation awards. >>Click here for information on these awards and the applications that appear on our Web site. A new “Friend of Conservation” award has been added. This award will recognize those who have made an outstanding contribution to soil and water conservation in Indiana. Up to five individuals, businesses or organizations will be honored at the 2010 Indiana Conservation Awards banquet. The deadline for applications is September 1, 2009. The “Conservation Farmer of the Year” award has been updated and now also includes a “Career” subcategory. This “Career” award replaces the former “Master Farm Conservationist of the Year” award. Read through the information carefully as changes have taken place. The deadline for applications to be received to the IASWCD is September 1, 2009.
Reminder: Tillage Transect Information. The Indiana Conservation Partnership is committed to completing the Tillage Transect statewide this year. Click here for the document that provides guidance on the procedures for completing the 2009 Tillage Transect. In addition to the data that will be gathered, the opportunity for conservation partners to observe and discuss the conditions, needs and accomplishments related to the natural resources in each county is an invaluable effort. We are proud to support this effort, and look forward to utilizing the results to bolster conservation efforts around the state. -- The Indiana Conservation Partnership
Reminder: District Dues. Thank you to all the SWCDs that have submitted 2009 dues. A list of the District dues received can be found here http://www.iaswcd.org/whatsnew/districtdues09.html.
Reminder: 2010 Conference. A notice for the Call for Abstracts has been sent out for the 2010 IASWCD Annual Conference. The theme for this year will be “The Power of Conservation: Investing in Districts.” The deadline to submit abstracts to Jaclyn Casale is June 26. More information regarding abstract submission can be found here.
Have a good week,
Jennifer
Telling the District Story
by DeeDee Sigler, IASWCD Communications Manager
Thanks to Cheryl Jarrett, Office Manager for the Huntington County SWCD, who shares our latest Telling the District Story on a very successful clean up effort her District organized in early May.
Community service project is a success for all involved
by Cheryl Jarrett, Huntington County SWCD
On May 4, 2009, SWCD Chair Kyle Lund and Cheryl Jarrett, Huntington County SWCD Office Manager, met with the Huntington County Commissioners and gave a report on Huntington County Soil and Water Conservation District projects.
 At that time Commissioners asked if the District could assist the Solid Waste Management Office and the County Highway Department on a project to clean up trash dumped along the Blue Star Highway (old U.S. 24) at the Huntington/Wabash County line. The Huntington County SWCD saw an opportunity and accepted the offer and also told the Commissioners they would seek additional partners to assist with the project.
Cheryl enlisted the aid of her husband, Mick, a teacher for the Machine Trades Class at Huntington North High School, about getting his class to help with the project. Mr. Jarrett likes to do a community service project with his class each year if possible.
With the school administration's approval to do the project and permission from parents, classes came out in their session time, one in the morning and one in the afternoon for two hours each. The bulk of the trash was picked up on the first day. The second day, students finished the clean up by picking up glass and glass bottles. At least 90 five-gallon buckets of bottles were picked up.
>>Click here for the rest of the story.
USDA Secretary Vilsack Announces Watershed And Floodplain Easement Investments In Indiana
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday announced the USDA will provide nearly $3.3 million for the Honey Creek Watershed Project in Terra Haute, and more than $8.1 million in floodplain easements in Indiana through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The local funding is part of more than $187 million in national watershed and floodplain easement funding announced by Secretary Vilsack today. By making these investments, USDA is helping to protect against future flooding, decrease soil erosion, improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat and reduce the need for future disaster assistance.
"While serving as Governor of Iowa, I often saw the incredible destruction that flooding can cause in our communities, and I am heartened that the funding I'm announcing today will help reduce the impact of future storms," said Vilsack. "This funding will not only protect rural communities, but also protect the environment in rural areas from repeated flooding."
The $3.3 million in federal funding for the Honey Creek Watershed Project will be matched by $600,000 in local funding to construct approximately six miles of dikes along Thompson Ditch beginning near the confluence of Honey Creek extending upstream to the first railroad east of 7th Street. Within this six miles of dike will be approximately 2,600 feet of floodwall.
The project is expected to generate $1.97 million in annual benefits to 390 homes, 190 businesses, and 1,300 acres of crops and pasture in the southern portion of Terre Haute. Altogether, this project will provide almost $98 million in flood protection benefits over the 50 year project life span.
Meanwhile, the $8.1 million investment in Indiana floodplain easements announced by Secretary Vilsack today will help protect 3,016 acres of land with 13 projects in various counties throughout the state. Projects in specific counties include:
- Daviess County - 1 project
- Gibson County - 3 projects
- Knox County - 1 project
- Posey County - 3 projects
- Sullivan County - 1 project
- Tippecanoe County - 1 project
- Warren County - 2 projects
- White County - 1 project
USDA has an important role in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. By working closely with local, state, and Tribal governments to identify projects, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) directs technical and financial assistance to improve public safety and the environment while relieving stress on local economies. These investments will promote watershed restoration and reduce the potential impact of flooding -- making communities safer sooner.
Funding provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is part of the Obama Administration's plans to modernize the nation's infrastructure, jumpstart the economy, and create jobs. For more information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, visit www.recovery.gov.
Funding Available For Renewable Energy Systems
USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for fiscal year 2009 funding for the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program. The program is designed to help agriculture producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the nation's critical energy needs. The funding is available in the form of grants, guaranteed loans and loan and grant combinations. This is a highly competitive national program with matching funds requirements. Complete applications must be received in the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office no later than 4:30 p.m. local time July 31, 2009.
Renewable Energy System Grants:
Minimum Grant: $2,500 - Maximum Grant: $500,000
Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants:
Minimum Grant: $1,500 - Maximum Grant: $250,000
Feasibility Study Grants:
Minimum Grant: $1,500 - Maximum Grant: $50,000
Guaranteed Loans:
Minimum Loan: $5,000 - Maximum Loan: $25 million Guarantee Fee: 1%
Applicants seeking to participate in this program must submit complete applications in accordance with the Notice of Solicitation Applications (NOSA) and associated regulations. For the Agency to consider an application, the application must include all environmental review documents so applicants are encouraged to contact their area office representative to discuss the application as soon as possible. >>Click here for the Indiana USDA Rural Development Office Web site.
Congratulations NACD!
Each year at its annual Coordinators' Conference, Project Learning Tree (PLT) honors a partner organization and individuals who have demonstrated enduring and unflagging dedication to the mission and goals of the PLT program through their years of exemplary service to the organization.
Indiana hosted the 2009 PLT Coordinators' Conference, May 4-7 in Indianapolis. The partner organization honored at this year's conference was the National Association of Conservation Districts. Susan Schultz, Education Director, accepted the award on behalf of NACD. Susan is the reason NACD received the Gold Star this year, mainly due to her efforts in partnering PLT and NACD in several education projects including Dig It! The Secrets of Soil, the NACD education theme for 2009. The Dig It! project includes materials which use activities from PLT and the development of a soils workshop. Susan also instrumented the Dig It! soil exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute. The exhibit will soon be traveling around the country.
Please join us in congratulating Susan! Her email is sms@hrtc.net.
Join NACD In Washington, D.C. for the 2009 legislative conference
The National Association of Conservation Districts 2009 Legislative Conference is just around corner and they are extending an invitation for you to join them in the nation’s capitol. The action-packed agenda includes speakers from various federal agencies, Capitol Hill staff, partners and other conservation leaders. Conference participants are also invited to join NACD on Capitol Hill for our third annual Congressional Reception. Attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in a listening session hosted by USDA to provide input on the Resources Conservation Act and existing and future needs for natural resource conservation.
Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to not only be a part of NACD's 2009 Legislative Conference but to also take in the sights and sounds of your Nation's Capitol. Family and friends can join and easily spend an entire week going to free museums, zoos, monuments, concerts and other events on the National Mall.
NACD has secured a room block at the Washington Court Hotel at the discounted rate of $194 per night. Reservations must be completed by June 19, 2009 to receive the discounted rate. Click here for additional hotel information, a draft agenda, information on tours and activities, board information and more. Register today at http://www.nacdnet.org/events/legconference/registration/.
CTIC conservation action tour
Make plans to join producers and other agriculture and conservation leaders at the CTIC Conservation In Action Tour. Western Illinois is the setting for the tour on July 29. CTIC members and partners, including producers, agribusiness, agriculture and conservation organizations, media, researchers, government agencies and others supporting conservation agriculture are invited to register.
Traveling from Moline to Monmouth and back, participants will visit successful farmers who have mastered innovative conservation practices in their profitable operations. You'll learn first-hand how efficient use of nutrients makes sense not only for the farm but also for protection of water quality. CTIC calls these farmers their Upstream Heroes - and you'll get to meet and thank them for their hard work.
Register today for the Conservation In Action Tour. Visit www.conservationinformation.org in the coming weeks for more details. Or, call CTIC at 765.494.9555.
September 26th - National Public Lands Day
The National Environmental Education Foundation announces that National Public Lands Day is scheduled for September 26, 2009.
First begun in 1994, the event now boasts the cooperation of over 120,000 volunteers working in over 1,800 locations nationwide to improve and enhance the conditions on public lands. Projects include bridge and trail maintenance, weed removal, tree planting and trash pickup. Eight federal agencies are involved as advisors to numerous partner organizations. To learn more about events, sponsors, partners and ways to get involved, visit http://www.publiclandsday.org.
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
Communications Manager: DeeDee Sigler, 317.692.7374
Project Assistant: Jaclyn Casale, 317.692.7325
IASWCD Awards
All applications may be downloaded from our Web site >> click here.
- June 16. River Friendly Farmer Award applications due June 16
- July 17. District Showcase Award applications due July 17.
- Sept. 1. Conservation Farmer of the Year applications due Sept. 1.
- Sept. 1. Friend of Conservation Award applications due Sept. 1
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