N a v i g a t i o n
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This Issue
EPA Releases New Water Pollution Data Tool
Every Issue
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 I A S W C D B l o g |
The Association has started a blog to share stories, announcements, and ideas relevant to SWCDs and the larger community.
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| W e ' r e S o c i a l! |
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| E v e n t s C a l e n d a r |
Visit our Google Calendar for details about upcoming events!
You can submit events via
New Events:
- Concrete Washout Workshop: Feb. 14
- Indoor Pasture Walk: Feb. 14
- Soil Health Workshop: March 1
- Soil Health Workshop: March 1
- Madison Co. SWCD Annual Meeting: March 8
- 2012 Spring Training Workshops for SWCD Staff & Supervisors: Throughout March
- NREC Workshops: Various dates
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| Q u i c k L i n k s | |
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I A S W C D L e a d e r s h i p
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Officers
President: Ray McCormick
Secretary: Paul Cummings
Treasurer: Jamie Scott
Region Directors
Board Roster / Region Map
South-NW: Mike Starkey, Hendricks Co.
North-NE: Tom Crowe, Allen Co.
South-NE: Bobby Hettmansperger, Wabash Co.
North-SW: Les Zimmerman, Vermillino Co.
South-SW: Jim Droege, Posey Co.
North-SE: Mike Schwab, Franklin Co.
South-SE: Brad Ponsler, Jennings Co.
IASWCD Staff
Executive Director: Jennifer Boyle Warner, 317.692.7519
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A Report from the Executive Director
Weekly Update is now Conservation Update
The Weekly Update is changing its name and frequency. Our eNewsletter is now the Conservation Update and will be published every two weeks instead of weekly. You will still be able to access important conservation news from the Association via our blog. Our events calendar listing dates of interest to SWCDs, watershed organizations and conservation partners is always available to view here. You can submit events to be posted via this form.
The next Conservation Update will be published on Wednesday, February 15. Please submit any articles to Liz Rice by Tuesday afternoon, February 14. If you have any questions or comments about our new format, let me know. Thank you.
Conservation Task Force Survey
The Conservation Beyond 2016 Task Force is seeking input from SWCD staff and supervisors and would like for you to complete a short survey. Responses are due by March 9.
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Have a good day,
Jennifer
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New Tool Provides Access to Water Pollution Data
The U.S. EPA announced the release of a new tool that provides the public with important information about pollutants that are released into local waterways. The discharge monitoring report pollutant loading tool brings together millions of records and allows for easy searching and mapping of water pollution by local area, watershed, company, industry sector and pollutant. The public can use this new tool to protect their health and the health of their communities.
Searches using the pollutant loading tool result in "top 10" lists to help users easily identify facilities and industries that are discharging the most pollution and impacted waterbodies. When discharges are above permitted levels, users can view the violations and link to details about enforcement actions that EPA and states have taken to address these violations.
Facilities releasing water pollution directly into our nation's waterways, such as wastewater treatment plants or industrial manufacturers, must receive a permit to discharge under the Clean Water Act. Each permit sets specific limits for how much can be discharged. It also requires the permittee to frequently sample their wastewater discharges and report the data to their state or EPA permitting authority.
Click here for more information.
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Listening Session to Focus on Consumer Confidence Report Rule
The U.S. EPA will hold a virtual public meeting on February 23, 2012, to obtain stakeholder input on the consumer confidence report rule as part of the agency's retrospective review of existing regulations.
The EPA plans to discuss electronic delivery of the reports, resource implications for implementing report delivery certification, use of reports to meet public notification requirements, and how contaminant levels are reported in the consumer confidence reports. The agency invites the public to participate in this information exchange on the consumer confidence report rule. Click here for registration information..
The consumer confidence report is an annual water quality report that a community water system is required to provide to its customers each year. The report lists the regulated contaminants found in the drinking water, as well as health effects information related to violations of the drinking water standards. More information on these reports can be accessed on EPA's website.
Individuals planning on participating in the listening session must register for the meeting.
Individuals planning on participating in the web dialogue discussions must join the community at this link. The web dialogue will be available from February 23, 2012, to March 9, 2012, for the public to share and post comments on the dialogue.
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2012 Spring Training Workshops for Staff & Supervisors
Workshops for SWCD Staff and Supervisors will be offered throughout the month of March. Topics include "Soil Health", "Hands-on Soil Demonstrations," and "Orientation for New Supervisors & Staff." Each workshop is $15 per person and includes a catered dinner; workshops begin at 5 p.m. For more information, contact your District Support Specialist. Registration forms will be available soon.
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Natural Resources Education Center Workshops
The Natural Resources Education Center (NREC) will be hosting educational workshops and trainings throughout Indiana this year. Workshops come from programs such as Go FishIN, Hoosier RiverWatch, Project Learning Tree, Project WET, and Project WILD. A schedule of the 2012 workshops can be found here (PDF). |
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Indiana Bicentennial Nature Trust Launched
Lt. Governor Becky Skillman on behalf of her co-chair Lee Hamilton and the Indiana Bicentennial Commission, today officially launched the Bicentennial Nature Trust. The Trust is a fund that will be used for conservation projects in every region of the state. The State has seeded the fund with $20 million, and is seeking additional private donations as well as input from communities on viable projects. While the formal application period has not yet begun, Hoosiers can contact the Bicentennial Nature Trust about donations or potential projects at www.in.gov/naturetrust. The goal is to celebrate completion of the trail, park and wetland projects in 2016.
Read the full article here.
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Job Openings
Coordinator: ICP Training and Certification Program
The ICP Training and Certification Program task force is seeking to fill a two year position for a Coordinator of this state-wide initiative. The coordinator will support the ICP training committees, implement partner training activities, develop new partnerships and vendors to fill additional training needs, and seek additional funding for the initiative. Deadline for application is Feb. 15, 2012. Read the job description here. More information on the initiative can be found online.
Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Program Manager: Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture is seeking qualified applicants for an Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Program Manager position. This position is a key component of the Division of Soil Conservation's team with responsibilities such as On-Farm Network and the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative. This position shall advance environmental stewardship efforts throughout the state by engaging directly with agricultural leaders to ensure that Indiana agriculture is adequately addressing challenges and opportunities beyond traditional efforts; such as cost-share and incentives. To apply for this position, please visit the State's Job Bank. All applications must be received through the State's job bank system by February 4, 2012.
Wetland Plant Ecologist: Illinois DOT
INHS is seeking up to four (4) individuals to assist field research teams in the wetland science program for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). This IDOT funded, long-term program focuses on wetland delineations and mitigation throughout the state of Illinois. These positions will be located in Champaign, Illinois.
Job description: Primary position function is to complete routine, on-site wetland determinations, emphasizing identification of vegetation and interpretation of hydrology. Participate in long-term wetland mitigation projects in coordination with the Illinois State Geological Survey, with duties including location and evaluation of potential mitigation sites, assistance with site design, selection of appropriate species for re-vegetation, and design and implementation of monitoring programs.Read the complete job description here.
Executive Director: Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association
This position is a full time position based on an average of 40 hours per week; time may vary depending on workload. The Executive Director is responsible for the management of the day-to-day affairs of the association, daily office operations and procedure, budget development, financial management, communication with County Board Land Conservation Committees and Departments, coordination of the WLWCA awards and education programs, policy analysis and liaison with conservation agencies, elected officials and other organizations.This is a salaried position with a range of $50,000-$70,000 in annual compensation plus negotiable benefits based on candidate's experience and knowledge. View the complete description here.
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