Conservation Update  
 
November 21 - December 4, 2013 
Executive Director's Report
 
December 5 is World Soil Day 

From the UN's FAO site: "Soil is a finite natural resource. On a human time-scale it is non-renewable. However, despite the essential role that soil plays for human livelihoods, worldwide there is increasing degradation of soil resources. Recognizing the importance of soils, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), in 2002, made a resolution proposing December 5th as World Soil Day. This day is aimed to celebrate the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and as a vital contributor to the human well being." 

 

World Soil Day is a great opportunity for Soil and Water Conservation Districts and our Indiana Conservation Partners to promote and reinforce our soil health message! The graphic below may be used with any newsletters or social media mentions you would like to make of this special day. 

 

In addition, sample tweets, an op-ed template, a news release template, soil quotes, and online resources have been provided by the Indiana NRCS for your use. Download them here. For questions about these resources, email info@iaswcd.org.    


 

Indiana NRCS Announces Sign Up Period for Conservation Stewardship Program

Starting today through January 17, 2014, producers interested in participating in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

program can submit applications to their local NRCS District Conservationist. The program emphasizes conservation performance - producers earn higher payments for higher performance. In CSP, producers install conservation enhancements to make positive changes in soil quality, soil erosion, water quality, water quantity, air quality, plant resources, animal resources and energy. Read the full news release here.
 
NACD Climate Stewardship Webinar
NACD will present a webinar on efforts to put a lid on greenhouse gases. The "Climate Stewardship" webinar, is set for 11 a.m. EST on Wednesday, December 18. It covers the status of regional carbon trading, visits an innovative outreach and education effort in a California resource conservation District and takes a look at the "Avoided Grasslands Conversion" carbon project in North Dakota. There is no cost to participate, but space is limited to the first 100 registrants on a first-come, first-served basis. Email Debra Bogar to register and include your name, title, District or business name and your email address.

Auxiliary Silent Auction
The women's auxiliary would like to remind IASWCD conference participants to please bring items to the auction as well as visit their booth during the conference. Proceeds from the auction support environmental education. Questions can be directed to Darlene Corns.

Have a great week!
Jennifer Boyle Warner, IASWCD Executive Director
CCSI News 

Save the Dates
Though CCSI has fewer events going on at this time, rest assured we are working to evaluate last year's successes and challenges in order to have a great lineup of events and projects next year!

In the meantime, please keep an eye out for a couple CCSI events:
  • January 29: Slug Control in Cropping Systems
  • February and March 2014: Several dates will offer advanced and intro-level soil health and conservation cropping workshops for agency staff and farmers alike. 

You may also like to visit our soil health calendar, which is packed with exciting upcoming events! 


Keep updated with CCSI events on Facebook and Twitter, or sign up to join our mailing list! 
Annual Conference News: Sponsor Showcase
 
The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) continues to showcase our 2014 Conference sponsors as a prelude to the January 6-8 event set for the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Join us in showing support and patronage to these companies and organizations that support and value Indiana conservation.

Bronze Sponsors

We welcome back these four special Bronze sponsors this year:

 

Environmental Tillage Systems, Inc. (ETS) is our Trade Show Breakfast Sponsor. ETS is a leading manufacturer of conservation tillage, integrated planting and nutrient management equipment. Their products and services enhance soil productivity and farm profitability. ETS products set the standard for in-field performance, machine durability and ease of operation. Visit the ETS website at www.soilwarrior.com.

 

 

Farm Credit Services of Mid-America is a $19 billion agriculture lending cooperative serving more than 95,000 farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee.  Loans are available for farm real estate financing, operating loans, and equipment and livestock loans. As a lender serving rural America, they also offer crop insurance, and a full line up of leasing options. Visit their website at www.e-farmcredit.com. 

 

Halderman Farm Management, Inc. has 80 years of rich history in the agriculture industry and over the years, they have expanded and evolved. Through the growth and changes, the company philosophy remains the same as it was in 1930, to meet client goals, solve problems and prepare for change in the agriculture industry. Halderman specializes in the appraisal, sale, acquisition and management of agricultural properties. Visit their website at www.halderman.com.

  

Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc., the state's largest general farm organization, has worked alongside Indiana's farmers to protect their lives, land, equipment, animals and crops. As the state's largest general farm organization, Indiana Farm Bureau is a farmer's strongest advocate. Farm Bureau's grassroots membership works constantly to protect a farmer's very right to farm, because agriculture is vital to Indiana's economy. Visit their website at www.infarmbureau.org.   

 
Annual Conference News: Outreach and Education Track
 
Meth Labs: How to Recognize Them and What to Do
Presenter: Trooper Tom Egler, Indiana State Police

Methamphetamine is a growing problem throughout Indiana. Meth is unique from other drugs because it can be manufactured in small so-called "labs" found throughout the state. Supplies are easily obtained household ingredients that can be purchased from "one stop shop" supermarkets. The key ingredient is pseudoephedrine (common cold/allergies) found over-the-counter. This session will touch on all aspects of meth use including how to identify a meth lab, statistics on labs throughout Indiana, and the steps of proper clean-up that the state of Indiana requires.  

  

Conservation Education Programs from Around the Nation and Territories

Presenter: Susan Schultz, NACD 

Education and outreach is an important component for local conservation Districts. Educating youth and adults is more important than ever to instill an appreciation of our natural resources. Examples of various programs, projects and events will be shared from other states and U.S. territories. Participants are encouraged to bring a handout of a unique program they have developed to share. Participants can upload their projects, lessons plans, agendas and photos here. 

 

Proactive Preparedness: Available Tools SWCDs Need for Another Shutdown or Emergency

Presenters: Judi Brown, Dubois Co. SWCD; Martha Miller, Monroe County SWCD; Roger Kult, Indiana NRCS  

As the federal shutdown became a reality, was your District scrambling, or were you ready to open for business the following day? How quickly would your SWCD be back on track after a natural disaster? This session will assist District staff and supervisors in getting the right tools in your toolbox so you are there to help your constituents.

 

Backyard Conservation and Habitats

Presenter: Claire Lane, Hamilton County SWCD

This session will cover urban conservation programs and the
technical and outreach services the Hamilton County SWCD provides. Claire will introduce some of their most common urban practices and add in some examples of successful projects. She'll also talk about how they engage with their urban property owners and share information on some of the new initiatives they are working on.
Annual Conference:  
January 6-8, 2014
 

Registration is Open!

Register online here. 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

The IASWCD is seeking volunteers to help make Conference a success! We need one person to record names for award-winners' photos and one or two persons to check in legislators for the breakfast on Wednesday. Email Liz for details. 

 

Legislative Breakfast
Invite your legislators to this annual event, which takes place at 7:30am on January 8. Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann will be our speaker. The breakfast conversations are important to securing future funding and good relationships with our legislators! For more information, or to receive another copy of the of the invitation letter template, send an email to info@iaswcd.org.

 

Conference Brochure

Includes sessions, keynote speakers, and sponsors. View it here.

 

Delegate Registration

Who will represent
your District at the Annual Business Meeting this year? Register your delegate online by December 23.

Submitted Resolutions
Get In Touch

Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  

 

Upcoming Events

View the full calendar for details on each event 

 

December 5:

World Soil Day

  

December 5:

Webinar: Fertilizer Application Regulations: Indiana's New Fertilizer Rule 

 

December 5:

Putnam County PARP Workshop

 

December 16:

Fourth Annual No-Till Planter Clinic

 

December 17:

Indiana CCA Conference 

 

January 6-8

Annual Conference of Indiana SWCDs

 

January 20:  

Heart of America Grazing Conference 

 

See all events, or Contribute an event 


CCSI Events
 
January 29:
Slug Control in Cropping Systems (save the date!)
Other News

FSA Acreage Reporting Dates

Acreage Reporting Dates for 2014 for all of Indiana are as follows: 

  • December 15, 2013: Fall Mint, Fall Seeded Small Grains
  • January 15, 2014: Apples
  • July 15, 2014: All Other Crops

For more information, contact your local FSA office.

 

Grazing Bites  
The December issue of Grazing Bites can be viewed here.

USDA, EPA Partnership Supports Water Quality Trading To Benefit Environment, Economy

EPA and USDA are now working together to implement and coordinate policies and programs that encourage water quality trading. The Department and the Agency will identify opportunities to work collaboratively to help improve water quality trading programs across the country. Cooperative management and technical assistance will improve resource management and public services, and accelerate implementation. Read the full news release. 

  

National Wetlands Awards

The National Wetlands Awards are presented annually to individuals who have excelled in wetlands protection, restoration, and education. Learn more at  nationalwetlandsawards.org 

Upcoming Grants: 
 

 

December 31, 2013:

Celebrate Urban Birds mini-grants are open to organizations, educators, and youth. Proposals should integrate the arts, greening, birds and community involvement. All mini-grant applicants are offered materials and training to support their events (even if their proposals are not funded). Organizations working with underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. No experience with birding needed. Mini-grants average $100 to $500. 

 

January 14, 2014

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program provides support to engage in on-the-ground conservation and citizen-based monitoring projects benefiting National Forests and Grasslands. Funded projects must address one or more of the following program areas of emphasis: Wildlife Habitat Improvement, Recreation, Watershed Health and Restoration, or Community-Based Forestry. All grants require at least a one-to-one cash match through non-federal donations.

2014 annual conference

Positions Open
Soil Technician: Pike and Warrick County SWCDs 

For a complete job description, email Erica Burkemper at pikecoswcd@gmail.com.

 

Stewardship Director, Division of Fish and Wildlife

 The position will work with staff throughout the division, and potentially collaborate with other agencies, to develop programs involving public stewardship and citizen science. View the full job description here.

 
Jay SWCD Watershed Coordinator
For a complete job description, send an email to  bettie.jacobs@in.nacdnet.net

Clark SWCD Watershed Coordinator
For a complete job description, send an email to tami.kruer@in.nacdnet.net

Dearborn SWCD Watershed Coordinator

For a complete job description, send an email to rita.cutter@in.nacdnet.net