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Conservation Update
January 2 - 15, 2013
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Executive Director's Report
Conference Goes On Despite Polar Vortex
Last week's weather and travel restrictions created some challenges for this year's conference of Indiana Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Many would-be attendees were snowed in or otherwise under a travel restriction. As the saying goes, "if life hands you lemons, make lemonade." This year, we took that to heart! A more intimate setting for conference sessions and discussions opened the door to valuable conversations and allowed us to express our creativity and flexibility. In light of this, we were grateful to see several people step up into leadership roles at conference, sharing their own unique talents to create a valuable conference!
Though 2014 was certainly a different year for conference - and the first one that has ever been impacted by such an extreme weather event - we are proud of each District's commitment to conservation, and are excited for what new opportunities and challenges the coming year will bring.
Find links to conference presentations and photos of award winners on our website.
Have a great week!
Jennifer Boyle Warner, IASWCD Executive Director
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CCSI News
Taking Charge of Soil Health
This January 29 event takes place at Mike Brocksmith's farm in Vincennes. CEUs for Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) are available.
(2.5 Soil & Water, 1.5 Pest). This event would be of special interest to farmers, consultants, and technicians interested in learning more about tools to develop a systems approach to soil health, pest management, and the "new" soil health tests. Learn more and RSVP at https://brocksmith2014.eventbrite.com!
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Conservation News
Conservation Day at the Statehouse
The Indiana Conservation Alliance (INCA), a unified voice advocating for public funding for land, water, and wildlife conservation, invites you to the Annual Conservation Day at the Statehouse. RSVP here for this January 28 event.
LARE Grant Applications due January 31
The LARE program goals include operating a scientifically-effective program in a cost-efficient manner to protect and enhance aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife; and to insure the continued viability of Indiana's publicly accessible lakes and streams for multiple uses, including recreational opportunities. Learn more here.
Required Security Training for CCE Computer Users
This is a reminder that anyone who is on the USDA CCE computer network is to complete the legislatively mandated 2014 Information Security Awareness training in AgLearn. It was loaded this past October into all active accounts and is due the end of this month. All CCE computer users must complete this training by January 31, 2014. Please share this information with the partners in your office that are on the CCE network.
Southern Indiana Grazing Conference: February 5
The fifth "Southern Indiana Grazing Conference" (SIGC) is going to be held on February 5th, 2014. The program is one that you don't want to miss with speakers Jim Gerrish and Kathy Voth! Register and the full schedule here. Jim Gerrish is an independent grazing lands consultant providing service to farmers and ranchers on both private and public lands all across the US and Canada. Kathy Voth is noted for inventing a method for training cows to eat weeds. CEUs are available.
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Thank You, Conference Sponsors!
To all of our conference sponsors, we cannot thank you enough. Many of our sponsors have been supporting Indiana's Soil and Water Conservation Districts for several years, and we look forward to working with them in the future! Please take a minute to visit our sponsors' websites, and consider following them on Facebook or Twitter if the option is available.
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CCSI Events
January 29:
Taking Charge of Soil Health
February 12 & 13:
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Note of Acknowledgement
This year's exceptional conference was greatly improved by the willingness of several individuals who went above and beyond to create a valuable experience for everyone. A special thank you to:
- Scott Ham, Chairman of the State Soil Conservation Board who served as our MC for the Awards Banquet. He also subbed in for the Prioritizing - Getting it all Done session.
- Tom Crowe, IASWCD board member, who subbed in to lead the Economics of Woodlands session
- Terry Ault, who volunteered to check in delegates for the business meeting
- Erica Burkemper, Pike Co. SWCD, and Kim Jolly, Ripley Co. SWCD, who subbed in to lead Implementing Successful Marketing Strategies
And these speakers who braved the weather to share their expertise with our conference attendees:
- Trooper Tom Egler
- Mark Basch
- Ginger Korinek
- Bob Barr
- Jordan Seger
- Lee Nassau
- Hans Kok
- Lisa Holscher
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Other News
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Conservation Stewardship Program Enrollment Deadline Extended
The deadline for new enrollments in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for fiscal year 2014 has been extended to February 7. Submit applications to your local NRCS office.
Cover Crops Survey from CTIC: Good and Bad!
CTIC is seeking farmer input on cover crops as a conservation option on U.S. farms. This survey will take 10 minutes or less and is for both farmers who use cover crops and farmers who do not use cover crops. If you currently use cover crops, this is your chance to report what works and doesn't work. If you don't use cover crops, this is your chance to tell us why not and help us understand where more scientific evidence is needed to encourage their adoption. Access the survey here.
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| Positions Open |
Conservation Director, Vermillion County SWCD
The Vermillion County SWCD is seeking applications for the position Conservation Director. For a full job description and to apply, email vermillion@iaswcd.org
Watershed Coordinator, GIbson County SWCD The Gibson County SWCD is in the process of taking applications for a watershed coordinator to fulfill the requirements of a three year 319 IDEM grant. Applications/resumes will be taken until January 15, 2014. For details, please visit www.gibsonswcd.org
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