Conservation Update
July 17- July 30, 2014 
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Top News

NACD Summer Soil Health Forum & Tours Highlights Local and National Conservation Farmers

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD)
A panel of top conservation farmers spoke on soil health with NACD forum attendees.
A panel of top conservation farmers spoke on soil health with NACD forum attendees. Photo credit: NACD
hosted the 2014 Soil Health Forum and Conservation Tour in Indianapolis on July 21 and 22. The IASWCD, ISDA, Indiana NRCS, and CCSI also participated in this event that showcased conservation practices being implemented in Indiana and nationwide. 

Speaking at the event, ISDA Director Ted McKinney underscored the opportunities for soil health by saying, "We are at a true 'man on the moon' moment for soil health. We have the leadership, the technology, and the will of the people to make it happen."
Barry Fisher of NRCS speaks from a soil pit on the Legan Farms tour.
Barry Fisher of NRCS speaks from a soil pit on the Legan Farms tour.

The NACD 2014 Soil Health Forum and Conservation Tour brought together representatives from all facets of the soil health movement for a thought-provoking conversation. North-Southwest Director and IASWCD board member Les Zimmerman summed up the atmosphere and intent of the forum well by saying, "Soil health and no-till are the beginnings of a new agricultural revolution." 

The IASWCD thanks the NACD for bringing this conference together to promote soil health and for the opportunity to showcase the great conservation work taking place in Indiana.

If you missed the event, you can see some excellent photos of the panels and tours courtesy of NACD.

Upcoming Deadlines

Annual Awards & Resolutions Due Soon

 

Deadlines are quickly approaching for awards and proposed resolutions. Please see below for links to the necessary forms and instructions. Feel free to contact us with questions at [email protected]

 

September 9:
- Friend of Conservation Award applications due
- Supervisor of the Year Award applications due
 
September 19:
- Proposed Resolutions due (scroll to the bottom of page at link for past resolutions and forms)
 
CCSI News

Soil & Water Conservation Society Chooses CCSI for 2014 Merit Award

  

The SWCS Board of Directors chose Indiana Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative as a 2014 recipient of the Society's Merit Award. The award was presented at the 69th International Annual Conference, on July 29th in Lombard, Illinois.
Les Zimmerman and Bob Eddleman accepted the SWCS Merit Award for CCSI. Dan Towery currently serves as President of SWCS.
Les Zimmerman and Bob Eddleman accepted the SWCS Merit Award for CCSI. Dan Towery currently serves as President of SWCS.

 

The SWCS Merit Award is given in recognition of an outstanding activity, product, or service by a group, business firm, corporation, or organization that promotes the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources.


 

The IASWCD is proud of the hard work of all those involved with CCSI and hopes that this model for partnerships can be replicated in other states to further promote soil health.

 

Keep updated with CCSI events on Facebook and Twitter, or sign up to join our mailing list! 
Other Conservation News
 

USDA Reminds Farmers of 2014 Farm Bill Conservation Compliance Changes

 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack reminded producers that changes mandated through the 2014 Farm Bill require them to have on file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification (AD-1026). The Farm Bill links highly erodible land conservation and wetland conservation compliance with eligibility for premium support paid under the federal crop insurance program.

 

"It's important that farmers and ranchers taking the right steps to conserve valuable farm and natural resources have completed AD-1026 forms on file at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office," said Vilsack. "This will ensure they remain eligible for crop insurance support." 

The complete press release provides more information.

EPA Requests Proposals for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a Request for Applications soliciting proposals from states, municipalities, tribes, universities and nonprofit organizations for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants to fund new projects to restore and protect the Great Lakes. 

 

Up to $27.5 million will be available during the current funding cycle. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects in the Great Lakes basin. Applications are due August 25, 2014.


 

"This round of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding will be used for projects that control invasive species, prevent the discharge of nutrients and sediment, and improve water quality in the Great Lakes," said EPA Great Lakes National Program Manager Susan Hedman. "The work funded by these grants will help to restore and protect waters that are essential to the health and jobs of millions of Americans."

 

For more information about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative visit www.glri.us.

Contact Us

 

 Upcoming Events

Look! These and many, many more events are listed on our statewide events calendar.

Planning an Event? Get it on our calendar using this form!

August 15:

August 21:

August 26:

August 27:

September 5-6:


CCSI Events

August 6
Vanderburgh County Fairgrounds

August 22 
Delaware County Fairgrounds

August 26
Save the Date for "As the Worm Turns - A Soil Health Saga" Field Day at Wenning Farm

GrantStation & Current Funding Opportunities

Grantstation

View the latest GrantStation on the IASWCD website. Several other current grants are also posted there.