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The Natural Resources Conservation Service — Helping People Help the Land.

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Alaska

State Conservationist Bob Jones makes good on his promise to kiss a pig if Alaska NRCS staff contributed more than $5,000 to the Combined Federal Campaign (NRCS photo by by Greg Gusse)A Kiss for Bacon the Pig
State Conservationist Bob Jones makes good on his promise to kiss a pig if Alaska NRCS staff contributed more than $5,000 to the Combined Federal Campaign.
 


 

Florida

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NRCS Helping Small Farmers in Florida
See how NRCS is helping small producer Annie Dawson improve her grape production and control erosion on her on her Florida panhandle grape farm that was nominated for the NRCS Lloyd Wright Small Farmer Award that recognizes lifetime contributions made to their environment and communities by black farmers.
New Jersey

AG market ready mulchComposting for the Garden State
New Jersey NRCS has awarded a $75,000 Conservation Innovation Grant to Ag-Choice, LLC. The grant was for Ag Choice’s ability to demonstrate the economic feasibility and environmental benefits of a regional composting facility for horse stable waste.  Composting more than 10,000 cubic yards of organic materials per year, their operation provides a valuable service for small-scale, concentrated animal operations that don't have a means of properly managing their agricultural waste.
 
West Virginia

representatives of preservation and conservation groups attended a ceremonial placement of “Protected Land” signs at Harewood. From left: Kevin Wickey (West Virginia State Conservationist), Gary Mast, (Deputy Under-Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment [NRE]); Paul Hawke (Chief of the American Battlefield Protection Program) Walter Washington (landowner); Peter Fricke (Jefferson County Farmland Protection Board); Rodney Bartgis, (State Director of The Nature Conservancy); and Grant Smith, (Land Trust of the Eastern Panhandle President).Representatives of preservation and conservation groups attended a ceremonial placement of “Protected Land” signs at Harewood. From left: Kevin Wickey (West Virginia State Conservationist), Gary Mast, (Deputy Under-Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment [NRE]); Paul Hawke (Chief of the American Battlefield Protection Program) Walter Washington (landowner); Peter Fricke (Jefferson County Farmland Protection Board); Rodney Bartgis, (State Director of The Nature Conservancy); and Grant Smith, (Land Trust of the Eastern Panhandle President)FRPP Grand Slam
The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program played a part in permanently protecting farm and wetlands from development in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Walter Washington, the current owner, recently signed the conservation easement on 219 acres surrounding the historic Harewood mansion near Charles Town.  Mr. Washington is a direct descendant of George Washington’s brother, Samuel, who built Harewood in 1770.

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A Statement from NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster on the Passing of Olin Sims
NRCS extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Olin Sims, President of the National Association of Conservation Districts. A long-time landowner and champion of conservation, Olin was well known for his commitment to farmers, ranchers, and private landowners throughout the United States. A personal friend, and leader on conservation policy, he will be missed by NRCS employees and partners and by all who knew him and who share his commitment to the nation's natural resources.

(from left) Olin Sims, Kirk Rowdabaugh, Abigail Kimbell, and Chief LancasterPartners Charter Joint Forestry Team
NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster joined National Association of Conservation Districts President Olin Sims, National Association of State Foresters President Kirk Rowdabaugh, and Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell in signing the charter for the Joint Forestry Team at a joint leadership meeting in Arlington, Virginia.

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retiring deputy cheif for science and technology Larry ClarkLarry Clark to Retire
 After over 40 years of distinguished Federal service with NRCS, Deputy Chief for Science and Technology Lawrence "Larry" Clark will retire on January 3, 2008.

 

 

 

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Two Chiefs’ Partnership Awards Recognize Conservation Partnerships
Chief Arlen Lancaster and Forest Service Chief Gail Kimbell recently announced the second annual Two Chiefs’ Partnership Awards in Washington, D.C., for five projects demonstrating successful collaboration in conservation and forest stewardship.

 

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 NRCS Directives for the Week of December 9, 2007
 

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circa 1950's Tucker Sno-Cat (NRCS photo -- click to enlarge)1950's Tucker Sno-Cat
Tucker Sno-Cats were used by NRCS Snow Survey teams in the 1940's and 1950's (NRCS image -- click to enlarge).  Read an excerpt from an account of NRCS Sno-Cat use in Snow Surveying Comes of Age in the West by Douglas Helms, NRCS National Historian. 

NRCS This Week features a weekly historical photo and caption.  NHQ, districts, States, RC&D councils, and all other NRCS entities are invited to submit a historical photo of activities or individuals who have worked or are working for the agency along with a caption. 

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