Congressman Praises Monterey Bay Watersheds Partnership - The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Agriculture and Rural Lands Plan received special recognition from Congressman Sam Farr (17th District-CA), NRCS State Conservationist Jeff Vonk, and a host of others at an event in Salinas. Nearly 100 guests heard praise for the plan, which enhances and protects the physical, chemical, and biological conditions in the Sanctuary and its adjacent watersheds. "This type of collaborative approach to managing our land and ocean protects the sanctuary and sustains our region's critical agricultural industry," said Farr. A senior advisor to Secretary of Commerce William Daley presented a check of $70,000 to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for implementation of the plan. In this effort, NRCS partners with: NOAA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service, California Farm Bureau Federation, Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish and Game, University of California Cooperative Extension, Resource Conservation Districts, the City of Monterey, and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. Your contact is Jolene Lau, NRCS Public Affairs, Salinas, California, at (831) 754-1595.

State, NRCS MO Partner on Private Land's Service Effort - To reach more of the State's private landowners, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has established a new section devoted entirely to private lands services. Approximately 39 private land conservationists, more than 30 of whom will be co-located with NRCS in USDA Service Centers throughout the State, will provide conservation information, programs, and assistance to landowners. The new $2 million program is led by George Seek, a 27-year MCD veteran whose credentials include hands-on experience in farming practices and wildlife management, plus extensive training in management and strategic planning. This new initiative builds on a MDC and NRCS wildlife conservation pilot project begun in 1997. Your contact is Norm Klopfenstein, State Public Affairs Specialist, on (573) 876-0911.

NRCS, Partners Construct Wetland in Pocahontas Conty, Iowa - A joint effort of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Pocahontas County Conservation Board, State of Iowa Resource Enhancement and Protection Program, Pocahontas County Secondary Roads Department, Ducks Unlimited, and NRCS has resulted in the construction of a 3.5-acre wetland. Funding from Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa Resource Enhancement and Protection, and Ducks Unlimited enabled the Pocahontas County Conservation Board to create a wetland on a Wetland Reserve Program site now owned by the Board. The embankment was constructed by the Pocahontas County Secondary Roads Department and design and technical assistance was provided by NRCS. Nate Young, NRCS Technician in Pocahontas County said this type of cooperation defines the "Partners In Conservation" concept. This wetland will benefit waterfowl and wildlife and the public.

NRCS Arkansas Assists Tornado Victims - NRCS Arkansas reports that from March 1997 through January 1999, it helped more than 700 landowners in 9 counties remove debris from more than 4,000 acres in areas struck by tornadoes. Approximately 98 percent of the cleanup efforts were tree removals. David Weeks, Assistant State Conservationist for Natural Resources Planning, says that the agency's Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program continues to play an important role in preventing future flood-related problems. "After the 1999 storm, Congress broadened the scope of the program allowing us to cleanup areas that posed other environmental problems, such as a fire hazards or pest infestations," he said. Approximately 10 percent of the Arkansas NRCS staff has worked on tornado-related EWP efforts. More than $2.3 million was been spent in Clay, Green, Independence, Lonoke, Monroe, Pulaski, Saline, St. Francis, and White counties. Your contact is Creston Shrum, Public Affairs Specialist, on (501) 301-3133.

Northern Plains Tech Meeting the First of Its Kind - NRCS' Northern Plains Region hosted a technology workshop in Lincoln, Nebraska, for 30 tech leaders from the agency's institutes, centers, and NHQ, as well as State technology contacts and task leaders. The group identified actions that will improve communication linkages, such as the location of technical expertise and the sharing of "under-development" technologies. Discussions centered on NRCS priorities and the implementation of the Region's Technology Action Plan. This meeting was the first to bring together institutes, centers, and a Regional Technology Workgroup. For more information, contact Craig Derickson, Interim Technology Coordinator, on (402) 437-4112.

TECH TIP

Where the Water Flows: Agricultural Water Use

By Aaron Pugh, Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, National Water Management Center

With increased competition for water, higher energy prices, large drawdowns in western ground-water levels, and stagnant farm commodity prices, agriculture will have increasing difficulty competing economically for available water supplies. The following are some important facts and figures from a 1995 study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) that puts the growing demand for water into perspective:

• In 1995, agriculture accounted for nearly 41 percent of freshwater usage with almost 139,500 million gallons of fresh water used every day (124 million acre-feet per year).
• The average amount of water applied per acre irrigated during 1995 was about 2.1 acre-feet, well below the 1975 and 1980 average of 2.5 acre-feet, a decline due to improved and more efficient irrigation systems and techniques, and decreased irrigated acreage in the west.
• From 1990-95, population increased 6 percent, while public supply water use increased 4 percent, rural (agricultural) water use decreased 1 percent and industrial water use decreased 3 percent.

The leveling in the rate of agricultural water use combined with growing population and urbanization suggest that new balances will have to be struck in water use between rural and urban areas. Major attention needs to be given to water-management problems to ensure that maximum benefits will be obtained from use of the Nation's water resources.

The National Water Management Center (NWMC), part of NRCS' Conservation Engineering Division, assists the agency's State and field offices address agricultural water issues. NWMC's conservationists, engineers, geologists, and hydrologists offer expertise in irrigation, ground water, and surface water, water quality, watershed planning, and ecology. Working with other NRCS Institutes and Centers, including the National Watershed Sciences Institute, and the National Water and Climate Center, other Federal agencies and educational institutions, the NWMC provides a vital link between the State and field offices and new water management technologies.

More information on the NWMC is available at http://wmc.ar.nrcs.usda.gov/ Your contact is Mike Sullivan on (501) 210-8900, or at mike.sullivan@ar.usda.gov More information on water use in the United States is available on the USGS Water Use Web site at http://water.usgs.gov/public/watuse/

This article is based on information from USGS Circular 1200, "Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 1995" by Wayne B. Solley, Robert R. Pierce, and Howard A. Perlman.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

NOPBNRCSE Salutes the Winners! - Congratulations go out to everyone who took home awards from the National Organization of Professional Black NRCS Employees Training Conference held last month in Atlanta. They are:

• Pearlie S. Reed and Charles Whitmore (Presidential Awards)
• Mary Williams and William Stokes, Jr. (Distinguished Service Award)
• Estella Williams (Professional Achievement)
• Alice Love and Lincoln Ed Burton (Special Recognition)
• Dr. Leroi Ray (Small Farmer Award)
• Lannie Smith (Pioneer Award)

Holman Named to "The Auk" Editorial Board - William Hohman, Wildlife Biologist with the NRCS Wildlife Habitat Management Institute (WHMI) has been tapped to serve on the Associate Editorial Board of "The Auk," the world's most prestigious ornithological journal. Dr. Hohman will concentrate on waterfowl, an area in which he has published more than 80 scientific articles. Of Dr. Hohman's appointment, Chief Pearlie Reed said, "This is a good example of the full utilization of our expertise as we continue to lift wildlife as an important component of private lands conservation." L. Pete Heard, WHMI Director added, "We are honored to have Bill serve in this capacity within the wildlife scientific community. This activity adds prestige and luster to an already distinguished NRCS biological staff nationwide that assists with sound technology delivery in wildlife management on private lands from salmon to songbirds." The American Ornithological Union publishes "The Auk." Your contact is Pete on (601) 965-5886.

CUSTOMER COMMENTS

NRCS Personnel Get Good Words From Local Business - Bob Perry, NRCS Resource Conservationist in Amarillo, Texas, forwarded the following letter from a very satisfied customer who is still excited about the service he received from District Conservationist Mark Ely, Kelly House, Civil Engineering Technician, and Troy Headings, Civil Engineer. Your contact is H. Harold Bryant, State Public Affairs Specialist, on (254) 742-9811.

"Bob, I felt compelled to send you an e-mail and let you know how much I have appreciated the help from several NRCS experts.

"I work at Pantex [a hazardous waste disposal business] and have oversight responsibilities of agricultural lands for the plant. Last year, I had the funds to put in some badly needed terraces on the facility. Mark Ely out of the NRCS office in Panhandle helped me get in touch with two excellent field people who helped design terraces for our needs. I cannot say enough about the help given me by Mark Ely, Kelly House, and Troy Headings!

"The terrace design ended up being parallel terraces. The Texas Tech farm manager is very pleased with the ease that he can farm these terraces and I am pleased that the terraces will conserve our topsoil. Kelly House and Troy Heading came up with the design and I am very grateful for their expertise!

"Thanks again to your office and field people for doing a great job!"

CALL FOR PAPERS

NWC Seeks Papers for Watershed Conference - The National Watershed Coalition (NWC) invites you to participate in its Seventh National Watershed Conference scheduled for Richmond, Virginia, May 20-23, 2001. The theme is "Small Watershed Programs: Past, Present, and Future." Abstracts for oral and poster papers will be accepted in the following categories:

•  
• Innovative funding possibilities
• Effect of changing government roles
• Infrastructure condition concerns
• Case histories
• Creating new partnerships
• Water quality opportunities in old projects
• Sponsor political and legal issues
• Application of new technology, and research and development
•  

Watershed project sponsoring organizations are encouraged to make presentations. To submit your abstract, prepare a description of your presentation, in 400 words or less, and indicate oral or poster. The deadline for abstracts is October 1, 2000. Include your name, address, phone, fax and e-mail numbers with your abstract and mail, fax, or email to John W. Peterson, Executive Director, NWC, 9304 Lundy Court, Burke, Virginia 22015-3431. John's telephone numbers are (703) 455-6886 and 4387; his fax numbers are: (703) 455-6888 or (815) 461-4077. His e-mail address is: jwpeterson@erols.com

Notifications of accepted abstracts will begin in December 2000. All accepted papers are eligible for publication in the conference proceedings. Abstracts will not be returned. Presenters are responsible for providing their own conference travel and registration, as well as other expenses. The conference site is the Omni Richmond Hotel, 100 South 12th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

SPECIAL EVENTS

February 2000

 

Working at a Watershed Level

California State University, Stanislaus

Turlock, California

February 7-11

An introductory-level training program for watershed group coordinators and members, agency staff, consultants and others addressing watershed issues. Will focus on watersheds in California's Central Valley that support natural production of Chinook salmon, steelhead, and other anadromous fish. Your contact is Ashley Griffen, CSU Stanislaus Foundation, on (209) 667-3062. Her fax number is (209) 667-3026.

 

Livestock Conference 2000-A New Era

Colby, Kansas

February 11

Sponsored by the Western Prairie RC&D Area. Topics include: Direct and Cooperative Marketing, Grass-Fed and Alternative Livestock Production, Livestock technology, Grazing Systems, Ranch Tourism. For more information, call Western Prairie RC&D at (785) 462-2602.

 

53rd Annual Meeting of the Society for Range Management

Boise, Idaho

February 13-18

Registration begins November 15, 1999

 

Great Lakes International Grazing Conference

Shipshewana, Indiana

February 14-15

Among featured topics will be grazing cows, sheep, and horses, alternative marketing, and grass species. For more information, call Dona Hunter at (219) 463-3471 or check out the conference's Web site at http://www.msue.msu.edu/jackson/GLGC.htm

International Erosion Control Association, 31st Annual Conference and Expo

Palm Springs, California

February 21-25

 

Agricultural Outlook Forum 2000

Arlington, Virginia

February 24-25

Topics include: Farm Prospects, 2000 and Beyond; Future of Farming and Rural America; Farming Under Contract; Impact of Agribusiness Mergers; New Markets: E-Commerce, Organics, and Industrial Uses. Updates on speakers http://www.usda.gov/oce To get updates by e-mail, send an e-mail to agforum@oce.usda.gov

March 2000

 

Farming and Ranching for Profit, Stewardship, and Community

Portland, Oregon

March 7-9

Innovative agricultural techniques, scientific research, networking, visions of the future, and examples of successful sustainable agriculture. Sponsored by USDA Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, with contributions from land-grant universities and the Federal sustainable agriculture effort. Deadline for scholarship applications is January 21; contact Jim Freeburn or Lori Schafer on (307) 532-8892.

Check the web site at http://wsare.usu.edu/2000

Asian Pacific Islander Organization 2nd Annual Training Conference

March 14-17

San Diego, California

Theme: "The Pacific Rim: Leading America Into the New Millennium." Contacts: Mon Yee at (909) 869-2191, e-mail mon.yee@ca.usda.gov, Virginia Lewis at (505) 761-4408, e-mail virginia.lewis@nm.usda.gov, and Quan D. Quan at (602) 280-8832, e-mail qquan@az.nrcs.usda.gov For more information, see the APIO Web site at http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov/apio

NACD Spring Legislative Conference

March 19-22

Washington, DC

For information, see NACD's web site at http://nacdnet.org/meetings Your contact is Robert Raschke on (303) 988-1810. His fax number is (303) 988-1896

10th Annual Non-Industrial Private Forest Landowners Conference

March 20-21

Moscow, Idaho

The Clearwater RC&D Council hosts "Forest Stewardship Management: Looking Ahead into the New Millennium." Sessions include: What Can Regulations Do for Us and to Us?; Practicing What They Preach on Their Own Land; Envisioning Your Land in the New Millenium; and Forest Health: Managing the Millennium Bugs and Other Pests. Contacts: Dan Pierce on (208) 882-4960, ext. 4; and Harry Lee on (208) 885-6900; or e-mail: crcdc@moscow.com

 

North Central Region RC&D Annual Conference

March 22-24

Oneida Indian Nation near Green Bay, Wisconsin

The conference will focus on diversity, outreach, sustainability, and partnerships. The Glacierland RC&D (though not federally designated) and the Wisconsin State RC&D Association will host this conference. To receive an agenda, please contact Gwen Klay at gwen.klay@wi.usda.gov

New Income Opportunities from Specialty Products: Agroforestry in the Northeast

March 23-25

Portland, Maine

A regional conference to help shape the future and success of agroforestry in the Northeast. Sponsored by NRCS, the Maine and New England associations of RC&D's, and USDA's National Agroforestry Center. Visit the Web site at

http://www.thresholdtomaine.org/agroforestry/, or contact Velma Orcutt, Down East RC&D, at (207) 546-2368 or Velma.Orcutt@me.usda.gov

Global Sustainability Conference

Springfield, Illinois

March 28-29, 2000.

Carbon sequestration and ecological practices in agriculture and forestry, global warming, water quality, bio-energy, soil health, world food security, production agriculture, and ecological economics. Sponsored by the Gallatin County Soil & Water Conservation District and the Shawnee RC&D Council. E-mail: Michele.Gidcumb@ilridgway.fsc.usda.gov

For more information, see the conference agenda on the NRCS Illinois web site at: www.il.nrcs.usda.gov

 

Managing Nutrients and Pathogens from Animal Agriculture

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

March 28-30

A forum to present recent research, field experiences, and government responses regarding interactions of animal agriculture and the environment in the Eastern U.S. Topics include: Nutrients and Water Quality, NRCS and EPA Goals in Nutrient Management, Feed Management To Reduce Excess Nutrients, Manure Management Practices, and Nutrient and Pathogen Transport in Watersheds. USDA's Water Quality Working Group provided seed money for the conference. For more information, contact the Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service on (607) 255-7654, or by fax on (607) 254-8770.

 

The Watershed Approach to Improving Water Quality: Fact or Fantasy?

LaCrosse, Wisconsin

March 28-30

Sponsored by the West North Central Chapters of the Soil and Water Conservation Society in cooperation with other partners. The conference agenda and details can be found at http://www.cares.missouri.edu/watershed/ Contact Ann Robinson at annr@osmre.gov or Mary Hanks at mary.hanks@state.mn.us

 

Summit 2000--Private Forest Forum: A Policy-Oriented Look at Private

Forests in Washington State

March 29-30

Capitol Lake, Olympia, Washington

Summit objectives are to understand and protect the economic, social, and biological viability of private forests in the State and devise a plan for sustaining future prosperity. The symposium is designed for forestland owners, managers, policy makers, and others interested in management and policies governing forestlands. Summit 2000 is designed to be participatory, technical and philosophical. For more information, please contact Dr. Donald Hanley, Forester, Program Chairman, on (206) 685-4960, or at dhanley@u.washington.edu

MANRRS 2000: Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences 15th Annual Career Fair and Training Conference

March 30-April 1

Lexington, Kentucky

Sponsored by National Society of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences. For registration: Conferences & Institutes, University of Kentucky, 218 Peterson Service Building, Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0005. Phone: (606) 257-3929. Fax: (606) 323-8522.

April 2000

 

Nation's First Upstream Flood Control Rehabilitation Project Celebration

Cheyenne, Oklahoma

April 14

Site 2 Sergeant Major Creek will be rededicated after complete rehabilitation of the 50-year dam, which will extend its life for another 100 years.

Forest Utilization Conference & Equipment Expo

Western Hills Resort, Sequoyah State Park, Wagoner, Oklahoma

April 26-28

Contact Ouachita Mountains RC&D on (918) 423-2479, or at omrcandd@icok.net

 

May 2000

 

The Culture, Economics, and Ecology of Ranching West of the 100th Meridian

Colorado State University at Fort Collins

May 4-6

Will bring together people who have devoted their lives to thinking, practicing, and helping change the culture, ecology, and economics of ranching. Sponsored by NRCS, American Farmland Trust, the Western Center for Integrated Resource Management, The Nature Conservancy, and others. For registration information, contact CSU's Office of Conference Services on (970) 491-6222.

 

Buffers: Commonsense Conservation on Urbanizing Landscapes

Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City, Nebraska

May 9-11, 2000

For more information, please check the National Arbor Day Foundation's web site on

http://www.arborday.org

 

Third National Mitigation Banking Conference

Denver, Colorado

May 17-20

Sponsored by the Terrene Institute. Sessions on mitigation banking for wetlands, habitat conservation, introductory mitigation banking, and advanced sessions for practicing bankers. NRCS co-sponsors. For more information, contact the Institute on (800) 726-4853

 

Sustainability of Wetlands and Water Resources: How Well Can Riverine Wetlands Continue To Support Society into the 21st Century?

University of Mississippi at Oxford

May 23-25

Information is available at http://130.74.129.109/

June 2000

 

1ST Annual Mid-America Grassland Evaluation Contest

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

June 5-7

Open to FFA and 4-H teams, nationwide. Contest includes soil interpretation, plant identification, forage and livestock management, and wildlife habitat management. Sponsored by the Missouri Forage and Grassland Council, in cooperation with NRCS, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and University of Missouri Outreach and Extension. Contact Melodie Marshall on (800) 364-8732x3, or Mark Kennedy on (417) 967-2028.

Association of State Floodplain Managers' 24th Annual Conference

Austin, Texas

June 16-23, 2000.

"Floodplain Management 2000 and Beyond: A New Beginning in a New Millenium." For reservations, call (512) 477-1234.

 

National Association of RC&D Councils Conference

Ogden, Utah

June 18-21, 2000

Your contacts are the National Association of RC&D Councils on (202) 434-4780, and David Spann, Coordinator, Bonneville RC&D Office, 1030 West 5370 South, Murray, Utah 84123. Phone: (801) 262-6838. Fax: (801) 263-3667. E-mail: mpatten@ditell.com

 

July 2000

 

SWCS Annual Conference: Gateway to the Future-Conserving Private Land

St. Louis, Missouri

July 8-12

Information is available on the Soil and Water Conservation Society's Web page at http://www.swcs.org Your contact is Charlie Persinger, SWCS, Director of Member Services, 7515 NE Ankeny Road, Ankeny, Iowa 50021-9764. Voice: (515) 289-2331, ext. 12. Fax: (515) 289-1227. Email: charliep@swcs.org

 

Valuation 2000

July 10-13

Las Vegas, Nevada

A business, education, and networking conference sponsored by the American Society of Appraisers, American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, and the Appraisal Institute. Will focus on environmental concerns and their impact on valuation, technology in valuation and its use, employment, regulatory concerns, trends, and other unique valuation problems. May be the largest gathering of NRCS' resource information customers, especially regarding soil survey. For more information, see http://www.val2000.org/

 

Land Conservation Summit 2000

July 28-29

St. Paul, Minnesota

The conference will advance the debate about private land conservation and the use of conservation easements in the new millennium.

2000 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Agricultural Economists

July 30-August 2

Tampa, Florida

For meeting information, see http://www.aaea.org/meetings/m2000

August 2000

 

International Conference on Riparian Ecology and Management in Multi-Land Use Watersheds

Portland, Oregon

August 27-31

An event of the American Water Resources Association, and co-sponsored by NRCS, this conference will provide a forum for discussion of biological, physical, chemical, social, and economic aspects of riparian areas and stream corridors. For more information, visit http://www.awra.org/meetings/Portland/Portland.html or Bruce Newton at the National Water and Climate Center, at bnewton@wcc.nrcs.usda.gov

 

UPDATE!

Carbon: Exploring the Benefits to Farmers and Society

August 29-31

Des Moines, Iowa

Ag perspectives on emerging policies and technologies involving carbon management and sequestration and other greenhouse gases. Focus on the impacts and benefits of carbon sequestration affecting ag producers, society and the environment. Hear ideas from a cross-section of policy, science, and industry perspectives. Poster abstracts due March 13. Contact Alice Vinsand, conference coordinator, at (515) 225-1051 or email

avinsand@aol.com Complete abstract details and other conference information are available at http://www.cvrcd.org/carbon.htm

Spetember 2000

 

International Poplar Commission 2000 Conference

Sept. 24-30

Portland, Oregon

Will include scientists and practitioners from more than 32 countries. The theme: "Poplar and Willow Culture: Meeting the Needs of Society and the Environment." Papers will be presented in working group sessions, including Poplar and Willow Breeding, Diseases, Insects and Other Animal Pests, Production and Environmental Systems, and Logging and Utilization. The Web site is http://www.ncfes.umn.edu/IPC2000/

October 2000

 

North American Association for Environmental Education National Conference

October 17-21

South Padre Island, Texas

The conference theme is "Spanning Cultural and Ecological Diversity through Environmental Education." Learn more about the conference, at http://www.naaee.org

 

Third Biennial Conference on Understanding Each Other and Working Together for a Better Future

October 24-25

Eugene, Oregon

Forum for agricultural interests, government, and environmentalists to discuss issues relevant to agriculture and water quality. Perspectives presented in a non-confrontational forum and others see and understand other points of view. For more information, see the conference's Web site at http://www.agwaterqualitynw.org

 

December 2000

 

National Conference on Grazing Lands

Las Vegas, Nevada

December 5-8

Economic and environmental effects of proper grazing lands management. Sponsored by NACD, Grazing Lands and Public Lands Committee, the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI), and others. Abstracts for oral and poster papers accepted until April 1. Contact John W. Peterson, NCGL Program Manager, by phone on (703) 455-6886, or fax at (703) 455-6888, or by e-mail on jwpeterson@erols.com

 

May 2001

 

UPDATE!

Seventh National Watershed Conference

Richmond, Virginia

May 20-23

The theme: "Small Watershed Programs: Past, Present, and Future." This conference will examine our Nation's rich history with upstream small watershed programs and will explore innovative ways of accomplishing watershed project objectives as traditional sources of assistance become harder to get.

"QUOTE OF THE WEEK"

"Be the change you want to see in the world."

-- Mahatma Gandhi

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