Chief Reed Outlines Agency Goals at NRCS Town Hall Meeting - In his first week as NRCS Chief, Pearlie S. Reed held a Town Hall meeting to identify organizational and structural modifications that would further improve field delivery services. An open, facilitated process was used and more than 115 employees, representing a broad cross-section of NRCS identified and prioritized issues facing the agency and developed a long list of solutions.

After the meeting, the Chief took the results to agency leadership for another facilitated process to arrive at specific recommendations for structural and operational changes. Chief Reed challenged agency leadership to focus on several top-priority issues identified at the Town Hall meeting: assuring the field force that their needs are paramount and decisions should focus on helping them get the conservation job done; enhancing the conservation partnership; accountability; science and technology; and administrative convergence.

Within the next few weeks, Chief Reed plans to meet with smaller groups of employees, State Conservationists, and Regional Conservationists. A comprehensive report on the NRCS Town Hall meeting is being prepared and will be made available to all employees as soon as possible.

NRCS Releases National Study on Nutrients Available From Livestock Manure for Crop Growth - NRCS announced on March 10 the availability of a study that provides county-by-county data on nutrients available from livestock manure relative to crop growth requirements.

The analysis provides information about the relationship between the nutrients available in manure and the nutrients a crop could use. It reflects potential rather than actual nutrient use. Neither soil test nutrient information nor actual manure use characteristics were part of the analysis.

Maps and tables in the study show, by county, potential nitrogen and phosphorus available from confined livestock operations relative to potential uptake for crop production.

The study, "Nutrients Available From Livestock Manure Relative to Crop Growth Requirements," is available from the NRCS homepage at: http://www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/land/pubs/nlweb.html.

Engineer of the Year Named - Charles K. Davis was recently named NRCS "Engineer of the Year." Charles is one of 27 Federal agency engineers recognized by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) as the top engineer for their agency. The Federal Engineer of the Year Awards program is sponsored by the NSPE in conjunction with National Engineers Week and is designed to recognize Federally-employed engineers.

National Rural Development Partnership to Hold Conference - The National Rural Development Partnership 7th Annual Washington Conference, will be held in Arlington, VA, March 23-25. The theme of the conference is Shaping the Future of Rural America for the 21st Century. The conference will feature natural resource and environment sessions on such topics as welfare to work strategies for rural communities, creating an entrepreneurial environment in your community or region, rural partnership for disaster recovery, and sprawl in rural areas. A special session will be held on March 24, on Federal assistance to distressed communities with the Department of Commerce and the Department of Defense. USDA's Under Secretary for Rural Development Jill Long Thompson and Deputy Under Secretary Art Campbell will be keynote speakers.

Conservation Partner Video Available - A new video, "Conservation Partnerships-Changing America's Landscape," depicts how the conservation partnership uses locally led conservation processes in grass roots decision-making. The video highlights locally led conservation projects in New Jersey, Missouri, New Mexico, and Oregon where natural resource situations have been improved by conservation partners working together to solve their natural resource conservation challenges. The 21-minute, closed caption video is available at no charge from the National Employee Develop Center. To obtain copies, e-mail: clarson@ftw.nrcs.usda.gov or fax Chris Larson at 817-334-5470 with your name, complete mailing address, and number of copies required.

Natural Research Council Board on Agriculture - Benjamin Smallwood, National Pest Management Specialist, will present the NRCS perspective on the role of the public sector in pesticide research and management at a meeting of the Natural Research Council Board on Agriculture, March 23, 1998. at the National Academy of Sciences.

Agriculture and the Environment: A Growing Partnership - NRCS and several partner organizations, including the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, are planning an Agriculture-Earth Day observance, April 20-22. The "Agriculture and the Environment: A Growing Partnership" event will be held on the patio of the Whitten Building and will serve as a forum for the official roll-out of the new Backyard Conservation campaign as well as highlighting the good stewardship of the land by this Nation's farmers and ranchers.

IN THE FIELD

Riparian Buffer Strips/Field Files - NRCS is collecting stories on the good work that's being done in the field with riparian buffer strips. Each week, NRCS This Week will feature one or two of these interesting profiles from around the Nation.

Connecticut Ben and Matt Freund have about 235 Holsteins on their 350-acre dairy farm in northeastern Connecticut on the Blackberry River, a tributary of the Housatonic River, which flows into Long Island Sound. They recently signed up about 16 acres in CRP buffers on both sides of the river and 13 acres of open and wooded upland wetland. When the Freunds converted to rotational grazing in 1995, they put in perimeter and paddock fencing and fenced the cows out of the upland wetland, the Blackberry and its feeder streams. Along the riparian buffer strip, the fencing is protecting the cherry and elm already established, and enabling alders, willows, maples and oaks to regrow naturally. They also installed two cattle crossings and an alternative water supply. Help came from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection through its Rivers Restoration Program, the Litchfield County Conservation District and the Farm Service Agency. Ben Freund says that the well water his cows now drink means all of them get healthy water, not just the first few as it was when they drank stream water. Kathy Johnson, NRCS's Project Coordinator for the Housatonic Valley, says the biggest benefits are water quality and wildlife corridors. In that hilly country, she says, the challenge is not to take too much of the best farmland along rivers and streams and not to push people to farm steeper hills. "If animals are kept out of the streams, and if there is no eroding cropland, water quality might be stable, but we still might want to add a 20-foot wildlife corridor" Johnson said. A family of mink has taken up residence in the Freunds' protected wetland.

Illinois CRP 14 came along "just in time" for Leon Wendte, NRCS District Conservationist in Champaign County. Even before the new sign-up, he had a goal of putting 2,000 miles of buffer strips along both sides of all 1,000 miles of stream in the county. "We enrolled 200 miles in signup number 14 alone, which means about 10 percent of the goal." and he says that's over and above the 700 acres of filter strips added under CRP signup 13. In addition, 250 acres of riparian forest buffers along the Embarras River were added under signup 14 (see related story on Don Koeberlein in the February 13, NRCS This Week). Wendte's goal is consistent with the watershed plan to help keep the Embarras from flooding the town of Villa Grove. Says Wendte, "We're getting close to having an entire riparian buffer in the flood plain for a number of miles upstream of Villa Grove. Multiple benefits include flood reduction, wildlife habitat, erosion control, and water quality, which also happen to be priorities of the Conservation District."

'Stream Team' Receives Earth Team of the Year Award - Stream Team Volunteers from Pierce County, WA, were presented the Earth Team of the Year Award by Chris Bieker, State Earth Team volunteer coordinator (and State PAS). The team received the award for their efforts in monitoring and providing information about water quality in Pierce County streams and planting trees and shrubs. Led by County volunteer coordinator Mary Brown, hundreds of volunteers have donated thousands of hours towards the Conservation District's water quality improvement projects over the past few years. Also recognized were Norm Dion and Isabel Ragland who each donated over 130 hours of their time this past year. The Stream Team Teacher of the Year was Steve Ufer, a chemistry teacher whose class did bi-monthly water quality measurements on Clover Creek. Jeanette Dorner, Muck Creek Council coordinator was honored with a plaque for her extensive work on the Muck Creek Council.

CONSTITUENCY AND PARTNERSHIP NEWS

New Jersey Conservation Partnership Backyard Conservation Campaign - The NJ Conservation Partnership kicked off the Backyard Conservation campaign at the NJ Flower and Patio Show this month. Asked by Flower Show management to move up to a 20 X 22-foot open area, the partnership exhibited alongside professional landscapers and despite the tougher competition, still won the NJ Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects' 1998 Stanley McIntosh Memorial Award for Best "Use or Design of a Small Area."

Led by the Freehold Soil Conservation District, the NJ Association of Conservation Districts, NRCS, and the State Soil Conservation Committee worked together to create the award-winning display consisting of conservation plants, a compost area, wildlife habitats, a pond, low maintenance turf, and variety of colorful spring flowers and shrubs.

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Hearing - The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry, Resource Conservation, and Research (Chairman Larry Combest R-TX) held the first oversight hearing on EQIP March 5, in Longworth House Office Building. Craig Cox, Acting Deputy Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, was the principal USDA witness. Chairman Combest made it clear in his opening remarks that it was imperative that NRCS and Congress be able tell the public the benefits of the program and how EQIP addresses the needs of farmers and ranchers to deal with the environmental issues they face. Congressional interest in EQIP was high, with 18 members attending at least a portion of the hearing, including the ranking committee member. Statements from members indicated strong support for the program. Their questions focused on understanding priority areas, the role of State technical committees, and the locally led process. They found this concept to be quite different then their understanding of CRP and previous agricultural programs.

Hearing on Global Warming Treaty - On March 5, the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee (Chairman Richard Lugar, IN) conducted a hearing on the Kyoto Global Warming Pact that would require a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse" gases that are believed to cause global warming. Chairman Lugar opened the meeting by providing background on the Kyoto Agreement and the issue of global warming. He highlighted statistics that show evidence of air quality problems around the globe. He called upon the administration to establish an interagency Energy and Environmental Security Task Force, which would include USDA.

Stuart Eizenstat, Undersecretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs, stated that the agreement signed in Kyoto was a much needed effort to address a worsening environmental concern. He said that the science is well documented and that the emission reduction targets are a needed first step toward correcting the problem.

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Richard Rominger opened his remarks by stating that climate change is a very important issue for agricultural and forest production. He noted that enactment of the Kyoto targets would have a modest negative impact upon agricultural producers. However, the Deputy also outlined many possible opportunities and roles for agriculture in helping the U.S. meet the targets that are contained in the agreement. He noted that the Kyoto agreement provides for many greenhouse gas mitigation techniques. Among these, carbon sequestration, through enhanced reforestation, could be a possible aid toward implementing the agreement. He also noted that many soil conservation practices lead to carbon sequestration. He highlighted the Conservation Reserve program, the Wetlands Reserve Program, and the conservation buffer initiative as examples of programs that could play a direct role in reducing greenhouse gas levels through increased biomass.

Dean R. Kleckner, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation said that he was very concerned that the interests of farmers and ranchers have not been represented in the debate over global climate change. He also stated that the Kyoto agreement would result in many new regulations and higher production costs for agriculture. Overall, he stated that more science is needed to support major policy decisions in this area.

Management of Animal Waste - The Senate Agriculture Committee (Chairman Richard Lugar, R-Indiana) will hold a hearing April 2, at 9:00 a.m. in 328-A Russell Bldg. on legislation that would change National standards governing the management of animal waste.

SUBSCRIBE TO NRCS THIS WEEK

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UPCOMING

March 1-31 - National Women's History Month.

March 19-21 - The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment Conference, "Water and Sustainable Development" International Conference. Contact the International Office for Water, 21, rue de Madrid, 75008 Paris, France; fax: 33 (0) 1-40-08-01-45; e-mail: ciedd@oieau.fr. Visit the web site at http://www.eaudd.com/.

March 20-21 - National Resources Conservation & Development (RC&D) Association Board Meeting, Washington, D.C.

March 21 - Fifth Annual Providing Education Through Agriculture for Students (PEAS) Conference, Memorial School, Natick, MA. For more information, contact Stacia Caplanson at 413-245-7402.

March 22-24 - North Central RC&D Association Annual Conference, Park Place Hotel, 300 East State St., Traverse City, MI. For information, call 616-946-6817; fax: 616-947-5441.

March 22-24 - National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) 1998 Legislative Conference. The conference will focus on strategies for working with Congressional members and staff in Washington, DC and how NACD can advance natural resource conservation priorities in Congress. The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn on the Hill, 415 New Jersey Ave., NW. For information call 202-547-NACD.

March 23-24 - The Public Voice for Food and Health Policy and the National Food Processors Association will sponsor the 21st annual National Food Policy Conference, "Ensuring Safe and Healthy Food: Finding the Right Solutions;" National Press Building, 14th and F Streets, Washington, DC. For further information, contact Jackie Balser at 202-347-6200; fax: 202-347-6261.

March 23-24 - Clearwater RC&D Area workshop for the private forest landowner, "Forest Stewardship Management: New and Unique Opportunities." Best Western University Inn, 1516 Pullman Rd., Moscow, Idaho. Contact Dan Pierce at 208-882-2411.

March 26-28 - 3rd Annual Timber Utilization Conference and Equipment Exposition, Fountainhead Resort, Eufaula, OK. Sponsored by Ouachita Mountains RC&D, Inc. For information, call 918-423-2479 or 580-873-9277; e-mail: omrcandd@icok.net. Visit the web site at http://www.icok.net/~omrcandd/.

April 6-7 - First National Mitigation Banking Conference, J.W. Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. Conference registration is being handled by the Terrene Institute, 4 Herbert St., Alexandria, VA 22305; or call 703-548-5473; fax: 703-548-6299. For more information, contact Gary Wooten, Watersheds and Wetlands Division, NRCS National Headquarters, at 202-690-1588; e-mail: gary.wooten@usda.gov.

April 6-7 - An American Wetlands Month Celebration, "Team Wetlands: 101 Ways to Win for Wetlands," Hyatt Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA. For information, call 703-548-5473; fax: 703-548-6299; or write to Terrene Institute, 4 Herbert St., Alexandria, VA 22305.

April 19-25 - National Volunteer Week.

April 20-24 - The Grazing Lands Technology Institute will host a National conference for NRCS employees that will highlight the new technology provided in the newly delivered National Range and Pasture Handbook. It will be held at the Holiday Inn-South in Fort Worth, Texas beginning at 1:00 p.m., April 20 and ending at noon on April 24th. For more information, contact Larry Butler at 817/334-5232, ext. 3622, or email: lbutler@ftw.nrcs.usda.gov.

April 20-22 - NRCS and several partner organizations, including the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives will celebrate Earth Day on April 22, with a 3-day, "Agriculture and the Environment: A Growing Partnership" event. The event will be held in the patio area of the Department of Agriculture Whitten Building. For more information, contact Fred Jacobs, 202-720-4649; email: fred.jacobs2@usda.gov.

May 4-10 - Public Service Recognition Week, National Mall Event. For more information, contact Gretchen Hakola at 202-410-4352; fax: 202-401-4433; e-mail: permail@patriot.net.

May 23-28, 1999 - 10th International Soil Conservation Organization (ISCO) Conference "Sustaining the Global Farm," Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. For information, call 765-494-8683; fax: 765-494-5948 c/o ISCO99; e-mail: isco99@ecn.purdue.edu. Write to ISCO99, Purdue University, 1196 SOIL Building, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1196.

July 27-August 1 - 11th National Envirothon, Michigan State University, Lansing MI. For more information, contact Brenda Weiser at 800-825-5547, ext. 27; e-mail: envirothon@nacdnet.org or visit the event website at www.dunnscomp.comp/Natenv.

September 28-30 - Wisconsin Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Association Annual Meeting, Manitowoc, WI. Contact Greg Hines at 920-683-5196.

QUOTE

"Perhaps nature is our best assurance of immortality."

-- Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), American First Lady and writer

NRCS This Week is issued weekly by the Conservation Communications Staff, NRCS headquarters, Washington, D.C., and posted on the NRCS Home Page at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov. Please send correspondence and material via e-mail to: fred.jacobs@usda.gov or mail to Editor, "NRCS This Week," NRCS, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013 or FAX to Editor, "NRCS This Week," 202-690-1221.

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