Conservation Initiative Info, Secretary's "Four Principles" Now on Web - Get the latest information on the proposed $1.3 billion Conservation Initiative now on NRCS' home page. Clicking http://www.info.usda.gov/csp/ puts you in touch with information on what the Initiative could mean to the agency's programs, plus key points on the proposed Conservation Security Program. Also featured is a special section that offers details and video clips on Secretary Glickman's four principles for the Initiative. Those principles are:

1. Broadening farm policy to include more farmers and ranchers.

2. Farm policy must be national in scope, not just geared towards traditional farm commodities.

3. We must treat land and water, not just crops, as valuable commodities.

4. We need to provide more assistance to those who need it most

FOCUS ON THE FIELD

NRCS "Five for Five" in Top Ag Engineering Achievements of 20th Century - A look in the February 2000 issue of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers' (ASAE) "Resource" magazine will show you five great reasons why NRCS is known for doing outstanding work. Highlighting the issue is an article featuring the ASAE's selections for the top five outstanding agricultural engineering achievements of the 20th Century. NRCS personnel know them from the ground up. They are: conservation tillage, erosion prediction technology for soil conservation, the Small Watersheds Program, design procedures for vegetative waterways, and impact sprinklers. NRCS and the Soil Conservation Service are mentioned throughout the article, which was penned by ASAE President Larry Huggins and Chair of ASAE's Emerging Areas Division Joel Cuello. Thanks go out to NRCS Oklahoma's State Conservation Engineer Larry Caldwell for submitting a copy of the article.

Pipeline Project Saves Water, Energy in Central Wyoming - NRCS' appearances in the press continue with a story that you'll find in the February 2000 "Western Farmer-Stockman." Author Ron Daines delves into an exciting water conservation project that is bringing relief to canals and farmland near Riverton, Wyoming.

The Sand Mesa Pipeline is dramatically cutting water consumption from highly used canals, as well as offering farmers a reliable source of water and lowering electric bills.

What do producers say about the pipeline? "It's perfect," "It's wonderful, everybody wins," "We're overjoyed with this thing" are just some of the good words that Riverton District Conservationist Nick Biltoft is hearing. "It's something we're proud to hang our hats on," says Nick. And no wonder. Here are some figures on the pipeline's performance and possibilities:

• Last year, it saved at least 22,000 acre-feet of water;
• It will provide 5,000-acre-feet of water for existing wetlands; and
• Its gravity-flow pressure can run 36 pivots, resulting in less demand for power.

Anticipated benefits led the project to rank third among 30 EQIP priority projects in the State. Participating farmers are eligible for 50/50 cost shares for installation of pipelines and pivots connected to the pipeline, and for converting from high- to low-pressure sprinklers.

Half of the estimated $6 million cost of the project was met by the Wyoming Water Development Commission, which paid for materials. The other $3 million came in the form of labor contributed by the Midvale Irrigation District. "The district's installing it themselves made it possible," said NRCS Irrigation Engineer Lynn Cornia who oversaw construction. "We had no trouble with the easements, and the project came in under budget and about a year ahead of schedule." To find out more, contact Nick at nick.biltoft@wy.usda.gov or Lynn at lynn.cornia@wy.usda.gov

RC&D: MAKING IT HAPPEN, NATIONWIDE!

RC&D, Coke Make Recreation Complex the "Real Thing" for Idaho Island - Idaho's West Central Highlands Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council received $10,000 from the Coca-Cola Company as part of their investment in the youth recreation facilities being developed on the Gem Island Recreation Complex. For 10 years, Coke has committed $63,000 in grants, equipment, and projected profit sharing for the project. The 55-acre island is located in the Payette River and is being developed to provide permanent parks and youth recreation areas to the community, replacing temporary facilities that the city has lost to development. The complex will contain ball fields, volleyball courts, a BMX racetrack, basketball courts, an amphitheater, natural areas, fishponds, bike paths and picnic areas. For more information, contact the West Central Highlands RC&D Council at (208) 365-4475, ext. 4.

Four RC&Ds Publish Landslide Prevention Brochure - Many organizations wouldn't touch the topic of landslides, much less offer advice on the subject. However, four RC&D Councils in eastern Kentucky (Big Sandy, Cumberland Valley, Kentucky River, and Licking River Valley) teamed up to publish "Landslide Prevention in Eastern Kentucky," a brochure packed with practical information on the causes of landslides, landslide prevention, and where to get technical assistance. Also included is a section on landslide insurance. For more information, contact the Licking River Valley RC&D office at (606) 234-3352.

RC&D Arranges $594,432 Donation To Help Needy - People for Progress, Inc., headquartered in Sweetwater, Texas, received a donation of Avon personal care products, clothing, and educational materials. The donation will allow "People" to assist many needy people in their service area. Cost to receive the donated goods valued at $594,432 was $4500 to pay for transportation and handling. The Big Country RC&D Council arranged the donation. During the past 8 years, the Council has secured nearly $2.2 million in computer software, equipment, and products for nonprofit organizations. For more information, contact Denise Hoover, Big Country RC&D Gifts In Kind CAP Coordinator at (915) 235-4300.

RC&D Puts Ag Awareness in Print and on Airwaves - Texas' Wes-Tex RC&D Council is a proud partner in the Partners with Producers project, a $40,000 agriculture awareness campaign that emphasizes the economic impact that agriculture has on all citizens in West Texas. Chambers of commerce, commodity organizations, and energy companies are getting on board. Newspapers and radio and TV stations are running the partnership's announcements, sometimes during peak hours. Utility companies have agreed to insert color brochures in their monthly statements. Plans are being made to take messages to larger markets in spring 2000. For more information contact the RC&D office at (806) 266-5067.

In MS, Grant Gives Visibility to a "Vanishing Art" - Thanks to the Central Mississippi RC&D Council, the Mississippi Blacksmith Association is getting a $5,800 grant from the State's Arts Commission. The association will use the funding to promote the vanishing art of blacksmithing by conducting hands-on workshops and seminars, and through other activities. Your contact is Jeannine May, State Public Affairs Specialist, on (601) 965-4337.

CALL FOR PAPERS

Iowa Carbon Conference Now Accepting Abstracts - Organizers of "Carbon: Exploring the Benefits to Farmers and Society" are now accepting abstracts for conference papers. The deadline for submitting abstracts is March 13. The conference will be held August 29-31 in Des Moines, Iowa. For details, please contact the conference's Web site at http://www.cvrcd.org/carbon.htm or email Tim Kautza, Iowa NRCS, at tim.kautza@ia.usda.gov

ASWM Wants Papers for Wetlands, Carbon, Climate Workshop - The Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM) seeks papers for presentation at the Wetlands, Carbon Cycling, and Future Climate Change Workshop, April 25-26, at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland. The workshop will explore carbon reservoirs and the role of wetlands in sequestering carbon, including methane production and sequestering in sediments, and the implications of land management strategies. Please contact ASWM by March 1 if you are interested in presenting a paper or attending. For more information, see the Association's Web site at http://aswm@aswm.org; or call (518) 872-1804, or fax 518-872-2171.

WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE

Erosive vs. Erodible: What's the Difference? - We've had Ali versus Frazier. David versus Goliath. And, of course, Godzilla versus the Smog Monster. So what do these people and building-size, sci-fi film critters have in common? Nothing, really. But the names of their rivalries provide an excellent opportunity to explain the difference between the words "erosive" and "erodible." A quick consultation with Webster's Unabridged International Dictionary shows us that erosive means causing or effecting erosion, as in the erosive effect of wind. While erodible means capable of, or subject to, being eroded, as in erodible soil. Wind and water can be erosive; soil is erodible. Just a small piece of advice that could make a big difference in a report or publication. Submitted by an agency employee from the Midwest who requested that her name not be published.

SPECIAL EVENTS

February 2000

 

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

 

NEW!

Employment of American Indian Women with Disabilities

February 29-March 4

Laughlin, Nevada

March 2000

 

Enhancing Income with Agroforestry Specialty Products

March 7-8

Grand Forks, North Dakota

A workshop for Northern Great Plains landowners to explore alternative income possibilities from native trees and shrubs. Researchers and practitioners will discuss income potential and resource requirements of an assortment of enterprises, such as jelly and preserve production, furniture manufacturing, wood turning, wood carving, and other locally developed enterprises that utilize the fruits and wood native to the Northern Great Plains. The workshop is funded in part by Environmental Quality Incentives Program Educational Assistance. For more information, contact http://www.craig.stange@nd.usda.gov

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

 

NEW!

Central Maine Grazing Conference

April 8

Oakland, Maine

Keynote speakers and presenters include Nate Leonard, Ed Rayburn, and Heidi Smith along

with producer presentations. For more information, contact Paul Hughes at (207) 990-9100 or paul.hughes@me.usda.gov, or Ron Desrosiers at (207) 947-6622 or e-mail at ron.desrosiers@me.usda.gov This conference is paid for in part through EQIP educational assistance funds. Conference fee: $20.

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. For more information, contact Nena Wells, Upper Washita Conservation District, Cheyenne, Oklahoma, on (580) 497-3413.

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 practice and help 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. 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.

22nd Annual Natural Resource Societies Science Day

Washington, D.C.

June 7

The event will address projected demographic, technology, and economic trends and their effects on natural resource science and practice.

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

 

NEW!

National Organization of Professional Hispanic NRCS Employees

(NOPHNRCSE) 8th Annual Training Conference

June 26-29

Washington, D.C.

Theme: "Hispanics-The New Dynamic." In conjunction with the Hispanic Emphasis Program Managers (HEPM) and Federal Women Program Managers (FWPM) training sessions. For more information call Gerry Gonzalez (NOPHNRCSE) on (602) 280-8777, Rafael Salazar (HEPM) on (706) 554-5183, or Sheila Greene (FWPM) on (301) 504-2178.

 

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

 

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

 

Fragmentation 2000-A Conference on Sustaining Private Forests in the 21st Century

September 18-20

Annapolis, Maryland

For details, please contact: Terri Bates at 3325 Rose Lane, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Her telephone number: (703) 538-1134; e-mail: Bates-Stasny@erols.com or William G. Hubbard, Southern Regional Extension Forester, 4-402 Forest Resources Building, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602. Phone: (706) 542-7813; fax: (706) 542-3342; and e-mail: hubbard@smokey.forestry.uga.edu

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

 

March 2001

 

7th Federal Interagency Sedimentation Conference

Reno, Nevada

March 25-29

Will provide Federal and non-Federal scientists and managers from various disciplines the opportunity to discuss recent accomplishments and progress in research and on technical developments in the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of sedimentation. Scheduled are tours, exhibitions, and presentations of papers.

 

May 2001

 

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"

Nature has endowed the earth with glorious wonders and vast resources that we may use for our own ends. Regardless of our tastes or our way of living, there are none that present more variations to tax our imagination than the soil, and certainly none so important to our ancestors, to ourselves, and to our children.

-- Charles E. Kellogg, Chief of Soil Survey Division, Bureau of Chemistry and Soils, "USDA Yearbook of Agriculture," 1938

"NRCS THIS WEEK" WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

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