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Florida

Forest Stewardship in Okaloosa County
Forest Stewardship was front and center in Okaloosa County recently as landowners, State and Federal agency representatives, and private sector conservation groups gathered on the farm of Bud and Karen Turner to learn about how to better manage their forest resources.
 

Iowa

Solar-Powered Pump Addresses Livestock Watering Issues
Solar panels that provide energy to pump water for his livestock watering system are allowing Cherokee County cattleman Dick Lester to better utilize his pasture, save money, reduce streambank erosion, and improve cattle performance on his remote 650-acre pasture.
 

Maine

Chief Lancaster Visits Maine Salmon Habitat Restoration Sites
(from the Bangor Daily News) NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster recently visited restoration projects in Maine.  The projects, such as this new bridge over the Pleasant River at Crebo Crossing in Township 18, help restore salmon habitat and also reduce erosion and allow for the further restoration of natural river and stream beds.

 

2008 Forest Service and NRCS Two Chiefs’ Partnership Awards Announcement
NRCS and Forest Service Associate Chiefs Dana York and Sally Collins announced the recipients of the third annual Two Chiefs’ Partnership Awards.  The Awards recognize exemplary employees and projects from the Forest Service, NRCS, State forestry agencies, and conservation districts who have worked collaboratively to support conservation and forest stewardship.
 

Wood-Designed Drip Irrigation System Boosts Yields in Iraq
Mada'in Qada Mayor Mr. Abu Bahar expressed his appreciation for all the work coalition forces have done to help the farmers in his area at a recent meeting of Iraq and Mada'in Qada government leaders and 1st Armored Division soldiers.  He spoke specifically of the efforts of NRCS National Grassland Reserve Program Manager Floyd Wood -- a member of the Provincial Reconstruction Team. The drip and spray irrigation system Wood introduced has increased crop production throughout the Mada'in.

 

The following requires  Adobe Acrobat.

New History of Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting
While supplies last, copies of the new History of Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting can be ordered from 1-800-LANDCARE.   History of Snow can also be downloaded from the NRCS History Articles Web page (scroll down).  History of Snow features maps and some great old photos, as well as interviews with some of the snow survey pioneers from USDA.  Their story is quite an adventure!
 

South Carolina Earth Team Volunteers
A unique longleaf pine savanna in Allendale County, South Carolina, is being protected and improved with the help of Earth Team volunteers.

CCC Camp Damascus Holiday Placemat
3781st Company, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Camp Damascus, Arkansas, Christmas holiday placemat (circa 1920-40).  The CCC helped construct Lake Bennett (named for Hugh Hammond Bennett) ― thought to be one of the first watershed projects in the U.S. built for scientific study of the effects of water run-off, silt, and erosion control from a specific watershed (NRCS photo -- click to enlarge).

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. 

Conservation... Our Purpose. Our Passion The purpose and passion for conservation is shared among many.  It is shared between NRCS employees and partners who help people help the land. And it is shared by the landowners with whom we work. Our passion is manifested through the benefits derived from stewardship of private lands—benefits we all enjoy, such as cleaner water and air, improved soils and abundant wildlife habitat. Learn about our stories, the stories of conservation made possible through a shared purpose, a shared passion and a shared commitment to conservation.

NRCS Directives for the Week of December 14, 2008

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (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). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.