United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Go to Accessibility Information
Skip to Page Content




NRCS This Week

Friday, May 11, 2001 Washington, DC.

"The earth rewards richly the knowing and diligent but punishes inexorably the ignorant and slothful."

– from "Conquest of the Land through 7,000 Years" by Walter Clay Lowdermilk (1888-1974) soil scientist, geologist, soil conservation leader, and author


Focus on the Field
Alabama: Cahaba River Makes Conservation Come to Life
California: Farmland Losses Mounting
Nebraska: AgrAbility in the Cornhusker State
Wisconsin: Wetlands Bill Signed into Law

What's Up in Washington
Celebrate American Wetlands Month (AWM)
Small Business Procurement Award Winners Announced
Conservationist Lowdermilk Featured on National Biography Website

Tech Tip
Report Added to Wetland Science Institute (WSI) Web Site

USDA/NRCS 'NetNewsLinks
NEW! The International Food Policy Institute (FPRI) http://www.ifpri.org/index.htm "searches for policies to feed the world and protect the environment." The FPRI website contains an abundance of information on topics such as integrated nutrient management, soil fertility, and sustainable agriculture. There's also a list of conferences and the online IFPRI library.
NRCS National Water and Climate Center Snow-Precipitation Update for the West: ftp://ftp.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/data/snow/update/ws.txt.
NRCS Legislative Summaries: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/legislative/Summary106.html.

Also on the 'Net:
AGRICOLA: USDA's AGRICultural Online Access
e-Notes from NACD: Weekly news briefs from the National Association of Conservation Districts: http://www.nacdnet.org/eNotes/.
 
Conference & Training Connection!
See the May 11 "Conference & Training Connection" for an alphabetical-by-subject list and a chronological-by-date-random-subject listing of upcoming events.

FOCUS ON THE FIELD

Cahaba River Makes Conservation Come to Life - Rod Goode, NRCS Urban Conservationist, teamed up with others from the Jefferson County, Alabama, Soil & Water Conservation District to organize the 13th Annual Conservation Education Canoe Float on the Cahaba River in an effort to educate the public about this precious natural resource. The theme of this year's float trip on the Cahaba River was "Your Watershed - A Habitat for Life." The district worked with mostly minority, fifth-grade students from six schools in Jefferson County. Students and their families and teachers used the river as a science lab with programs and activities that included studies of water quality, forestry and wildlife, urban forestry, and regional and Cahaba River history, as well as fly fishing, and an interesting presentation by an authentically dressed, historical "mountain man." Your contact is Rod Goode, NRCS Urban Conservationist, at 205-823-6400.

Farmland Losses Are Mounting - International scientists from the Food Policy Research Institute (FPRI) have reported widespread damage worldwide to soil quality and drainage of underground water supplies by irrigation. "The basic story is that agriculture is being pretty successful at keeping the world in food. It's been somewhat less successful in nurturing the natural resources that underpin that production capacity," said Stanley Wood, the report's lead author.

Some of the best farmland in the world is in California's Central Valley. "This is a very special valley we live in here, but we take our soil resources for granted," said Michael McElhiney, NRCS district conservationist in Stanislaus County. "Many people may not realize how prime - and rare - the valley's soil is," He said. A summary of the FPRI report at http://www.ifpri.org/pressrel/2001/agroeco_pressrel.pdf emphasizes how rare good farmland is. "Even in the Central Valley, where quality soil runs deep, the soil is showing signs of wear," McElhiney said. But he warned of an even greater threat to ag land here: "We're just paving it over." Depletion of organic matter in soil also is widespread, reducing fertility and moisture retention and increasing emissions of carbon dioxide into the air, which is believed to be a factor in global warming, the report said. While the international organization looked at soils worldwide, NRCS in California just completed their soil survey for western Stanislaus County that can be viewed at http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra/wstan/index.html. From a Modesto Bee article by Philip Brasher and J.N. Sbranti.

AgrAbility in the Cornhusker State - AgrAbility in Nebraska is a special program designed to assist farmers, ranchers, and landowners with disabilities to continue operating their farms while addressing natural resources issues. Through this program, USDA grants are awarded to fund conservation projects like tree removal from pastures or developing wildlife habitat, allowing disabled farmers to continue operating their farms and ranches. At the Nebraska AgrAbility Spring Workshop held recently in Grand Island, Nebraska, farmers gave testimonies of how the program has had a positive impact on their lives financially, emotionally, and spiritually. NRCS staff provided fact sheets about the agency's technical and financial assistance available through Nebraska AgrAbility. Your contact is Virginia Adkins, NRCS Disabilities Program Manager, at 402-437-4046.

Wetlands Bill Signed into Law - This week, Wisconsin Governor Scott McCallum signed legislation into law that protects isolated wetlands throughout the State that were left potentially unprotected as a result of a ruling earlier this year by the U.S. Supreme Court. The new law will allow the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to regulate certain types of wetlands that are off-limits to the Army Corps of Engineers and also sets timelines for processing, approving, or denying water quality certifications for non-Federal wetlands. Wisconsin is the first State in the Nation to respond to last January's U.S. Supreme Court decision, which narrowed the water and wetland areas subject to Federal regulation. Both the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly unanimously passed the bill that had widespread support from the Department of Natural Resources, environmental groups, and the business community. Your contact is Renae Anderson, NRCS Public Affairs Specialist, at 608-276-8732, ext. 227.


WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON

Celebrate American Wetlands Month - Each May, thousands of individuals celebrate the uniqueness, beauty, and importance of wetlands. The theme of American Wetlands Month 2001 is American Wetlands - Keep 'em Native. A wetland can be as tiny as a small wet spot or puddle or as large as the Everglades. They are found in every State in the U.S. This celebration is an ideal time to emphasize programs and activities that support voluntary wetland restoration and protection. Landowners are voluntarily restoring wetlands on an unprecedented scale. During May, conservation districts, grassroots organizations, and government agencies join individuals and educators across the country to acknowledge the importance of this valuable natural resource and the role wetlands play in the health of our Nation. Discover more about wetlands activities and programs on the NRCS wetlands website at http://www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/CCS/wetlands01.html.

  • Did You Know ... that wetlands are often called the "kidneys of the landscape" since, like kidneys, they filter out harmful materials? That migratory birds use different types of wetlands for specific habitat and nutritional needs during migration? That some birds prefer swamps while others prefer potholes? That some stop in wetlands for nesting purposes, others stop for wintering, and others stop only for short periods to feed or mate on the way to northern nesting grounds? That wetlands in the United States support about 5,000 plant species, 190 amphibian species, and one-third of all bird species?

Small Business Procurement Award Winners Announced - USDA announced the NRCS Fiscal Year 2000/2001 Small Business Procurement Award recipients this week. Four nominations were selected by USDA's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Based upon exemplary business practices, OSDBU selected the following NRCS and Department-level award recipients: James Shelton, currently administrative officer in Oklahoma, will receive the USDA Employee Special Achievement Award (both USDA- and NRCS-level for his work as an contracting officer in Temple, Texas. The Hogan Land Improvement Company was selected to receive the USDA Small Business Contractor of the Year (both USDA and NRCS-level recognition) for exemplary service while overcoming unforeseen obstacles. Outer Graphics was selected to receive the NRCS Woman-Owned Business of the Year award for outstanding efforts in keeping NRCS apprised of the project status from initiation through completion. A.G. Dre'co, Inc. was selected to receive the NRCS Small Disadvantaged Business Contractor of the Year for significant efforts in assisting minority contractors. Awards will be presented to the winners on May 30 in Washington. Your contact is Terry Cagle, NRCS OSDBU Coordinator, at 301-504-2214.

Conservationist Lowdermilk Featured on National Biography Website - National Historian Douglas Helms has written an interesting, detailed biography of Walter Clay Lowdermilk (1888-1974) soil scientist, geologist, soil conservation leader, and author that is featured on the American National Biography website at http://www.anb.org/articles/13/13-02615.html. Your contact is Doug Helms, NRCS National Historian, at 202-720-3766, or douglas.helms@usda.gov.


TECH TIP

Report Added to Wetland Science Institute (WSI) Web Site - The DRAINMOD Reference Report is the latest addition to the NRCS WSI web site. DRAINMOD is a software program that evaluates performance of drainage systems. It is a useful tool for field support staff to address wetland hydrology issues in the context of making wetlands determinations. This report, which is no longer available in hard copy, provides the developmental background information for DRAINMOD, including all developmental methodologies and procedures. This reference report is valuable for those using drainage equations, such as the ellipse equation, when evaluating the scope and effect of drainage systems. DRAINMOD is in pdf format at http://130.74.184.149/Rodrigue/oxhomeformat.html.

Your contact is Paul B. Rodrigue, NRCS Wetlands Hydrologist, at 662-232-2973 or <rodrigue@sedlab.olemiss.edu>.


CONFERENCE & TRAINING CONNECTION

May 11, 2001

As a service to NRCS personnel and the agency's partners, "NRCS This Week" offers the following by-subject list of conferences and training sessions. To add an event, please send an e-mail message to fred.jacobs@usda.gov

 
 Date Order By-Subject
 Date Order Random Subject Order
 
Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural Marketing
Agroforestry/Forestry
Coastal Zone Management
Conservation Reserve Program
Geographic Information Systems
Locally Led Conservation
Nutrient Management
Public Service
Research
Rural History
Soil Science/Erosion Control
Special Emphasis Program Training
Volunteers
Water Quality
Watersheds
Wetlands
Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation
May 2001
June 2001
July 2001
August 2001
September 2001
October 2001
November 2001
December 2001
 
 
 
 
 
 


Agricultural Economics
 
American Agricultural Economics Associtaion Annual (AAEA) Meeting
August 5-8
Chicago, Illinois
AAEA seeks submission for posters, papers, organized symposia and free sessions for the 2001 annual meeting in Chicago. For more information, contact Nancy Herselius at 515-233-3202, or nancy@aaea.org or visit the meeting website at http://www.aaea.org/meetings/.
TO TOP



Agricultural Engineering
 
American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) 2001 Annual Meeting
July 29-August 1
Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, California
The ASAE annual meeting will provide and opportunity for attendees to interact with engineering professionals worldwide, share ideas, techniques, and research with peers, and promote the profession of agricultural, food and biological engineering. For more information visit the conference website at http://www.asae.org/meetings/am2001/cfp-2001.pdf or contact William Hughey, NRCS National Agricultural Engineer, at 202-720-5023.
TO TOP



Agricultural Marketing
 
Meat Goat Conference
May 12
Voorheesville, New York - USDA Service Center
The Hudson Mohawk Resource Conservation And Development Council, Inc. in partnership with Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension are will sponsor a Meat Goat Conference from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the USDA Service Center on Martin Road in Voorheesville. The increased demand for goat meat across the northeast has lead to a concerted effort to improve marketing channels. The production of meat goats could be environmentally sound and profitable on marginal land that has few alternative production uses. The conference will explore meat goat management, pasture requirements, animal health, and marketing. For more information, call 518-828-4385, ext. 105.
TO TOP



Agroforestry/Forestry
 
Southern Forest Science Conference: Contributions of Forest Research to Sustainable Forestry Preliminary Conference Announcement and Call for Papers
November 26 - 28
Renaissance Waverly Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia
The Southern Forest Science Conference will highlight the history and future of research in sustainable forestry. The conference is for anyone interested in the science of southern forests and is open to researchers, research managers and research users as well as policymakers, landowners and other interested stakeholders. Call for Papers: Topics, deadlines and other information can be found at the conference website at http://www.southernforestscience.net/ For more information contact www.southernforestscience.net or the USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station at (828)-257-4302.
TO TOP



Coastal Zone Management
 
Coastal Zone 01
July 15-19
Cleveland, Ohio
Coastal Zone 01 will feature important lessons learned by coastal managers around the world and models of successful partnerships, such as that established in the Great Lakes, where two sovereign nations jointly manage water and living resources of this great "inland sea." Cleveland offers an outstanding opportunity to examine how local and regional issues are connected to worldwide influences of culture and commerce, climate and biology. For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.csc.noaa.gov/cz2001/conference.html.
 
TO TOP
 


Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
 
CREP Forum 2001 - 2nd Annual CREP Round Table Forum
June 10-13
St. Michaels, Maryland - Harbourtowne Conference Center
The Maryland CREP Partnership is holding the CREP Forum to provide a format to discuss current and future issues related to the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. The goal of the forum is to further develop communications among the programs and to learn from each other's experiences. The forum is being held in St. Michaels, Maryland along the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The location is ideal not only for discussing the impact of CREP, but for learning about and enjoying an area so magnificent and critical, four of the current 15 CREPs are involved in its protection. The forum is designed for State and Federal Agencies directly involved with the design and implementation of CREP, non-government organizations involved in CREP implementation, and State and tribal officials seeking to start a CREP in the future. For more information, contact Betsy Kulle at 410-260-8718.
 
TO TOP
 

Geographic Information Systems
 
The Fifth International Airborne Remote Sensing Conference and Exhibition
September17-20
San Francisco, California - San Francisco Marriott Hotel
This international conference will provide a unique forum for the exchange of ideas and information on the latest developments in airborne remote sensing systems and applications for addressing critical issues now facing the scientific, governmental, and commercial communities. Sessions will include disaster assessment and management data handling and processing, sensor systems for early fire detection, small aircraft and UAV operations, environmental planning and risk management, airborne science operations, land mines and unexploded ordinance, integration of airborne and satellite imaging, water resources and waste disposal monitoring, augmenting satellite remote sensing data, and advanced airborne sensors. The program will offer over 300 presentations by experts from around the world. For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.erim-int.com/CONF/5th_airborne/5thairborne.html.
TO TOP


Locally Led Conservation
 
National Conference on Locally Led Conservation Efforts
June 3-5
Nebraska City, Nebraska, Lied Conference Center on the Arbor Day Farm
NRCS, the National Arbor Day Foundation, and the National Association of Conservation Districts will sponsor a national forum for individuals and groups to share lessons learned about locally led or locally driven conservation efforts and to stimulate the advances of this "bottom up" approach to natural resource management. Program focus: Locally led or locally driven conservation is an effort to empower citizens a community to work effectively to assess the health of their land and to address collectively their conservation priorities using the programmatic tools and resources available from Federal, State, and local governments, as well as private sources. For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.arborday.org/programs/conferences.html
TO TOP
 
Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Society Annual Meeting
June 13-15
Birmingham, Alabama Sheraton Birmingham South Hotel
Our Changing Watersheds: Issues in the Urban/Rural Interface
Management, development, and wise use of natural resources are the goal of the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS). These strategies are important whether the communities are rural or metropolitan areas. The 2001 SWCS annual meeting will focus on the interface of rural and urban communities. Those who should benefit from this meeting are city planners, environmental consultants/engineers, conservationists, soil and water conservation districts, natural resource managers, architects, Federal and State regulators, watershed groups, builders and contractors, and regional planners.
TO TOP

Nutrient Management
 
The Second International Nitrogen Conference (N2001), "Optimizing Nitrogen Management in Food and Energy Production and Environmental Protection"
October 14-18
Bolger Conference Center, in Potomac, Maryland, near Washington, DC
N2001 will bring together a diverse array of scientists, policy makers, and nitrogen producers and users to discuss current understanding of nitrogen science and policy; ways to meet humanity's increasing demand for food, feed and fiber production, energy, and transportation, while minimizing environmental problems brought about by increased circulation of biologically active N compounds. Complete instructions and updates on submission of papers, oral and poster presentations, abstracts and general information concerning the conference can be found at http://esa.sdsc.edu/n2001. For further information, contact Rhonda Kranz at 202-833-8773 ext 212.
TO TOP


Public Service
 
Public Service Recognition Week (National Mall Event)
May 7-13
The National celebration of Public Service Recognition Week will occur on May 10-13, 2001. For four days, more than 100 government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies will exhibit and celebrate the innovation and quality of work performed by public employees. NRCS NHQ will feature an exhibit regarding natural resource conservation. For more information, contact Ted Kupelian, NRCS Public Affairs Specialist, at 202-720-5776.
TO TOP


Research
 
Science Day 2001
May 31
Washington, D.C
The theme for this year's Science Day is "Sustainability: Substance or Slogan?" The event, sponsored by local chapters of six natural resource professional societies in the Washington, D.C. area, will be held at Resources For the Future Conference Center, located at 1600 P. Street N.W. Larry Clark, NRCS Deputy Chief for Science and Technology, will be the meeting chairperson. For more more infomration, visit the conference web-site at http://www.potomac-afs.org/science_day.html or contact Bill Boyer at 202-720-0307 or bill.boyer@usda.gov
TO TOP


Rural History
 
Water and Rural History Symposium
May 31 - June 2
Reno, Nevada, University of Nevada at Reno (UNR) College of Agriculture
The Agricultural History Society, NRCS, University of Nevada at Reno (UNR) College of Agriculture, and UNR Department of History will hold a Water and Rural History Symposium,. Housing is available at the University Inn on the UNR campus. In addition to the presentations, the symposium will include a one-day field tour focusing on history and water issues in Nevada. For registration information, please contact Professor William D. Rowley, History Department (308), University of Nevada, Reno NV 89557 (Telephone 775-784-6852) or by e-mail at rowley@scs.unr.edu.
 
TO TOP


Soil Science/Erosion Control
 
National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference
June 25-29
Ft. Collins, Colorado
The conference convenes every other year on the odd-numbered years to discuss and develop solutions to issues of national concern to the National Cooperative Soil Survey. Participants of the National Cooperative Soil Survey include representatives from the 1862 land-grant universities experiment stations, NRCS, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, BIA, EPA, USFWS, National Association of Consulting Soil Scientists, the 1890 land-grant universities and western tribal colleges. Other interested foreign and domestic groups such as lead scientists from Canada, Mexico and South Africa are invited to participate as users of soil surveys. This year the theme of the conference will be Building for the Future: Science, New Technology & People. For more information, contact Maxine Levin, Program Manager, NRCS Soil Survey Division, at 202-720-1809 or maxine.levin@usda.gov.
TO TOP
 
The 24th Annual Southern Conservation Tillage Conference
July 9-11
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The conference will provide federal and non-federal scientists, educators, consultants, and farmers from the Southern Region the opportunity to present and discuss recent, research accomplishments in conservation tillage. Deadline for title/summaries is Jan. 15, 2001. For more information visit the website at http://www.agr.okstate.edu/SCTC or contact Jim Stiegler at 405-744-6421 or jhs@mail.pss.okstate.edu.
TO TOP
 

Special Emphasis Program Training
 
Third Annual Asian Pacific Islander Organization (APIO) National Training Conference
August 14-17
Reno, Nevada
The APIO National Training Conference will be held at the Boomtown Resort near Reno, Nevada. Check the APIO web site for all of the latest information as it becomes available at http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov/apio or contact Kent Matsutani, Vice President APIO, at 308-254-4507 ext.3, or w.matsutani@ne.usda.gov.
TO TOP
 

Volunteers
 
National Earth Team Volunteer Coordinators Training Conference
July 16-19,2001
Arlington, Virginia
For more information about the conference, contact Michele Eginoire, NRCS National Earth Team Volunteer Coordinator, at 515-289-0325, ext.29 or eginoire@swcs.org.
TO TOP
 

Water Quality
 
2nd National Conference - Nonpoint Source Pollution Information & Education Programs
May 14-17
Chicago, Illinois – Congress Plaza Hotel
The conference will provide a unique opportunity – on a national scale – to learn and share ideas on nonpoint source pollution information and education strategies. The conference will explore practical, state-of-the-art examples of successful outreach programs through exciting sessions that focus on "lessons learned." The conference is for nonpoint source program staff and environmental service groups that work with local adult and youth education programs. For more information, contact Bob Kirschner at 847-835-6837 or bkirschn@chicagobotanic.org.

Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) 2001 Annual Conference
August 4-8
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Kingston Plantation
For more information visit the confernce website at http://www.swcs.org/f_what_calendar.htm
 
TO TOP
 
2001 Groundwater Foundation Annual Conference
November 14-16
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh Hilton and Towers
This year's theme is "Technologies Communities Can Use to Protect Their Drinking Water." The conference is a useful event for anyone involved with education about water resources, whatever your audience. The conference will provide and opportunity for attendees to learn about successful activities undertaken in communities across the country and share what they've learned in their own communities. For more information contact Sherene Hess, Project Director, Water Resource Education Network, at 724-465-4978 or sherenehess@yourinter.net or visit the conference website at http://pa.lwv.org/wren/.
TO TOP


Watersheds
 
Seventh National Watershed Conference
May 20-23
Richmond, Virginia
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. For more information contact John W. Peterson, (703) 455-6886, fax (703) 455-6888;e-mail, jwpeterson@erols.com
 
TO TOP
 
Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Annual Conference
June 3-8, 2001
Charlotte, North Carolina - Adams Mark Hotel
ASFPM is preparing to celebrate its 25th year of working to reduce flood losses in the Nation. The association has identified and recommended improvements in federal floodplain policy and programs to help the nation move toward sustainable floodplain use and disaster-resilient communities. In view of this, the face of the annual national conference is evolving to better meet the needs of a diverse audience. For more information visit the ASFPM website at http://www.floods.org, by call 608-274-0123 or memberhelp@floods.org.
 
TO TOP
 
5th International Conference Diffuse/Nonpoint Pollution and Watershed Management
June 10-15
Milwaukee, WI
The conference will point out the problems of the past and develop solutions for the new century. The resolution of the problem requires innovative technologies, economic and regulative tools, basin wide planning, and citizens' initiatives. Problems and solutions of diffuse pollution may differ between the developed and developing countries. Different goals and approaches are also apparent; however, the need for resolution is unifying. Therefore, this conference will provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and networking among the delegates and national delegations. Papers and posters will be presented on the following general themes: A. Source Identification and Measurement; B. Water Quality Impact; C. Solutions to Diffuse Pollution; D. Socioeconomic and Policy Considerations; and E. Modeling, Information Management and Transfer. More than 200 speakers and presenters from 36 countries and all five inhabited continents will be featured during the four-day program. For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.mu.edu/environment/iwa-page.htm.
 
TO TOP
 
Ninth National Nonpoint Source Monitoring Workshop
August 27-30
Indianapolis, Indiana - Hyatt Regency,
This workshop will bring together land managers and water quality specialists to share information on the effectiveness of best management practices in improving water quality, effective monitoring techniques, and statistical analysis of watershed data. The workshop will focus on the successes of Section 319 National Monitoring Program projects and other innovative projects from throughout the United States. The agenda will include three days of workshop sessions/presentations and a one-day field trip. Two half-day workshops will focus on monitoring program evaluation and GIS. Presentations will be 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes for discussion. Poster presentations are also encouraged. Presenters will submit a paper due the date of the conference for publication by US EPA-ORD. If you have questions, contact Tammy Taylor at taylor@ctic.purdue.edu or visit www.ctic.purdue.edu/CTIC/NPSCall.html
 
TO TOP
 

Wetlands
 
Izaak Walton League of America National Conference
May 16-18
Orlando, Florida
Topics include: wetland education, restoration, conservation, and international issues. To get on the mailing list for the conference, contact: awm@iwla.org or call (800) BUG-IWLA (284-4952)
 
The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) 22nd Annual Meeting
May 27-June 1
The SWS annual meeting, co-hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers, will be held in Chicago, Illinois. The meeting is intended for all who are involved in wetland science, research, protection, management, education, or policy. This year's conference theme is theme centered on urban wetlands. For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.sws.org/chicago/.
 
TO TOP
 
Coastal and Estuarine Wetland Restoration Into the Millenium: Improving Effectivenesss
June 19-21
Baton Rouge, Louisiana - Radisson Hotel
This National Symposium and workshop that will be conducted by the Institute for Wetland Science and Public Policy, Association of State Wetland Managers, hosted by Louisiana Department of Natural Resources and sponsored by NRCS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. The overall symposium goal is to improve the effectiveness of coastal and estuarine wetland restoration throughout the Nation. If you are interested in presenting a paper, please submit a 200 to 300-word abstract by May 1, 2001. For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.aswm.org/meeting/coastal01.htm or contact: Jon Kusler, Association of State Wetland Managers, at 518-872-1804; or aswm@aswm.org.
 
TO TOP
 

Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation
 
The Wildland-Urban Interface: Sustaining Forests in a Changing Landscape - Conference Announcement and Call for Presentations
November 5-8
University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center, Gainesville, Florida
This conference will provide current information and tools to enhance natural resource management, planning, and policy-making at the wildland-urban interface. Invited and contributed presentations will highlight four main areas related to the interface: Planning and Managing Growth, Human Dimensions, Conserving and Managing Forests for Ecological Services and Benefits, and Conserving and Managing Forests under Different Ownerships. For information on the conference program, registration, and abstract submission, check our website at conference.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/ or contact Susan Vince at (352) 846-0886 or svince@ufl.edu.
TO TOP
 
 

DATE ORDER LISTING


May 2001
 
Public Service Recognition Week (National Mall Event)
May 7-13
This National celebration of Public Service Recognition Week will occur on May 10-13. For four days, more than 100 government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies will exhibit and celebrate the innovation and quality of work performed by public employees. NRCS NHQ will feature an exhibit regarding natural resource conservation. For more information, contact Ted Kupelian, NRCS Public Affairs Specialist, at 202-720-5776.
TO TOP

Meat Goat Conference
May 12
Voorheesville, New York - USDA Service Center
The Hudson Mohawk Resource Conservation And Development Council, Inc. in partnership with Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension are will sponsor a Meat Goat Conference from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the USDA Service Center on Martin Road in Voorheesville. The increased demand for goat meat across the northeast has lead to a concerted effort to improve marketing channels. The production of meat goats could be environmentally sound and profitable on marginal land that has few alternative production uses. The conference will explore meat goat management, pasture requirements, animal health, and marketing. For more information, call 518-828-4385, ext. 105.
TO TOP

2nd National Conference - Nonpoint Source Pollution Information & Education Programs
May 14-17
Chicago, Illinois – Congress Plaza Hotel
The conference will provide a unique opportunity – on a national scale – to learn and share ideas on nonpoint source pollution information and education strategies. The conference will explore practical, state-of-the-art examples of successful outreach programs through exciting sessions that focus on "lessons learned." The conference is for nonpoint source program staff and environmental service groups that work with local adult and youth education programs. For more information, contact Bob Kirschner at 847-835-6837 or bkirschn@chicagobotanic.org.
TO TOP

Izaak Walton League of America National Conference
May 16-18
Orlando, Florida
Topics include wetland education, restoration, conservation, and international issues. To get on the mailing list for the conference, contact: awm@iwla.org or call 800-BUG-IWLA 284-4952)
TO TOP

Seventh National Watershed Conference
May 20-23
Richmond, Virginia
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. For more information about the conference, contact John W. Peterson, 703-455-6886, fax 703-455-6888 or jwpeterson@erols.com.
TO TOP

The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) 22nd Annual Meeting
May 27-June 1
The SWS annual meeting, co-hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers, will be held in Chicago, Illinois. The meeting is intended for all who are involved in wetland science, research, protection, management, education, or policy. This year's conference theme is theme centered on urban wetlands. For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.sws.org/chicago/.
TO TOP

Science Day 2001
May 31
Washington, D.C
The theme for this 23rd annual Science Day is "Sustainability: Substance or Slogan?" The event, sponsored by local chapters of six natural resource professional societies in the Washington, D.C. area, will be held at Resources For the Future Conference Center, located at 1600 P. Street N.W. Larry Clark, NRCS Deputy Chief for Science and Technology, will be the meeting chairperson. For more information, visit the conference web-site at http://www.potomac-afs.org/science_day.html or contact Bill Boyer at 202-720-0307 or bill.boyer@usda.gov.
TO TOP

Water and Rural History Symposium
May 31-June 2
Reno, Nevada, University of Nevada at Reno (UNR) College of Agriculture
The Agricultural History Society, NRCS, University of Nevada at Reno (UNR) College of Agriculture, and UNR Department of History will hold a Water and Rural History Symposium. Housing is available at the University Inn on the UNR campus. In addition to the presentations, the symposium will include a one-day field tour focusing on history and water issues in Nevada. For registration information, please contact Professor William D. Rowley, History Department (308), University of Nevada, Reno NV 89557 (Telephone 775-784-6852) or by e-mail at rowley@scs.unr.edu.
TO TOP



June 2001
 
National Conference on Locally Led Conservation Efforts
Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Annual Conference
June 3-8
Charlotte, North Carolina - Adams Mark Hotel
The ASFPM is preparing to celebrate the organization's 25th year of working to reduce flood losses in the Nation. The association has identified and recommended improvements in federal floodplain policy and programs to help the nation move toward sustainable floodplain use and disaster-resilient communities. In view of this, the face of the annual national conference is evolving to better meet the needs of a diverse audience. For more information visit the ASFPM website at http://www.floods.org, by call 608-274-0123 or memberhelp@floods.org.
TO TOP

National Conference on Locally Led Conservation Efforts
June 3-5
Nebraska City, Nebraska, Lied Conference Center on the Arbor Day Farm
NRCS, the National Arbor Day Foundation, and the National Association of Conservation Districts will sponsor a national forum for individuals and groups to share lessons learned about locally led or locally driven conservation efforts and to stimulate the advances of this "bottom up" approach to natural resource management. Program focus: Locally led or locally driven conservation is an effort to empower citizens a community to work effectively to assess the health of their land and to address collectively their conservation priorities using the programmatic tools and resources available from Federal, State, and local governments, as well as private sources. For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.arborday.org/programs/conferences.html
TO TOP

5th International Conference Diffuse/Nonpoint Pollution and Watershed Management
June 10-15
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The conference will point out the problems of the past and develop solutions for the new century. The resolution of the problem requires innovative technologies, economic and regulative tools, basin wide planning, and citizens' initiatives. Problems and solutions of diffuse pollution may differ between the developed and developing countries. Different goals and approaches are also apparent; however, the need for resolution is unifying. Therefore, this conference will provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and networking among the delegates and national delegations. Papers and posters will be presented on the following general themes: A. Source Identification and Measurement; B. Water Quality Impact; C. Solutions to Diffuse Pollution; D. Socioeconomic and Policy Considerations; and E. Modeling, Information Management and Transfer. More than 200 speakers and presenters from 36 countries and all five inhabited continents will be featured during the four-day program. For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.mu.edu/environment/iwa-page.htm.
TO TOP

2nd Annual CREP Round Table Forum
June 10-13
St. Michaels, Maryland - Harbourtowne Conference Center
The Maryland CREP Partnership is holding the CREP Forum to provide a format to discuss current and future issues related to the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. The goal of the forum is to further develop communications among the programs and to learn from each other's experiences. The forum is being held in St. Michaels, Maryland along the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The location is ideal not only for discussing the impact of CREP, but for learning about and enjoying an area so magnificent and critical, four of the current 15 CREPs are involved in its protection. The forum is designed for State and Federal Agencies directly involved with the design and implementation of CREP, non-government organizations involved in CREP implementation, and State and tribal officials seeking to start a CREP in the future. For more information, contact Betsy Kulle at 410-260-8718.
TO TOP

Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Society Annual Meeting
June 13-15
Birmingham, Alabama Sheraton Birmingham South Hotel
Our Changing Watersheds: Issues in the Urban/Rural Interface
Management, development, and wise use of natural resources are the goal of the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS). These strategies are important whether the communities are rural or metropolitan areas. The 2001 SWCS annual meeting will focus on the interface of rural and urban communities. Those who should benefit from this meeting are city planners, environmental consultants/engineers, conservationists, soil and water conservation districts, natural resource managers, architects, Federal and State regulators, watershed groups, builders and contractors, and regional planners.
TO TOP

Coastal and Estuarine Wetland Restoration into the Millenium: Improving Effectiveness
June 19-21
Baton Rouge, Louisiana - Radisson Hotel
This National Symposium and workshop that will be conducted by the Institute for Wetland Science and Public Policy, Association of State Wetland Managers, hosted by Louisiana Department of Natural Resources and sponsored by NRCS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. The overall symposium goal is to improve the effectiveness of coastal and estuarine wetland restoration throughout the Nation. For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.aswm.org/meeting/coastal01.htm or contact: Jon Kusler, Association of State Wetland Managers, at 518-872-1804; or aswm@aswm.org.
TO TOP

National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference
June 25-29
Ft. Collins, Colorado
The conference convenes every other year on the odd-numbered years to discuss and develop solutions to issues of national concern to the National Cooperative Soil Survey. Participants of the National Cooperative Soil Survey include representatives from the 1862 land-grant universities experiment stations, NRCS, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, BIA, EPA, USFWS, National Association of Consulting Soil Scientists, the 1890 land-grant universities and western tribal colleges. Other interested foreign and domestic groups such as lead scientists from Canada, Mexico and South Africa are invited to participate as users of soil surveys. This year the theme of the conference will be Building for the Future: Science, New Technology & People. For more information, contact Maxine Levin, Program Manager, NRCS Soil Survey Division, at 202-720-1809 or maxine.levin@usda.gov.
TO TOP


July 2001
 
The 24th Annual Southern Conservation Tillage Conference
July 9-11
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The 24th Annual Southern Conservation Tillage Conference will provide federal and non-federal scientists, educators, consultants, and farmers from the Southern Region the opportunity to present and discuss recent, research accomplishments in conservation tillage. For more information visit the website at http://www.agr.okstate.edu/SCTC or contact Jim Stiegler at 405-744-6421 or jhs@mail.pss.okstate.edu.
TO TOP

Coastal Zone 01
July 15-19
Cleveland, Ohio
Coastal Zone 01 will feature important lessons learned by coastal managers around the world and models of successful partnerships, such as that established in the Great Lakes, where two sovereign nations jointly manage water and living resources of this great "inland sea." The meeting offers an outstanding opportunity to examine how local and regional issues are connected to worldwide influences of culture and commerce, climate and biology. For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.csc.noaa.gov/cz2001/conference.html.
TO TOP

National Earth Team Volunteer Coordinators Training Conference
July 16-19
Arlington, Virginia
For more information about the conference, contact Michele Eginoire, NRCS National Earth Team Volunteer Coordinator, at 515-289-0325, ext.29 or eginoire@swcs.org.
TO TOP

American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) 2001 Annual Meeting
July 29-August 1
Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, California
The ASAE annual meeting will provide and opportunity for attendees to interact with engineering professionals worldwide, share ideas, techniques, and research with peers, and promote the profession of agricultural, food and biological engineering. For more information visit the conference website at http://www.asae.org/meetings/am2001/cfp-2001.pdf or contact William Hughey, NRCS National Agricultural Engineer, at 202-720-5023.
TO TOP


August 2001
 
Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) 2001 Annual Conference
August 4-8
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Kingston Plantation
For more information visit the SWCS conference website at http://www.swcs.org/f_what_calendar.htm
TO TOP

American Agricultural Economics Association Annual (AAEA) Meeting
August 5-8
Chicago, Illinois
AAEA seeks submission of posters, papers, organized symposia, and free sessions for the 2001 annual meeting in Chicago. For more information, contact Nancy Herselius at 515-233-3202 or nancy@aaea.org or visit the meeting website at http://www.aaea.org/meetings/.
TO TOP

Third Annual Asian Pacific Islander Organization (APIO) National Training Conference
August 14-17
Reno, Nevada
The APIO National Training Conference will be held at the Boomtown Resort near Reno, Nevada. Check the APIO web site for all of the latest information as it becomes available at http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov/apio or contact Kent Matsutani, Vice President, APIO, at 308-254-4507 ext.3, or w.matsutani@ne.usda.gov.
TO TOP

Ninth National Nonpoint Source Monitoring Workshop
August 27-30
Indianapolis, Indiana - Hyatt Regency,
This workshop will bring together land managers and water quality specialists to share information on the effectiveness of best management practices in improving water quality, effective monitoring techniques, and statistical analysis of watershed data. The workshop will focus on the successes of Section 319 National Monitoring Program projects and other innovative projects from throughout the United States. The agenda will include three days of workshop sessions/presentations and a one-day field trip. Two half-day workshops will focus on monitoring program evaluation and GIS. Presentations will be 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes for discussion. Poster presentations are also encouraged. Presenters will submit a paper due the date of the conference for publication by US EPA-ORD. If you have questions, contact Tammy Taylor at taylor@ctic.purdue.edu or visit www.ctic.purdue.edu/CTIC/NPSCall.html
TO TOP


September 2001
 
The 5th International Airborne Remote Sensing Conference and Exhibition
September 17-20
San Francisco, California - San Francisco Marriott Hotel
This international conference will provide a unique forum for the exchange of ideas and information on the latest developments in airborne remote sensing systems and applications for addressing critical issues now facing the scientific, governmental, and commercial communities. Sessions will include disaster assessment and management data handling and processing, sensor systems for early fire detection, small aircraft and UAV operations, environmental planning and risk management, airborne science operations, land mines and unexploded ordinance, integration of airborne and satellite imaging, water resources and waste disposal monitoring, augmenting satellite remote sensing data, and advanced airborne sensors. The program will offer over 300 presentations by experts from around the world. For more information, visit the conference website at http://www.erim-int.com/CONF/5th_airborne/5thairborne.html.
TO TOP


October 2001
The 2nd International Nitrogen Conference (N2001), "Optimizing Nitrogen Management in Food and Energy Production and Environmental Protection"
October 14-18
Bolger Conference Center, in Potomac, Maryland
N2001 will bring together a diverse array of scientists, policy makers, and nitrogen producers and users to discuss current understanding of nitrogen science and policy; ways to meet humanity's increasing demand for food, feed and fiber production, energy, and transportation, while minimizing environmental problems brought about by increased circulation of biologically active N compounds. Complete instructions and updates on submission of papers, oral and poster presentations, abstracts and general information concerning the conference can be found at http://esa.sdsc.edu/n2001. For further information, contact Rhonda Kranz at 202-833-8773 ext 212.
TO TOP


November 2001
 
The Wildland-Urban Interface: Sustaining Forests in a Changing
November 5-8
University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center, Gainesville, Florida
This conference will provide current information and tools to enhance natural resource management, planning, and policy-making at the wildland-urban interface. Invited and contributed presentations will highlight four main areas related to the interface: planning and managing growth, human dimensions, conserving and managing forests for ecological services and benefits, and conserving and managing forests under different ownership. For more information, visit the conference website at conference.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/ or contact Susan Vince, at 352-846-0886 or svince@ufl.edu.
TO TOP

2001 Groundwater Foundation Annual Conference
November 14-16
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh Hilton and Towers
This year's theme is "Technologies Communities Can Use to Protect Their Drinking Water." The conference is a useful event for anyone involved with education about water resources, whatever your audience. The conference will provide and opportunity for attendees to learn about successful activities undertaken in communities across the country and share what they've learned in their own communities. For more information contact Sherene Hess, Project Director, Water Resource Education Network, at 724-465-4978 or sherenehess@yourinter.net or visit the conference website at http://pa.lwv.org/wren/.
TO TOP

Southern Forest Science Conference: Contributions of Forest Research to Sustainable Forestry Preliminary Conference Announcement and Call for Papers
November 26-28
Renaissance Waverly Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia
The Southern Forest Science Conference will highlight the history and future of research in sustainable forestry. The conference is for anyone interested in the science of southern forests and is open to researchers, research managers and research users as well as policymakers, landowners and other interested stakeholders. Call for papers: topics, deadlines and other information can be found at the conference website at http://www.southernforestscience.net/ For more information, contact http://www.southernforestscience.net/ or the USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station at (828)-257-4302.
TO TOP


"NRCS THIS WEEK" WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Please send correspondence and material for "NRCS This Week" to the editor by: e-mail to: fred.jacobs@usda.gov; or by fax to: Editor, "NRCS This Week," 202-720-1564; or by mail to: Editor, "NRCS This Week," NRCS, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, D.C. 20013



RECEIVE "NRCS THIS WEEK" BY E-MAIL!

If you are not a NRCS employee, you can receive NRCSTW on an e-mail by contacting: listproc@nrcs.usda.gov (NHQ personnel should send their e-mail to: GW:"listproc@nrcs.usda.gov@i"). Do not use a subject line and put the following in the body of the message: subscribe NRCS-THIS-WEEK Firstname Lastname (example: subscribe NRCS-THIS-WEEK John Muir). To get help with other commands that are available at the "listproc@nrcs.usda.gov" address, send a message with no subject and the word HELP on a line by itself in the body of the message. "NRCS This Week" will continue to be posted on the NRCS Homepage.


The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, 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).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Addresses and telephone numbers for NRCS' Civil Rights Staff are: NRCS Civil Rights Program Compliance Division, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mail Stop 5471, Beltsville, MD 20705-5471; phone: (301) 504-2287. NRCS Civil Rights Employment Division, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mail Stop 5472, Beltsville, MD 20705-5472; phone: (301) 504-2181.



< NRCS This Week Archives