Monday, March 25, 2013
NOTICE
DUGDEMONA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
SUPERVISOR’S ELECTION NOMINATING PERIOD
OPENS: APRIL 1, 2013
CLOSES: APRIL 30, 2013
For individuals interested in Serving - Nomination Petitions can be obtained at:
The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District office located at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210 in Winnfield, Louisiana 71483.
Petitions must be completed between April 1 & April 30, 2013 and must be postmarked PRIOR to May 1, 2013.
For more information please call: 318-628-4438, visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com, or email us at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net.
Election will be held on Saturday June 8, 2013
DUGDEMONA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
SUPERVISOR’S ELECTION NOMINATING PERIOD
OPENS: APRIL 1, 2013
CLOSES: APRIL 30, 2013
For individuals interested in Serving - Nomination Petitions can be obtained at:
The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District office located at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210 in Winnfield, Louisiana 71483.
Petitions must be completed between April 1 & April 30, 2013 and must be postmarked PRIOR to May 1, 2013.
For more information please call: 318-628-4438, visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com, or email us at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net.
Election will be held on Saturday June 8, 2013
Becoming A Member of the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors
The Dugdemona Soil & Water Conservation District encompasses all of Winn and Jackson Parishes and a portion of Caldwell Parish. Concerned and eligible landowners in .Jackson Parish have an opportunity to help manage and conserve the natural resources in this area by serving on the Dugdemona Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board. If the issues and programs stated in this document interest you, please call Vikkie Lafollette at (318) 628-4438.
I. Mission:
To provide leadership, education, and technical assistance through conservation planning and programs to assist all land-users in solving the needs to conserve, sustain and improve the soil, water, and other natural resources in the
Vision:
To be recognized as the community leader by establishing partnerships
and coordination plans of action to achieve soil and water conservation.
II. Goals and Objectives:
• Establish soil and water conservation policy for the SWCD.
• Assess resource needs.
• Develop strategies to address these needs.
• Provide quality conservation education to Parish educators and school children.
• Provide land users with technical assistance.
• Develop programs to address local natural resource problems.
• Serve as a focal point for addressing local natural resource issues and coordinating various programs to help solve identified concerns.
III. Legal Authority:
Title 3, Section 1201-1219 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes defines a Soil & Water Conservation District as a governmental subdivision of the State of Louisiana, and a public body corporate and politic.
IV. Current Major Issues:
• Landowners needing technical assistance
• Surface Water Quality
• Coastal wetland loss
• Cropland erosion
• Invasive/Non-native plant species
• Urban storm water runoff
• Insufficient operating funds
V. Major Programs and Activities:
• Federal Farm Bill conservation programs
• CWA Section 319 agricultural cost-share program
• Conservation equipment rentals
• Tree seedling sales
• Approval of conservation plans
• Review of Parish planning proposals
• Conservation educational programs for Agricultural producer, school, and civic groups
• Publish SWCD newsletter
• Revise and publish annual business plan and annual report.
VI. Funding Sources:
• State government
• Local governments (Police Jury, Drainage Board)
• Local business and organization donations
• Competitive grants
• Federal grants, cooperative interagency agreements
• Tree sales and equipment rentals
• Educational workshops and seminars
VII. Expectations of SWCD Supervisors:
• Take advantage of SWCD supervisor training opportunities
• Attend board and conservation related meetings
• Participate in district programs and activities
• Serve on a LACD (Louisiana Assoc. of Conservation Districts) committee
• Be involved and responsible for SWCD program direction
• Promote soil and water conservation in the community
• Help manage SWCD staff
• Represent the SWCD in public
• Help secure financial resources
VIII. Benefits of being a SWCD Supervisor:
• Representing locals resource concerns
• Providing a voice and a service for the citizens within your SWCD
• Satisfaction of providing your time to improve the environment and sustaining local resources
• Being actively involved with assistance and educational programs
• Provide leadership in community resource conservation
For additional information call the SWCD office at 318-628-4438, or contact a current SWCD board member.
Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Responsibilities
General Function:
A SWCD supervisor is a local board member, elected form a non-partisan slate in a general election process or appointed by the Louisiana State Soil & Water Conservation Committee to help assess local conservation needs and develop conservation programs, methods and harness resources to address these needs.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
• Attend monthly district meetings
• Participate on district committees or work groups
• Be willing to represent the citizens of his/her county in regard to local conservation issues
• Be willing to stay informed and inform others of conservation issues
• Be willing to work with various agencies and organizations and resolve problems through team work
• Be well versed in the field of conservation and interested in local conservation issues
• Be well versed in the matter of SWCD administration and promotion
• Be willing to learn
• Be willing to participate in statewide meetings and workshops on conservation issues
• Recognize natural resource management needs that can be met through SWCD programs
• Participate in SWCD policy and program development
o Prepare Strategic and Business Plans, and Annual reports
o Establish and implement SWCD policies regarding natural resource conservation issues as well as personnel and office matters
o Develop and/or implement conservation programs, educational and/or technical, to meet the needs of the SWCD
• Provide financial direction
o Be responsible for the proper expenditure and management of public funds
o Review and approve budgets and financial statements
o Approve monthly treasurer reports
o Maintain a working knowledge of the budgetary process
o Assess funding needs and actively pursue funding from local and state sources
• Participate in public and community relations activities/programs
o Maintain an active public information and education program so that citizens and other parties will be informed about conservation issues and district programs
o Make presentations an provide testimony at public hearings about conservation issues
• Participate in personnel management
o Provide guidance and direction to staff and maintain fair and equitable personnel policies
o Maintain an open working relationship between supervisors and staff
o Participate in all aspects of personnel management including hiring, personnel reviews, etc.
Term of Service:
Three years with no limit on number of terms served. Supervisors receive no compensation; they are reimbursed for travel to meetings, registration, meals and per diem when conducting work for the SWCD.
Qualifications:
Understand the need for conservation of soil, water and other natural resources. Other relevant qualifications are:
o Knowledge of agriculture and related fields
o Environmental awareness
o Background in local, state, and national legislative process
o Skills in conduct of meetings and parliamentary procedure
o Technical background in environmental sciences, engineering
Commitment Required:
In addition to attending the Louisiana Assoc. of Conservation Districts (LACD) Annual Meeting and LACD Area meetings, an average of approximately 10 hours/month which includes:
o Meeting attendance
o Review of materials, reading and preparation
o Committee work
o Attending meetings related to conservation issues
Training Requirements:
o Be willing to learn SWCD procedures
o Meet training criteria as set forth by the State Soil & Water Conservation Committee
o Review Supervisors Handbook
o Review Louisiana Soil Conservation District Law, RS:3:1201-1219
o Understand working relationships with formal partners such as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and that of other cooperating agencies such as USDA Farm Service Agency, LSU Agricultural Center, LA Dept. of Agriculture & Forestry, LA Dept. of Environmental Quality, etc.
o Attend one Area meeting and one State meeting per year.
o Participate in workshops and seminars related to natural resource conservation
o Keep informed on current natural resource/conservation issues
o Attend Mandatory SWCD Supervisor Training workshop
Function of a Soil & Water Conservation District – To take available technical, financial and educational resources, whatever their source and coordinate them to meet the needs of the local land users.
General Function:
A SWCD supervisor is a local board member, elected form a non-partisan slate in a general election process or appointed by the Louisiana State Soil & Water Conservation Committee to help assess local conservation needs and develop conservation programs, methods and harness resources to address these needs.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
• Attend monthly district meetings
• Participate on district committees or work groups
• Be willing to represent the citizens of his/her county in regard to local conservation issues
• Be willing to stay informed and inform others of conservation issues
• Be willing to work with various agencies and organizations and resolve problems through team work
• Be well versed in the field of conservation and interested in local conservation issues
• Be well versed in the matter of SWCD administration and promotion
• Be willing to learn
• Be willing to participate in statewide meetings and workshops on conservation issues
• Recognize natural resource management needs that can be met through SWCD programs
• Participate in SWCD policy and program development
o Prepare Strategic and Business Plans, and Annual reports
o Establish and implement SWCD policies regarding natural resource conservation issues as well as personnel and office matters
o Develop and/or implement conservation programs, educational and/or technical, to meet the needs of the SWCD
• Provide financial direction
o Be responsible for the proper expenditure and management of public funds
o Review and approve budgets and financial statements
o Approve monthly treasurer reports
o Maintain a working knowledge of the budgetary process
o Assess funding needs and actively pursue funding from local and state sources
• Participate in public and community relations activities/programs
o Maintain an active public information and education program so that citizens and other parties will be informed about conservation issues and district programs
o Make presentations an provide testimony at public hearings about conservation issues
• Participate in personnel management
o Provide guidance and direction to staff and maintain fair and equitable personnel policies
o Maintain an open working relationship between supervisors and staff
o Participate in all aspects of personnel management including hiring, personnel reviews, etc.
Term of Service:
Three years with no limit on number of terms served. Supervisors receive no compensation; they are reimbursed for travel to meetings, registration, meals and per diem when conducting work for the SWCD.
Qualifications:
Understand the need for conservation of soil, water and other natural resources. Other relevant qualifications are:
o Knowledge of agriculture and related fields
o Environmental awareness
o Background in local, state, and national legislative process
o Skills in conduct of meetings and parliamentary procedure
o Technical background in environmental sciences, engineering
Commitment Required:
In addition to attending the Louisiana Assoc. of Conservation Districts (LACD) Annual Meeting and LACD Area meetings, an average of approximately 10 hours/month which includes:
o Meeting attendance
o Review of materials, reading and preparation
o Committee work
o Attending meetings related to conservation issues
Training Requirements:
o Be willing to learn SWCD procedures
o Meet training criteria as set forth by the State Soil & Water Conservation Committee
o Review Supervisors Handbook
o Review Louisiana Soil Conservation District Law, RS:3:1201-1219
o Understand working relationships with formal partners such as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and that of other cooperating agencies such as USDA Farm Service Agency, LSU Agricultural Center, LA Dept. of Agriculture & Forestry, LA Dept. of Environmental Quality, etc.
o Attend one Area meeting and one State meeting per year.
o Participate in workshops and seminars related to natural resource conservation
o Keep informed on current natural resource/conservation issues
o Attend Mandatory SWCD Supervisor Training workshop
Function of a Soil & Water Conservation District – To take available technical, financial and educational resources, whatever their source and coordinate them to meet the needs of the local land users.
Items to Consider Before Submitting a Nomination to the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District
If you are unable to answer any of these questions, please contact the SWCD Chair at (318) 628-4438 for more information.
1. Do you understand and are you committed to the mission of the District?
2. Can you devote the time, resources, and energy required of a SWCD board member?
3. Do you understand the roles and responsibilities of the District?
4. Are you willing to attend meetings regularly, making them a priority for the duration of your term?
5. Are you willing to participate in the necessary training, education, and development activities?
6. Will you actively serve on District and LACD Committees?
Return completed form to: Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District
301 West Main Street, Suite 210, Winnfield, LA 71483
If you are unable to answer any of these questions, please contact the SWCD Chair at (318) 628-4438 for more information.
1. Do you understand and are you committed to the mission of the District?
2. Can you devote the time, resources, and energy required of a SWCD board member?
3. Do you understand the roles and responsibilities of the District?
4. Are you willing to attend meetings regularly, making them a priority for the duration of your term?
5. Are you willing to participate in the necessary training, education, and development activities?
6. Will you actively serve on District and LACD Committees?
Return completed form to: Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District
301 West Main Street, Suite 210, Winnfield, LA 71483
Monday, July 2, 2012
Now Accepting Applications for WRP
NATCHITOCHES, COLUMBIA AND RUSTON FIELD OFFICES
ARE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FOR WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM
First Application Period for FY 2013 Funding Ends July 25, 2012
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation is soliciting applications from landowners interested in restoring or enhancing wetlands on private agricultural land in Louisiana through the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). The first application period for Fiscal Year 2013 WRP funding ends July 25, 2012, and interested agricultural producers are encouraged to visit the one of the field offices servicing the Dugdemona SWCD (Winn Parish- Natchitoches Field Office, Jackson Parish- Ruston Field Office and for Caldwell Parish the Columbia Field Office) or the Dugdemona SWCD Office in Winnfield) as soon as possible to begin the application process.
The Wetlands Reserve Program provides financial incentives to landowners to restore their land to its natural wetland condition with an emphasis on enhancing wildlife habitats and environmental benefits. Participation in this program is voluntary, and restoration is accomplished in an environmentally safe, cost-effective manner.
“WRP is a popular program for farmers looking to conserve marginal cropland,” said Glenn Austin, District Conservationist in the Natchitoches Field Office. “NRCS provides technical and financial assistance through WRP to convert marginal or unproductive croplands to wildlife friendly habitats, and we guide landowners through all stages of the restoration process.”
Landowners have several options for enrollment in WRP, including restoration cost-share agreements, 30-year conservation easements, and permanent conservation easements—all designed to help landowners achieve personal land use goals.
Easement payments are based on the lowest of either the fair market value of the land using an appraisal or area-wide analysis, the Geographic Area Rate Cap, or an offer made by the landowner. The current Geographic Area Rate Cap for the Dugdemona SWCD which includes all of Jackson and Winn Parishes and Caldwell Parish west of the Ouachita River is $1,400/ acre.
Interested agricultural producers are encouraged to contact the local USDA Service Center/Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office today to apply for Fiscal Year 2013 funding. You may contact the Natchitoches Field office at 318-357-8366 ext. 3 or stop by the office at 6949 Hwy 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA 71457 for assistance for Winn Parish; Contact the Ruston Field Office at 318-255-3136 ext. 3 or stop by the office at 1412 Celebrity Drive, Ruston, LA 71270 for assistance in Jackson Parish; Contact the Columbia Field Office at 318-649-2651 ext. 3 or stop by the office at 7128 Hwy 165, Columbia, LA 71418 for assistance in Caldwell Parish; Or you may contact the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District Office at 318-628-4438 or stop by our office at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210, Winnfield, LA 71483 (Located upstairs above the Winn Parish Health Unit).
Program information is also available online at: www.la.nrcs.usda.gov
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
2012 LACD Scholarship
Each year the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts (LACD) awards one scholarship to a Louisiana graduating high school senior who is planning to enter an institution of higher learning within the State of Louisiana as a full-time under-graduate student in the field of agriculture, natural resources or environmental sciences. The amount of the cash award will be set annually and awarded on a one time basis.
The purpose of the LACD scholarship is to provide financial support to broaden the educational opportunities for deserving students in Louisiana.
All graduating high school seniors in Caldwell, Jackson or Winn Parish who are planning to enter an institution of higher learning within the State of Louisiana as a full-time under-graduate student in the field of agriculture, natural resources or environmental sciences are eligible. Scholarship applicants should submit their application directly to the Dugdemona SWCD by April 18, 2012.
The Dugdemona SWCD will select one candidate from all applications received, then send its candidate to the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts (LACD) to compete with 43 other Conservation Districts in the state for the 2012 Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts Scholarship.
Scholarship applications are available at our office or you can send us an email at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net Applications and additional information is also available on our websites “Teachers” page. Please visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/.
The purpose of the LACD scholarship is to provide financial support to broaden the educational opportunities for deserving students in Louisiana.
All graduating high school seniors in Caldwell, Jackson or Winn Parish who are planning to enter an institution of higher learning within the State of Louisiana as a full-time under-graduate student in the field of agriculture, natural resources or environmental sciences are eligible. Scholarship applicants should submit their application directly to the Dugdemona SWCD by April 18, 2012.
The Dugdemona SWCD will select one candidate from all applications received, then send its candidate to the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts (LACD) to compete with 43 other Conservation Districts in the state for the 2012 Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts Scholarship.
Scholarship applications are available at our office or you can send us an email at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net Applications and additional information is also available on our websites “Teachers” page. Please visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/.
2012 LACD SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY
High school seniors that have been accepted by a two or four year accredited Louisiana college or university in the field of agriculture, natural resources, or environmental sciences.
APPLICATION DATE
Each Dugdemona SWCD applicant must submit their entry form to the LACD District Scholarship Selection Committee before the 18th of April.
The Dugdemona SWCD will submit its candidate's application to the State Scholarship Selection Committee before the 20th of April.
PROCESS FOR AWARDING OF THE SCHOLARSHIP
A check from LACD will be sent to the student after the LACD Secretary-Treasurer has received proof of the student completing their first quarter or semester of college and proof of registration for the next quarter or semester. Award checks will be made payable to the student. It is the district’s responsibility to assist the student in notifying the Secretary-Treasurer that they have met the requirements so as to be awarded the scholarship check.
If the 2012 LACD Scholarship winner is from the Dugdemona SWCD a representative from the local district board will attend the school’s awards or graduation ceremony to present a certificate of achievement to the scholarship recipient.
High school seniors that have been accepted by a two or four year accredited Louisiana college or university in the field of agriculture, natural resources, or environmental sciences.
APPLICATION DATE
Each Dugdemona SWCD applicant must submit their entry form to the LACD District Scholarship Selection Committee before the 18th of April.
The Dugdemona SWCD will submit its candidate's application to the State Scholarship Selection Committee before the 20th of April.
PROCESS FOR AWARDING OF THE SCHOLARSHIP
A check from LACD will be sent to the student after the LACD Secretary-Treasurer has received proof of the student completing their first quarter or semester of college and proof of registration for the next quarter or semester. Award checks will be made payable to the student. It is the district’s responsibility to assist the student in notifying the Secretary-Treasurer that they have met the requirements so as to be awarded the scholarship check.
If the 2012 LACD Scholarship winner is from the Dugdemona SWCD a representative from the local district board will attend the school’s awards or graduation ceremony to present a certificate of achievement to the scholarship recipient.
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