2016 - 11

CTD Newsletter - November 2016

Greetings From the Training Room

2016 has been a banner year for the partnerships between the CTD, NRCS, WADE, WSCC, and Conservation Districts. During the week of October 11th - 14th CTD members and NRCS members participated in the review process for plans submitted from the Basic Conservation Planning Courses which were held in May. CTD and NRCS members reviewed and made recommendations for plans; NRCS is currently working on completing plans and has the final approval of plans.

CTD members commented that plans submitted were excellent this year, with more than a few that were outstanding examples of conservation planning.

Thank you to all who attended and completed the course. And a BIG thank you for all who assisted in putting the courses on!

Cultural Resource Training

The course provides the background of cultural resource regulation and provides an introduction to available tools and resources useful to successfully incorporating protection of cultural and historic resources into project planning process.

Dates: November 28 & 29, 2016

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Location: LOTT WET Science Center Olympia, WA

The training is free and participants will need to bring their own lunch. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office is sponsoring the course and this course is supported by the CTD.

To register please contact Larry Brewer by November 17th | lbrewer@scc.wa.gov

More information can be found HERE

Check out the rest of our Website!!

If you have not already checked it out the rest of our website here are a few pages you may find interesting:

Certifications - the three new certification programs are Dairy Planner, Farm Planner & Riparian Planner. A link is provided to start your application process to be certified!

Farm Planning Tools - excellent resources, farm planning tools, and a preview of different types of Farm Plans that are being identified to reflect some of the different types of conservation plans that are developed.

District Projects - list of interesting projects from around the state.

Featured Program: Spokane Conservation District Vets on the Farm

What is the Vets on the Farm Program?

Vision - Veterans are ready for a new mission and a way to transition back into civilian life and careers. The vision of SCD is to provide them with opportunities for education, partnership, and employment in conservation based agricultural industries. SCD provides Veterans of our community an opportunity to combine their military service and skills with an education in conservation which will lead to farming and agricultural based employment. Vets have the opportunity to explore agriculturally based employment by offering programs and curriculum through WSU Extension and Spokane Community Colleges. Levels of completion will be available and include course certification up to an Associate’s degree.

Partnership - Vets will be ready to explore partnerships and internships on local farms and other agriculturally based business opportunities.

Employment - Vets will be equipped to engage in employment with a new mission and sense of purpose. Areas of concentration will include small scale production agriculture, livestock management, equipment maintenance, custom farm work, etc…The program will feature a learning farm crew, custom operators, small scale food production and equine therapy. Those looking for employment through Vets on the Farm can fill out a Veteran Intern Application Form. All Veterans seeking to be part of the program will have an informational interview at the Spokane Conservation District to help make a good match between their interests and available opportunities.

Outreach - Vets and farmer partners will tell their stories through social media, public events including trade shows, fairs, parades, and other community events.

Sponsorship & Partnership - Vets on the Farm depend on solid sponsors and partners for funding, mentorship, guidance, and continued operation. Seed money and grant funding are necessary to support the Vets employment, equipment purchases/maintenance, and program costs.

If you are interested in more information about this program please visit HERE or contact Vicki Carter | 509-535-7274

Getting to Know You: District Highlight

District Name: Asotin County Conservation District

Size: ~400,000 acres

Population: Approximately 12,000 people in the District Boundaries (Boundaries do not include the city of Clarkston and Asotin)

# Employees: 5

Main Programs:

• CREP and CCRP, Residue Management Program (Direct seed) and Cost-Share (primarily livestock, upland and riparian but also forestry when funding is available).

• We are also in the process of completing a Geomorphic Assessment and are the lead for VSP in Asotin County.

• Education. Primarily the Salmon in the Classroom program (this year we will have 8 tanks) but we also have other outreach for landowners, public and youth.

Key Partners: NRCS, FSA, Snake River Salmon Recovery Board and landowners.

Project/Program Most Proud of: Fish passage barrier removal please visit the ACCD website for more information on the project.

Fun Fact

Did you know....

Asotin County is the gateway to Hells Canyon which is the deepest river gorge in North America.

Featured Photo