2017 - 08

CTD Newsletter - August 2017

CTD TNI

Just a reminder to fill out the Annual CTD FY17-18 Training Needs Inventory! Please take a few minutes and let us know what trainings you need for the next year (FY18-19). Your responses will be used to prioritize training events across the state. Thank you in advance for your help!!

If you have already filled out the TNI, thank you, your response have been recorded and there is no need to fill out again.

Please take the survey HERE.

Conservation Districts

Are you a new employee or someone who would like a refresher on the history of Conservation Districts? The Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC) website is a great resource for you! Click HERE to find our more about Conservation Districts, WSCC programs, upcoming events throughout the state and loads more! This information may be helpful when you are talking to cooperators/landowners about potential projects. Also, if you are a new employee and have not received an orientation please contact your Regional Manager to schedule a training. Click HERE to find the Regional Manager who serves in your region.

Washington Organic Natural Resources and Biodiversity Training

This training will increase resource conservation on organic farms in Washington state. The "cross-training" will provide NRCS and Conservation Districts with a greater understanding of the organic regulations related to natural resources and the new WSDA Organic System Plan (OSP). This is a great opportunity for CD field staff that work with or potentially work with organic or transitioning to organic. Experts from NRCS and WSDA Organic Certifiers will be present at these trainings.

DATE: West side of state - Wednesday, August 16th

LOCATION: West side of State - Mount Vernon, WA

TIME: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM for each session

WHO: NRCS, CD, and WSDA staff

REGISTRATION: Space is very limited for these two trainings. Please contact Ben Bowell, Organic Conservation Specialist, to reserve your space for a training.

P: 503-580-4767 E:Benjamin.Bowell@por.usda.gov

For more information about these trainings please visit our website HERE.

NEW - Peer to Peer web based trainings

The National Conservation Planning Partnership is excited to introduce a new peer-to-peer web conference series to support conservation planning staff and partners. Developed as part of a national priority to reinvigorate conservation planning, the interactive workshops will help to ensure that our field staff are fully engaged and have the right tools to work one-on-one with our diverse customer base.

You are invited to join in on this ongoing opportunity to communicate and share your innovative work with colleagues nationally.

Every last Tuesday of each month from 1:00 to 2:00pm Eastern, a new state will host a conversation focused on hot topics and creative solutions surrounding nationwide efforts to put conservation planning first.

“RETURNING TO CONSERVATION PLANNING”

In this first-of-its-series archived workshop, district conservationists from north and south Louisiana discussed the importance of leveraging local partnerships and how a new pre-obligation review process is helping their field offices provide better conservation planning prior to financial assistance contract obligation.

Unfamiliar with NCPP?

The National Conservation Planning Partnership is made up of NACD, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA), the National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA), and the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (NARC&DC).

The partnership was formed in FY 2015 to emphasize the critical role that conservation planning plays in advancing voluntary conservation efforts on private lands. Since then, NCPP has worked to “Reinvigorate Conservation Planning” by implementing goals and actions that support proven approaches, offer new tools, and expand training to enhance the ability of our workforce to deliver sound conservation planning assistance.

NCPP has developed a strategy that ensures our field staff have the right expertise, are stationed in the right locations, and have enough time to work one-on-one with our diverse customer base. We have been working with the help of four subcommittees to address training gaps, technology and tools, communication needs, accountability and partnerships — to ensure we are meeting our customers’ expectations for the challenges ahead in conservation and agriculture.

Click HERE to find out more information.

District Highlight: Getting to Know You

We are seeking Conservation Districts that would like to be highlighted. This is a great opportunity to share the great work being done in your CD. Want more information? Please call Mindy at 509-773-5823 x 5 or email her at cdoffice@ckcd.org.

Fun Fact

Did you know....

In 1939, the State Legislature passed RCW 89.08 which authorized the creation or conservation districts and the Conservation Commission (WSCC) in Washington. It defines conservation districts as able to direct programs protecting local renewable natural resources. Washington State has forty-five conservation districts in thirty-nine counties. Click HERE to read more about RCW 89.08.

Featured Program: Stevens Conservation District - Tree and Shrub Sales Program

Every year the Stevens County Conservation District (SCCD) gives local landowners opportunity to purchase native shrubs and tree seedlings. These can be planted for stream restoration, wildlife habitat and reforestation. They are also ideal for the beatification of yards and landscapes. Native plants are adapted to our environment and weather patterns therefore have a higher survivability. Native plants require less maintenance when used for landscaping. SCCD can offer assistance in picking the right plants for your property.

"The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now."

For more information about this great project visit the SCCD website HERE.

Featured Photo

By: SCC

Description: Happy bee