Supervisor handbook [2011]

SUPERVISOR HANDBOOK

GEORGIA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION COMMISSION
P.O. Box 8024 Athens, GA 30603
706-552-4470 706-552-4486 FAX e-mail director@gaswcc.org

COMMISSION MEMBERS

Garland Thompson, Chairman Carl E. Brack

Dennis T. Brown

P.O. Box 2703

25 Maple Lane

2063 GA Hwy. 326

Douglas, GA 31534

Carrollton, GA 30116 Commerce, GA 30530

912-384-7614 (H)

770-832-3501 (O)

706-335-2953 (H)

770-214-0278 (H)

770-832-9679 (FAX)

David T. Hays c/o Mansfield Group 1108 Monticello St. Covington, GA 30014 770-787-5400 (O)

Steve Singletary, Vice Chairman P.O. Box 628 Blakely, GA 39823 229-723-3525 (O) 229-723-3808 (H)

Conservation Commission Headquarters Staff Brent L. Dykes--Executive Director--bdykes@gaswcc.org David A. Eigenberg--Deputy Executive Director--deigenberg@gaswcc.org Cynthia A. Wilbur--Administrative Assistant --cwilbur@gaswcc.org Kim Chapman--Secretary--kchapman@gaswcc.org Loren Moore--Communications Specialist--lhebert@gaswcc.org

Financial Section Niki Strain--Administrative Operations Manager--nstrain@gaswcc.org Karen D. Parson Procurement & Services Officer--kparson@gaswcc.org Lindsey Carden Administrative Assistant--lcarden@gaswcc.org Andy Pope Personnel Representative/Contract Specialist--apope@gaswcc.org

Rural Program Bob Fulmer Program Manager Rural Water Resources--bfulmer@gaswcc.org Andy Dyar--Watershed Dam Technician--adyar@gaswcc.org Carrie P. Fowler NPS Program Specialist--cfowler@gaswcc.org

Urban Program Lauren Zdunczyk Program Manager Urban Water Resources--lzdunczyk@gaswcc.org Ben Ruzowicz Technical Specialist E&SC Certification--bruzowicz@gaswcc.org Melanie Hill Administrative Assistant E&SC Certification--mhill@gaswcc.org Jennifer Standridge Data Entry Specialist- E&SC Certification--jstandridge@gaswcc.org

Information Technology Program Erik McCutcheon IT Director--emccutcheon@gaswcc.org Ernell Babb--IT Project Specialist--ebabb@gaswcc.org

Revised 3-24-11

GEORGIA SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION COMMISSION FIELD STAFF

John Loughridge, Region I Senior Regional Representative 700 East 2nd Ave, Suite J Rome, GA 30161-3359 Joan Lam, Administrative Assistant 706-295-6131 FAX: 706-802-5131
Robert Amos, Region II Regional Representative PO Box 8024 Athens, GA 30603 Kelli Coleman, Resource Specialist Gail Hull, Administrative Assistant 706-552-4479 FAX: 706-552-4486
Russell Tonning, Region III Regional Representative 1500 Klonidke Road, Suite A109 Conyers, GA 30094 Guerry Thomas, Resource Specialist Melissa Echevarria, E&SC Specialist Jenny Searl, Administrative Assistant 770-761-3020 FAX: 770-761-3022

Keegan Malone, Region IV Regional Representative 3014 Heritage Road, Suite 1 Conyers, GA 31061 Paula Dillard, Administrative Assistant 478-445-5766 FAX: 478-445-4913
Susan Castle, E&SC County Coordinator 1103 Usher Street, Suite 302 Covington, GA 30014 770-784-2033 FAX: 770-784-2034
Jack Ratrray, Irrigation Specialist David Hall, Engineering Tech P.O. Box 501 125 2nd Street Cochran, GA 31014 478-934-7299 FAX: 478-934-3090
Luke Crosson, Region V Interim Regional Representative 4344 Albany Highway Dawson, GA 39842 Lancia Wyant, Administrative Assistant 229-995-6001 FAX: 229-995-5605

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FIELD STAFF (Cont'd)

Rahn Milligan, Region VI Regional Representative 151 Langston Chapel Road, Suite 700 Statesboro, GA 30459 Jason Mallard, Irrigation Specialist Chris Conner, Irrigation Technician Dianne Griffin, Administrative Assistant 912-681-5241 FAX: 912-871-1429
Jonathon Hall, 319 Project Coordinator Satilla River/Upper Ochlocknee NRCS Service Center 703 Ward Street East Douglas, GA 31533-0311 912-384-4811

David A. Eigenberg, Division Director Agriculture Water Metering Hooks-Hanner Environmental Resource Center 4344 Albany Highway Dawson, GA 39842 Antonio Fleming, Manager, Tech Services Breon Wright, Metering Technician Keith Kimbrel, Metering Technician Tony Black, Irrigator Pro Coordinator Randy Blankenship, Pam Nichols, Administrative Assistant FAX: 229-995-5605

Ann Welch, E&SC Specialist Coastal District Office Jack Kingston Conservation Center 185 Richard Davis Drive, Suite 201 Richmond Hill, GA 31324 912-459-2070 FAX: 912-459-2352

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2010 ADVISORY GROUP

Mr. David Jackson GACDS President P O Box 160 Winder, GA 30680 770-307-6987

Mr. Douglas Kleweno Director USDA-NASS Stephens Federal Building, Suite 320 355 East Hancock Avenue

Mr. James Tillman State Conservationist

Athens, GA 30601 706-546-2236

Natural Resources Conservation Service Federal Building, Box 13 355 East Hancock Avenue Athens, GA 30601 706-546-2272

Mr. Dwight Fisher Director USDA, Agriculture Research Service 1420 Experiment Station Road Watkinsville, GA 30677

Dr. Beverly Sparks

706-769-5631 x203

Associate Dean Cooperative Extension Service 111 Conner Hall University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602 706-542-3824

Dr. Bob Shulstad Associate Dean for Research Senior Associate Director Agricultural Experiment Stations College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Dr. Scott Angle Dean and Director College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences 101 Conner Hall

109 Conner Hall University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602 706-542-2151

University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602 706-542-3924

Mr. Chris Clark Commissioner Department of Natural Resources

Mr. Robert Farris Director Georgia Forestry Commission

Floyd Towers East, Suite 1252 Atlanta, GA 30334 404-656-3500

5645 Rigginsmill Road Dry Branch, GA 31020 478-751-3480

Shirley Sherrod State Director USDA Rural Development

Hobby Stripling State Executive Director Farm Services Agency

355 East Hancock Avenue Athens, GA 30610-2768 706-546-2162

Federal Building, Mail Stop 100 355 East Hancock Avenue Athens, GA 30601-2775 706-546-2266

Mr. Tommy Irvin Commissioner Department of Agriculture Agriculture Building

Mr. John Wilkinson Program Manager Agricultural Education

19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SW Atlanta, GA 30334-4201 404-656-3680

Department of Education 1754 Twin Towers East

Mr. George Bain Forest Supervisor

Mr. Vincent "Zippy" Duvall President Georgia Farm Bureau Federation P.O. Box 7068 Macon, GA 31209

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests U.S. Forest Service 1755 Cleveland Highway Gainesville, GA 30501 770-291-3000

800-342-1192

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Agricultural Water Conservation and Metering Program
Program Description: To assist agricultural water users in quantifying water use, conserving existing water use through irrigation audits, and reducing dependence on groundwater and surface water supplies through agricultural water catchments.
Conservation of Agricultural Water Supplies
Purpose To increase the uniformity and efficiency of ag water irrigation systems, to obtain and manage quality data on agricultural water use for state policy makers, and to construct/renovate agricultural water catchments for irrigation of cropland in South Georgia using federal funds.
Pond Program GSWCC accepts applications to construct new or renovate existing surface water structures. Currently, GSWCC is unable to fully fund all of the applications. Man-made ponds increase on-farm surface water capacity. Pond construction is completed by an exemption from the Army Corps of Engineers. NRCS provides technical assistance in the design of these ponds to ensure that ponds meet acceptable standards and specifications. Cost share rates are at 75%, not to exceed $50,000.
Irrigation Application Uniformity Improvement - Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) GSWCC accepts applications to provide free in field irrigation system uniformity test and visual inspection. Currently, GSWCC is unable to fully fund all of the applications received. Eligibility determined audit tests results using the Christiansen's uniformity coefficient and end-gun shut-off acreage Field verified application chart, system uniformity graph and visual observation report provided as deliverables Cost share rates are at 75%, not to exceed $5,000 for nozzle package, $3,000 for end-gun shut-off.
Irrigation Scheduling In cooperation with the USDA/ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory, GSWCC works to promote the use of Irrigator Pro. Scheduling irrigation should utilize real time information from fields to determine application amounts, matching crop water needs with available soil moisture.
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Irrigator Pro allows producers to plan irrigation events as to influence economic returns with the ultimate goal of reducing costs and conserving water. Measuring Agricultural Water Use Purpose- To obtain accurate and timely information on the patterns and amounts of agriculture water use by EPD permits. This information is essential to proper management of water resources by the state and useful to farmers for improving the efficiency of their use of water. Measurement of agricultural water-use is a necessary component of assisting farmers to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in the utilization of a valuable resource. The Commission will locate and evaluate pumping sites, purchase meters and cause meters to be installed on all EPD permitted sites issued before July 1, 2003. The Commission certifies proper installation for farmers installed meters as a condition of EPD permits issued after July 1, 2003. The Commission will maintain meters and collected water use data for all EPD permitted sites. Permit holders will be mailed a yearly report showing the water-use recorded for each permit, in units of acre-inches pumped. Agricultural water-use data will be managed in a manner that provides for access by State policy decision makers and, at the same time, insures privacy rights of landowners involved. Only summaries of water-use by the eight digit USGS hydrologic code will be made available to the general public. Water-use of any individual irrigator will be kept confidential and information gathered from the meters will not be used by any State agency and/or individual for purposes not intended by the law.
For additional information, please visit the Agricultural Water Conservation and Metering program page.
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Rural Water Resources Program
Bob Fulmer, Program Manager Carrie Lynn Fowler, Nonpoint Source Program Specialist
Within GSWCC, the Rural Water Resources Program is a multifaceted program including an agricultural financial incentive program, a flood control reservoir program and also agricultural complaint response and resolution. GSWCC maintains a financial incentive program made possible through agreements with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD) Clean Water Act, Section 319(h) funding. GSWCC pursues projects in targeted watersheds that work to improve and protect water quality through the installation of best management practices on agricultural operations. These are typically 60 percent cost-share agreements with a 10 year maintenance requirement. Additional Section 319(h) funding is utilized for various nonpoint source educational programs as well as to support the Erosion and Sediment Control Education and Certification Program. Through this funding, the Best Management Practices for Georgia Agriculture manual has been developed.
In the Small Watershed Program, GSWCC provides technical assistance in the operation and maintenance of over 350 soil and water conservation district owned flood control reservoirs that were constructed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) primarily in the 1960s and 70s. Districts have signed agreements to operate and maintain these dams. GSWCC seeks funds to provide financial assistance to districts to help meet these maintenance requirements. Due to the urban location of many of these dams they now protect houses, roads and other improvements downstream that represent significant hazards, should dams fail. These dams are being re-classified as Category 1 high hazard structures according to the GAEPD Safe Dams Program. Districts now own over 150 dams that are out of compliance with Georgia Safe Dams requirements. This program works with districts to secure funding to upgrade these Category 1 dams and bring then into compliance with state requirements, either with state funding or existing NRCS programs.
GSWCC is also responsible for receiving and providing technical assistance for agricultural complaints throughout the state. GSWCC personnel work in close cooperation with GAEPD and NRCS to address complaints in a timely and professional manner.
For additional information, please visit the Rural Water Resources page.
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Urban Lands and Education/Certification
Lauren Zdunczyk, Program Manager
Urban Lands The purpose of the Urban Lands Program is to improve and protect Georgia's urban soil and water resources through the use of best management practices (BMP's) as called for in the soil and water conservation districts law and delivered through soil and water conservation districts. The goal is to reduce soil erosion on urban lands and educate land disturbers, local governments, and erosion and sediment control professionals on urban BMP's. The Education and Certification Program In 2003, House Bill 285 created the Education and Certification Program for individuals involved in land disturbing activities. The Conservation Commission was charged with managing and administering the program. The Education and Certification Program consists of the following courses and certifications: Subcontractor Awareness Seminar (Certified Subcontractor) is a two hour seminar with no exam that is designed for individuals working in a subcontractor capacity. Level IA Fundamentals Seminar (Certified Person/Personnel) is a one day course designed to train individuals that are the Primary, Secondary or Tertiary Permittee, as defined by the state general permit. Level IB Advanced Fundamentals Seminar (Certified Inspector) is a two day course designed to train regulatory inspectors and non-regulatory personnel contracted to do regulatory. Eligibility Requirements for Inspectors Must have completed 60 days work experience in the field of erosion and sediment control. In lieu of 60 days work experience, you may obtain a Level IA Certification. Level II Introduction to Design (Certified Plan Reviewer/Certified Design Professional) two day course for both plan reviewers and design professionals.
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Eligibility Requirements for Design Professionals Proof of licensure in the State of Georgia in the field of engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, forestry, geology, land surveying or CPESC. Eligibility Requirements for Plan Reviewers Have at least 6 months work experience in the field of erosion and sediment control In lieu of 6 months work experience, an individual my obtain a Level IB certification All certification courses, with the exception of the Subcontractor Awareness Seminar, have a 50 question, one hour timed exam at the end of the course. Individuals must obtain a passing score of 70% to receive certification. All certifications are valid for three years and four hours of GSWCC approved continuing education hours are required to renew certifications. For more information visit the Education and Certification page at www.gaswcc.georgia.gov. Plan Reviews and Technical Assistance for Urban Erosion and Sedimentation Control Issues In addition to the Education and Certification Program, Urban Lands provide technical assistance involving erosion and sedimentation control issues around the State. The Commission's Erosion and Sediment Control Specialists provide technical plan reviews on behalf of the Districts in the Metro Atlanta area as well as provide technical support to all plan reviewers throughout the State. Program staff has extensive knowledge and experience with the State and Federal laws governing erosion and sediment control and with the Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia. For additional information, please visit the Urban Lands page.
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STATE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION COMMISSION 1937-2008

1937-1945

W.S. Brown--Director, Georgia Agricultural Extension Service H.P. Stuckey--Director, Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station Silas H. Starr--Director, Georgia Coastal Plains Experiment Station Eugene Talmadge--Governor of Georgia

1945--amended to add to the above: 2 members appointed by the Governor-who are outstanding conservationist farmers and members of the Board of Directors of GACDS

1945

Brown--Director, Georgia Agricultural Extension Service H.P. Stuckey--Director, Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station G.H. King--Director, Georgia Coastal Plains Experiment Station
(assumed office 1942) Ellis Arnall--Governor of Georgia J.C. Wise, Jr.--GACDS Director T.B. Thornton--GACDS Director

NOTE--Legislation in 1949 directed that the Conservation Commission be comprised of 5 individuals who are supervisors

1949-1953

Z.P. Almon J.E. Eubank Jim L. Gillis, Jr. O.W. Price J.T. Watson (Deceased 1950) W.F. Hall (Replaced Watson)

1949-1954

Z.P. Almon J.E. Eubank Jim L. Gillis, Jr. W.F. Hall O.W. Price

1961-1973

Lamar Franklin Jim L. Gillis, Jr. C.M. Higginbotham David Kistner (Resigned 12-16-70) Fred Statham Rufus Coody (Replaced Kistner, January, 1973)

1973-1973

Rufus Coody (Resigned 1-6-76) Amon Corn Herbert Hawkins Frank Murrah Austin Rheney

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1976-1977

Amon Corn Herbert Hawkins Frank Murrah Austin Rheney H. Crawford Hewell

*1977-1980

Amon Corn (Resigned 10-22-79) Frank Crawford (Resigned 4-18-79) H. Crawford Hewell Frank Murrah Garland Thompson

1980-1985

H. Crawford Hewell (Resigned 1-1-84) Frank Murrah Garland Thompson J.M. "Bob" Plemons Jimmy S. Johnson

1985-1989

Frank Murrah Garland Thompson J.M. "Bob" Plemons Jimmy S. Johnson Roy J. Chappell

1989-1991

Garland Thompson J.M. "Bob" Plemons Jimmy S. Johnson Roy J. Chappell J. Joe Nichols

1991-2000

Garland Thompson J.M. "Bob" Plemons (Resigned 7-13-00) Jimmy S. Johnson Roy J. Chappell A. B. C. "Brad" Dorminy

2000-2003

Garland Thompson Roy J. Chappell (Deceased 1-31-03) Mable Brown (Oath taken on 5-29-02) Barbarianne Gaulding-Russell (Oath taken on 5-29-02)

*2003-2008 (Official oath given 11-13-03)

Garland Thompson Carl E. Brack (Oath signed 11-12-03) Dennis T. Brown (Oath signed 11-12-03) David T. Hays (Oath signed 9-18-03) Steve Singletary (Oath signed 9-18-03)

*Begins five year staggered term

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STATE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION COMMISSION
DUTIES AND POWERS
The State Soil and Water Conservation Commission is the agency of State Government charged with responsibility for carrying out provisions of the Soil Conservation Law approved March 26, 1937, and amended March 6, 1945, February 23, 1955, March 17, 1960, February 27, 1962, April 17, 1973, and July 1, 1988.
The Commission shall have responsibility: To provide for the conservation of the soil, water and all
other related natural resources in Georgia. To provide the mechanics for maintaining the organization of
the Soil and Water conservation Districts of Georgia.
To coordinate the programs of the several districts and to formulate programs which will strengthen the work of conserving our soil, water and related sources.
To secure the assistance of the U.S. government and any of its agencies, and the agencies of state and county governments, in carrying our district soil and water conservation work.
To disseminate information throughout the State concerning the activities of the districts.
To furnish an exchange of advice and experience between the various districts that will promote and advance the conservation of these vital resources.
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To perform the duties necessary to implement the administration of the Federal Watershed Protection and Flood Control Act. (Small Watershed Program.)
To receive appropriations from the State for the operation of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the State Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
The State Soil and Water Conservation Commission constitutes an operating program by performing the functions described in the foregoing description.
Following are illustrations of Commission activities:
1. The general administration of the commission and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
2. Conduct educational and information programs to acquaint the public with district activities and resource conservation needs of State.
3. Provide statewide program leadership in soil and water conservation. 4. Maintaining liaison with governmental agencies and private groups
having an interest in the use and conservation of natural resources. 5. Review watershed programs and assist in establishing priorities for
development. 6. Providing state leadership to local units of government in developing
and conducting erosion and sediment control programs under the provisions of Act 599. 7. Serving as a central source of information and guidance for other state agency activities relating to soil and water conversation.
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REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS
Specific responsibilities in district affairs include keeping district boards informed about conservation concerns, issues, programs, and legislative affairs at the state and national levels. The representative should assist the boards in preparing and maintaining long-range Plans of Work, Annual Plans of Work, budgets, announcements, resolutions, publications, requisitions and special reports. The representative will serve in an advisory capacity with GACDS Committees and work to implement objectives they identify.
The Regional Representatives will assist districts with proper procedures in supervisor appointments and elections. The representatives will male it a point to visit prospective supervisors and explain duties of the office and familiarize them with the work, history, and philosophy of districts. Afterward, visiting each supervisor outside of the district meetings at least once a year is helpful, with meetings as often as necessary with a level of high interest and ability.
The Regional Representative will give high priority to attending each and every district meeting and be prepared to work with the Chairman in preparing the agenda. At the meetings, the representative should offer to take minutes and handle their disbursement. Another duty is encouraging the district board to deal with problems of attendance or failure to accept the responsibilities as a supervisor. When requested by the district, the regional representative will assume responsibility for the district supplies and other operations activities.
In the area of informational activities, he will assist the district with stories and photos for the news media. This work shall be closely coordinated with the state office. Further, assisting with district affiliate member and "Man of the Year" programs will be necessary. The representative must also maintain communications and a close working relationship with state and federal agencies and other groups working with and through districts and keep them informed of district programs and objectives. This will include watershed associations and RC&D Councils.
The Regional Representative should check with the NRCS Area Conservationist and Designated District Conservationist on a regular basis as necessary on activities and plans relating to districts. The representative will then present programs to civic clubs an organized groups on the work of districts and help GACDS with its programs and activities. This includes annual meetings, summer groups meetings and other Associations meetings.
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GEORGIA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS DATE OF FORMATION

DISTRICT

CHARTER ISSUED

Coosa River......................................................................................9-13-37

Broad River................................................................................10-21-37

Upper Chattahoochee River.............................................................1-12-38

Ocmulgee River............................................................................2-10-38

Piedmont.....................................................................................4-28-38

Oconee River................................................................................6-07-38

Upper Ocmulgee River...................................................................6-24-38

West Georgia...............................................................................7-13-38

Brier Creek.................................................................................11-07-38

Little River (no longer exists--See below).........................................11-07-38

Middle South Georgia.....................................................................3-16-39

Limestone Valley...........................................................................5-12-39

Lower Chattahoochee River............................................................7-17-39

Pine Mountain...............................................................................7-17-39

Flint River....................................................................................8-12-39

Ohoopee River.............................................................................8-12-39

Central Georgia............................................................................2-17-40

Towaliga.....................................................................................6-11-40

Ogeechee River............................................................................7-12-40

Satilla River..................................................................................5-12-42

Alapaha......................................................................................11-10-43

Atlanta (no longer exists--See below)...............................................2-05-45

Altamaha.....................................................................................2-08-05

Coastal........................................................................................2-14-45

Lincoln County............................................................................12-22-48

Catoosa County..........................................................................10-03-51

Blue Ridge Mountain....................................................................10-19-51

Walton County..............................................................................8-12-77

*Columbia County........................................................................10-31-79

*McDuffie County.........................................................................10-31-79

*Warren County...........................................................................10-31-79

Roosevelt....................................................................................1-23-80

**Cobb County..............................................................................5-09-80

**Dekalb County...........................................................................5-09-80

**Fulton County............................................................................5-09-80

Gwinnett County............................................................................8-15-80

Lamar County..............................................................................3-06-81

Henry County...............................................................................9-11-81

Rockdale County...........................................................................9-11-81

Clayton County............................................................................12-21-81

Stephens County...........................................................................4-19-82

Hall County..................................................................................3-18-83

*Comprised the former Little River District 1938-1979. ** Comprised the former Atlanta District 1945-1980.
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GACDS OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: David Jackson P.O. Box 160
Winder, GA 30680 Cell: 770-307-6987 E-mail: dhj@alltel.net
Vice-President: Danny Hogan 888 Hillbridge Road Dexter, GA 31019 Cell: 478-984-6415
E-mail: hogansquarterhorsefarm@yahoo.com
Secretary-Treasurer: Marty McLendon 3986 GA Highway 55 Leary, GA 39862
NACD Board Member: Horace B. "Pete" Waller 702 Bloomingdale Road Bloomingdale, GA 31302 Cell: 912-682-2657
E-mail: pwottawa@comcast.net
Immediate Past President: Dennis Brown 2063 GA Highway 326 Commerce, GA 30503 Cell: 706-215-3261
E-mail: dbrown04@windstream.net
Revised 5/26/2010
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Group I Vice President Roger Bowman 360 Bowman Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 Cell: 404-229-8477 E-mail: rbowman@nixonpower.com

Group I Alternate Vice President Jewell Tuck 206 Judkin Mill Road Cedartown, GA 30125 Phone: 770-748-1867

Group II Vice President Dennis Brown 2063 GA Highway 326 Commerce, GA 30503 Phone: 706-215-3261

Group II Alternate Vice President Marvin McAvoy 2922 Greensboro Road Washington, GA 30673 Phone: 706-678-2597

Group III Vice President Ellis Lamme 3536 Marion Court Buford, GA 30519 Phone: 770-945-7330
Group IV Vice President Marty McLendon 3986 GA Highway 56 Leary, GA 39862 Phone: 229-881-2767 E-mail: mai@mclendonacres.com

Group III Alternate Vice President Pat Hardy 1531 Greensboro Road Madison, GA 30650 Phone: 706-342-1448
Group IV Alternate Vice President Larry Dillard 502 Patterson Road Cusseta, GA 31805 Phone: 706-989-1059 E-mail: lfd5sr@aol.com

Group V Vice President Art Rider 1367 Brown Road Hephzibah, GA 30815 Phone:

Group V Alternate Vice President Travis Cook P.O. Box 277 McRae, GA 31055 Phone: 229-868-5619

Revised 5/26/2010

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EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Brent Dykes Executive Director GA Soil and Water Conservation Commission P.O. Box 8024 Athens, GA 30603 Phone: 706-542-3065 E-mail: bdykes@gaswcc.org

David A. Eigenberg Deputy Executive Director GA Soil and Water Conservation Commission P.O. Box 8024 Athens, GA 30603 Phone: 706-542-3065 E-mail: deigenberg@gaswcc.org

James Tillman State Conservationist NRCS 355 East Hancock Avenue Athens, GA 30601 Phone: 706-542-2272 E-mail: James.Tillman@ga.usda.gov

Revised 5/26/2010

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water. water. everywhere!
After years of drought, 23 counties in Georgia suffered an epic flood event in 2009. Look inside to learn about the NRCS and its Emergency Watershed Protection Program can be used to assist in recovery efforts.
Helping People Help the Land
2009 -- 2010 Program Guide
Athens, Georgia December 2009

Mission

75 Years of Helping People Help the Land
For 75 years we have provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America's private land owners and managers conserve their soil, water, air, land and other natural resources.
The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was established by an act of the 74th Congress on April 27, 1935 when Congress passed Public Law 46 (Soil Conservation Act) which declared that soil erosion was a menace to the national welfare and authorized broad powers to the new agency to attack the problem.
Our name was changed October 20, 1994, as part of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
From the date of our establishment, NRCS employees have provided technical assistance based on sound science, suited to a customer's specific needs and we have provided financial assistance for many conservation practices and will continue to do so.

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, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply tto 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, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

A Guide to NRCS in Georgia

December 2009

Table of Contents

Overview of NRCS 1 2 3 4

Organizational Structure Key Staff Designated District Conservationist for Conservation Districts Alphabetical Listing of District Conservationist &RC&D Coordinators with Phone Nos.

Programs 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 19 20 21 23 25 28 30 31 32 34 35

Agricultural Conservation Enrollee Seniors Agricultural Water Enhancement Program Conservation Security Program Conservation Stewardship Program Conservation Technical Assistance Program E-Government Emergency Watershed Protection Program Emergency Watershed Protection Program - Flood Plain Easements Environmental Quality Incentives Program Farm & Ranchland Protection Program Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Grazingland Reserve Program Healthy Forest Program National Resources Inventory Plant Materials Program Resource Conservation & Development Soil Survey Technical Service Providers Watershed Planning Program Watershed Rehabilitation Program Wetlands Reserve Program Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

Did you know?
NRCS has provided technical assistance to producers in 2009 to develop 2,275 conservation plans on 278,377 acres throughout the state. See feature stories at www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov. Click on news/success stories.

A Guide to NRCS in Georgia

December 2009

NRCS Organizational Structure

State Conservationist
Administrative Assistant to the State Conservationist
Office Automation Clerk

AREA 1
Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations

AREA 2
Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations

AREA 3
Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations

AREA 4
Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations

State Conservation
Engineer

State Administrative
Officer

Assistant State Conservationist
(Programs)

Assistant State Conservationist
(Operations)

State Public Affairs
Specialist

State Soil Scientist

State Resource Conservationist

A Guide to NRCS in Georgia

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December 2009

Key NRCS Staff in Georgia

State Public Affairs Specialist Mary Ann McQuinn Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120 E-mail: mary.mcquinn@ga.usda.gov

State Conservation Engineer Vacant Phone: 706 546-2277 Fax: 706 546-2145 E-mail:

State Resource Conservationist Maryann Trent Phone: 706 546-2114 Fax: 706 5 46-2275 E-mail: maryann.trent@ga.usda.gov

State Soil Scientist/NRI Team Leader Edward Ealy Phone: 706 546-2278 Fax: 706 546-2145 E-mail: edward.ealy@ga.usda.gov

Assistant State Conservationist for Programs Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120 E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov

State Administrative Officer Sharon Gipson Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120 E-mail: sharon.gipson@ga.usda.gov

Assistant State Conservationist for Operations Dot Harris Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120 E-mail: dot.harris@ga.usda.gov

*Complete directory available online at
www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov

Georgia NRCS Administrative Areas

Area 1 - Griffin Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations - Michael Watson Phone: 770 227-1026 Fax: 770 227-1511 E-mail: michael.watson@ga.usda.gov
Area 2 - Athens Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations - Jack Lewis Phone: 706 546-2039 Fax: 706 546-2253 E-mail: jack.lewis@ga.usda.gov
Area 3 - Americus Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations - Natasha Brown Phone: 229 924-0544 Fax: 229 924-0013 E-mail: natasha.brown@ga.usda.gov
Area 4 - Waycross Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations - David Ferrell Phone: 912 283-5598 Fax: 912 283-8648 E-mail: david.ferrell@ga.usda.gov

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December 2009

Designated District Conservationists

Area Soil and Water Conservation District

1

Catoosa County

Coosa River

Limestone Valley

West Georgia

Fulton County

Cobb County

Gwinnett County

Henry County

Clayton County

Pine Mountain

Rockdale County

DeKalb County

Roosevelt

Towaliga

Lamar County

NRCS District Conservationist
Cindy P. Askew, LaFayette Sheri E. Teems, Rome Cindy P. Askew, LaFayette Sam Sharpe, Carrollton Valerie Pickard, Marietta Valerie Pickard, Marietta Julius George, Lawrenceville Shaun Ford, McDonough Shaun Ford, McDonough Jack L. Fokes, Jr., Buena Vista Julius George, Lawrenceville Julius George, Lawrenceville Kevin Keel, Newnan Carmen Westerfield, Barnesville Carmen Westerfield, Barnesville

2

Blue Ridge Mountain

Hall County

Stephens County

Upper Chattahoochee River

Broad River

Lincoln County

McDuffie County

Oconee River

Piedmont

Warren County

Brier Creek

Columbia County

Upper Ocmulgee River

Walton County

Douglas Towery, Blairsville George Belflower, Gainesville Russell F. Biggers, Eastanollee Russell F. Biggers, Eastanollee Forrest W. Ferguson, Hartwell Rory Richardson, Washington Craig Bevan, Louisville Carol Boss, Commerce Dennis Brooks, Madison Craig Bevan, Louisville J. Cread Brown, Augusta J. Cread Brown, Augusta Dennis B. Brooks, Madison Jose' V. Pagan, Monroe

3

Ocmulgee River

Flint River

Lower Chattahoochee River

Middle South Georgia

Calvin Essex, Perry Vontice Jackson, Albany Richard Hosmer, Dawson Mary Leidner, Tifton

4

Alapaha

Altamaha

Satilla River

Coastal

Ogeechee River

Ohoopee River

Central Georgia

Harold B. Simpson, Jr., Nashville Zack Railey, Douglas Rita Barrow, Brunswick James Austin, Richmond Hill William G. Thrift, Statesboro Sidney Lanier, Swainsboro Chuck McCranie, Eastman

Assistant State Conservationists for Field Operations

Area 1 Griffin Area 3 Americus

Michael Watson Natasha Brown

Area 2 Athens Area 4 Waycross

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Jack Lewis David Ferrell

December 2009

District Conservationists & RC&D Coordinators

Last Name Askew Austin Barrow Belflower Bevan Biggers Blackburn Boss Brooks Brown Brown Cabe Cleland Collins Essex Ferguson Futch Hall Harris Haygood Hill Hosmer Jackson Jones Jones Keel Lanier Leidner Long

First Name

Telephone

Cindy

706-638-2207

James

912-459-2350

Rita

912-265-8092

George (Buddy) 770-536-6981

Craig

478-625-7771

Russell

706-886-8223

Austin V.

912-564-2207

Carol

706-335-7145

Dennis

706-342-1315

Cread

706-554-5183

Jerome

770-339-6071

Doug

706-625-7044

Steve

229-723-3825

Marcus

229-246-8282

Calvin

478-987-2280

Forrest

706-376-2876

Joey A.

912-367-4368

Graylen

229-268-9106

Jimmie

706-547-4045

Cindy

770-749-0444

Forrest

706-885-0101

Richard

229-995-5811

Vontice

229-430-8509

Luther D.

706-769-7922

Ray

478-956-6490

Kevin

770-251-4283

Sidney C.

478-237-8037

Mary

229-382-4776

Paul

229-985-5399

Last Name George McCranie Moore Napier Nichols Oliver Pagan Palmer Parker Pickard Railey Reese Richardson Sharpe Simmons Simpson Philip Teems Thompson Thrift Towery Westerfield Wilson Yancey

First Name Julius Charles V. Stan Jim Elizabeth Harold E. Jose Scotty Britt S. Valerie Zack Karen Rory Sam Machelle Harold B. Smith Sheri Kimberly C. William G. Doug Carmen Galen Frank

Telephone 770-963-9288 478-374-8140 912-367-7679 229-924-4056 912-285-5975 912-459-2070 770-267-1359 706-453-7021 478-275-0425 770-792-0647 912-384-4811 229-732-6211 229-263-4909 770-832-8942 706-629-2582 229-686-2363 229-228-0459 706-291-5651 912-529-6652 912-871-2605 706-745-2794 770-358-3223 478-552-6073 229-723-3841

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December 2009

Agricultural Conservation Enrollees/Seniors

Program Highlights
In 2009 Georgia Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funded $88,000 for the Agricultural Conservation Enrollees/Seniors (ACES) program. This program is designed to meet employers' needs for competent workers by providing access to individuals age 55 and older, and to enhance lifelong employment opportunities of experienced workers through training, job placement, education, research and advocacy. ACES is a program administered by the USDA-NRCS from a bigger program run by the National Older Worker Career Center (NOWCC), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Arlington, VA. Georgia currently has seven ACES employees across the state.

Program Manager: RD Crawley Phone: 706 546-2313 Fax: 706 546-2275
E-mail: rd.crawley@ga.usda.gov

Dilbeck, holding a survey rod, is helping the District Conservationist survey a stream crossing.

Fred Dilbeck started work for the Soil Conservation Service in April 1967 as a Soil Conservation Aide in Homer. Dilbeck worked on watershed structures as a construction inspector/engineering aide mainly in North Georgia until 1979 when he moved to the State office as a civil engineering aide on the Soil and Water River Basin Study. He worked on the Banks Habersham County flood plain management study and then continued his work as soil conservation technician in Banks County. He then moved to Montezuma in South Georgia where he helped with the Conservation Reserve Program workload and served as a Beaverdam Creek watershed specialist in Macon County.

His last assignment was with the Carnesville/ Hartwell Field office until he retired in January 2006.
Dilbeck decided to return to the NRCS as an ACES employee in the Hartwell office in April of 2008 because he missed the work and his colleagues.
His familiarity with all the programs and expertise in implementing NRCS conservation practices allowed him to jump right in and help with the heavy workload. He spends his time surveying and designing practices and field inspection of ongoing technical practices. His many years of experience are still being passed on to the present NRCS employees.

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December 2009

ACES enhances lifelong employment opportunities
of experienced workers through training, job placement, education, research and advocacy.

Clarence Trent started his career with NRCS in 1985 as an Earth Team volunteer in Newport, Rhode Island, as a surveying assistant. Trent went on to volunteer as an Earth team volunteer in Georgetown and York, SC., and Harrisonburg, VA.
When the NRCS started the pilot project for ACES, he applied, was accepted and was assigned to work in the Rockingham County Service Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. covering three counties in the Shenandoah Valley River Basin.
He worked as a soil conservation technician aiding the District Conservationist with all programs, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) plan mapping for conservation plans, topography, and soils. He has conducted surveys, practice installation checks and completed "As Built" drawings for designed practices. He completed all Highly Erodible Land (HEL) determinations for the District Conservationist and distributed copies to the Farm Service Agency and the participants.
In September 2008, Clarence was transferred to the Watkinsville Service Center as an ACES employee where he continues to implement Farm Bill Programs. Trent continues to conduct surveys/designs, GIS mapping, HEL determinations and assist with conservation planning and contracts.

ACES employee Clarence Trent standing next to a water trough in a heavy use area.

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December 2009

Agricultural Water Enhancement Program

Program Manager: Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov

Program Highlights

The Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purposes of conserving surface and ground water and improving water quality. As part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), AWEP operates through contracts with producers to plan and implement conservation practices in project areas established through partnership agreements.
Under AWEP, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) enters into partnership agreements with eligible entities that want to promote ground and surface water conservation or improve water quality on agricultural lands. The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated the authority for AWEP to the NRCS Chief.

During 2009, NRCS entered into partnership agreements with two entities: the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District (Flint District), and the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC).
Through the Flint District partnership, NRCS is working to improve irrigation efficiency. A total of 263 contracts valued at $1.9 million were awarded to farmers for the purpose of improving irrigation efficiency on 24,000 acres.
NRCS' partnership with the GSWCC will help a number of organic producers, and those making the transition to organic production, install conservation practices to include water savings. Funding for this initiative is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2010.

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December 2009

Conservation Security Program
Program Manager: Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov

Program Highlights

The Conservation Security Program (CSP) is a voluntary program that rewards farmers with a history of good farmland conservation through stewardship and incentive payments. The program is designed to reward the best conservation stewards of the soil, water and other natural resources in targeted watersheds through 5-10 year contracts. The program provides equitable access to benefits for all producers, regardless of size or type of farm operation.

The CSP came to a close during fiscal year 2008. Between 2004 and 2008, NRCS rewarded 261 participants $22.8 million on 154,000 acres. Because contracts can last up to 10 years, this program will continue to offer payments through 2018. The 261 existing CSP contracts with Georgia producers continue to provide environmental benefits improving Georgia's soil, water and wildlife by implementing their CSP conservation plans.
Conservation tillage, cover crops, nutrient and pest management were the primary practices being utilized through the CSP. We still have farmers in this program.

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December 2009

Conservation Stewardship Program

Program Highlights

Program Manager: Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov

Through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to eligible producers to conserve and enhance soil, water, air and related natural resources on their land. Eligible lands include cropland, grassland, prairie land, improved pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest lands, agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe, and other private agricultural land (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used for the production of livestock) on which resource concerns related to agricultural production could be addressed. Participation in the program is voluntary.
CSP encourages land stewards to improve their conservation performance by installing and adopting additional activities and improving, maintaining, and managing existing activities on agricultural land and nonindustrial private forest land. The NRCS will make CSP available nationwide on a continuous application basis.

The CSP allows both agricultural producers and Non-Industrial Private Forest (NIPF) landowners to enroll. However, the two different land-user groups do not compete for funding. Georgia received an allocation of agricultural acres for applicants, and a separate allocation of forest land acres for NIPF applicants.

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December 2009

Conservation Technical Assistance

Program Highlights

Program Manager: Dot Harris Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: dot.harris@ga.usda.gov

The purpose of the Conservation Technical Assistance is to provide technical assistance supported by science-based technology and tools to help people conserve, maintain, and improve their natural resources. Conservation Technical Assistance provides the technical capability, including direct conservation planning, design, and implementation assistance, that helps people plan and apply conservation on the land. This assistance is provided to individuals, groups, and communities who make natural resource management decisions on private, tribal and other non-federal lands.
Laptop & printer mounted in a Mobile Field Office enables NRCS to apply technological advancements at the farm.

Conservation Technical Assistance provides the proven and consistent conservation technology and delivery infrastructure needed to achieve the benefits of a healthy and productive landscape, and has the following purposes:
Reduce soil loss from erosion.
Solve soil, water quality, water conservation, air quality, and agricultural waste management problems.
Reduce potential damage caused by excess water and sedimentation or drought.
Enhance the quality of aquatic and wildlife habitat.
Improve the long term sustainability of all lands, including cropland, forestland, grazing lands, coastal lands, and developed and/or developing lands.
Assist others in facilitating changes in land use as needed for natural resource protection and sustainability.
Conservation planning is a process for evaluating resource concerns on the landscape and developing alternatives to overcome the issues. It is the precursor for implementing conservation practices, with or without financial assistance. In fiscal year 2009, in Georgia, there were 2,275 conservation plans written on 278,377 acres.

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December 2009

E-Government

Program Manager: Dot Harris Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: dot.harris@ga.usda.gov

Landowners and others wanting to do business with the government can do it online! NRCS is one of three United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service Center agencies that offers online services.
To learn more, visit the web site at http://www.sc.egov.usda.gov
The USDA has implemented a process for registering customers who choose to conduct electronic transactions with USDA agencies. Under this process, a customer can register for access to eGov applications by visiting:
http://www.eauth.egov.usda.gov
At this site, the application will take the customer through a simplified registration process.
When registered, the customer will need to visit their local service center and have their identity verified by presenting one of four forms of identification; state driver's license; state issued identification card; U.S. passport or a military identification card.
The service center staff will then be able to activate the account and provide the customer with access to many current and future eGov applications.
Please note that the USDA will only accept eAuthentication accounts from individuals. The USDA does not have the mechanism to issue accounts to businesses.

http://www.eauth.egov.usda.gov

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December 2009

Emergency Watershed Protection Program

Program Highlights

Program Manager: Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2083 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov

The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program provides local communities with emergency technical and financial assistance to address natural resource concerns resulting from a natural disaster. An example would be downed trees blocking road crossings at creeks. These impediments cause blockage to creeks or small drainage ways, threatening damage to roads, bridges and other structures and increasing risk to human life.
Rain runoff washed out material about three feet back from under Daugherty Gap Road in Walker County during the September 2009 flood.

In 2009, NRCS offered technical and financial assistance to 36 communities in response to flooding. In April 2009, major flooding hit south Georgia causing widespread damage. Early, Miller, Tift, and Worth Counties; as well as the Cities of Arlington, Nashville, and Valdosta requested over $1.8 million for recovery measures associated with road-stream crossings along with other threats to life and property.
During September 2009, an epic flood hit the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, as well as other parts of Georgia. Over $500 million in damages occurred in 23 counties. To date, 29 communities have requested NRCS technical and financial assistance in response to this disaster. The communities include: Cobb, Douglas, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties; as well as the Cities of Atlanta, Austell, Berkley Lake, Duluth, John's Creek Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountain, Trion, and Warner Robbins.
Local units of government have requested NRCS assistance under the agency's EWP Program to remove debris from rivers, streams, and creeks to protect life and property. They also requested help in stabilizing streambanks at bridges, culverts, other road crossings, and utilities to prevent further damage of public infrastructure.

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December 2009

Emergency Watershed Protection Program Floorplain Easement Program

Program Highlights

Program Manager: Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2083 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov

Section 382 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 104127, amended the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) to provide for the purchase of floodplain easements as an emergency measure. Since 1996, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has purchased floodplain easements on lands that qualify for EWP assistance. Floodplain easements restore, protect, maintain and enhance the functions of the floodplain; conserve natural values including fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, flood water retention, ground water recharge and open space; reduce long-term federal disaster assistance; and safeguard lives and property from floods, drought and the products of erosion.
NRCS may purchase EWP easements on any floodplain lands that have been impaired within the last twelve months or that have a history of repeated flooding (i.e., flooded at least two times during the past 10 years).

Hay field in Gordon County that is within a flood plain.
During a two week sign-up period in April 2009, NRCS received 98 applications totaling $107 million for the Floodplain Easement Program, third highest amount requested in the country. The popularity of this program nationally surpassed all expectations as landowners across the country requested over $1.5 billion. Competition for this program is keen, so only 5 applicants in Georgia were funded to restore 563 acres back to its original floodplain condition for some $3.5 million. Landowners accepted into the program will restore floodplains to natural vegetation through tree planting, and protect this area with use exclusion (fencing).

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December 2009

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Program Highlights

Program Manager: Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides a voluntary conservation program for farmers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land.

On private lands with farmers and ranchers,
On a voluntary basis,
Using local, state, tribal and federal partnerships,
Providing flexible technical, educational and financial assistance,
Assisting Farmers and Ranchers in complying with federal, state and tribal environmental laws and
Encouraging environmental enhancement.

In 2009, 1,129 farmers benefited from $14.8 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds. These producers enrolled over 96,000 acres in the program. Livestock producers received over 60 percent of the EQIP dollars, with cattle operators utilizing $8.9 million in financial assistance to improve Georgia's water quality.
These livestock producers will implement grazing plans that include rotational grazing, alternative watering facilities, fencing and heavy use areas along with improve pasture plantings.
Water conservation continues to be a primary resource concern in South Georgia as producers sign up to retrofit 286 center pivot irrigation systems from high pressure to low pressure systems, while following an irrigation water management plan. This will reduce water usage by over 20 percent.

Heavy use area (HUA) built to keep cattle out of the mud and helps in keeping the cattle healthier. EQIP was used to build this HUA.

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December 2009

Environmental Quality Incentives Program continued

Greenview Farms Continue Conservation Efforts

Located in Wayne County outside of Screven is a family farm that has been operating since 1860. "Greatgrandfather's farm started out at 765 acres.
"The farm has 1,100 acres of timberland, 1,000 acres in row crops and 700 in pasture," according to Jonny Harris, president of Greenview Farms, Inc.
Using the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), fences, heavy use areas, and watering facilities are being installed to help with the cattle and water quality. "We're trying to fence those areas off at about two miles a year. We are trying to improve the water quality, the land and the high pressure areas; it's a continuing process," said Harris.
Harris likes the flexibility of EQIP. It allows him to do a conservation project through the NRCS or on his own. "It comes with a certain amount of flexibility on how you can manage things," said Harris.
Harris has seen the benefits of EQIP and will continue to see the benefits in the future. "We were able to go to strip tillage farming. Every year we realize more and more benefits from that practice."
Harris added, "the cross fencing, the management of the pastures, the rotation, keeping the cattle out of the streams and getting the fresh water, the herds health, the timberland -- they have assisted us in burns (prescribed burns)."

He went on to say, "It has been beneficial in so many ways that it would take a while to describe them all. There are benefits that we won't realize right now or don't realize we've got and there will be some more coming up in the years to come as long as we follow these practices."
Greenview Farms is so embedded with conservation that it won the Governor's Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Award in 2007. This year it's a finalist in the 2009 National Cattlemen Association Environmental Stewardship Award to be announced in February 2010.

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December 2009

Farm & Ranch Lands Protection Program

Program Manager: Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov

Program Highlights

The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farm and ranchland in agricultural uses. Working through existing programs, USDA partners with State, tribal, or local governments and non-governmental organizations to acquire conservation easements or other interests in land from landowners. USDA provides up to 50 percent of the fair market value for the conservation easement. The program provides matching funds to State, Tribal, or local governmental organizations with existing farmland protection programs to purchase conservation easements or other interests in land.
In 2009, NRCS worked with partners in Oconee and Carroll County to close on two easements for over 300 acres. These easements utilized funding from FRPP along with a match from the Georgia Land Conservation Program. Since this program began in 2002, NRCS, through various partnerships, has protected over 2,900 acres in permanent easements at a value of over $9 million. NRCS has contributed $4.2 million for this purpose during this period.

Cattle grazing in one of the pastures on Wiley Farm. Homestead is in the background.
Landowner Adds His Land to The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP)
Dale Wiley, a third generation farmer and the owner and operator of Wiley Farm, placed 50 acres of his land into FRPP.
The farm is located outside of the community of Jersey in southern Walton County. The 175-acre farm is primarily a cattle and hay production farm.
"If other farmers are interested in doing the same thing I have done just remember, it's not about making a lot of money or getting public recognition. It's a long and difficult process. But, if you really love your land and farm, it's the best feeling in the world when it's complete. I told my wife when this was complete I could go to my grave with a smile on my face! There is one lesson I have learned in my life - friends, family, neighbors and people will let you down but, if you show respect and take care of your farm or land, it will never fail you!," said Wiley.

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December 2009

Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative

Program Highlights

Program Manager: Dennis Chessman Phone: 706 546-2114 Fax: 706 546-2275
E-mail: dennis.chessman@ga.usda.gov

NRCS in cooperation with Georgia Grazing Lands Conservation Coalition (GGLCC) encourage forage and livestock producers to adopt practices that promote the efficient use of their grazing land resources, while conserving soil and protecting water quality through maintenance of healthy forage systems. Accomplishing the objectives is facilitated through on-farm financial assistance demonstration projects, areaand state-wide conferences, development and distribution of grazing management resources, and funding of innovative research and land management projects. Several years ago, the University of Georgia Extension estimated the seasonal forage production area on private land in the state at 4.3 million acres, with an annual value of approximately $254 million, making forages a major economic crop for Georgia.

In 2009, grassland conservationists stationed in Carrollton and Washington assisted the NRCS Field Office personnel and landowners throughout the state in developing conservation grazing plans which helped livestock producers determine proper stocking rates, seasonal forage availability, and approaches for reducing dependence on stored forage.
In addition, NRCS grazing specialists participated in field days and county farmer meetings where they had the opportunity to educate stakeholders concerning soil, forage, and livestock management that improves both resource conditions and the farm bottom-line.

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December 2009

Beef cattle grazing native warm season grasses.

This year, GGLCC embarked on a new project with the objective of educating livestock producers about adjustments they can make to their farms that could improve efficiency and reduce costs. Central to the project is the establishment of model farms to be used for field days and workshops. Through minor changes to the system on the model farms, neighbors will be able to show neighbors how they not only increase the number of days they can graze, but also create the potential for environmental benefits.
Funds made available to NRCS through Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) will be used on the model farms to cost-share with owners for making the improvements.
The Coastal Plain Grazing System Demonstration Project entered its second year at the Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center in Americus.
A herd of 2225 beef cows have been residents of the system since March 2008.

Activities this past year included stockpiling a bermudagrass and a tall fescue pasture, dividing paddocks to increase stocking density and improve utilization and planting winter annuals that are somewhat novel for the Coastal Plain forage turnips and chicory.
A successful producer-targeted field day that highlighted the past year's results was held in June.

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December 2009

Grasslands Reserve Program
Program Manager: Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov

Program Highlights

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary conservation program that emphasizes support for working grazing operations, enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity and protection of grassland under threat of conversion to other uses.

Participants voluntarily limit future development and cropping uses of the land while retaining the right to conduct common grazing practices and operations related to the production of forage and seeding, subject to certain restrictions during nesting seasons of bird species that are in significant decline or are protected under Federal or State law. A grazing management plan is required for participants.

GRP allows for conservation easements and for rental contracts. In 2009, 46 acres in Oconee County were placed into a permanent easement for $237,000. On the rental contract side, NRCS entered into 17 contracts for 2,500 acres across six counties in north Georgia.

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December 2009

Healthy Forest Reserve Program

Program Highlights
The Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) is a voluntary program established for the purpose of restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems to: 1) promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species, 2) improve biodiversity; and 3) enhance carbon sequestration. Program implementation has been delegated to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Program Manager: Keith Wooster Phone: 706 546-2309 Fax: 706 546-2275
E-mail: keith.wooster@ga.usda.gov

A Guide to NRCS in Georgia

In 2009, HFRP was implemented in the 26-county fall line of the Sand Hill area of Georgia. We received 33 applications for over 11,000 acres. Ranking was completed on all applications and appraisals done on the top 6 applications with funding for approximately 1,000 acres. The proposed restoration will be longleaf pine planting, controlling hardwoods in existing longleaf pine stands and prescribe burning.

20

December 2009

National Resources Inventory

Program Highlights

Program Manager: Edward Ealy Phone: 706 546-2278 Fax: 706 546-2145
E-mail: edward.ealy@ga.usda.gov

The National Resources Inventory (NRI) is a statistical survey of land use and resource condition on nonfederal lands in the United States. It is designed to be consistent over the whole nation and over time.

Resource information available in NRI includes:

NRI is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) tool to provide Congress and the Nation with natural resources information - especially concerning the nation's farmland. Since the early 1980's, resource data has been gathered on a random sample of 160-acre land units.
Three points within those units are studied more intensively. As of 2005, this work is divided between three national Remote Sensing Laboratories and local field offices. Field office personnel in Georgia surveyed 2,099 of these points on two separate occasions in 2009. Crews from Grazing Lands and Soils also participated in a pilot project of the NRI On-Site Grazing Lands Study doing on-site visits and intensive vegetative characterizations.

Crop year 1997 Land Use in broad categories of Cropland, Pastureland, Forestland, Urban Land, Transportation, Federal Land, and Permanent Water. In addition to the broad categories, land use can be further subdivided into approximately 200 finer categories of crop types, forest types and other types of land use. Resource condition is mainly erosion estimates. In current NRI work, a transition from the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) to the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE II) is a major emphasis. Wetland loss and gain is another of NRI's data points.
Crop year 2003 Broad Land Use, Erosion and Wetlands on the national level (no sub-state estimates available). This data showed Georgia losing prime farmland to development at the third fastest rate in the nation. In good news, the nation showed its first net gain of agricultural wetlands since the NRI began in 1982.

Conservation Effects Assessment Program (CEAP) this initiative to correlate NRI data with Agricultural Research Service (ARS) study watersheds began with the 2002 Farm Bill.

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December 2009

Several very interesting publications have been released through this program. Releases in 2009 are:
Wetlands: Assessing Wetland Restoration and Creation Practices Implemented under U.S. Department of Agriculture Conservation Programs in the Southeastern Coastal Plain, October 31, 2009 (PDF; 0.1 MB)
Wildlife: National Evaluation of Wildlife Benefits of CRP practice CP33 (Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds) October 2009 (PDF; 3.1 MB)
Wildlife: Analysis of Missouri Wetlands Reserve Program Easement Monitoring Data. May 2009 (PDF; 2.5 MB)
Wildlife: Conservation Reserve Program Bird Monitoring and Evaluation Plan 2007 Annual Report, May 2009 (PDF; 3.1 MB)
Wetlands: CEAP Wetlands Assessment in California's Central Valley: Progress Report, March 31, 2009 (PDF; 0.4 MB)

Wildlife: The CRP Enhances Landscapelevel Grassland Bird Species Richness, CEAP Conservation Insight, January 2009 (PDF; 0.2 MB)
Overview: Enhancing conservation on agricultural landscapes: A new direction for the Conservation Effects Assessment Project, Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 63:6, pp. 198A-203A. November 2008 (PDF; 0.6 MB)
Overview: The first five years of the Conservation Effects Assessment Project, Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 63:6, pp. 185A-197A. November 2008 (PDF; 1.9 MB)
Watersheds: CEAP Watershed Studies are highlighted in CEAP Special Issue of the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, November 2008
Wetlands: Background summaries for the Wetlands Component Collaborative Studies, CEAP Backgrounders, November 2008
A complete library of CEAP publications since 2002 and all the data listed here can be found at the NRI website: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ technical/NRI/

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December 2009

Plant Materials Program

Program Highlights

Center Manager: Mike Owsley Phone: 229-924-4499 Fax: 229-924-0013
E-mail: mike.owsley@ga.usda.gov

The Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center (PMC) is a branch of the USDA-NRCS. It is one of 27 plant materials centers located throughout the United States. The Center is located on the Northwest corner of Americus, Georgia, in Southwestern Georgia and is approximately 40 miles North of Albany. Areas served include Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina and parts of Tennessee and Florida. Its mission is to develop plant materials and state-of-the-art plant science technology to solve natural resource problems and meet the objectives of environmental programs. The emphasis of the PMC is using native plants, developing test and release and providing superior adapted plants to commercial growers along with production and management technology.

The PMC worked with 11 different studies and eight Field Plantings in Alabama and Georgia in the past year. Some of the highlights are as follows;
Increasing a promising line of big bluestem for possible future use as forage and or biofuel.
A cattle rotation study was continued with Dennis Chessman, grazing specialist, NRCS Athens, to demonstrate a year round cattle grazing system and silvopasture establishment.
Assisted Dr. Brad Morris PhD in Agronomy, legumes researcher with USDAAgricultural Research Service (ARS) Griffin, in studying legumes for future pharmaceutical use.
A Bobwhite restoration study was conducted between Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the NRCS Biologists in Alabama and Georgia on ten acres of land at the PMC. Wildlife biologists have evaluated the study for wildlife use and benefit.

Malcome Kirkland, agronomist with the PMC in Americus and Lee Davis, Dooly County farmer, discuss using native warm season grasses in cattle rotation systems.

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December 2009

A field of AU Sunup Crimson Clover at the PMC.
The PMC is working on a release with South Carolina called Penn Center switchgrass for use along South Carolina coastal area between high marsh and maritime forest. Seeds from sweetgrass population on Sapelo Island, GA was collected and planted at the PMC to help support basket making industry along coast.
Four field days were hosted covering Conservation Practice-36, wildlife, prescribed burn and grazing systems training for NRCS landowners and others.
PMC staff participated in ecological site descriptions in Georgia flatwoods with Regional team to describe the understory and overstory of longleaf pine communities.
PMC had a total of 20 presentations and or training events, produced 11 technical documents, and a new plant release

called Au Sunup crimson clover with Auburn University. A new study with Tropic Sun Hemp was conducted to determine dry matter production for green manure and nitrogen production in crop lands. The PMC is working on nature trail plant identification for Hawkinsville, GA with University of Georgia, Pine Country Resource Conservation and Development Council and Pulaski County, GA.
Prescribed burn in native warm season grass

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December 2009

Resource Conservation & Development

Program Highlights

Program Manager: Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov

Over 40 years ago, Congress established a unique program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that empowered rural people to help themselves. The USDA focus was to assist local people by providing tools and technical support to stabilize and grow their own communities, while protecting and developing natural resources. To carry out the Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) concept, diverse groups of local volunteers (The RC&D Council) are brought together in a unique partnership to find solutions to their problems. Local people are best able to determine local needs, and create local solutions for their Community. The focus on the local direction and control has made RC&D one of the most successful rural development programs of the Federal Government.
During 2009, RC&D Councils created 35 businesses for the state of Georgia. They completed 11 watershed or area-wide plans, totaling over 47,000 acres. It is also estimated that RC&D Councils implemented 265 projects totaling over $14 million in assistance during the year.
This year, Georgia's 11 RC&D Councils are implementing Area Plans for their respective jurisdictions. Area Plans are guideposts to direct Council activities. To complete an Area Plan, each Council solicited public input about resource and economic needs from individuals and organizations within their Council Area.
Over 1,200 individuals supported the process by offering suggestions on how the

quality of life can be improved within their respective area. As a result, Georgia's eleven RC&D Councils have identified over 600 new projects to pursue between 2008 and 2013. Examples of projects Councils will be pursuing include, but are not limited to:
Water Quality Improvement Projects Wildlife Enhancement Projects Energy Conservation Projects Economic Development Projects Water Supply Projects Conservation Education Assistance History and Tourism Projects, and Philanthropic Assistance
The diversity of RC&D is unmatched by any other organization. As 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, RC&D Councils enjoy the support of a full-time federal employee, along with additional program resources from the federal government. At the same time, RC&D Councils enjoy flexibility to provide local assistance in many ways beyond the ability of all units of government.

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December 2009

RC&D Councils in Georgia
Central Savannah River 501 N. Main St., Wrens, Georgia 30833 (706) 706 547-4045 Fax: (706) 547-7606
Chestatee-Chattahoochee 170 Scoggins Drive, Demorest, Georgia 30535 (706) 894-1591 Fax: (706) 894-1597
Coastal Georgia 185 Richard Davis Dr., Ste 204 Richmond Hill, GA 31324 (912) 459-2070 Fax: (912) 459-2071
Golden Triangle 822-R Jesse Johnson Street Blakely, Georgia 39823 (229) 723-3841 Fax: (229) 723-3842 www.enhancinggeorgia.org
Limestone Valley 125 Red Bud Road, N.E. Suite 7 Calhoun, Georgia 30701 (706) 625-7044 Fax: (706) 625-9943
Oconee River 1291 Greensboro Highway Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 (706) 769-7922 Fax: (706) 769-3184

Pine Country 105 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Soperton, Georgia 30457 (912) 529-6652 Fax: (912) 529-6000
Rolling Hills RC&D Council, Inc. 512 Main Street Cedartown, GA 30125 (770) 749-0444 Fax: (770) 749-9444 www.rollinghillsrcd.org
Seven Rivers 239 N.E. Park Avenue, Suite E Baxley, Georgia 31513 (912) 367-7679 Fax: (912) 367-1184
Two Rivers 100 Ridley Avenue LaGrange, Georgia 30240 (706) 885-0101 Fax: (706) 885-0103 www.tworiversrcd.org
Upper Ocmulgee River 750 S. Perry Street, Suite 212 Lawrenceville, Georgia 30045 (770) 339-6071 (678) 442-1329

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December 2009

Resource Conservation & Development
continued

Georgia's 11 Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils Achieves The Circle of Diamonds Designation

All of Georgia's 11 Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils achieved the 2009 Circle of Diamonds Designation from the National Resource Conservation and Development Council Board of Directors.
This announcement was made during the National Association of RC&D Councils national conference this past June in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
"This exemplary designation shows the level of professionalism and hard work that the RC&D Councils in Georgia have exhibited. I again commend them for their commitment to the farmers and landowners in their communities and across this state," said Georgia's State Conservationist, James E. Tillman, Sr.
RC&D Councils play an important role in the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources.
They work to improve the general level of economic activity and to enhance the environment and standard of living in the local communities.
They provide a system of rural development to encourage the best use of our natural resources and improve the quality of life.
"The members in the Circle of Diamonds reflect work provided by the RC&D program to

the citizens of Georgia. The fine professionals and volunteers involved in the RC&D program have benefited farmers, landowners, and communities, both urban and rural.
This reflects the excellent working relations we have with our partners and the State Office of the NRCS. My sincere congratulations to all involved," said Jeanette Jamieson, president of the Georgia RC&D Council.
The Circle of Diamonds program is designed to honor RC&D Councils by highlighting their exemplary actions in their own community, and to give recognition to those councils for the good work they do in their local communities.

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December 2009

Soil Survey

Program Highlights

Program Manager: Edward Ealy Phone: 706 546-2278 Fax: 706 546-2145
E-mail: edward.ealy@ga.usda.gov

The Soil Survey Program is authorized under law and regulation, and guided by executive order and secretary's memoranda. The Agriculture Appropriation Act of 1896 established the soil survey, and subsequent laws (1903, 1928, and 1935) clarified the purpose. In 1966, Congress expanded the scope and further clarified the intent of the Soil Survey Program in Public Law 89 560, known as the Soil Survey for Resource Planning and Development Act. This law, now codified under the Public Health and Welfare 42 USC, provides detailed expectations for the soil survey program and is the principal basis for the soil survey mission.

The authorities define the mission of the Soil Survey Program. Taken together, the authorities direct the Secretary of Agriculture to:
1. make an inventory of the soil resources of the United States;
2. keep the soil survey relevant to ever-changing needs;
3. interpret the information and make it available in a useful form; and
4. promote the soil survey and provide technical assistance in its use for a wide range of community planning and resource development issues related to non-farm and farm uses.

The soil survey program of the United States is a cooperative effort conducted by Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other Federal agencies in collaboration with states and other entities. Leadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey is delegated to the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service by the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (7 CFR 2.61).

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December 2009

Soil Survey continued

The NRCS will complete the initial inventory of all the soils in Georgia in 2011. After the initial inventory is completed, the Georgia Cooperative Soil Survey will begin to focus toward the three remaining core mission functions mentioned above.
Nationally, efforts have already begun within the Soil Survey Division to redirect its focus toward continually improving soil survey information to meet ever-changing needs for new data and analysis, delivering soil survey analysis and data in more useful forms to a more diverse clientele, promoting soil survey, and providing technical assistance in its use. The focus will be to deliver the soil survey on a Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) basis.
To achieve this mission, the NRCS has begun to restructure the soil survey program that focuses on initial mapping to a program that will focus on updating and maintenance of the soil inventory gathered over the past five decades.

In FY 2009, the Georgia Cooperative soil survey published new or updated soil surveys for Crawford and Taylor Counties; completed field work in Paulding County and posted the SSURGO (Soil Survey Geographic Database) for Webster County and Stewart County Soil Surveys.
All digitized soil surveys are available to the public through the web soil survey, an interactive, web-based delivery system.
Soil survey reports and soil data downloads are available at http://www.soildatamart.nrcs. usda.gov/.

More information can be found at

http://www.soils.usda.gov/.

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December 2009

Technical Service Providers

Program Manager: Maryann Trent Phone: 706 546-2114 Fax: 706 546-2275
E-mail: maryann.trent@ga.usda.gov

Program Highlights

The Technical Service Provider (TSP) program was outlined in the 2002 Farm Bill. The TSP program requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow producers to receive technical assistance by individuals and entities other than NRCS. This provision is designed to ensure NRCS has the capacity to address the significant workload associated with implementing Farm Bill programs. TSP assistance is another tool for NRCS to use in the implementation of conservation programs.

In fiscal year 2009, NRCS obligated $320,400 in the TSP program throughout Georgia. These funds were disbursed to 17 counties for use in the Agricultural Conservation Enrollees/ Seniors (ACES) program, National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) agreement, and the Flint River SWCD for implementation of Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) contracts. Through these obligated funds, hundreds of conservation practices have been installed while providing field offices a significant saving of time to address workload needs.
This program assisted in the installation of practices such as cover crop, critical area planting, fence, hedgerow planting, irrigation water management, nutrient management, pasture and hayland planting, prescribe grazing, residue management, riparian forest buffer, heavy use area, well, pipeline, tank and trough and stream crossing.
Individuals may apply to NRCS to become a Technical Service Provider. Additional information about this process and credential requirements may be found online at http://techreg.usda.gov/.
The TSP program has played a significant role in Georgia by providing an additional avenue for NRCS to help people help the land.

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December 2009

Watershed Planning

Program Highlights

Program Manager: Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov

The Watershed Program helps sponsoring organizations in the development of a plan on watersheds 250,000 acres or less. Resource concerns associated with impaired water quality, limited water supply, flooding, land management, sedimentation, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitats are eligible for evaluation. Watershed Plans and Environmental Assessments propose alternative courses of action to alleviate identified problems. Public benefits, costs, and cost-sharing rates are identified as a necessary prerequisite to justify Federal financial assistance for installing works of improvement.

In 2009, NRCS in Georgia provided technical assistance to nine communities with technical watershed planning.
Community needs for water supply projects have become the most common resource concern generating request for assistance from NRCS.
Other community scale resource concerns addressed this year include water quality degradation, agricultural irrigation deficiencies, and excessive erosion.
Five watershed, or area-wide, plans were processed during the year for local communities including Banks County, Dawson County, Hancock County, Oglethorpe County, and Paulding County for water supply.

A lake formed by a watershed dam

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December 2009

Watershed Rehabilitation Program

Program Highlights

Program Manager: Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov

The Watershed Program helps sponsoring organizations in the development of a plan on watersheds 250,000 acres or less. Resource concerns associated with impaired water quality, limited water supply, flooding, land management, sedimentation, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitats are eligible for evaluation. Watershed Plans and Environmental Assessments propose alternative courses of action to alleviate identified problems. Public benefits, costs, and cost-sharing rates are identified as a necessary prerequisite to justify Federal financial assistance for installing works of improvement.

Since 1953, 357 project dams have been built in Georgia. Currently, 189 of these are "High Hazard," indicating a potential loss of life if the dam were to fail. Preliminary investigations indicate that some $120 million will be needed to upgrade these structures and ensure compliance with current dam safety legislation.
NRCS project dams annually provide $21 million of benefits to local communities by providing flood protection, water based recreation, municipal water supply, and other water uses. Property values for land associated with these floodwater retarding structures have also increased. Homes and property adjacent to one of these reservoirs averages 25% higher than home and property without such amenities.
One of the major issues involved with aging dams is the safety and health of an estimated 17,000 people downstream from the

Rehabilitation of the Marbury Creek -22 dam will prevent flooding.
dams. Many dams were originally built in rural areas to protect agricultural lands; but homes, business, and roads have now been built downstream thereby increasing the impacts if they were to fail. Congress passed legislation in 2000 that authorized NRCS to provide financial and technical assistance for rehabilitation of dams that were originally constructed under NRCS water resource programs.
Since 2002, NRCS-Georgia has secured $11 million under this program to upgrade six watershed dams. Additionally, 44 dams have been, or are being, analyzed to determine the extent of downstream hazards. Emergency Action Plans are being developed on all of these dams to help protect Georgia residents living below these structures.

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December 2009

Watershed Rehabilitation Program
continued
NRCS Assisted Dams

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December 2009

Wetland Reserve Program

Program Manager: Keith Wooster Phone: 706 546-2309 Fax: 706 546-2275
E-mail: keith.wooster@ga.usda.gov

Program Highlights
The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property. NRCS provides landowners the technical and financial support to make restoration possible. The NRCS goal is to restore the greatest wetland functions and values, along with optimum wildlife habitat, on every acre enrolled in the program. This program offers landowners an opportunity to establish long-term conservation and wildlife habitat protection.

In 2009, 11 new easements equalling 2,248 acres were enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program.
An additional 375 acres were restored in existing WRP easements.
Restoration included tree planting, cattle exclusion and the construction of ditch plugs that restores the hydrology in wetlands that where drained years ago.

Grady pond in Clay County was drained years ago. Through WRP, the landowner plugged the ditch and created the wetland.

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December 2009

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
Program Manager: Jimmy Bramblett Phone: 706 546-2272 Fax: 706 546-2120
E-mail: jimmy.bramblett@ga.usda.gov
Program Highlights
The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) develops or improves wildlife habitat on privately owned land.Through WHIP, NRCS provides both technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat. The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land.
Georgia received $1.1 million in Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) funds this year. With this funding, 123 contracts were approved in 59 counties covering over 7,700 acres.
Tree and Shrub plantings, prescribed burning and early successional habitat management continue to be the primary practices being used to improve Georgia's wildlife on private lands.

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December 2009