2014 Plan of Work

CATOOSA COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT

On October 3, 1951 the Catoosa County Conservation District was organized and is a legal subdivision of the Georgia State Government. The Conservation District meetings are held on the second Friday of each month in Ringgold unless publicized otherwise.

DISTRICT SUPERVISORS:

Frank Keith Bonnell 2269 Three Notch Road. Ringgold, GA 30736

Marshall R. Taylor 2436 Salem Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736

Dean LeBron O'Donald 4047 Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736

J.M. "Bobby" Plemons P.O. Box 295 Ringgold, GA 30736

Roger O. Bowman, Jr. 360 Bowman Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 (Chairman)

Catoosa County Conservation District
Annual Plan of Work Fiscal Year (FY) 2014
This Plan of Work establishes the major objectives for the Catoosa County Conservation District during FY 2014. It emphasizes conservation of natural resources within the District.
Major Objectives
1. Natural Resources Conservation - Promote the conservation of soil, water, forestry, wildlife, and other natural resources.
2. Conservation Education Promote conservation education through youth and adult education programs.
3. Public Relations & Information - To create public awareness of District conservation programs and objectives.
4. Erosion and Sedimentation Program - Provide technical assistance related to erosion control and sedimentation prevention to citizens and local units of government.
Natural Resource Conservation
Action Item
1. Promote natural resources conservation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency through the District responsibility for implementing the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Conservation Reserve Program, and other Farm Bill programs.
2. Provide assistance to landowners to plan and apply conservation Best Management Practices.
3. Host an annual Local Work Group Meeting with agency partners and local farmers to prioritize resources and practices for Farm Bill Program Funding.
4. Promote minimum and no-till conservation farming through the use of the no-till drill through the Limestone Valley RC&D.
5. Provide soils information to the public through the web-based Web Soil Survey to promote proper land use planning.
6. Promote the Middle Tennessee River 319 Ag Implementation Project along with the Limestone Valley RC&D.

Conservation Education
Action Item
1. Sponsor high school students to attend the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in Tifton to introduce them at an early age to the concepts of soil and water conservation. Tuition for each student will be paid from District funds or from outside sources.
2. Purchase and distribute stewardship materials from NACD to be used at the annual Conservation Banquet to inform the public of the need to manage and protect natural resources.
3. Host an annual poster contest for local 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. 4. Award an annual scholarship in the amount of $500 to a graduating senior from a
local high school. 5. Work with the county school system in developing an outdoor educational area on
school grounds. 6. Coordinate with UGA Cooperative Extension and other natural resource agencies
to create a agricultural / natural resources awareness field day for elementary school students in Catoosa County. This field day will give students hands-on experience that can't be taught in the classroom. 7. The SWCD may pay a per diem and mileage at a rate not to exceed the rates set annually by the GSWCC to supervisors who attend conservation meetings and continuing education opportunities.
Public Relations and Information
Action Item
1. Develop and distribute annual report on the District's accomplishments. 2. Provide for oversight of District funds by the annual review of expenditures and
income, and provide a detailed financial report to the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission at the end of each fiscal year. 3. Work closely with other agencies (FSA, RD, Cooperative Extension Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, GSWCC, NRCS, RC&D, and DNR) to coordinate conservation program activities in the District. Encourage each agency representative to attend board meetings and keep District supervisors informed on the various agency programs in the District. 4. Prepare news articles on the District's program and activities. 5. Keep locally elected officials fully informed about conservation issues and of ongoing conservation programs and District accomplishments. 6. Appoint a SWCD Liaison to serve on the Limestone Valley RC&D Council
board. 7. Create a website to highlight District activities and objectives.

8. Hold officer elections every 2 years beginning in December 2014 to elect a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and a Treasurer.
Erosion and Sedimentation Program
Action Item
1. Review erosion and sediment control plans for land disturbance projects within the limits of each Local Issuing Authority (LIA) that falls under the requirements of the erosion and sediment control ordinance of the LIA where there is not a Memorandum of Agreement with the District.
2. Provide technical assistance to evaluate soil and water resources for proposed development projects.
3. Promote soil and water conservation through the GSWCC Erosion and Sedimentation Certification Program.
4. Host 2 GSWCC re-certification courses in the County. 5. Provide LIA's with technical assistance for their erosion and sedimentation
control program and assist with interpretation of the Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act.

The District will seek, manage, and expend funds made available through private, local, state and federal sources in such a way as to promote soil and water conservation and conservation education.

General District Budget for 2014

District Funds

GSWCC Funds

Conservation Banquet

1500.00

NACD, GACDS, RC&D Dues

1550.00

Soil Stewardship Material

0

Postage

0

Stationery

0

Supervisor Expenses for Non-Local

Meetings

500.00

_________

$3,550.00

100.00 0 150.00
50.00 80.00
0 ________ $ 380.00