2013-2014 COASTAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN OF WORK MISSION STATEMENT: The Coastal Soil and Water Conservation District shall provide leadership, information, education, economic incentives and technical assistance to conserve, improve and sustain our natural resources through partnerships with individuals, businesses, schools, organizations, and local and state and federal governments. OBJECTIVE 1: CONSERVATION EDUCATION: GOAL 1: Keep District Supervisors Aware and Educated on New Programs and Policies July 2013 June 2014 1. Provide supervisors with financial resources to improve their knowledge of conservation issues, and assist supervisors with financial resources to individually promote the programs of the District. Provide per diem payment of up to $120 and mileage payment for supervisors to attend Supervisor Training and the GACDS Annual Meeting when funds are available. GOAL 2: Increase Conservation Education in the Classroom - July 2013 June 2014 1. Provide educational information to schools when requested to promote the need of management and protection of water and soil resources. GOAL 3: Increase Conservation Education Special Events/Programs July 2013 June 2014 1. Host an Arbor Day Celebration tree planting at a school in each district county. 2. Sponsor student from each county to participate in Youth NRCW conservation camp to introduce them to concepts of soils and water conservation. 3. Participate in Coastfest in October and pass out educational material relating to Conservation of Natural Resources. 4. Sponsor and provide funding, when available, for 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters with landjudging/training, Envirothon program and other natural resources and environmental conservation events. OBJECTIVE 2: INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS/INFORMATION. GOAL 1: Increase Public Awareness through Programs and Publications July 2013 June 2014 1. Development of website for visibility and notification of events to educate the public on the District's programs and services. 2. Presentation to local officials annually. 3. Promote public understanding for the need to manage and protect soil and water resources by purchasing and distributing conservation education information during Soil Stewardship Week. 4. Submit news articles on partnership events to all multi-media. GOAL 2: Cooperate With Partners July 2013 June 2014 1. Meet annually with partners or request annual reports from them (USDA Farm Services and NRCS; Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Georgia Forestry Commission; Georgia Extension Service; Coastal Resources; RC&D Council; Environmental Protection Department; Local issuing Authorities; Area River Keepers; Wild Turkey Foundation; USA Fish and Wildlife). 1 OBJECTIVE 3: CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES THROUGH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. GOAL 1: Protect and Improve Soil and Water Quality and Wildlife Habitat through Technical Assistance July 2013 June 2014 1. Monitor NRCS activities and offer support for programs. 2. Provide No Till Drill, Litter Spreader, and Scalper to the public for rent 3. Provide technical assistance with the Wetland Conservation Act/Reserve 4. Make District services available to Fort Stewart/Hunter if time allows. GOAL 2: Implement Farm Bill and Other USDA Programs July 2013 June 2014 1. Identify programs available and publicize listing signups dates, planning, and contracts. Cooperate with NRCS in reviewing Local Work Groups cost share rate information for Delivery of Farm Bill Programs in areas such as: Forestry; Soil Erosion; Water Conservation; Water Conservation B; Water Quality CAFO; and Water Quality Grazing; cost share information and priority concerns. 2. Promote conservation programs such as CSP, WRP, WHIP, EQIP and EQIP others that assist with forestry, wildlife habitat preservation, water conservation and water quality. GOAL 3: Increase Forestry and Wildlife Habitat July 2013 June 2014 1. Provide technical assistance for forest stewardship program which encourages forest landowners to actively manage their forest for multiple uses. 2. Increase forest acres under good management. a. Support the Forestry Stewardship Program as outlined by the Georgia Forestry Incentive Program. b. Work with the Georgia Forestry Commission to sponsor a seminar on Forestry BMP's for district landowners. c. Oppose any cuts in Georgia Forestry Commission fire protection. 3. Continue efforts to locate dip-sites and dry hydrants sites for fire protection GOAL 4: Increase Conservation in Urban and Developing communities July 2013 June 2014 1. Publicize the value of protecting drainage ways, buffers and tree corridors for protection of water quality and wildlife habitat. 2. Educate the public about groundwater quality and quantity issues and efforts to protect it. 3. Promote water conservation by the usage of rain barrels to collect roof runoff of rain water. Work with Kelly O'Rourke (Georgia DNR CRD) to schedule Rain Barrel/Water Conservation Workshops throughout the District. a. Endeavor to host Coastal Stormwater Supplement Awareness Workshop. 4. Sponsor and conduct meetings and seminars to inform groups and individuals of particular conservation needs. GOAL 5: Increase understanding for the need to preserve and protect soil resources - July 2013 June 2014 1. Help local units of government fully implement the Erosion and Sediment Control Act of l975 and to implement new House Bill 285, by hiring an Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector through the Demonstration Program to work with Local Issuing Authorities. a. Continue to follow up with units of government and insist that the law be enforced. b. Conduct training seminars for the Education Certification Program to help implement these laws. 2 c. Develop and maintain cooperative partnerships to ensure environmental stewardship and compliance with state law for land disturbing activities located within Ft. Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. 5. Endeavor to sponsor seminars and demonstrations to help counties implement dirt road Best Management Practices. 6. Sponsor and conduct demonstrations, tours, and field days to acquaint farmers and land-users with methods for protecting soil and water resources and promote greater participation. OBJECTIVE 4: IMPROVE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCES. GOAL 1: Improve Partnership Management/Administration to fulfill public responsibilities. July 2013 June 2014 1. Develop annual plan of operation and update monthly. 2. Develop job description for part-time secretary. 3. Review Mutual & Cooperative Agreements, including Civil Rights & EEO responsibilities. 4. Maintain and improve working relationships with NRCS and FSA. 5. Promote dialogue with elected representatives on the county, state and federal levels, county departments and local issuing authorities and expend funds for meeting expenses to keep these leaders informed of conservation concerns and programs and of erosion control best management practices. 6. Maintain membership in professional organizations and associations that promulgate and promote goals that are similar to those of the district. GOAL 2: Develop and provide details of all contractual obligations held by district (personnel, equipment, grant funds, etc.) July 2013 June 2014 1. Develop contractual obligations to be included as an attachment to Annual Plan of Work. a. Develop contract for personnel operating equipment or serving as custodian of equipment. Incorporate and utilize an agreement or contract with Georgia Forestry Commission and RC&D Council on any and all equipment the District has whole or partial interest in. b. Develop contracts for personnel for billing grant contracts Attach all contracts to Plan of Work as Addendums Perform inventory and inspection of all equipment and complete report on condition. Attach copy of report to Plan of Work as an Addendum GOAL 3: Enhance Financial Resources. July 2013 June 2014 1. Manage district financial and material resources to meet district goals in an efficient and productive manner and as prescribed by state guidelines. 2. Develop yearly budget. 3. Conduct audit with outside agent. 4. Research possible grant opportunities to assist with funding projects as they relate to the District's priorities, such as Coastal Incentive Grant. 5. Seek outside sources of income to strengthen and support District activities and programs, such as sponsoring an erosion and sediment control certification course. 3 COASTAL SOIL AND WATER DISTRICT DISTRICT ANNUAL BUDGET Ordinary Income/Expense INCOME Equipment rental County payments Interest Income Fundraising Events Contributions (review of plans) Total Income BUDGET 1500.00 1000.00 3600.00 6100.00 ACTUAL =/- BUDGET EXPENSES Meetings (Holtons) Salary expenses Office expense Printing Postage & Delivery Conference & Travel Expense Educational material Workshops Arbor Day Trees Supplement to State Budget NRCW dues Other dues 3600.00 1500.00 50.00 100.00 50.00 5000.00 300.00 1000.00 450.00 400.00 750.00 1525.00 Total Expense 14,725.00 4