SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ANNUAL PLAN OF WORK FV2014
Revised June 2013

DEHHLB COUBTH
SOIL HDD WHTER 0DSERVHTIOD DISTRICT SUPERVISORS

DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District FY 2014 Annual Work Plan
Land Use Develop resource information and technical assistance to local land users to promote and encourage the use of the best available technologies for sound land use practices and water and soil conservation.
Actions: Encourage the development, update and use of conservation easements for individual landowners
and developers.
Address concerns in the area of water quality and resource management including issues that may relate to sanitary sewer overflows (inflow and infiltration), storm water management, waters already determined to be impaired and total maximum daily load (TMDL) determinations.
Support watershed planning for better storm water management.
Encourage the implementation of local legislation (Example -Chapter 14- Land Development) that promotes the preservation of greenspace, open space and conservation of natural resources, at the same time planning for subdivision and development of land.
Assist and encourage the formation of watershed alliances to promote community awareness and protection of local natural resources and environmental features.
Erosion and Sediment Control Work closely with the local units of government, developers and builders to fully implement the Erosion and Sediment Control Act of 1975, as Amended.
Actions: Sponsor and conduct an annual erosion and sediment control EXPO to create awareness of new technologies, the most current regulations and requirements and innovations and successes in erosion and sediment control for developers, regulators, builders, and citizens.
Conduct overviews of the Issuing Authorities to ensure that they are adequately implementing the Erosion and Sediment Control Act. This includes inspections, timeliness and effectiveness of enforcement responses, and the Issuing Authority's effectiveness at returning violators to compliance.
Review plans from the county and local municipalities in accordance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Act.

Hold Meetings (open to the public) at least monthly to review erosion and sediment control issues and concerns with the Issuing Authority and to discuss District activities.

Develop periodic written evaluations of the Issuing Authorities which outlines findings and makes any needed recommendations for improving the program.

Review the local erosion and sediment control ordinances periodically with local inspectors and officials to insure full knowledge and understanding.

o Encourage the creation of an Environmental Court to handle, in a timely, efficient and

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effective manner, those not in compliance with environmental laws.

o Standardize and implement Memorandum of Agreement with local municipalities as needed.

Education
Develop a strong information and education program for local students and citizens.
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Actions: Participate in conservation activities throughout the District, interacting with other conservation groups, legislators, and citizens. Work to create a network that disseminates information and promotes conservation ideals for citizens and landowners within the District. (Goal: Create a brochure which describes and informs the public of the District purpose and organization.)
Maintain membership in professional organizations and associations that promote goals that are similar to those of the District.
Develop news articles for local papers on District activities, conservation workshops and conservation issues.
Sponsor and select at least two students to attend the Natural Resource Conservation Workshop.
Recognize individuals for their contributions to soil and water conservation and promote greater participation.

Legislative
Develop a social and political climate that supports conservation and wise use of soil and water resources.
Actions: Keep city, county, state and federal officials informed about District programs and provide assistance as needed.

Stay informed of local regional and statewide issues, monitor environmental legislation, and make contacts with Senators and Representatives, urging support for the District's position on these issues.
Annually review the memorandum of understanding between the District and the NRCS.

Funding and Financial Growth

Actions:

Seek outside sources of income to strengthen and support District activities and

programs.

(Example: find Sponsors for EXPO to supplement costs of event, sending of students

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to Natural Resource Conservation Workshop)

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Manage District financial and material resources to meet District goals in an efficient and

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productive manner as prescribed by state guidelines.

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The DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District will expend their funds in compliance with state law. and. the District will conduct an annual audit.