Lamar County Soil & Water Conservation District annual plan of work, fiscal year 2014 (July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014)

LAMAR COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
ANNUAL PLAN OF WORK FISCAL YEAR 2014
(July 1, 2013 June 30, 2014)
1. Sponsor tuition from District funds for qualified students to attend the Youth Natural Resources Conservation Workshop to introduce them to the concepts of natural resources conservation.
2. Sponsor demonstrations and tours to promote water quality and Best Management Practices to farmers and other land users.
A. Expend District funds to purchase exhibits, promotional materials, and supplies; and to pay meeting expenses to promote conservation demonstrations and tours.
3. Conduct an annual program to recognize individuals for their contributions to natural resources conservation in the District. Use this recognition to promote conservation ethics to other farmers and land users.
A. Expend District funds necessary for meeting expenses and seek donations from other private groups to assist with this program.
4. Promote public understanding for the need for natural resources stewardship by purchasing and distributing conservation education materials and programs during Soil Stewardship Week.
5. Maintain membership in and pay membership dues to the National Association of Conservation Districts, the Georgia Association of Conservation District Supervisors, the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, and the Two Rivers Resource Conservation and Development Council; and to cooperate with these groups to jointly promote natural resources conservation goals.
6. Sponsor and provide funding, when available, for 4-H and FFA students or other science based groups to represent the District in the Envirothon program, Soils and Land Judging teams, and other natural resource and environmental competitions.
7. Purchase supplies, pay communication costs, and purchase equipment needed to conduct the District's goal of protecting natural resources.

8. Provide educational and informational materials to schools, landowners, and other groups to promote the need for management and protection of natural resources.
9. Purchase conservation equipment, as needed, to demonstrate new and innovative methods of installing Best Management Practices to farmers and landowners. Promote the district's no-till drill, mulcher, and roller.
10. 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.
11. Seek outside sources of income to strengthen and support District activities and programs.
12. Manage and direct funding received from grants, donations, and other sources which assist the District in the promotion of natural resources conservation methods.
13. Arrange publicity and expend funds for public outreach to increase the public's awareness of the need for natural resources conservation.
14. Appoint committees, as necessary, to plan and conduct special District promotions of natural resources conservation programs.
15. Promote dialogue with elected representatives on the county, state and federal levels, and expend funds for meeting expenses to keep these leaders informed of conservation concerns and programs.
16. 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.
17. Pursue maintenance and support further developing the Wetlands Outdoor Trail Classroom.
18. Seek out ways to assist the urban homeowner, particularly new homeowners, in developing safe and sound natural resource conservation practices.
19. Support an annual Ag After Hours program, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Lamar County Farm Bureau, to promote agriculture in Lamar County. Develop a display detailing the importance of agriculture in Lamar County.
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20. Continue publishing a quarterly newsletter to keep Lamar County citizens apprised of conservation happenings in and around Lamar County. Pursue establishing a web page highlighting the district.
21. Sponsor Erosion and Sedimentation Certification Courses to help local builders and developers comply with the Erosion and Sedimentation Act.
22. Hold meetings with city and county officials to discuss the importance of best management practices used on development sites and proper maintenance of watershed structures.
23. The district will continue to promote the Lamar County Farmers Market regarding public relations and financially support the market held May October, on Thursday evenings.
24. The district will plan to hold field days to promote soil and water conservation.
25. The district will actively monitor, inspect, and maintain the watershed structures located within the district.
26. Host a Forage Field Day in partnership with the Towaliga SWCD in the early spring to educate producers on how to maximize yields while protecting the soils and quality of the land.
27. Conduct a tree give-away on Arbor Day and educate the public on the environmental benefits of planting trees.
28. Host a Local Work Group Meeting to set priorities for USDA Farm Bill programs.
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