Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District fiscal year 2013 annual report accomplishments

PIEDMONT SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
FISCAL YEAR 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1. The district, through the Conservation Commission, actively supported and promoted the Partners for Fish & Wildlife program.
2. To better promote cost-share assistance available through the Conservation Commission, the district maintained permanent signs at the sites of completed Partners for Wildlife projects.
3. The district, in cooperation with Oconee River RC&D, provided cooperators with equipment for management of animal waste. The Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission completed nutrient sampling and completed scheduling for this project. The district, the Oconee River RC&D, and the State Soil & Water Conservation Commission continued a partnership to implement lagoon pumpout procedures to better serve the district's farmers.
4. The district sponsored the Natural Resources Management Award that was presented to a member of the Putnam County FFA Club at its annual meeting.
5. The district sponsored a Soil and Water Conservation Award given to an outstanding member of the Baldwin-Jones-Putnam Chapter of the Cattlemen's Association.
6. The district promoted the Conservation Commission's Mobile Irrigation Lab and its use on district farms.
7. The district maintained district boundary signs.
8. The district reviewed Erosion and Sediment Control plans for local governments. Submitted plans were discussed at the monthly meetings and were approved if complete and if they satisfied all criteria for erosion control.
9. The district provided Soil Stewardship materials to elementary schools in the district.
10. The district continued to support the Natural Resources Conservation Youth Workshop at ABAC in Tifton in June by sponsoring students to attend.
11. The district continued to recognize individual leadership in conservation through the "Conservationist of the Year" program held on October 2, 2012, at Rock Eagle. Approximately 150 people were present to honor the award winners from the district. Dr. David Stooksbury, UGA Professor of Engineering and Atmospheric Sciences was the keynote speaker for the evening. Dr. Stooksbury gave an informative and interesting talk on climate patterns, the current drought situation, and weather predictions for the upcoming winter season.

12. The district supported the NACD, GACDS and Oconee River RC&D by paying dues and attending meetings.
13. The district continued the strong working relationship it has enjoyed with the State Soil & Water Conservation Commission and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Conservation Commission's Regional Representative assisted the district with its many objectives and kept the board informed about new conservation issues. The designated District Conservationist gave monthly progress reports concerning NRCS activities at District meetings.
14. Supervisors chaired and served on the RC&D Equipment Committee. The committee held regular meetings and formulated policy for use of the district's lagoon pumpout equipment.
15. Two supervisors attended Supervisor Training held at Unicoi State Park in Helen August 17th and 18th.
16. The district participated in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by adopting priorities and by reviewing and making recommendations on final approval of applications for funds.
17. Two supervisors from the district served on the Regional Water Planning Councils.
18. One supervisors attended the GACDS Group III Meeting held at the EMC Training Facility in Smarr on July 23, 2012.
19. On April 2, 2013, the district held a Weed Management Field Day at Embry Farms in Eatonton. Speakers discussed available NRCS programs, weed identification and suggested herbicide usage for those weeds, and grazing methods for cattle. The program ended with suggestions for sprayer selection and proper calibration of a sprayer unit.
20. The district sponsored a $1,000.00 college scholarship to a student representing the seven counties of the Piedmont SWCD who attend the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop. This scholarship was awarded to the highest test score.
21. Supervisors attended the Piedmont Conservation Products Annual Meeting held on December 11, 2012.
22. One supervisor attended the GACDS Annual Meeting held in Atlanta on February 1 3, 2013.
23. Supervisors submitted an application to GACDS for the District of the Year award and won the award.
24. Supervisors funded a school vegetable garden during the school term for students attending the GNETS school in Baldwin County.