Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District consolidated annual work plan, fy 2014

ROCKDALE COUNTY SOIL AND WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICT
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL WORK PLAN
FY 2014

Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors
Roger C. Hatch, Chairman Ed Shirey, Treasurer James Garrison Michael W. Breedlove Fox McCarthy

Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District
FY 2014 Annual Work Plan
Objective 1
Improve and safeguard soil and water resources and related plant and wildlife throughout the County by implementing best management practices and obtaining compliance with the Georgia Erosion and Sediment Control (E&SC) Act.
Actions
A. Ratify E&SC plans for the City of Conyers and Rockdale County at bi-monthly District meetings. (Action taken by all Supervisors)
B. Promote the Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) Program. (Action taken by all Supervisors)
C. The following actions by the District help ensure land development conservation practices:
o Monitor development activities within the District for effective E&SC plan implementation. (Action taken by all Supervisors)
o Assess complaints through the complaint resolution procedure. (Action taken by all Supervisors)
o Encourage the inclusion of natural areas, greenways, greenbelts, wildlife habitat or similar areas under new development or renovation. (Action taken by all Supervisors)
o Support the City and County in their efforts with low impact development and encourage greenspace initiatives. (Action taken by all Supervisors)
o Monitor land use activities along Big Haynes Creek, Little Haynes Creek and Pointer Lake and report all foreseeable buffer and restored watershed protection problems to Rockdale Water Resources and appropriate elected officials. (Action taken by Roger Hatch)
D. The following actions by the District ensure communication and coordination with City, County, State, and Federal agencies to promote environmental conservation efforts and recognition:
o Coordinate with Technical Specialist and Regional Representative overviews of the E&SC program of the County and the City to identify strengths and weaknesses and areas for improvement and increased cooperation. (Action taken by all Supervisors)
o Interface with County and City attorneys and judges concerning Soil & Water issues. (Action taken by Mike Breedlove)
o Coordinate with Natural Resource Conservation Service to recognize individuals for their contributions to soil and water conservation and promote greater participation. (Action taken by Fox McCarthy)

Objective 2
Increase awareness, understanding, and knowledge about natural resources within Rockdale County through dissemination of information and education.
Actions
A. The following actions by the District involve direct involvement with local schools to promote awareness and education about natural resources:
o Sponsor Rockdale County high school students through Rockdale Career Academy and Extension Service to attend the Natural Resources Conservation workshop and the Georgia Envirothon. (Action taken by Ed Shirey)
o Purchase and distribute Soil & Water Stewardship Materials to educational leaders and curricula advisors by providing resources, conservation books, booklets and curriculum guides. (Action taken by Jim Garrison and Roger Hatch)
o Co-sponsor the 4H and support an essay contest in the local schools and publicize it in regional media outlets. (Action taken by Roger Hatch)
o Coordinate Erosion & Sediment control educational events thru the Rockdale Career Academy and Georgia College of Construction, including seminars and workshops in the District as well as co-sponsoring events outside the District. (Action taken by Mike Breedlove)
B. The following actions by the District involve direct interaction with the public and organizations through presentations to educate and encourage involvement in conservation efforts:
o Give annual presentation to County Commissioners and City Council on District mission and programs as well as other State and Congressional elected officials, including a legislative breakfast. (Action taken by Mike Breedlove)
o Complete the RSWCD Power Point Presentation and prepare public presentations with specific information on Soil & Water Conservation needs to schools, civic clubs, churches, and others. (Action taken by all Supervisors)
C. Encourage the local news media to promote awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding the conservation of natural resources, and to publicize in a positive and timely manner the actions that benefit the District's natural resources. (Action taken by Mike Breedlove and Roger Hatch)
D. Support the development of the Rockdale County sustainable educational garden at Parker Road Facility. (Action taken by Roger Hatch and Ed Shirey)
E. Maintain District association in professional organizations and associations that promulgate and promote goals that are similar to those of the District. (Action taken by all Supervisors)
F. Send two Supervisors to Region IV Training Session.

Objective 3
Promote land stewardship on lands; including soil loss reduction and soil quality improvement, water quality improvement and enhancement of associated riparian areas, and natural area protection for the benefits of wildlife and native plant communities through available programs and technical assistance.
Actions
A. Support the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to better acquaint Supervisors and landowners through involvement in conservation programs such as Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQUIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP), Forestry Incentive Program (FIP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and others. (Action taken by Jim Garrison)
B. Encourage landowners with natural resource concerns to improve soil productivity and water quality through soil loss reductions on eroding lands. (Action taken by Ed Shirey)
C. Support and promote direct citizen involvement in soil and water conservation activities such as community workdays on streambank restoration and cleanup. (Action taken by Jim Garrison)

Objective 4
Support the Upper Ocmulgee River Resource Conservation & Development Council in the sustainable development of the natural and human resources of Rockdale County.
Actions
A. Work with administration of the RC&D South River Grant Program.
B. Coordinate with the Resource Conservation & Development Council Coordinator in the funding and promotion of at least one conservation project in Rockdale County. (Action taken by Jim Garrison)
C. Coordinate with the Georgia International Horse Park Nature Preserve in the use of Resource Conservation & Development resources. (Action taken by Jim Garrison)
D. Support urban foresters in urban forestry projects and grants. (Action taken by Roger Hatch)

Objective 5
Manage District financial and material resources to meet District goals in an efficient and
productive manner as prescribed by State guidelines.
Actions
A. The Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District will expend their funds in compliance with State law, and the District will conduct an annual audit.
B. Request financial support for the District from Rockdale County and the City of Conyers. (Action taken by Ed Shirey)