Satilla River Soil and Water Conservation District annual plan of work, FY 2014

SATILLA RIVER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
ANNUAL PLAN OF WORK FY 2014

THE DISTRICT IDENTITY
The Satilla River Soil and Water Conservation District was organized by a Charter which was issued by the Secretary of the State on May 2, 1942 under a provision of the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District Law of 1937. The Satilla River District comprises an area of 2,907,520 acres, making it the largest District east of the Mississippi River. The District was organized to give local leadership in helping the Natural Resource Conservation Service, a division of the U S Department of Agriculture to establish cooperating landowners and land users with soil and water conservation problems.

DISTRICT SUPERVISORS:

Marvin H. Giddens, Jr. James C. Grantham Curtis J. Tumlin Walter C. Thomas William R. Alexander Milner S. Carnes John L. Murray Ross Ferrell Ann T. Keene Paul M. Nobles Sr. K. Neal Bennett Jim Waters VACANT Daniel Good Jonathan M. Harris Kristy Arnold

Atkinson Atkinson Brantley Brantley Camden Camden Charlton Charlton Glynn Glynn Pierce Pierce Ware Ware Wayne Wayne

MEETINGS:

Regular Board meeting will be held the third Tuesday of each month at 12:00 Noon at Captain Joe's Restaurant, Waycross, Georgia. Special meetings and tours may be held in conjunction or in lieu of regular meetings. Monthly meetings will be posted in the District's local newspapers.

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2014 PLAN OF WORK SATILLA RIVER SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
1. SOIL AND WATER RESOURCES: Promote the conservation treatment of soil and water related resources based on the annual plans of operations for the District and NRCS, and the District's five-year resource plan.
A. 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. 1. Host ES&PC Certification Course(s) and Re-certification Classe(s) within the District. 2. Sponsor a Cover Crop Meeting/Demonstration within the District.
B. Promote new conservation practices and update the board on these practices. C. Promote "Better Back Road" BMP Workshops throughout the District.to
improve county dirt roads. D. Invite appropriate agencies to discuss wetland issues in order to stay
informed on new regulations. E. Promote Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning and Waste
Utilization in cooperation with Seven Rivers RC&D Council, Coastal Georgia RC&D Council, and the GSWCC.
2. LAND USE: Make the public aware that the District is fully committed to land development consistent with established soil erosion and sedimentation control measures.
A. Sponsor and conduct meetings and seminars to inform groups and individuals of particular conservation needs.
B. Work with city and county units of government to consider the preservation of prime farmland before making land use decisions.
C. Promote the use of water meters on irrigation systems as a management tool.
3. FORESTRY: Encourage good forestry management on existing forestland in the Satilla River District.
A. Promote conservation through good forestry management practices. 1. Sponsor a District wide forestry meeting and/or tour.
B. Encourage landowners to participate in the Forest Stewardship Program. C. Invite Georgia Forestry Commissions' District Forester to present a short
program at district meeting. D. Prioritize financial assistance to address reforestation of timberland affected
by natural disasters.
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4. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: Promote the conservation of wildlife resources.
A. Encourage landowners to consider installing good wildlife practices on their property.
B. Educate landowners on the wildlife habitat incentive program. C. Identify landowners that may qualify for the Partners for Wildlife Programs
through the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission. D. Sponsor programs that demonstrate methods to improve wildlife and
recreation. E. Promote participation in the W.I.N.G.S. Program.
5. CONSERVATION AND YOUTH EDUCATION: Emphasize conservation education as an integral component in the local school curriculum.
A. Sponsor students to the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop to introduce them at an early age to the concepts of soil and water conservation. Tuition will be paid from district funds or from outside sources.
B. Purchase or develop, and then distribute, educational and informational materials to inform the public of the need to manage and protect soil and water resources. 1. Conserving Soil Packets. 2. Soil and Water Conservation Society Educational Booklets. 3. Homeowners' conservation BMP manuals.
6. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INFORMATION: To create public awareness of district conservation programs and objectives.
A. Arrange and conduct banquets or luncheons to recognize individuals for their contributions to soil and water conservation and promote greater participation.
B. Develop Plan of Work for FY 2015 and Annual Report for FY 2014 at May meeting.
7. GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS: Will assist the board in formulation of policies insuring the Board's close working relationship with all units of governments local, state and national.
A. Sponsor and conduct meetings and seminars to inform groups and individuals of particular conservation needs.
B. Review and renew Memos of Understanding with state and federal agencies. C. Work with cities, counties and state government to insure coordination of
conservation programs. D. Publicize events, which have an impact on conservation programs.
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E. Invite representatives from units of government to discuss soil and water conservation problems.
F. Request a monthly progress report from NRCS and State Conservation Commission.
G. Review Erosion and Sediment Plans and Conservation Farm Plans. H. Offer assistance to the Coastal RC&D and Seven Rivers RC&D Council. I. Invite FSA, County Executive Director and Georgia Forestry Ranger and
County Extension agent to present a short program at a district meeting. J. Invite County Commission Chairman to regular district meeting. K. Encourage reports from Erosion and Sediment Control Issuing Authorities.
8. FINANCIAL:
A. Purchase and manage the use of equipment that will demonstrate methods for implementing soil and water conservation practices.
B. Manage district financial and material resources to meet district goals in an efficient manner that follows state guidelines.
C. Maintain membership in professional organizations and associations that promulgate and promote goals that are similar to those of the districts.
D. Manage and expend funds made available through private, local, state and federal sources in such a way as to promote soil and water conservation and conservation education.
E. Seek outside sources of income to strengthen and support district activities and programs.
F. Formulate budget each year. G. Continue to apply for grants from Georgia Coastal Management Program
that will aid soil and water conservation.
9. SUPERVISORS RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. Attend all regular and special meetings. B. Attend Summer Group V Meeting. C. Attend GACDS Annual Meeting. D. Serve on committee assigned and bring to board special conservation needs.
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Locations