Towaliga Soil and Water Conservation District fiscal year 2009 annual report

TOWALIGA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Butts Fayette Monroe Pike Spalding - Upson
FISCAL YEAR 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1. The district board holds a monthly meeting to discuss conservation concerns and issues in Butts, Fayette, Monroe, Pike, Spalding and Upson Counties.
2. The district continued the strong working relationship it has enjoyed with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission. The designated District Conservationist gave monthly progress reports concerning NRCS activities at district meetings. The Conservation Commission's Regional Representative assisted the district with meeting its many goals and kept the board informed on conservation issues.
3. The district conducted its annual Tobesofkee Creek and Potato Creek Watershed structure operation and maintenance inspections. The district actively worked to ensure that Safe Dams Act requirements were being met at all watershed dams located in the district.
4. The district provided Soil Stewardship materials and other conservation education materials to elementary schools and libraries in the district.
5. On September 2nd, the district co-sponsored a Regional Forest Landowners Meeting in Forsyth. Seventy-five people attended to learn more about forest management.
6. The District sponsored 2 students to attend the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop at ABAC in Tifton in June.
7. The district, in conjunction with the Two Rivers RC&D Council, participated in the Animal Waste Pumpout Assistance Program.
8. The district cooperated with the Two Rivers RC&D to provide no-till services to district cooperators. Color fliers containing no-till rates and planting information were distributed throughout the district.
9. The district, in conjunction with Two Rivers RC&D, promoted and publicized the use of the hay scales. Color brochures were distributed to interested landowners.
10. The district reviewed Erosion and Sediment Control plans for local governments. Submitted plans were discussed at monthly meetings and were approved if complete and if they satisfied all criteria for erosion control.
11. On April 17th, the district participated in the Pike County Farm City Day. Fourteen classes from local school were in attendance.
12. The district promoted the Partners for Fish & Wildlife program.

13. The district and Two Rivers RC&D publicized the use of the pasture aerator. Aerator brochures were distributed through NRCS Offices, Two Rivers RC&D, and the Extension Service.
14. The district promoted and set priorities for the NRCS EQIP.
15. The district sponsored 2 Erosion and Sediment Control Certification courses held at Central Georgia Technical College in Milledgeville in September.
16. On September 18th, the district participated in a Small Farmers Workshop held in Spalding County at the UGA Campus. Approximately forty people were in attendance.
17. Five supervisors from the district attended the Supervisor Training Workshop held in Forsyth on August 22nd and 23rd, which was sponsored by the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission.
18. On November 12th, the District helped sponsor an Equine Management Workshop held at the Garden Patch in Barnesville. Fifty people attended the event.
19. Three supervisors attended the GACDS Annual Meeting held in January at Callaway Gardens. Supervisor Jim Ham was honored as Supervisor of the Year. Supervisor Travis Hardy was recognized for his 25 years of service.
20. Six supervisors supported GACDS by attending the GACDS Group III Meeting held on August 22nd in Smarr.
21. On October 21st, the District helped sponsor a Potato Creek Watershed meeting with the McIntosh Trail RDC.
22. On September 17th, the district co-sponsored with the Cooperative Extension Service, an Introduction to Organic Farming Workshop held at the Pike County Farm Bureau. Forty-five people were in attendance.
23. On October 22nd, the district co-sponsored an Ag Irrigation and Water Use Field Day at County Line Farms with thirty-nine people attending the event.
24. The district participated in the City of Griffin's Annual Erosion and Sediment Control Day on October 21st. Over 160 people were in attendance.
25. The district co-sponsored with the Lamar County Soil and Water Conservation District, a Conservation Partners Luncheon on April 17th. Conservation programs and partnerships were discussed with thirty-seven people attending.
26. Three district supervisors were appointed to the Regional Water Councils.