Conservation INsight
October 14, 2020
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October Lunch 'n Learns for Indiana SWCD Staff and Supervisors
Two sessions remaining!
- One hour long
- Separate registration is required for each session
- Detailed descriptions can be found on each registration site
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Recorded for later viewing (posted on the iaswcd.org/for-districts page)
October 20 (starts at 10:45 am)
Using the Hoosier Resilience Index and FutureWater to Communicate Floodplain Preparedness Needs to Local Governments
Speaker, Janet McCabe, Director, Environmental Resilience Institute; Professor of Practice, McKinney School of Law
October 27
IDEM Permitting Wetland Tool
Speaker(s): Randy J Braun and Wetland Staff, IDEM
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Shout Out to the Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District for being one of six organizations to receive the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence!
Elkhart County SWCD was recognized for their Stormwater Alliance Program (SWAMP). This is a cost-share program that covers six best management practices (BMPs) that benefit not only the land users, but Elkhart County as well, through increased water quality.
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Nutrient Management Planning Workshops for ICP Staff
October 21, 28 & November 4
- Indiana Conservation Partnership Staff - This workshop is comprised of three virtual session dates/times.
- 1:00 - 2:30 pm (EDT)
- Register by October 16
- Cost: $20 total/person
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NACD President Testifies to Congress on Conservation Programs
WASHINGTON – (October 1, 2020) - Today, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) President Tim Palmer testified before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry about the challenges and successes of conservation programs in 2020, including during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Palmer owns and operates a farm near Truro, Iowa, where he and his family produce corn, soy, oats, hay and beef cattle.
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NCF Launches Fall Campaign, Unveils New Logo
On Oct. 1, the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) launched the 2020 #FutureFocused campaign to support NCF in the development of the next generation of conservation leaders. In recent years, NCF has strengthened its organizational identity and purpose by increasing program support, refocusing its mission and vision statements, developing a strategic plan, and introducing a new cornerstone program with the Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI).
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NACD and the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Announce Renewed Partnership
WASHINGTON (October 1, 2020) – Today, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation (SMGF) announced a renewal of their partnership to enhance and support natural resource management at the local level and continue educating Americans about the importance of protecting water and land resources.
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Check out the NACD Marketplace for Resources, Apparel, Awards, School Supplies and more! |
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Lunch and Learn for Indiana Soil & Water Conservation Districts
Q & A regarding District Annual Elections and Business Meeting with Luke Britt, Indiana Public Access Counselor. Contact your DSS for log-in information.
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Stay informed about Hoosier Riverwatch by subscribing to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Riffles & Pools quarterly email newsletter. You’ll receive updates on upcoming workshops, watershed monitoring and protection activities, and more. |
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IDEM to Host Free Public Watershed Protection and Restoration Webinars
VALPARAISO (October 6, 2020) - The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and partner organizations are hosting a virtual webinar series to educate the public, local governments, and organizations on watershed protection and restoration efforts within the Lake Michigan basin.
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NRCS Awards $5 Million to Support Wetland Mitigation Banking
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is awarding $5 million for eight new wetland mitigation banking projects through the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program. This program helps conservation partners develop or establish mitigation banks to help producers maintain eligibility for USDA programs.
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NRCS Seeks Partner Proposals to Protect and Restore Critical Wetlands in Indiana
Indianapolis, IN, October 6, 2020 – USDA is investing up to $30 million nationwide to help eligible conservation partners voluntarily protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on agricultural lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Indiana is accepting partner applications for technical and financial assistance until November 30.
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Indiana’s agricultural producers who want to improve natural resources and address concerns on their land are encouraged to sign up early for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). While the application deadline is not currently set, Jerry Raynor, NRCS State Conservationist, anticipates an application deadline in late December.
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USDA Funds Conservation Innovation in Indiana and Nationally Through On-Farm Trials of Conservation Systems
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has awarded $25 million in grants designed to help partners implement and evaluate innovative conservation practices that have demonstrated benefits on farmland.
The funding is provided through On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials (On-Farm Trials), a component of the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program first authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill.
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Indiana NRCS District Conservationists are Ready to Help Landowners Start the Conservation Stewardship Program Application Process
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Jerry Raynor is encouraging landowners who want to participate in the FY21 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to start working with their local district conservationists now. While the application deadline is not currently set, Raynor anticipates an application deadline in late December.
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Rule Change Helps Producers Implement More Conservation Activities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released the final rule for its Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The rule makes updates to the popular conservation program as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill and integrates feedback from agricultural producers and others. CSP is offered in all 50 states and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous signups.
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Learn to Be a Leader in Watershed Management . . . Virtually
The Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy educates watershed coordinators, teachers, volunteers, engineers, district staff, non-profit organizations, and others to lead watershed efforts that improve water quality in Indiana. Led by Jane Frankenberger, Project Director, and Sara Peel, Academy Coordinator, more than 400 people have participated since the Academy started in 2006. Registration open now through November 6.
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More Than a Handshake: Building Successful & Equitable Land Lease Agreements
Choose one date:
November 12 at 10 am - 12 pm EST; or,
November 17 at 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm EST
This program will be offered virtually via Zoom.
Cost is $25 per household/farm
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Municipal Tree Training on October 28: Caring for Trees in the Urban Forest
Trees are a major capital asset to our city, towns, and each neighborhood. They are working hard to provide aesthetic, functional, and environmental benefits to improve the quality of life. In order to plan and maintain a sustainable community forest, it is essential to learn critical functions and how to properly maintain trees so they continue to provide those important benefits. This program will provide basic knowledge about tree selection, installation, and the proper maintenance required to keep trees safe, healthy, and functional in the urban landscape.
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2020 Indiana Woodland Owner Conference: Woodland Owners Online Together (WOOT)
Make plans to attend the upcoming Indiana Woodland Owner conference! Attend live Zoom events on November 6-7 or a variety of family friendly events throughout the month of October, from scavenger hunts to photo contests.
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The Garden Club of America Board of Associates Centennial Pollinator Fellowship
The 2021 grant cycle is now open!
Award: $4,000
Deadline: January 15, 2021
The Garden Club of America (GCA) Board of Associates Centennial Pollinator Fellowship provides funding to a current graduate student to study the causes of pollinator decline, in particular bees, bats, butterflies and moths, which could lead to potential solutions for their conservation and sustainability.
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Calling All Proud Clear Choices Pledgers!
We're giving the Clear Choices Clean Water website a makeover, and that gives us a fun opportunity to share your work!
Whatever your pledge entailed, we want to see it! If you have photos of your handiwork that you’re willing to share, send them to us, and we will include them on the new website as examples of projects that have made a difference to our water.
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Job Postings :
Current list of Conservation Job Opportunities now posted on the IASWCD website.
Note: Job Postings can be submitted to Amy Work at: amy-work@iaswcd.org . Please include job description and deadline to apply in a single PDF file or with a link.
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Upcoming Conservation Events :
- October 20 - IASWCD Lunch 'n Learn
- October 21, 28 and November 4 - ICP Staff Training: Nutrient Mgmt Planning Workshop, virtual
- October 27 - IASWCD Lunch 'n Learn
*Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, events are changing daily. Please check the individual hosting organization's website and/or Facebook page for the latest information on cancellations and reschedule dates. Thank you.
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