Canyon SCD Is Seeking an Outreach Coordinator

The Canyon Soil Conservation District is seeking a Temporary Part Time Outreach Coordinator, limited to, a maximum of 30 hours per week @ $13.50 per hour, no benefits and no overtime. Position will be effective through December 31, 2012. Must have public information and media outreach experience and valid driver’s license. Please email your resume to Lori Kent at lori.kent@id.nacdnet.net or via mail to the Canyon Soil Conservation District, 2208 E. Chicago Ave. Ste. A, Caldwell, ID 83605. Resumes must be received by April 3, 2012.

CSCD Outreach Coordinator Duties

Written Communication
Interview landowners and write success stories for publication
Press releases/Newsletters
Email correspondence
Manage and update website
Letter to elected officials
Translated materials (Spanish)
Complete Outreach Plan for Canyon SCD
Produce feature articles
Summarize technical material
Illustration – Adobe Illustrator or Publisher
Outreach planning to include mission statement

Oral Communication
Public speaking
Telephone skills
Present technical information
Translation for Spanish customers
PowerPoint

Information technology
Microsoft word
Excel – PowerPoint
Outlook
Charts/graphs

Agency Coordination
Develop and update displays for SCD and NRCS
Present and participate in Irrigation Conferences, Ag Expo, and Fairs
Participation with the 319 tours – coordinate route, food, and take photos
Organize tours, coordinate meetings with the district
Expand partnerships
Collaborate with stakeholders
Manage & compile outreach material
Promote Canyon SCD mission

Vol. 2 – Feb/March 2012 eNewsletter Is Has Been Posted!

We have just posted our February/March 2012 issue of our eNewsletter.  You can click here to read it.

Please share your story ideas or scenic photos with Bret and Nancy for next month’s issue!

JFAC Passes Soil and Water Commission Budget; Includes $37,900 for NRCS Office Space

Earlier this morning, the Join Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) took up the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission budget. Debate began at 8:40am, and Representative Marv Hagedorn (R-District 20) carried the budget.

Representative Hagedorn’s motion included $18,500 for a change in employee compensation, $100,900 from RCRDP loan interest to enhance the program, $60,000 in one-time federal funds for the technical assistance grant, $37,900 for NRCS office space charges, and $20,000 in one-time spending for technical assistance cost recovery.

Chairman Dean Cameron allowed Representative Hagedorn to speak further on the motion. “It makes sense to keep our field staff co-located with the NRCS staff whenever possible, and this helps the Commission to pay its share of those costs,” said Hagedorn.

Senator Bert Brackett (R-District 23) spoke on the motion, and expressed his disappointment for the district match not being fully funded, and hoped it would be in future budgets. Representative Shirley Ringo (D-District 6) agreed with Brackett’s comments, and said JFAC should try and include the full two-to-one match in future budgets.

Chairman Cameron then called for the vote, and the motion passed unanimously (20-0-0). It will move to the floor with a “do-pass” recommendation.

Districts and IASCD Meet with Congressman Raúl Labrador

On Wednesday, February 22nd, IASCD joined with the Ada Soil and Water Conservation District, the Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District, the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission Chairman Dick Bronson in a meeting with Congressman Raúl Labrador (ID-01).  We all shared our background and a bit about our unique partnership with the federal and state government.

“As a fourth generation farmer, it’s vital that I use conservation practices on my land,” Latah SWCD Supervisor Cody Anderson told Congressman Labrador.

Scott Koberg, District Manager for the Ada Soil and Water Conservation District, explained Ada’s urban focus on conservation.  “This was a great opportunity to talk with our Congressman and share why districts are best suited to preserve and sustain our natural resources.”

Lynn McKee, Vice-Chairman for the Ada Soil and Water Conservation District, told Congressman Labrador that the impacts of district work hits on all facets of the natural resource economy in Idaho.  “A stream or river full of sediment means we won’t see fishermen coming to a town to buy tackle, families camping on the river, or the local rafting company’s boats full of tourists. Our work truly does ripple out into all parts of our state’s economy.”

Congressman Labrador was impressed with the non-regulatory conservation work our districts have done and continue to do each day in Idaho.  He accepted our offer to provide expertise on the Farm Bill as the bill goes through the House and Senate.

Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission Chairman Dick Bronson stressed that non-regulatory, voluntary conservation is the way to prohibit overreaching environmental mandates from Idaho’s private land owners.  Chairman Bronson told the Congressman very plainly, “Conservation, when dealing with private landowners, is a place where government works.”

“I really appreciate when our federal partners take time from their schedule to learn more about what we’re doing at the local level, and to listen to what our needs and concerns are for the state of Idaho,” concluded Steve Becker, IASCD Treasurer.

If you live in Congressman Labrador’s district, please share your conservation story with him!  You can FAX your letter to 202-225-3029.  Also, be sure to subscribe to his eNewsletter to keep up on all things happening in Congress.

Photo Courtesy: Congressman Raúl Labrador’s office. Thank you!

Alfalfa Stem Nematode Workshop: March 20, 2012

On March 20, 2012, an alfalfa stem nematode workshop will be held at the USDA Service Center in Emmett, Idaho.  The Alfalfa Stem Nematode (ASN) is a nearly microscopic round work that enters the alfalfa plant.  ASN is increasingly a concern to alfalfa in Idaho.

The workshop runs from 9am to 3pm at the USDA Service Center in Emmett, Idaho.  You’ll learn about the symptoms and damage of ASN, the disease cycle, management, prevention, equipment sanitation to prevent spreading, and much more.  Director of Product Development Don Miller, Ph.D will give a presentation on ASN.  There will be displays and plant materials to view, and a dissecting scope to help show growers what nematodes actually look like.

Recertification credits will be offered, and lunch will be provided.

RSVP by March 6th, 2012 to the Gem Soil and Water Conservation District at 208-365-4212, ext. 3.