2011 Conservation Poster Contest “Forests For People More Than You Can Imagine

For over fifty years, a national network of conservation districts has helped Americans learn to conserve natural resources. This year, join the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District
and America's conservation districts as we participate in the 21^th Annual Conservation Poster Contest. The Conservation Poster Contest takes during the month of October, with the theme "Forests
for People More Than You Can Imagine." Our locally sponsored Conservation Poster Contest will take place during October.

 

The contest will have five categories: K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Local judging will occur during the first of November, so it is important that entries are received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday October 31, 2011. The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District will award the following prizes in each category: 1st Place- $75.00, 2^nd Place - $50.00, and 3^rd Place 25.00. The first place district winner in each category will be entered in the state competition. In the state competition first place winners in each category will be awarded with cash prizes of $100.00 and second place winners will receive a $75.00. The first place winners in the state contest will be sent to the national poster competition, where First place winners receive $100 and second place winners receive $75.

 

The annual poster contests provide kindergarten through twelfth grade students with an opportunity to share their thoughts about soil, water and related natural resource issues. This year's theme, ""
Forests for People More Than You Can Imagine." focuses on trees. Trees provide us with shade, wood products, fuel, as well as help clean the air we breathe. Forests play a critical role in providing clean water, healthy wildlife habitat, as well as jobs for our citizens and products that we use every day. Understanding the importance of forests in our daily lives is the key connection of the conservation poster contest. The forest is such a joyous and generous place. It offers families the opportunity to take a peaceful walk and picnic on a sunny afternoon. The forest provides school children with the perfect atmosphere to learn about the great outdoors. It's a refuge for the creatures which consume the plants and berries growing along its floor. The forest helps to produce the paper products we all need, and many of the herbs and spices that go into the meals we prepare. And it helps to cleanse the water we drink and the air we breathe. It does so many wonderful things for us. But the forest needs us as much as we need it. Each and every one of us is able to contribute and be good stewards of our natural resources. Each of us can make a difference. The conservation poster contest is a great way to elevate awareness and to involve our youth in conservation.

 

The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District wants to help people in our community to learn how important it is to help conserve all our natural resources and how easy it can be. For information about the conservation poster contest and other conservation issues please contact to Vikkie Lafollette at the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District office located at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210 in Winnfield, Louisiana, 71483. (We are located in Room 210 above the Winn Parish Health Unit.) You may also call (318) 628-4438. Our office hours are Monday- Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. You may also reach us at anytime via email at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net, visit us on Facebook or our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/postercontest for entry forms, contest rules and other information concerning our 2011 contests. In Caldwell Parish posters may also be turned in to Dugdemona SWCD/Columbia Field Office 7128 Highway 165 South, Columbia, Louisiana 71418 questions contact Pam at (318) 649-2651 Ext 3

EQIP October 15, 2011 Ranking Pool Deadline

Farmers Asked to Sign Up For EQIP Before October 15th

 

Farmers, livestock producers and other landowners can now take advantage of the conservation practices available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by applying for the program at their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office, but they must do so by October 15th to be considered in the first ranking pool. If you have an existing application with the local NRCS office, please contact them to sign updated forms.

"On a statewide basis, we have over 50 conservation practices that agricultural producers can sign up for right now," said Brian Wade, NRCS District Conservationist. "We have cost sharing assistance for practices from fencing to pipedrops and from ag waste facilities to underground irrigation pipelines. EQIP offers many practices to help farmers and livestock producers install conservation on farms. We are encouraging applicants to come by our office before October 15, 2011, for more detailed information on the program in Winn Parish."

Every application will be ranked according to total environmental benefits derived from the implementation of conservation practices and the best will be funded. NRCS evaluates each application using a state and locally developed evaluation process. High priorities are given to applications that encourage the use of cost-effective conservation practices, address state and national conservation priorities and optimize environmental benefits.

EQIP helps producers through cost sharing and incentive payments for the implementation of conservation practices. All EQIP activities must be carried out according to a conservation plan of operations developed by the producer, NRCS and in cooperation with the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

"The supervisors of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts realize that EQIP, and the cost sharing that goes along with it, can make a big difference for producers in Winn Parish and we want to help them as much as possible," said, Bruce Frazier, Chairman, Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District. "EQIP has the potential of making a great impact on our local natural resources and we want all producers to take a good look at this opportunity."

Individuals qualifying as beginning farmers or limited-resource farmers may be eligible for a greater payment rate than other producers.

 

Incentive payments may be made to encourage a producer to adopt land management practices such as nutrient management, manure management, integrated pest management, irrigation water management and shallow water management for wildlife, or to develop a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan.

 

New practices offered this year include protection for animal feeding areas and reforestation in addition to other beneficial land practices. For more information on the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and how it may help you and your operation, call (318) 628-4438; for Jackson Parish (318) 255-3136 ext. 3.; for Caldwell Parish (318) 649-2651 ext. 3; for Winn Parish (318) 352-7100 ext 3.

 

All programs and services of the U.S. Department of Agriculture are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or disability.

 

 

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2011 NACD South Central Regional Conference coming up

Office closed until August 15, 2011

Dear Customers,

Our office will be closed until Monday, August 15, 2011. If you need immediate conservation assistance in Winn Parish please call 357-8366 Ext 3; in Jackson Parish please call 255-3136 Ext 3. ; in Caldwell Parish 649-2651 Ext 3, or you may call 628-4438 and leave a message we will return you call as soon as possible. We will be attending the 2011 NACD South Central Regional Conference at the Renaissance Hotel and Cox Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

 

1st place Winner in the Dugdemona River Photo Contest

The photo contest wrapped up on July 15, 2011. A big congratulations goes to Diane Mercer of Calvin. Diane won $75.00 for her 1st place photo! Great Job Diane!

2nd Place goes to...

DeNeise Barlow of Jonesboro wins $50.00 for her 2nd Place photo.

Congratulations DeNeise!

3rd Place

Roy T. Mercer of Calvin takes 3rd place in the photo contest.

Honorable Mention

Congratualtions to Roy Barlow of Jonesboro. He earned Honorable Mention for his photo of the Dugdemona River.

Congratulations to the winners of the Dugdemona Photo Contest!!

 

The purpose of the contest was to raise awareness and appreciation for the quality of water in the Dugdemona River. This river holds much recreational and sentimental value for the people of North Louisiana as some of the winning photos captured. There were some fantastic pictures to choose from and Trailblazer is pleased to announce the winners!

 

The photo contest wrapped up on July 15^th and pictures were judged on the 19^th. The 1^st place $75 prize winner was Diane Mercer of Calvin. The 2^nd place $50 prize winner was DeNeise Barlow of Jonesboro and the 3^rd place $25 prize winner was Roy T. Mercer also of Calvin. In addition, Roy Barlow of Jonesboro earned an "honorable mention" for his photograph.

 

The winning photos will be on display at the main branch of the Winn Parish Library from July 25^th through August 1^st.  The display will move to the Winn Parish Court House on August 1^st and will move to the Pea Patch Gallery on August 8^th and remain on display there until August 15^th. 

 

Trailblazer would like to give special thanks to all the participants. Your participation has helped promote awareness for water quality issues in the Dugdemona River and will help keep this valuable natural resource from becoming polluted again. It is important that everyone within the Dugdemona River Watershed take action to ensure that the river remains clean and suitable for wildlife and human use.

Notice to Hispanic and/or Women Farmers or Ranchers:

If you are a woman or Hispanic farmer and believe you were improperly denied farm loan benefits by USDA between 1981 and 2000.  You may be eligible for compensation. Please go to

https://farmerclaims.gov/FarmerClaims/farmer.do?pageAction=home for additional information.

Dugdemona River Photo Contest

Dugdemona River Photo Contest

 

Sponsored by Trailblazer Rural Development Institute,

Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District,

and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality

 

Starting June 22^nd – July 15^th

 

The Dugdemona River holds much recreational and sentimental value for the people of North Louisiana. The purpose of the contest is to raise awareness for the water quality in the river.

According to the 2008 Louisiana Water Quality Integrated Report, the Dugdemona River, from Big Creek to Little River, was listed as impaired for Primary Contact Recreation (swimming), due to high concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria. The suspected causes of this contamination are livestock and sewage discharges from nonexistent or broken septic systems. Fortunately, the 2010 Water Quality Report states that the river is no longer impaired.

A plan to preserve and protect this portion of the river is being written in order to keep this valuable resource from becoming polluted again. It is important that everyone within the Dugdemona River Watershed, takes action to ensure that the river remains clean and suitable for wildlife and human use.

Furthermore, the river is not just in potential danger from fecal contamination, but also contamination from litter, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, sediment (from erosion), and toxic household or industrial chemicals. What we do on land can be washed into waterways and pollute water. Again, it is critical that we are mindful of our activities and how they could potentially effect nearby water sources, including ground water.

The contest will start
June 22^nd and end on July 15^th. Photos submitted for this competition must feature the Dugdemona River. The 1^st place winner will receive an award of $75, 2^nd place will receive $50, and 3^rd place will receive $25. Winning pictures will be displayed in the paper, Pea Patch, and the Winn Parish Library and Courthouse.

The contest is open to anyone who can take a picture. Best photo wins; could be a picture of a polluted area of the river, include wildlife or people on the river, or be a snapshot of a perfectly scenic area - each photo will have its own story. The key is to be creative and make sure the river is in the picture. Also, the photo may not be digitally altered or be an old picture (has to be taken during the designated time of the contest). 8 X 10 entries should be framed or placed on matt board so they can be easily displayed. In addition, a copy of the submitted photo should be emailed to olivia@trailblazer.org or dugdswcd@bellsouth.net
if possible. Lastly, your name, phone number, address, and location where the picture was taken will need to be typed and included with your entry on a separate piece of paper.

Entries may be submitted to Vikkie Lafollette at the Dugdemona SWCD office located at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210 in Winnfield, La (room 210 above the Winn Parish Health Unit). Office hours are Monday-Wednesday from 9:00am – 5:00pm. They may also be mailed to Olivia Ward at 302 Reynolds Drive, Ruston, La 71270.

For more information about water quality and what you can do to help or to schedule a water quality presentation for your group or class, contact Olivia Ward at 318-255-3554 or olivia@trailblazer.org.

Pasture Walk Scheduled for June 23rd

Pasture Walk at Peterson Farms

The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Louisiana Master Farmers Program and Peterson Farms will host a pasture walk at Mr. Josh Peterson's farm in Jonesboro, LA on Thursday, June 23, 2011. Registration will be from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm with the pasture walk beginning at 5:30pm.

Pasture walks are one of the very best ways for experienced or beginning farmers and agricultural service providers to learn from one another.  Each host farmer has tricks and tips for managing their own systems to its best advantage.  Often service providers, such as USDA-NRCS field agents or grazing specialist can add new information, review grazing or animal health concepts, share ideas gathered from outside sources, and learn along with everyone else.

Peterson Farms is located at 1426 Walker Road, Jonesboro, LA  71251.
The evening will conclude with a hamburger supper. The pasture walk is free and helps to connect all ages, interests and experience levels to one another.  For additional information please contact the USDA Ruston Field Office at (318) 255-3136 ext 3 or the Dugdemona SWCD at (318) 628-4438.

CEASE AND DESIST ON OUTDOOR BURNING

Due to the extremely dry conditions throughout the state, the State Fire Marshal H. Butch Browning and Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain have issued a cease and desist order for all private burning, pursuant to authority under R.S. 40:1563. Private burning shall only be allowed by permission of the local fire department or local government.

This order is effective as of 0900 Hours, June 1, 2011, and shall remain in effect until rescinded.

This ban shall not apply to prescribed burns by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, by those trained and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, or by those who conduct prescribed burning as a "generally accepted agriculture practice" as defined by the Louisiana Right to Farm Law (R.S. 3:3601 et seq.).

Violation of this order could result in civil penalties.

For more information CONTACT: MARSHAL BUTCH BROWNING 225-925-4911, 1-800-256-5452 or 225-806-0803 (cell)

 

 

Program Assistant Position Available in Columbia, Louisiana

The Dugdemona SWCD is currently seeking someone to fill the Program Assistant Position in The USDA NRCS Columbia Field Office.

 

The position is a permanent part-time position and will pay approximately $8.50 per hour. The Dugdemona SWCD will hire a Program Assistant for the Columbia Field Office. The rate of pay is set at $8.00 per hour for the period of ninety days. At the end of the ninety day probationary period the district employee will be evaluated. If a favorable elevation is received the probationary period will be terminated and the rate of pay will be increased to $8.50 per hour.

 

The district employee will work a thirty hour work week on a flex schedule. The employee will work eight hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and will have the option to work one of the following:

1. Six hours Monday,
   
2. Six Hours on Friday
   
3. 3 Hours on Monday and 3 Hours on Friday
   

   
    

The employee will have the option of joining the Louisiana Deferred Compensation program. After being employed for one year the district will match up to 3% their salary. This amount will increase as time and funding becomes available up to the 5% maximum.

 

Interviews will be conducted June 22- July 1, 2011. The candidate selected through the interview process will begin work on Monday, July 11, 2011. All applicants must be proficient in Microsoft Office 2007 and have basic office, computer and interpersonal skills. Please fax resumes to 318-628-1802 or email resumes to dugdswcd@bellsouth.net .

 

LACD 2010 Outstanding Non-Supervisor of the Year

Cyndi Beaubouef named as LACD 2010 Outstanding Non-Supervisor of the Year

Each year the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts honors individuals for their achievements, accomplishments and hard work promoting natural resources conservation in their local district, at the area level and throughout the State of Louisiana. Awards are given in the five categories: Distinguished Service, Outstanding Supervisor, Outstanding District Secretary, Outstanding District Technician and Outstanding Non-Supervisor. Cyndi Beaubouef was selected as LACD Area III's Outstanding Non- Supervisor of the year for 2010. Cyndi was also selected as the overall state awardee selected from a field of five area nominees.

Cyndi's contribution that enhances the conservation of our natural resources combines two of her great loves, art and teaching. She began her teaching career in January of 2000 in Winn Parish, where she went to many of the schools throughout Winn parish making an impact throughout the community. She incorporates the conservation message in the art lessons to her students. Cyndi is now teaching in Jackson Parish and has been there since August of 2007, again where she teaches a number of students throughout Jackson parish.

She and her students have been participating in the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District's Conservation Poster Contest since she began teaching. She also encourages her students to participate in other district contests and activities that will enhance their conservation education. She is very supportive of the Dugdemona SWCD's conservation education projects. She talks to other educators and encourages those teachers to get involved.

She has encouraged her students to get further involved and participate in other activities such as the conservation essay contest, working as a volunteer in our Community Tree Planting projects and at our annual Project WET Make a Splash Water Festival. Cyndi's teaching of conservation has a lasting affect and keeps on giving back to the community. As she teaches her students, her students teach others. We are proud to honor her contributions by recognizing her as LACD Outstanding Non- Supervisor of the Year.

• Cyndi we congratulate you, you are very deserving of this award. We are extremely grateful for your conservation education efforts.
  

  
   

Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats Essay Winners

In this picture from left to right: Collin Warren, Hannah Brown, Alexis McLarty, Kacie Keifer, Jancee Lashley & Calvin High School Proncipal Rodney Shelton.

Not Pictured are Michael May, Katrecia McDow and Jamie McLarty

Calvin High School Sweeps Conservation Essay Contest

Each year the Dugdemona SWCD celebrates conservation by having a conservation essay contest. The contest has two categories: 8^th Grade and 9^th Grade. The essay contest is open to all 8^th and 9^th graders in Caldwell, Jackson and Winn parishes.

The 2010 theme, "Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats" focused on habitats. Conservation of our natural resources is important in every community. Citizens are looking for ways to be involved at their homes, local schools or with community conservation projects. There are plenty of conservation habits that help conserve water, provide shelter for animals, birds and insects, as well as increase their food supplies.

The winners were awarded with cash prizes of: $100.00, $50.00, and $25.00. We also reward the teacher whose student wins first place, by giving them a cash award of $100.00. A great big congratulation goes out to Calvin High School! Calvin High School 8^th and 9^th Grade students swept the competition this year. The Winners are…

8^th Grade: 1^st Place- Alexis McLarty, 2^nd Place- Kacie Keifer, 3^rd Place- Jancee Lashley

9^th Grade: 1^st Place- Collin Warren, 2^nd Place- Hannah Brown, 3^rd Place- Michael May (Michael is now a student at Dodson High School but was a student at Calvin when he participated in this contest.) Katrecia McDow and Jamie McLarty received the 8^th and 9^th Grade Teacher Awards of $100.00. Congratulations to both teachers, ladies you are very deserving of this award.

We extend our sincere thanks to our local school administrators, principals, teachers, and staff who willingly dedicate their valuable time to conservation education. We would like to thank each student who participated in this contest and congratulate our winners. Fantastic job! You made our judges work extremely hard.

We would also like to thank the media who continually support our district, especially the Winn Parish Enterprise, KVCL Radio, the Caldwell Watchman, the Piney Woods Journal and the Jackson Independent.

Last, but certainly not least, we thank our sponsors. Our sponsors are making a tremendous impact in our community and we send our heartfelt thanks to each of you at the Caldwell Parish Farm Bureau, Jackson Parish Farm Bureau, Winn Parish Farm Bureau, Kiwanis Club of Columbia and Louisiana Safety Association of Timbermen. You have made this contest possible through your sponsorship. We greatly appreciate your support.  Our mission is spreading the conservation message. You play an extremely vital role; many of our projects would not be possible without your generosity.

The Dugdemona SWCD is here to help people in our community to learn how important it is to help conserve all our natural resources and how easy it can be. For information about the essay contest, other contest, projects, activities or conservation programs questions may be directed to Vikkie Lafollette at the Dugdemona SWCD office located at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210 in Winnfield, Louisiana, 71483. (We are located in Room 210 above the Winn Parish Health Unit.) You may also call (318) 628-4438. Our office hours are Monday- Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. You may also reach us at anytime via email at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net . Please be sure to visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com or visit us on Facebook.

LOCAL COMMUNITY TO MAKE LOCAL CONSERVATION DECISIONS

Resting in the hands of our local community members is the future of our valuable natural resources and the decisions that are made to conserve, enhance and sustain the integrity of soil, water and air quality in Winn, Jackson and Caldwell parishes and throughout Louisiana. Conservation of our resources cannot be achieved by one group, government agency or the individual – it takes cooperative conservation.

Cooperative conservation starts first with the active involvement of the individual community member who helps to identify the resource needs of the community. Community involvement helps local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) and the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) assess and prioritize resource concerns on a community level. Local natural resource priorities help direct technical and financial assistance decisions that NRCS and SWCD make throughout the year.

Locally led conservation efforts are successful with the help from our residents. Please, become involved in locally led conservation. A Locally Led Conservation Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 26th at the Dugdemona SWCD Office at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210. (2^nd Floor of Winn Parish Health Unit) . The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will take place in room 219; the Winn Parish Genealogical Historical Association's meeting room.

The purpose of the meeting will be to identify resource concerns for your local SWCD. Your involvement is significantly important to the locally led conservation process and all partners involved in conservation. At the Locally Led Conservation Meeting you will be able to voice concerns, provide comments and help to identify conservation issues. Save the date, and help our community make sound conservation decisions – become an active part of locally led conservation and cooperative conservation efforts.

For more information on the Locally Led Conservation Meeting, contact you're the Dugdemona SWCD office at 318-628-4438.

Saline SWCD Spring Plant Sale

Come join us as we assist the Saline SWCD with their Spring Plant Sale. The sale will be on March 31st & April 1st from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The Saline SWCD is locates at 2263 Hall Street in Ringgold, LA. For more information you can contact them at 318-894-2174 Extension 204.

Plants will include Agapanthus, Blue Point Juniper, Bottlebrush, Butterfly Bush, Frost Proof Gardenia, Parsoni Juniper, Sweet Olive, Vitex Tree and more.

We hope to see you there!

Dugdemona Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Election for 2011

The Dugdemona SWCD serves Jackson, Winn, and Caldwell Parish west of the Ouachita River.

NOMINATING PERIOD
OPENS: APRIL 1, 2011
CLOSES: APRIL 30, 2011

For individuals interested in serving,
Nomination Petitions can be obtained at:
Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District
301 West Main Street, Suite 210
Winnfield, LA 71483

Petitions must be completed between April 1and April 30, 2011 and must be postmarked PRIOR to May 1, 2011. For more information please call: 318-628-4438 or
email us at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net

Election will be held on Saturday June 11, 2011

The Dugdemona Soil & Water Conservation District encompasses all of Winn and Jackson Parishes and a portion of Caldwell Parish. Concerned and eligible landowners in Caldwell, Jackson and Winn parishes have an opportunity to help manage and conserve the natural resources in this area by serving on the Dugdemona Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board. If the issues and programs stated in this document interest you, please call Vikkie Lafollette at 628-4438.

I. Mission: To provide leadership, education, and technical assistance through conservation planning and programs to assist all land-users in solving the needs to conserve, sustain and improve the soil, water, and other natural resources in the

Vision: To be recognized as the community leader by establishing partnerships and coordination plans of action to achieve soil and water conservation.

II. Goals and Objectives:
· Establish soil and water conservation policy for the SWCD.
· Assess resource needs.
· Develop strategies to address these needs.
· Provide quality conservation education to Parish educators and school children.
· Provide land users with technical assistance.
· Develop programs to address local natural resource problems.
· Serve as a focal point for addressing local natural resource issues and coordinating various programs to help solve identified concerns.

III. Legal Authority:
Title 3, Section 1201-1219 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes defines a Soil & Water Conservation District as a governmental subdivision of the State of Louisiana, and a public body corporate and politic.

IV. Current Major Issues:
· Landowners needing technical assistance
· Surface Water Quality
· Coastal wetland loss
· Cropland erosion
· Invasive/Non-native plant species
· Urban storm water runoff
· Insufficient operating funds

V. Major Programs and Activities:
· Federal Farm Bill conservation programs
· CWA Section 319 agricultural cost-share program
· Conservation equipment rentals
· Tree seedling sales
· Approval of conservation plans
· Review of Parish planning proposals
· Conservation educational programs for Agricultural producer, school, and civic groups
· Publish SWCD newsletter
· Revise and publish annual business plan and annual report.
VI. Funding Sources:
· State government
· Local governments (Police Jury, Drainage Board)
· Local business and organization donations
· Competitive grants
· Federal grants, cooperative interagency agreements
· Tree sales and equipment rentals
· Educational workshops and seminars

VII. Expectations of SWCD Supervisors:
· Take advantage of SWCD supervisor training opportunities
· Attend board and conservation related meetings
· Participate in district programs and activities
· Serve on a LACD (Louisiana Assoc. of Conservation Districts) committee
· Be involved and responsible for SWCD program direction
· Promote soil and water conservation in the community
· Help manage SWCD staff
· Represent the SWCD in public
· Help secure financial resources
. Attend local, reional, state and national meetings

VIII. Benefits of being a SWCD Supervisor:
· Representing locals resource concerns
· Providing a voice and a service for the citizens within your SWCD
· Satisfaction of providing your time to improve the environment and sustaining local resources
· Being actively involved with assistance and educational programs
· Provide leadership in community resource conservation

Items To Consider Before Submitting a Nomination

1. Do you understand and are you committed to the mission of the District?
   
2. Can you devote the time, resources, and energy required of a SWCD board member?
   
3. Do you understand the roles and responsibilities of the District?
   
4. Are you willing to attend meetings regularly, making them a priority for the duration of your term?
   
5. Are you willing to participate in the necessary training, education, and development activities?
   
6. Will you actively serve on District and LACD Committees?
   

If you are unable to answer any of these questions, please contact the SWCD Chair at (318) 628-4438 for more information.

 

Each year the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts (LACD) awards one scholarship to a Louisiana graduating high school senior who is planning to enter an institution of higher learning within the State of Louisiana as a full-time under-graduate student in the field of agriculture, natural resources or environmental sciences. The amount of the cash award will be set annually and awarded on a one time basis. The purpose of the LACD scholarship is to provide financial support to broaden the educational opportunities for deserving students in Louisiana. All graduating high school seniors in Caldwell, Jackson or Winn Parish who are planning to enter an institution of higher learning within the State of Louisiana as a full-time under-graduate student in the field of agriculture, natural resources or environmental sciences are eligible. Scholarship applicants should submit their application directly to the Dugdemona SWCD by March 25, 2011. The Dugdemona SWCD will select one candidate from all applications received, then send its candidate to the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts (LACD) to compete with 43 other Conservation Districts in the state for the 2011Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts Scholarship. Scholarship applications are available at our office. Applications and additional information is also available on our websites “Teachers” page. Please visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/.

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Conservation Tree & Shrub Sale

The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District will be having its Annual Tree and Shrub Sale at the Winn Farmers' Market, located at the corners of Main and St. John Streets in Winnfield, Louisiana. The sale will be Wednesday, February 23 – Friday February 25, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We will have a variety of bare root and potted trees, shrubs and perennials. We will have lots of trees, flowering trees, fruit trees, shade trees, trees for wildlife habitat and so much more.

Some of the varieties available will include:
Shrubs
Abelia
Azaleas- native & evergreen varieties
Bottle Brush
Bridal Wreath
Butterfly Bush
Camellias
Flowering Almond
Flowering Quince
Forsythia
Gardenia
Hydrangea- Oakleafs, mop heads & lace caps
Magnolias, assorted varieties
Roses- Antique and English varieties
Sasanqua
Japanese Snowball
Yesterday Today & Tomorrow


Trees
Bald Cypress
Crabapple
Crape Myrtle- assorted varieties
Flowering Cherry
Flowering Dogwood
Grancy Grey Beard/ Fringe Tree
Magnolias, assorted varieties
Red Bud
Red Maple
River Birch
Sawtooth Oak
Vitex

Perennials
Agapanthus
Daylilies
Ferns
Iris- Louisiana

We will also have a selection of perennials and a large variety of fruit trees. Fruit selections include Apple, Blueberry, Blackberry, Fig, Lemon, Mayhaw, Muscadine, Pawpaw, Peach, Pear, Persimmon, Plum, Pomegranate and others.

We have a limited number of seedlings and plants available for best selections please come early.
For additional information you may also visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/ or you may call our office at 628-4438 or email us at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net prior to the sale for availability and prices. Remember we will be at the Winn Farmers Market and unavailable to answer your call during the tree sale.

The tree sale is our largest fund-raising event of the year. All proceeds of this sale directly benefit our community. Funds raised sponsor projects such as, Conservation Essay Contest, Conservation Poster Contest, Soil and Water Stewardship Week, conservation education, our Community Tree Planting project, Earth day, Arbor Day, Project WET and restoration of wildlife habitat. Your money stays right here in our community and directly benefits the natural resources that enrich our lives and the lives of future generations.

So whether you have acres in the country, an average-sized yard, or a tiny plot in the city, you can help protect the environment and add beauty and interest to your surroundings. Planting trees and shrubs will give us fresh clean air, reduce heating and cooling bill, prevent soil erosion, enhance water quality, cut down noise pollution and provide food and shelter for wildlife. So come on by and beautify your surroundings while you help to conserve our natural resources.

Be sure to check out our webpage on backyard conservation. Backyard Conservation shows you how conservation practices that are used on agricultural land across the country to conserve and improve natural resources can be adapted for use on the land around your home. These practices help the environment when applied to your home make your yard more attractive and enjoyable.
Adopting these practices on nonagricultural land can help increase food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, control soil erosion, reduce sediment in waterways, conserve water and improve water quality, inspire a stewardship ethic, and beautify the landscape.