Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District

Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District: January Meetind Rescheduled

2012-01-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District: January Meeting Rescheduled:

January Meetind Rescheduled

2012-01-06T14:43:00.001-08:00

The Dugdemona SWCD’s January Board meeting has been rescheduled. The meeting has been moved to Thursday, January 19, 2012. The meeting will take place at the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District office, located at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210 in Winnfield, Louisiana. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Board meetings will take place in room 219; the Winn Parish Genealogical Historical Association’s meeting room.

2012-01-05T12:36:00.001-08:00

Office Closed

2012-01-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

The Dugdemona SWCD office will be closed January 10-13, 2012 due to attending the Annual Meeting in Lafayette, LA

2012-01-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

Time for the 66th Annual Meeting of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts

2012-01-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

The 66th Annual Meeting of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts (LACD) will be held on January 11-13, 2012, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lafayette, Louisiana. Louisiana farmers will be recognized for their comprehensive approach to sustainable agriculture at the Master Farmer Awards Luncheon. The luncheon will be moderated by Dr. Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry. Each Soil and Water Conservation
District Supervisor and employee are strongly encouraged to attend the annual meeting. This meeting provides an opportunity for supervisors to strengthen their capabilities as local soil and water conservation leaders
and for employees to enhance their abilities to carry out their duties in implementing the district’s programs.

2012-01-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

2012 Annual Conservation Tree & Shrub Sale

2012-01-05T12:15:00.000-08:00

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 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.

We will have a variety of bare root and potted trees, shrubs and perennials. Some of the varieties available will include: Abelia, Agapanthus, Azaleas, Bald Cypress, Bridal Wreath, Camellias, Crape Myrtle, Flowering Dogwood, Flowering Quince, Hydrangea, Snowball bushes, assorted varieties of Magnolias, Sasanqua, River Birch, Sawtooth Oak, Vitex, and many others. Our selection of perennials and fruit trees is great too. Fruit selections include Apple, Blueberry, Blackberry, Fig, Lemon, Mayhaw, Pawpaw, Peach, Pear, Persimmon, Plum, Pomegranate and others.

The sale will be February 22-24, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/ or live and in color on Facebook (search for Dugdemona SWCD) or for additional information or you may call our office at 628-4438 or email us at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net prior to the sale for availability and prices. For best selections please come early. This year we look forward to having the Winn Parish Master Gardeners teach some mini workshops during the sale.

The Dugdemona SWCD will be at the Dugdemona SWCD/Columbia Field Office located at 7128 Highway 165 South in Columbia on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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.

2011-10-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

2011-10-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

2011-10-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-05T11:05:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-28T12:29:00.002-07:00

EQIP October 15, 2011 Ranking Pool Deadline

2011-09-28T12:29:00.001-07:00

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.

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.

2011 NACD South Central Regional Conference coming up

2011-08-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

Office closed until August 15, 2011

2011-08-03T15:35:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-08-03T14:34:00.000-07:00

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

Congratulations DeNeise!

3rd Place

2011-08-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

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

Honorable Mention

2011-08-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

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!!

2011-08-03T14:05:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-07-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

Notice to Hispanic and/or Women Farmers or Ranchers:

2011-07-12T12:03:00.001-07:00

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.

2011-06-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

Dugdemona River Photo Contest

2011-06-21T14:49:00.001-07:00

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

2011-06-14T10:31:00.001-07:00

Pasture Walk at Peterson Farms

2011-06-14T10:23:00.001-07:00

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

2011-06-06T07:59:00.001-07:00

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

2011-06-01T10:21:00.001-07:00

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:

Six hours Monday,
Six Hours on Friday
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

2011-05-18T15:22:00.001-07:00

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

2011-05-18T15:19:00.001-07:00

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

2011-05-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-18T14:53:00.001-07:00

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^thand 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

2011-04-25T11:03:00.001-07:00

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

2011-03-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

Dugdemona Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Election for 2011

2011-03-23T12:46:00.001-07:00

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

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/.

2011-03-02T11:56:00.001-08:00

We're now on Facebook

2011-02-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

We are now live and in color on Facebook! Check us out...do a search for Dugdemona SWCD

Conservation Tree & Shrub Sale

2011-02-02T14:46:00.000-08:00

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.

Make a Splash With Project WET

2010-09-09T16:13:00.000-07:00

This year the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District is proud to host its third Project WET Make a Splash Water Festival. Make a Splash with Project WET is the largest nationwide day of water education in the world. It is celebrated across the United States with water festivals, which are educational, fun, and interactive water celebrations where students explore a diversity of water-related topics. The Make a Splash Water Festival will take place on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at Jimmie Davis State Park’s group camp.

We invite all 4th Grade teachers and students from Caldwell, Jackson and Winn parishes will participate in this event. If you are a principal, teacher potential volunteer or sponsor for this event and would like additional information 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 . Please be sure to visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/makeasplashwithprojectwet .

Conservation Poster Contest

2010-09-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

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 they participate in the 20th Annual Conservation Poster Contest. The Conservation Poster Contest takes during the months of September and October, with the theme “Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats.” Our locally sponsored Conservation Poster Contest will take place during the moths of September and 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 Friday, October 29, 2010. The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District will award the following prizes in each category: 1st Place- $50.00, 2nd Place - $25.00, and 3rd Place 15.00. 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, “Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats” focuses 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.

Each and every one of us is able to contribute and can be good stewards of our natural resources at our home and in our communities. When we think about protecting and managing our natural resources we can provide healthy habitats for the ecosystems on our planet. Each of us can make a difference by starting in our own backyard, our school or in our community. Some habits are not good, like throwing litter out our car windows. But working to improve our environment you can develop good habits that will last your entire life and also inspire others around you. The conservation essay 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 questions 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 . Please be sure to visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/postercontest for entry forms, contest rules and other information concerning our 2010 contests.

Conservation Essay Contest

2010-09-09T16:05:00.000-07:00

Join the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District as we celebrate conservation by participating in the Conservation Essay Contest, with the theme “Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats.” The contest will have two categories: 8th Grade and 9th Grade. The winners will be awarded with cash prizes of: $100.00, $50.00, and $25.00. This year we will reward the teacher whose student wins first place, by giving them a cash award of $100.00. Essays are due by 5:00 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2010

The essay must be the original work of the student. Teacher counseling is permitted. No more than 20% may be direct copy from other sources and directly quoted material must be credited to the author. Paraphrasing is permitted. Resource conservation material may be obtained from the Soil and Water Conservation District in your parish, or any other sources with material pertaining to this year’s theme. The essay must be typed and double-spaced and will consist of a minimum of 300 words and a maximum of 500 words. Each essay will be on the basis of 50% for content, 35%for composition, and 15% for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness. Then information should be factually correct and should depict the theme.

This year’s theme, “Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats” focuses 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.

Each and every one of us is able to contribute and can be good stewards of our natural resources at our home and in our communities. When we think about protecting and managing our natural resources we can provide healthy habitats for the ecosystems on our planet. Each of us can make a difference by starting in our own backyard, our school or in our community. Some habits are not good, like throwing litter out our car windows. But working to improve our environment you can develop good habits that will last your entire life and also inspire others around you. The conservation essay 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 essay contest questions may be directed 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 . Please be sure to visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/essaycontest for contest rules and other information concerning our 2010 contests.

Funds available for landowners through Conservation Programs

2010-07-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

“I am very proud of the conservation work being done throughout the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)”, stated James Shivers, NRCS District Conservationist for Caldwell and Jackson parishes.
SWCDs are an important link in local, state, federal and private cooperation in all conservation and natural resource projects. SWCDs operate at the local grassroots level. Resource concerns must be determined at this level. We must identify the resource needs of each community. Louisiana is a diverse state, natural resources concerns should be assessed and prioritized on the local level if they are to be successful.

We have seen tremendous efforts being made to put conservation on the ground throughout Caldwell, Jackson and Winn parishes. During the past three years, $2,081,667 was invested by state and federal sources to conserve and protect natural resources in the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District.

Currently the state is contributing $2.3 million annually for the State Soil and Water Conservation Program which is helping SWCD’s to leverage over $108 million in USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service funds.

These conservation programs encourage land users to adopt a comprehensive approach in solving natural resource and environmental concerns. Louisiana’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts, through its conservation partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) work together to distribute millions of dollars in federal conservation cost-sharing funding to Louisiana landowners and producers.

These programs are available through the conservation provisions in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) provides voluntary conservation opportunities for Louisiana farmers and ranchers. Conservation programs will have a beneficial impact on the adoption of conservation practices. These practices when installed or applied to technical standards will increase net farm income. Voluntary programs will not impose any obligation or burden upon agricultural producers that choose not to participate.

Joshua Peterson is a Jackson Parish livestock producer interested in improving multiple resource concerns on his property through implementation of specific conservation practices. Mr. Peterson has participated in the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) during 2003, 2005 & 2006. His farming operation consists of over 24 acres of pasture and 7 acres of farmstead. He runs cattle on the 24 acres of pasture and has four broiler houses on the farmstead.

The broiler chicken production facility produces over 90,000 broilers per flock with approximately 6 flocks per year. Several resource concerns were addressed by developing and maintaining a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) annually on Mr. Peterson’s property. The benefit of a CNMP is to inform and assist the producer in treating the handling, collection, storage, treatment, and land application of animal waste products. This is especially important to poultry producers whose byproducts of the farming operation: poultry litter (nutrient issues) and poultry mortality (disease and nutrient issues) poses certain resource concerns such as soil, water, and air quality.

Under EQIP, Mr. Peterson has benefitted on his poultry operation by constructing a Waste Storage Facility, a Composting Facility and received a cost share incentive for proper nutrient management. In striving to be proactive in taking care of the land, Mr. Peterson has enrolled the 24 acres of pasture in EQIP. He has incorporated 1850 ft of pipeline, 4600 feet of fence, 4 Watering Facilities, and 4 Heavy Use Area Protection Pads on his cattle operation to enhance multiple resource concerns such as: animal health, plant health and vigor, water quantity and quality. Josh is currently working to achieve his certification in the Master Farmer Program.

“There is no other agency that has the cooperator and landowner trust that SWCDs have developed over the years. SWCDs provide landowners with leadership, education, and technical assistance through conservation planning and programs to assist in solving the needs to conserve sustain and improve the soil, water, and other natural resources with conservation measures on their land” stated Shivers.

For more information on the conservation programs available to local landowners and how it may help you and your operation in Jackson Parish visit the NRCS Ruston Field Office at 1803 Trade Drive in Ruston or contact us at (318) 255- 3136 extension 3; for Winn Parish visit the NRCS Natchitoches Field Office at 6949 LA Hwy 1 Bypass in Natchitoches or contact us at (318) 357- 8366 extension 3; for Caldwell Parish visit the NRCS Columbia Field Office at 7128 Hwy 165 South in Columbia or contact us at (318) 649-2651 extension 3; or visit the Dugdemona SWCD at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210 (upstairs in the Winn Parish Health Unit Building) or contact us at (318) 628-4435 or visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/

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.

(James Shivers is the NRCS District Conservationist for Caldwell Parish and Acting District Conservationist for Jackson Parish working with the Dugdemona SWCD in “Helping People Help the Land”. He is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with an undergraduate degree in Agribusiness and a Master’s degree in business Administration and has been involved in natural resources and agriculture throughout his career.)

Nominating Period for Supervisor Elections Opens

2010-03-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

DUGDEMONA SWCD
SUPERVISOR’S ELECTION

NOMINATING PERIOD

OPENS: APRIL 1, 2010
CLOSES: APRIL 30, 2010

For individuals interested in Serving - Nomination Petitions can be obtained at: The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District office located at in .
Petitions must be completed between April 1and April 30, 2010 and must be postmarked PRIOR to May 1, 2010. For more information please call, 318-628-4438, visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/, or email us at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net

Elections will be held on Saturday June 12, 2010

The Dugdemona Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is local unit of State Government, working under the umbrella of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry-Office of Soil & Water Conservation, and in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and others to provide landowners with conservation measures on their land.

The Dugdemona SWCD was established March 25, 1939, and includes all of Jackson and Winn Parishes, as well as the portion of Caldwell Parish west of the Ouachita River. Our office is located at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210 in Winnfield, Louisiana (2nd floor of the Winn Parish Health unit Building). Our office hours are Monday- Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts were formed to keep decision making on natural resource conservation matters at the local level. We are an important link in local, state, federal and private cooperation in all conservation and natural resource projects.

The Louisiana Conservation Program was established by resident landowners and is governed by the Board Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is made up of local landowners. Each SWCD has three elected supervisors or board members and two appointed supervisors. The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors meet the second Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. from March thru October and at 5:00 p.m. from November thru February. We meet on the second floor of the Winn Parish Health unit Building in room 219; the Winn Parish Genealogical Historical Association’s meeting room. The meetings are open to the public and interested parties are encouraged to attend.

We have three USDA Field offices, which serve the Dugdemona SWCD. They are:
Columbia Field Office… Servicing Caldwell Parish
7128 Highway 165 South
Columbia, Louisiana 71418
(318) 649-2651 Ext. 3
Vacant, District Conservationist

Ruston Field Office…Servicing Jackson Parish
1803 Trade Drive,
Ruston, Louisiana 71270
(318) 255-3136 Ext. 3
James Shivers, District Conservationist

Natchitoches Field Office…Servicing Winn Parish
6949 Highway 1 Bypass
Natchitoches, LA 7157
(318) 357-8366 Ext. 3
Glenn Austin, District Conservationist

Becoming a Member of the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors

The Dugdemona Soil & Water Conservation District encompasses all of Winn and Jackson Parishes and a portion of Caldwell Parish. Concerned and eligible landowners in these 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 (318) 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 Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District.
• By working with communities and other organizations to ensure vital natural resources will continue to enrich our lives.
• By serving as a catalyst fostering natural resource conservation.
• By listening and responding to customers, alliances and each other.
• By putting quality first and strive for improvement.
• By promoting comprehensive natural resource management.
• By provide the best assistance possible to clientele.
• By advocating voluntary solutions to solve natural resource concerns.
• By soliciting new and innovative opportunities to solve problems.
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

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

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

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?

For individuals interested in Serving - Nomination Petitions can be obtained at:
The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District office located at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210 in Winnfield, Louisiana 71483.

Our office is open Monday- Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Petitions must be completed between April 1 and April 30, 2010 and must be postmarked PRIOR to May 1, 2009. For more information please call:
318-628-4438, email us at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net or visit our website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/

Conservation Practices For Forestland Owners

2010-03-16T12:18:00.001-07:00

Forest 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) or Soil and Water Conservation District office.

Funding is available for forest landowners within the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District to implement forestry practices on their property. This includes cost sharing assistance for practices such as site preparation, tree planting, fire lane construction, prescribed burning, mid-story chemical release, and many other practices for landowners in Winn, Jackson and Caldwell parishes.

Every application will be ranked according to total environmental benefits derived from the implementation of conservation practices. NRCS evaluates each application using a state and locally developed evaluation process. Local priorities are developed each year at the annual locally led conservation work group meeting. 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 District.

Individuals qualifying as beginning farmers or limited-resource farmers may be eligible for increased payment rates. For more information on the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and how it may help you and your operation, in Jackson Parish visit the NRCS Ruston Field Office at 1803 Trade Drive in Ruston or contact us at (318) 255- 3136 extension 3; for Winn Parish visit the NRCS Natchitoches Field Office at 6949 LA Hwy 1 Bypass in Natchitoches or contact us at (318) 357- 8366 extension 3; for Caldwell Parish visit the NRCS Columbia Field Office at 7128 Hwy 165 South in Columbia or contact us at (318) 649-2651 extension 3; or visit the Dugdemona SWCD at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210 (upstairs in the Winn Parish Health Unit Building or contact us at (318) 628-4435.

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.

EQIP Application are being taken...

2010-03-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

"On a statewide basis, we have over 50 conservation practices that producers can sign up for right now," said James Shivers, NRCS District Conservationist. "We have cost sharing assistance for practices from fencing to ponds and from tree planting to prescribed burning. EQIP offers many practices to help farmers, livestock producers, and forest landowners install conservation on farms.

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

For more information on the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and how it may help you and your operation in Jackson Parish, call the Ruston Field Office at 318-255-3136, ext.3 ; for Caldwell Parish call the Columbia Field office at 318-649-2651 ext. 3; for Winn Parish call the Natchitoches Field Office at 318-357-8366 or you may call the Dugdemona SWCD office at 318-628-4438.

2010 Conservation Tree & Shrub Sale

2010-02-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

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
White Oak

Perennials
Agapanthus
Daylilies
Ferns
Hosta
Iris- Louisiana & German Bearded

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 can 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.
When you visit our website be sure to check out our page 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.

WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

2009-12-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

Funding is Available for Wetlands Conservation on Private Agricultural Land

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation is soliciting applications from landowners interested in restoring or enhancing wetlands on private agricultural land in Louisiana through the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).

The Wetlands Reserve Program provides financial incentives to landowners to restore their land to its natural wetland condition with an emphasis on enhancing wildlife habitats and environmental benefits.

Landowners have several options for enrollment in WRP. Options include restoration cost-share agreements, 30-year conservation easements, and permanent conservation easements—all designed to help landowners achieve personal land use goals.

The Wetlands Reserve Program is a national program authorized by the Farm Bill to assist eligible landowners restore, create, protect, and enhance wetlands on their property. Participation in this program is voluntary, and restoration is accomplished in an environmentally safe, cost-effective manner. Eligible lands are generally limited to existing pastureland or cropland with a predominance of wetland soils. Incidental acres of other lands (woodland) are considered when they are within pastureland or cropland applications.

Easement payments are based on the lowest of either the fair market value of the land using an appraisal or area-wide analysis, the Geographic Area Rate Cap, or an offer made by the landowner. The current Geographic Area Rate Cap for Caldwell, Jackson and Winn Parish is $1300 per acre.

Interested landowners are encouraged to contact the Dugdemona SWCD office at 318-628-4438, or the Natchitoches NRCS Field Office at 318-357-8366, ext 3, or the Ruston NRCS Field Office at 318-255-3136, ext 3, or the Columbia NRCS Field Office at 318-649-2651, ext 3 or stop by the Dugdemona SWCD office at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210, Winnfield, LA

Program information is also available online at: http://www.la.nrcs.usda.gov/

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

New Office Hours

2009-11-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

Louisiana’s SWCD’s are struggling financially. The Dugdemona SWCD is no exception. Drastic cuts have been made in every area of our operations. Due to the financial hardships we face and the continued cuts from State of Louisiana we have no choice but to temporarily close the Dugdemona SWCD office and to reduce the hours of operation.

Our office will be closed temporarily and will re-open Tuesday, December 1, 2009. Our new Office Hours are Monday- Wednesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please feel free to contact your Louisiana Legislators and let them know how important it is to have our Local Soil & Water Conservation Districts fully operational in the local community. To caontact your Legislators please see the information below.

If we are unavailable and 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 318-649-2651 Ext 3, or you may call 628-4438 and leave a message we will return you call as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Dugdemona SWCD

Representative Noble Ellington
Parishes RepresentedCaldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, and Tensas
Contact Representative Ellington at
4272 Front StreetWinnsboro, LA 71295

Phone: (318)435-7313 Fax: (318)435-2994
Email: ellingtn@legis.state.la.us

Representative Billy Chandler
Parishes RepresentedGrant, LaSalle, Rapides, and Winn
Contact Representative Chandler at
P.O. Box 100711

Hwy. 167 Dry Prong, LA 71423

Phone: (318)899-1193 Fax: (318)899-1213
Email: larep022@legis.state.la.us

Representative Jim Fannin
Parishes Represented
Bienville, Jackson, Ouachita and Winn
Contact Representative Fannin at
320 6th StreetJonesboro, LA 71251
Phone: (318)259-6620 Fax: (318)259-6645
Email: larep013@legis.state.la.us

Senator Gerald Long
Capitol Office

P.O. Box 94183 Baton Rouge, LA 70804

Phone: (225) 342-2040

E-mail: longg@legis.state.la.us

District Office

P.O. Box 151 Winnfield, LA 71483

Phone: (318) 628-5799 Fax: (318)628-6120

Senator Neil Riser

Capitol Office

P.O. Box 94183 Baton Rouge, LA 70804

Phone: (225) 342-2040
E-mail : risern@legis.state.la.us

District Office P.O. Box 117 Columbia, LA 71418

Phone: (318) 649-0977 FAX: (318) 649-0979

Senator Bob Kostelka

Capitol Office

P.O. Box 94183 Baton Rouge, LA 70804

Phone: (225) 342-2040

E-mail: kostelka@legis.state.la.usDistrict

Post Office Box 2122

1818 Avenue of America

Monroe, LA 71207

Phone: (800) 508-5572

Locally Led Conservation Meeting

2009-11-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

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 the Dugdemona Soil & Water Conservation District and throughout Louisiana. Conservation of our resources can not 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 the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District (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 Wednesday November 18, 2009 at the Allen Building located at 104 West Main Street, beginning at 1:00 p.m., to identify resource concerns for the Dugdemona SWCD. The Dugdemona SWCD covers all of Jackson and Winn parishes and the portion of Caldwell west of the Ouachita River. 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 the Dugdemona SWCD at (318) 628-4438 or Natchitoches NRCS field office today at (318) 357-8366 Ext 3, the Ruston NRCS Field Office at (318) 255-3136 Ext 3 or the Columbia NRCS Field Office at (318) 649- 2651 Ext 3. Or visit the Dugdemona SWCD's website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/

Conservation Posters are due Next Week

2009-10-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

Don't Forget all conservation posters themed "Dig It! The Secrets of Soil" should be submitted to the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District by

Friday, October 30, 2009.

Conservation Poster Contest

2009-10-06T11:37:00.001-07:00

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 Friday, October 30, 2009. The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District will award the following prizes in each category: 1st Place- $50.00, 2nd Place - $25.00, and 3rd Place 15.00.

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.

Any media may be used to create a flat or two-dimensional effect (paint, crayon, colored pencil, charcoal, paper or other materials). Poster size must be between 8.5" x 11" and 22" x 28". All posters must have a completed entry form attached to the back of the poster. The entry forms should be glued or taped to the back. Posters should be packaged so they remain flat when sent to the local soil and water conservation district for judging.

For information about the conservation poster contest and conservation, contact the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District office by calling (318) 628-4438 or 628-2352 or visit the office at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210 in Winnfield. Please be sure to visit our Conservation Poster & Essay Contest website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/ for entry forms, contest rules and other information concerning our 2009 contests.

2009-10-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Join the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District as we celebrate conservation by participating in the Conservation Essay Contest, with the theme “Dig It! Secrets of Soil.” The contest will have two categories: 8th Grade and 9th Grade. The winners will be awarded with cash prizes of: $100.00, $50.00, and $25.00. This year we will reward the teacher whose student wins first place, by giving them a cash award of $100.00.
Essays are due by 5:00 p.m. Friday, December 18, 2009

The Essay must be the original work of the student. Teacher counseling is permitted. No more than 20% may be direct copy from other sources and directly quoted material must be credited to the author. Paraphrasing is permitted. Resource conservation material may be obtained from the Soil and Water Conservation District in your parish, or any other sources with material pertaining to this year’s theme. The essay must be typed and double-spaced and will consist of a minimum of 300 words and a maximum of 500 words. Each essay will be on the basis of 50% for content, 35%for composition, and 15% for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness. Then information should be factually correct and should depict the theme.

This year’s theme, “Dig It! The Secrets of Soil” focuses on soil. There is much to learn about soil. Almost all of the minerals and nutrients we need for life, to nurture us, to help us grow, to give us energy and keep us healthy come from fields, gardens, trees and pastures. Every plant, vegetable, or fruit that we eat gets its nutrients from the soil in which it grows. How much soil do we have on earth to depend on for the world's food supply? Look at the entire earth – 75% of the earth is covered with water in our oceans, lakes, rivers and streams. What is left represents land which is about 25%. Over half of that land is desert, polar or mountainous regions where it is too hot, too cold or too high to be productive. That leaves us with 12.5% which includes land that is limited by terrain, fertility or too much rainfall. It could be too rocky, steep, shallow or to wet to sustain food production. It leaves us with a very small fragment of the land area about 10% which represents the soil everyone depends on for the entire world's food supply. This small amount competes with all other soil needs such as, housing, cities, schools, hospitals, shopping centers, landfills and more. Soil is a precious natural resource.

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 essay contest and conservation, contact the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District office by calling (318) 628-4438 or visit the office at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210, Winnfield, Louisiana 71483 (We are located in Room 210 above the Winn Parish Health Unit.)

For information about the conservation essay contest contact the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District office by calling (318) 628-4438 or 628-2352 or visit the office at 301 West Main Street, Suite 210 in Winnfield.

Please visit our Conservation Poster & Essay Contest website at http://dugdemonaswcd.shutterfly.com/ for entry forms, contest rules and other information concerning our 2009 contests. We are looking forward to working with our schools in Caldwell, Jackson and Winn Parish and receiving our student’s entries for this poster contest and other projects we have planned for this school year.

Recovery Act Funding In Louisiana

2009-06-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

Recovery Act Funding In Louisiana

$4,470,00 Million from Recovery Act for Rehabilitating of Two Louisiana Watersheds
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on April 16, 2009, that the USDA will be sending $4,470,000 to Louisiana state and local governments to improve water quality, increase water supply, decrease soil erosion, and improve fish and wildlife habitat in rural communities as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Major benefits include improved community safety and health, flood mitigation, sediment control, and enhanced fish and wildlife habitat.

ARRA funds will be used in Red Bayou and Bayou Duralde-Lower Nezpique Watersheds in Louisiana to develop conservation measures such as planting vegetative cover and creating shallow water ponds to improve wildlife habitat, improving irrigation efficiency and conserving water, installing filter strips and soil erosion control practices, and enhancing stream corridor and floodplain function.NRCS has worked closely with sponsors to identify projects that are ready for immediate implementation. Projects to be funded are the Red Bayou and Bayou Duralde-Lower Nezpique Watersheds. NRCS Louisiana State Conservationist Kevin Norton said “Louisiana’s Red Bayou project funding will reduce soil erosion and sedimentation; improve water quality in Red Bayou and its tributaries; improve fish and wildlife habitat, and increase efficiency of existing irrigation systems. The project will lead to a reduction of 6,200 tons per year of sediment delivered to water supplies.”

“Funding for the Bayou Duralde-Lower Nezpique Project will treat 33,300 acres of critically eroding cropland by installing 1,451 grade stabilization structures, 60 filter strips, 32 miles of irrigation pipeline, and 21,250 acres of irrigation land leveling in the three parishes of the watershed,” said Norton. “Nearly 45,450 tons of soil will be saved from offsite deposition which will improve water quality for 135 miles of drainage canals and 200 acres of lakes, 36,600 acre/feet of water will be saved annually which equates to a 19% reduction in the demand for groundwater, Improved wildlife habitat on 14,800 acres of bottomland hardwoods, and 15,000 acres will receive 54% less soil deposition and retain its function and values for a longer time period.”

Master Farmer Phase 2 Training

2009-06-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

Phase II:
Since its inception over seven years ago, 2300 agricultural producers have participated in the first environmental stewardship program offered through a cooperative conservation effort among Louisiana State University Ag Center, Farm Bureau Federation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Louisiana Cattlemen's Association, Soil & Water Conservation District's (SWCD) and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. This program was designed for producers, regardless of commodity, to learn about local and national environmental issues, such as Total Maximum Daily Loads and Nonpoint Source Pollution, and how they can address these issues on their own farms. This voluntary certification program consists of three phases:• Phase I: 8 hours of environmental lecture• Phase II: Touring a “model farm” where BMPs are installed• Phase III: Develop and implement a comprehensive conservation plan on farming operationPhase I trainings are held each spring and fall, through distance education. The training is taught from the Dean Lee Research Station in Alexandria and broadcast to several sites, including the Red River Research Station, Oak Grove, Scott Center in Winnsboro, and Crowley. Below is the summer and fall schedule for Master Farmer field days for 2009. Some of these are research station field days and NRCS tours or workshops and all of them fulfill the Phase II requirement for the program.

Please contact Donna Morgan, LSU AgCenter,
at 318-613-9278 with any questions.

2009 Louisiana Master Farmer Phase II Training Schedule
Date Site
June 16 - Stephen Logan Farm, Gilliam (row-crops)
June 17- Northeast Research Station Field Day, St. Joe (row-crops)
June 18 - Red River Research Station Field Day, Bossier (row-crops)
June 18 - Precision Ag Workshop, Donovan Taves Farm, Lake Providence (row-crops)
July 7 - Kent Lounsberry's Farm (Vermilion Parish Rice Tour), Lake Arthur (rice)
July 8 - Rougon-Jones-Rummler Farm, New Roads (sugarcane)
July 14 - Paul Hylan Farm (Pasture Walk), Athens (cattle/forages)
July 17 - Wiggers Farm, Winnsboro (row-crops)
July 22- Iberia-St.Mary-Vermillion Parish Sugarcane Tour
August 20 - Dean Lee Research Station Field Day, Alexandria (row-crops)
October 1 - Hill Farm Field Day, Homer (cattle/forages)
Fall (TBA)- Raymond Fontenot Farm, Abbeville (cattle)
Fall (TBA) - Cattle Field Day, Iberia Parish

Conservation Partnership Efforts

2009-06-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

Conservation Partnership Efforts

Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) in Cooperation with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

NRCS Pumping Plant and Irrigation System Efficiency Evaluation Unit

NRCS unit collecting data

Throughout Louisiana farmers are utilizing pumping plants and irrigation systems, but do we know just how efficient these pumps are operating on the farm? Are they saving farmers energy, fuel and expense while at the same time operating at peak performance? With the cost of fuel and energy on the rise, testing the operational efficiency of pumping plants and irrigation systems will provide recommendations for energy conservation, reduced fuel consumption and more efficient production of irrigation water.The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with Louisiana State University Ag-Center, is now offering a new tool to landowners, which is designed to help find ways to increase efficiency of irrigation systems. NRCS Pumping Plant and Irrigation System Efficiency Evaluation Unit is a mobile unit that can be driven on site to test irrigations systems, providing producers with data to help them achieve maximum overall efficiency for water production and energy conservation.
“Louisiana State University and NRCS are working in partnership together to better serve producers across Louisiana to conserve water and energy." said NRCS State Engineer Ed Giering.A flow meter is utilized to determine the amount of fuel consumption for diesel power plants, and the electric meter is read to determine to power consumption for electric power plants. A flow meter is utilized to gauge the amount discharge from the pumping plant. These measurements are used to evaluate energy input and output of the pumping plant to determine an overall efficiency. Knowing the efficiency of the pumping plant, information can be provided to the landowner that can assist them in improving their pumping efficiency, potentially saving energy and reducing the cost per unit of irrigation water pumped. Also knowing the actual pumping rate will allow the landowner to more effectively manage the application of the irrigation water.There are numerous benefits to using the Unit.

NRCS Pumping Plant and Irrigation System Efficiency Evaluation Unit
“First, by measuring flows, producers will be provided with data showing the amount of water the pump is producing," said Giering. "Secondly, landowners will know if and how efficiently their pump is operating and lastly the Unit can be used to determine how efficiently the pump power plant (natural gas engine, electric motor, or diesel engine) is operating." “NRCS will also provide recommendations to producers regarding the speed that they should operate their drivers to ensure efficient fuel consumption," said Giering.
In most cases, the producer will receive results from NRCS at the time of the site visit, as well as, learn about steps and measure that can be taken to improve operational performance. In the future, NRCS will be able to provide customers with a print-out of the efficiency evaluation that will include annual savings on site. The Unit is already being utilized in the state and has evaluated 12 wells and two bayou pumps Southwest Louisiana and 12 wells in Northeast Louisiana.“Conserving energy and water consumption is just a taste of what NRCS is doing throughout Louisiana to help people help the land,” said Giering. “This active mobile unit is a giant step in water and energy conservation on the farm.”NRCS is now taking applications from producer who would like to have their pumping plants evaluated. If you are interested in this service you should contact your local field office. Please visit NRCS on the web to locate a field office near you at: www.la.nrcs.usda.gov http://www.la.nrcs.usda.gov/.

Staff Contact: Ed Giering, State Conservation Engineer

Phone:(318) 473-7673 FAX: (318) 473-7750

NRCS Civil Engineer Brad Sticker collecting data
NRCS Technician Shannon Walters measuring volume of fuel
NRCS Civil Engineer Mike Kennedy collecting data on water flow and volume

Organic Initiative Offered Through the 2008 Farm Bill to Louisiana Farmers

2009-06-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

Organic farming is one of the fastest growing segments in U.S. Agriculture. The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) provides specific opportunities for organic producers and those transitioning to organic farming. Louisiana farmers who are transitioning to organic or who are currently certified organic can now apply to receive assistance under the Organic Initiative through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers EQIP and is now taking applications for the Organic Initiative. Under the Organic Initiative, approved applicants can receive up to $20,000 per year or $80,000 over six years.

A number of "core" organic conservation practices may be funded through the Organic Initiative, including cover crops, conservation crop rotation, prescribed grazing, pest management, nutrient management, and forage harvest management. All conservation practices offered under "general" EQIP are also available through the Organic Initiative, including but not limited to fence and watering facilities for rotational grazing, erosion control practices, irrigation management, field borders, etc.

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program reauthorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. It supports production agriculture and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through EQIP, eligible producers may receive financial and technical help with structural, vegetative, and management conservation practices on agricultural land and private non-industrial forestland.

Applications for EQIP are taken continuously throughout the year. However, to be considered for Fiscal Year 2009 funding under the Organic Initiative, producers need to have an application signed and returned to their local NRCS office by June 12, 2009. Applicants who are currently certified organic will need to include their organic system plan (OSP) reviewed by a USDA
accredited organic certifier when applying for financial assistance in the Organic Initiative under EQIP. Applicants who are transitioning to organic will need to submit a self-certification form to the NRCS acknowledging that agree to develop and implement conservation practices for certified organic production that are consistent with an organic system plan. The self-certification form may be obtained at time of application from any NRCS Service Center.

Some participants are eligible to receive a higher payment rate; those are limited resource farmers, beginning farmers, and socially disadvantaged groups. For more information, go to www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/SLB_Farmer/. For more information in Jackson Parish visit the NRCS Ruston Field Office at 1803 Trade Drive in Ruston or contact us at (318) 255- 3136 extension 3. For more information in Winn Parish visit the NRCS Natchitoches Field Office at 6949 LA Hwy 1 Bypass in Natchitoches or contact us at (318) 357- 8366 extension 3. For more information in Caldwell Parish visit the NRCS Columbia Field Office at 7128 Hwy 165 South in Columbia or contact us at (318) 649-2651 extension 3.

You can also learn more about the NRCS and Farm Bill programs by visiting us on the Web at http://www.la.nrcs.usda.gov/ or by contacting the Dugdemona SWCD.

District Supervisor Elections

2009-03-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Dugdemona Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Election for 2009.
The Dugdemona SWCD serves Jackson, Winn, and Caldwell Parish west of the Ouachita River.

NOMINATING PERIOD
OPENS: APRIL 1, 2009
CLOSES: APRIL 30, 2009

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, 2009 and must be postmarked PRIOR to May 1, 2009. For more information please call: 318-628-4438 or
email us at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net

Election will be held on Saturday June 13, 200

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

Do you understand and are you committed to the mission of the District?
Can you devote the time, resources, and energy required of a SWCD board member?
Do you understand the roles and responsibilities of the District?
Are you willing to attend meetings regularly, making them a priority for the duration of your term?
Are you willing to participate in the necessary training, education, and development activities?
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.

March 3, 2009 Water Festival

2009-03-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

Water resources are vital to the health and well-being of our society…..even here in Louisiana, where water is often taken for granted. Water is a life sustaining non-renewable resource. As water quality and conservation issues continue to grow it is important that our children learn how they can contribute to its wise use and protection.

For this reason, this effort titled “Make a Splash with Project WET” was funded in part by the Caldwell, Jackson and Winn Parish Police Juries. The festival on beautiful Caney Lake consisted of structured learning stations and exhibits where students actively engaged in hands-on water activities and investigations. Student groups rotated from one activity station to the next where activities included topics such as the hydrologic cycle, ground water, watersheds, soils, water quality and the Sparta Aquifer.

On March 3, 2009 approximately 300 4th grade students and 47 educators from Caldwell, Jackson and Winn parish schools made the trip to Jimmie Davis State Park in Chatham, Louisiana to take part in an effort to raise an awareness of the need for water education and conservation. The objective of this annual event is to highlight the role of water in people’s everyday lives and to teach children of the science and history of water, one of our most essential natural resources.

The students who attended the festival came from schools within the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District. Each teacher and student left the festival with a commemorative bag containing useful educational items including journals for the students to record their experiences and knowledge gained from each of the activities. All educators who attended this festival strongly agree that these Project WET activities expose children to the important subject of resource conservation in a way that both compliments and reinforces traditional classroom learning. That, in itself, is fun and exciting.

There is no question of the vast enjoyment the students receive from this type of activity participation, but most importantly the students gain critical knowledge of water and other natural resources and some basic components of resource conservation and management. With the goal of increasing conservation education and awareness in mind, we educated and trained over 60 high school students from Caldwell, LaSalle, Jackson and Winn parish schools prior to and during this event. Those students were presenters, presenter assistants and volunteers through the entire event.

This annual event would not be possible without the support, commitment and dedication from the generous collaboration of our sponsor, the conservation partnerships, volunteers and individuals in our community.

We would like to thank the Acadia, Bodcau, Boeuf River, Caddo, Calcasieu, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Northeast & Sabine Soil & Water Conservation Districts, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, Trailblazer RC&D, the La. Dept of Environmental Quality, the La. Dept of Agriculture & Forestry, the US Forest Service, AmeriCorps, FFA and 4-H students, teachers, principals and School Boards from Caldwell, Jackson and Winn parishes, and the numerous volunteers.

We also thank the sponsors of the event. These sponsors are the Jackson Parish Police Jury, the Winn Parish Police Jury, the Caldwell Parish Police Jury, Caldwell Bank & Trust, Weyerhaeuser Company, Homeland Federal Savings Bank, Jackson Parish Farm Bureau, Bank of Winnfield and Jackson Parish State Bank. We know times are extremely difficult in the current economic climate, yet you have not waivered in your commitments to the conservation effort, words cannot fully express our gratitude; the water festival would not possible without your dedication to conservation. Together, we made a difference.

Please click on the links below to view pictures from this year’s festival.

http://www.photoshopshowcase.com/Go.aspx?AID=213630&AT=1&VID=689008&ABID=658630
And for part two go to:
http://www.photoshopshowcase.com/Go.aspx?AID=214202&AT=1&VID=689108&ABID=658630

The water festival is an annual event that takes place during each school year. The 2009-2010 water festival is expected to take place in October of 2009. If you would like to be a sponsor of this event or other conservation programs, you would like to volunteer or have any questions please contact Vikkie Lafollette at the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District at (318) 628-4438 or dugdswcd@bellsouth.net.

Were you a presenter, volunteer, teacher, student or sponsor of this event? If so please fell free so make comments on this event or any other conservation issues. We would love to hear from you!

“Make a Splash with Project WET”

2009-02-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

Water resources are vital to the health and well-being of our society…..even here in Louisiana, where water is often taken for granted. Water is a non renewable natural resource. This precious resource may become increasingly scarce as we place more demands on fresh water supplies. As water quality and conservation issues continue to grow it is important that our children learn how they can contribute to its wise use and protection.

For this reason the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District Festival in partnership with the LSU Cooperative Extension Service for Winn Parish will conduct a water festival featuring interactive, hands-on learning activities related to surface and ground water, the water cycle, aquatic organisms, water’s chemical and physical properties, water distribution, natural springs, and more. The festival is designed for teachers and students of the fourth grade. Students will experience interactive exhibits that will encourage a stewardship ethic and a commitment of responsibility and community participation.

There are many conservation issues in Louisiana. Through Project WET we emphasize the importance of water, the non-renewable natural resource, water quality as well as quantity. We also address many other important issues such as reducing soil erosion, enhancing water supplies, improving water quality, increasing wildlife habitat, and reducing damages caused by floods and other natural disasters. There are many public benefits including enhanced natural resources that help sustain agricultural productivity and environmental quality while supporting continued economic development, recreation, and scenic beauty.

The “Make a Splash” water festival will be held at the Group Camp in Jimmie Davis State Park located at 1209 State Park Road, in Chatham, LA 71226 on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 from 9:00 am to 2:10 pm. Fourth grade teachers and students from Caldwell, Jackson and Winn parishes are invited to attend this event.

We are so happy to invite you to share this great experience. We sincerely hope you will become one of our “Partners in Conservation” by supporting this milestone event a volunteer or sponsoring. By working together, communities, businesses, and organizations such as ours, we ensure vital natural resource will continue to enrich our lives. Please contact us at your earliest convenience if you plan to be a sponsor or attend this event. For additional information please contact Vikkie Lafollette at (318) 628-4438 or 628-2352 or email us at dugdswcd@bellsouth.net .

Conservation Essay Contest Deadline

2008-12-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

Don't Forget...
Conservation Essay should be turned in to the Dugdemona SWCD office no later than Friday, December 12, 2008.
The contest has two categories: 8th Grade and 9th Grade. The winners will be awarded with cash prizes of: $100.00, $50.00, and $25.00. This year we will reward the teacher whose student wins first place, by giving them a cash award of $100.00

Question? Just contact our office at 318-628-4438.

Congrats to Our State Poster Contest Winners

2008-12-02T16:25:00.000-08:00

The Dugdemona SWCD is proud to announce that two of our District Conservation Poster Contest winners went on to win at the state level. Dominik Anderson and Shanna Cooper won 1st Place in their divisions and will advance to compete in the National Poster Contest in New Orleans, Louisiana in February of 2009. Congratulations, Dominik and Shanna, we are extremely proud of you. We sincerely hope that Louisiana will have not one but two National Poster Contest winners as Louisiana hosts the National Association of Conservation Districts Convention!

The 2008 "Water is Life"

Louisiana Association Of Conservation Districts Auxiliary

Poster Contest Winners are:

K -1st grade-
1st place-Angeleak Brown in Bodcau SWCD
2nd place-Caroline Powell in Evangeline SWCD

2nd-3rd grade-
1st place-Sarah Pickering in Bodcau SWCD
2nd place-Dawson Gilding in Capital SWCD

4th-6th grade
1st place-Seleste Rivero in Plaquemines SWCD
2nd place-Tanner Mizell in Sabine SWCD

7th-9th grade-
1st place-Dominik Anderson in Dugdemona SWCD
2nd place-Alexis Savant in Evangeline SWCD

10th-12th grade-
1st place-Shanna Cooper in Dugdemona SWCD
2nd place-Ashton Ebarb in Sabine SWCD

We would also like to thank Erin Hayden for chairing the 2008 State Poster Contest. Erin, we truly appreciate your efforts to keep the LACD Auxiliary Poster Contest going. We are all extremely busy, yet feel this is worth our every effort. The poster contest is just one tool to educate future conservationist. Of course you know all that and this is why you donate your time and are dedicated to the cause. Again, we thank you.

3rd Place Poster

2008-12-02T16:17:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to our 3rd Place winners:
Catlin Tatum 10th – 12th Grade
Hunter Anderson & Morgan McCullin 7th -9th Grade
Cameron Bowen 4th – 6th Grade
& Anna Duck 2nd – 3rd Grade

2nd Place Posters

2008-12-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

Our second place winners:

Tiffany Shetters, 10th - 12 Grade

Joan Tran, 7th -9th Grade

Abbie Lawson & Kolby Waler 4th- 6th Grade &

Riley Rasbery 2nd- 3rd Grade

Participating in the Conservation Poster Contest

2008-12-02T15:31:00.000-08:00

Again, we send our thanks to the teachers, students, principals who donated their time to the poster contest this year.

A special thank you to:

Columbia Elementary, Jonesboro Hodge Middle School, Jonesboro Hodge High School, Quitman High School, Union Central Elementary, Weston High School and Winnfield Intermediate School

A heartfelt thank you to these very dedicated and special teachers:

Mrs. Adams, Mrs. McCaa, Mrs. Duchesne, Mrs. Beaubouef, Mrs Jimmerson, Mrs. Simpsonand Mrs Belton.

2008 Conservation Poster Contest "Water is Life"

2008-12-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

We would like to thank all those who participated in Dugdemona SWCD’s Conservation Poster Contest. We thank each and every one of you for your dedication to soil and water conservation education. We truly appreciate your efforts, teachers, students, principals, contest judges, sponsors and all those who donated their time to the poster contest this year. Our activities with this contest as well as many other activities and interaction with schools, teachers and students is paramount to our success as teachers of conservation. All of the individuals involved have put conservation and the valuable lessons that we must teach our children, our future, at the forefront and have provided many positive results. Again, we thank you for your support and dedication.

The winners of the 2008 Dugdemona SWCD Conservation Poster Contest are as follows:

2nd thru 3rd Grade
1st Place
Hunter Deese 2nd Grade Quitman High School
2nd Place
Riley Rasberry 2nd Grade Quitman High School
3rd Place
Anna Duck 2nd Grade Quitman High School

4th thru 6th Grade
1st Place
Sidney Rich 6th Grade Quitman High School
2nd Place
Abbie Lawson 5th Grade Quitman High School
2nd Place
Kolby Walker 6th Grade Weston High School
3rd Place
Cameron Bowen 5th Grade Weston High School

7th thru 9th Grade
1st Place
Dominik Anderson 9th Grade Jonesboro Hodge High School
2nd Place
Joan Tran 7th Grade Jonesboro Hodge High School
3rd Place
Hunter Anderson 9th Grade Quitman High School
3rd Place
Morgan Mc Cullin 7th Grade Quitman High School

10th thru 12th Grade
1st Place
Shanna Cooper 12th Grade Quitman High School
2nd Place
Tiffany Shetters 11th Grade Weston High School
3rd Place
Catlin Tatum 10th Grade Quitman High School

All 1st Place posters were sent to participate in the state poster contest. We are proud to announce that Dominik Anderson and Shanna Cooper won 1st Place in the State Poster Contest in their divisions and they will go on to compete in the National Poster Contest in February of 2009.

Congratulations to our winners and all those who participated. Our judges had a difficult task. Thanks to our dedicated judges Oudia Gilcrease, Rebecca Bell and Glenna Brown. You did a great job. A heart felt thank you to our sponsors, Caldwell Parish Farm Bureau, Jackson Parish Farm Bureau, Kiwanis Club of Columbia, Walker Eye Care and Winn Parish Farm Bureau. You have made this contest possible through your sponsorship of this project. We greatly appreciate your support. We extend our sincere thanks to our local school administrators, principals, teachers, and staff who willingly dedicate their valuable time. We would also like to thank the media who continually support our district, especially the Caldwell Watchman, the Jackson Independent, KVCL Radio, and the Winn Parish Enterprise Our contest would not be successful without each of you.

Louisiana Master Farmer Training Offered

2008-11-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

Since its inception over seven years ago, 2300 agricultural producers have participated in the first environmental stewardship program offered through a cooperative conservation effort among Louisiana State University Ag Center, Farm Bureau Federation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Louisiana Cattlemen's Association and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. This program was designed for producers, regardless of commodity, to learn about local and national environmental issues, such as Total Maximum Daily Loads and Nonpoint Source Pollution, and how they can address these issues on their own farm.

This voluntary certification program consists of three phases:
Phase I: 8 hours of environmental lecture
Phase II: Touring a “model farm” where BMPs are installed
Phase III: Develop and implement a comprehensive conservation plan on farming operation

The LSU AgCenter and NRCS will be offering Phase I training through distance learning education. The class will be taught and offered at the following sites and times around the state. Producers must attend two 4-hour blocks for completion of this phase, depending upon their primary commodity. All Producers must attend the Nov. 11th session. Then you may make a choice on the second day, if you prefer the session on crops (agronomic) or the session on cattle. If you wish you may attend both.

Some of you may have attended the field day held in our parish earlier this summer, but remember you must complete this , Phase 1 session, to receive credit on your EQIP program application. If multiple commodities are produced, then it is up to the producer which training he/she attends. Please contact Donna Morgan, LSU Ag Center, at 318-613-9278 with any questions.

Site November 11th November 12th November 12th
(1-4:30 pm) (8:30 am-12 noon) (1-4:30 pm)

1st 4 hours 2nd 4 hours 2nd 4 hours

Camp Grant Walker, ALL PRODUCERS Agronomic Producers Cattle Producers
Pollock

Red River Research ALL PRODUCERS Agronomic Producers Cattle Producers
Station, Bossier

West Carroll Parish ALL PRODUCERS Agronomic Producers Cattle Producers
Extension Office
Oak Grove, LA

Acadia Parish ALL PRODUCERS Agronomic Producers Cattle Producers
Extension Office,
Crowley, LA

Scott Center, ALL PRODUCERS Agronomic Producers/ N/A
Winnsboro Cattle Producers

Calcasieu Parish ALL PRODUCERS Agronomic Producers Cattle Producers
Extension Office,
Lake Charles

For more information on Master Farmer Please visit the NRCS Web site at http://www.la.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/masterfarmerprogram/index.html or visit the LSU Ag Center Web site at, http://www.lsuagcenter.com/. To learn more about the NRCS and the many programs and services that we offer, please visit us on the Web at, www.la.nrcs.usda.gov.

Conservation Posters Due Today

2008-10-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

Don't forget 2008 conservation posters are due today, Friday, October 31, 2008.

The office will be open until 6:00 p.m. to accept posters with this year's theme "Water is Life" .

All 1st Place posters will be sent on to the State-wide contest. Dugdemona Soil & Water Conservation Poster winners will be announced Wednesday, November 19, 2008 and be poster here shortly thereafter.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

2009 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

2008-10-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

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 Friday October 31, 2008 to be considered in the first ranking pool. The deadline for the second ranking pool will be announced soon, however applications will be taken on a continuous basis.

EQIP is a cost-share program that helps landowners and operators install conservation practices on cropland, grazing lands and forested lands. Practices available for cost-share that you may be interested in include:

Pasture/Grazingland -
Fence
Heavy Use Area Protection
Pasture & Hay Planting
Watering Facility
Legume planting in pasture
Pipeline

Forestry -
Firebreak
Forest Stand Improvement
Conversions to forest
Prescribed Burning
Pre-commercial Thinning
Reforestation

Poultry -
Composting Facility
Waste Storage Facility
Waste Utilization
CNMP Development

On a statewide basis, we have over 50 conservation practices that agricultural producers can sign up for right now. 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 offices, the USDA Field Offices which serve the Dugdemona SWCD are located in either Ruston, Columbia, or Natchitoches Louisiana. Please come by for more detailed information on the program in Caldwell, Jackson and Winn Parishes.

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 District.

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 Caldwell, Jackson and Winn Parishes and we want to help them as much as possible. 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) 649-2651 ext. 3 for Caldwell Parish
(318) 255-3136 ext. 3 for Jackson Parish
(318) 357-8366 ext. 3 for Winn Parish

or the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District Office at

(318) 628-4438

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.

2008 Conservation Essay Contest Rules

2008-10-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

2008

Conservation Essay Contest

Rules

1. The student must be in the 8th or 9th grade to be eligible.
2. The Essay must be the original work of the student. Teacher counseling is permitted. No more than 20% may be direct copy from other sources and directly quoted material must be credited to the author. Paraphrasing is permitted.
3. Resource conservation material may be obtained from the Soil and Water Conservation District in your parish, or any other sources with material pertaining to this year’s theme.
4. The essay must be typed and double-spaced.
5. The essay will consist of a minimum of 300 words and a maximum of 500 words. A single character word or a hyphened word constitutes one word.
6. The number of words contained in the essay must be written in the upper right-hand corner of page 1 in the essay (NOT THE TITLE PAGE).
7. Each essay will be on the basis of 50% for content, 35%for composition, and 15% for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness.
8. Then information should be factually correct and should depict the theme.
9. The title page of the essay must include the following:
· The student’s name and home address.
· Grade the student is in.
· The name and address of the school.
· The teacher’s name.
· The name of the sponsoring Soil and Water Conservation District
· The theme title.
· The date.
10. Entries must be received by The Dugdemona Soil and Water

Conservation District office

by Friday, December 12, 2008.

More Pictures from the NACD South Central Meeting

2008-10-23T15:05:00.001-07:00

2008 NACD South Central Rgional Meeting in Hot Springs, Arkansas

2008-10-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

The Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts served as hosts of the 2008 NACD South Central Region at the historic Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Ark. Conference attendees received updates on a variety of conservation topics, including 2008 Farm Bill implementation and the importance of locally-led Conservation, as well as many beneficial presentations on conservation district operations. Providing an update on NACD's many activities was NACD's Second Vice President Bob Cordova.

More than 200 conservation district officials and conservation leaders from across the South Central Region gathered to discuss issues facing conservation districts in the coming year. South Central Region Chair Sonny Jones of Arkansas called the meeting to order. Jones presented three goals for the meeting 1) improving the use of our conservation resources 2) growing the conservation community and 3) strengthening the conservation partnership. NACD Second Vice President Bob Cordova addressed the group, as well as other members of the conservation partnership. The focus of the presentations was on the future of conservation and meeting new challenges in the future.

One highlight of the conference was Susan Schultz, NACD Stewardship & Education, for two separate sessions. Ms. Schultz spoke to NCDEA South central Region employees on the topic of “How to Get Your District Noticed”. Ms. Schultz also gave a “Capacity Building Workshop” emphasizing Grant Proposal Writing. Cynthia Rhoads, Auditor for Arkansas Conservation Districts gave an excellent presentation to the group on Financial Management for Districts, highlighting policies and procedures for fiscal responsibility and way to reduce misuse and theft of district funds.
NCDEA Officers are as follows:
President- Carolann Corado
Vice-President- Vikkie Lafollette
Treasurer- Sharon Underwood
Secretary- Ruth Cunningham
South Central Region Representative- Sharon Underwood

Also at the meeting, Rick Jeans of Oklahoma was elected as the new South Central Region Chair. He will begin his term in at the Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Louisiana will host the 2009 South Central Regional meeting.

Conservation Essay Contest

2008-10-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Join the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District as we celebrate conservation by participating in the Conservation Essay Contest, with the theme “Water is Life.”

The contest will have two categories: 8th Grade and 9th Grade.

The winners will be awarded with cash prizes of: $100.00, $50.00, and $25.00.

This year we will reward the teacher whose student wins first place, by giving them a cash award of $100.00.

The Essay must be the original work of the student. Teacher counseling is permitted. No more than 20% may be direct copy from other sources and directly quoted material must be credited to the author. Paraphrasing is permitted. Resource conservation material may be obtained from the Soil and Water Conservation District in your parish, or any other sources with material pertaining to this year’s theme. The essay must be typed and double-spaced and will consist of a minimum of 300 words and a maximum of 500 words. Each essay will be on the basis of 50% for content, 35%for composition, and 15% for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness. Then information should be factually correct and should depict the theme.

This year’s theme, “Water is Life” focuses on water– a non renewable natural resource and how this precious resource may become increasingly scarce as we place more demands on fresh water supplies. The water on Earth has been here since the beginning of time, it contains all the water we will ever have. Earth's waters are constantly in motion in a process known as the hydrologic cycle. The hydrologic cycle has no beginning and no end. No water is gained or lost in the cycle, but the fresh water available to users can fluctuate due to cycles in the weather and changes in water quality. Throughout time, the same water has been transferred from the oceans into the Earth's atmosphere and dropped on land again. That means the water we use today is the same water that was here when dinosaurs roamed the land. Less than 1 percent of all the water on Earth is fresh water that we can actually use. How do we conserve it? Participating in this contest will teach your students just how big of an impact one person can make through conservation.

For information about the conservation essay contest and conservation, contact the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District office by calling (318) 628-4438 or visit the office at 301 West Main Street, Suite 207, Winnfield, Louisiana 71483 (We are located in Room 207 above the Winn Parish Health Unit.)

Learn about the many reasons we should all “celebrate conservation.” We are looking forward to working with our schools in Caldwell, Jackson and Winn Parish and receiving our student’s entries for this essay contest and other projects we have planned for the 2008-2009 school year.

2008-10-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

Join the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District as we celebrate conservation by participating in the Conservation Poster Contest. Any student in grades K-12 in the schools located in the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District is eligible to enter the poster contest. The District includes Caldwell, Jackson and Winn parishes. There are five categories: K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12.

The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District will award the following prizes in each category: 1st Place- $25.00, 2nd Place - $15.00 and 3rd Place 10.00

The 18th annual Conservation Poster Contest provides kindergarten through twelfth grade students with an opportunity to share their thoughts about soil, water and related natural resource issues. “This year’s theme is “Water is life”.
This year’s theme, “Water is life” focuses on water – a non renewable natural resource and how this precious resource may become increasingly scarce as we place more demands on fresh water supplies.

Any media may be used to create a flat or two-dimensional effect (paint, crayon, colored pencil, charcoal, paper, or other material). All posters must have completed entry forms attached to the back of the poster. The poster must depict the conservation theme, “Water is life”. The poster size must be between 8.5” X 11” and 22” X 28”. All posters should be submitted to the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District by Friday, October 31, 2008. For information about the contest or conservation, contact the Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District office by calling (318) 628-4438 or visit the office at 301 West Main Street, Suite 207, Winnfield, Louisiana 71483 (We are located in Room 207 above the Winn Parish Health Unit.) Learn about the many reasons “water is life.” We are looking forward to working with our schools in Caldwell, Jackson and Winn Parish and receiving our student’s entries for this poster contest and other projects we have planned for this school year.

Poster Pick Up Schedule:

Caldwell Parish: Posters should be turned in to the school office by Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. for pick up or brought to the Dugdemona SWCD office by Friday, October 31, 2008 no later than 5:00 p.m.

Jackson Parish: Poster should be turned in to the school office by Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. for pick up or brought to the Dugdemona SWCD office by Friday, October 31, 2008 no later than 5:00 p.m.

Winn Parish: Posters should be turned into the school office by Friday, October 31, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. for pick up or should be brought to the Dugdemona SWCD office by Friday, October 31, 2008 no later than 5:00 o.m.

Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District

Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District: January Meetind Rescheduled

January Meetind Rescheduled

Office Closed

Time for the 66th Annual Meeting of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts

2012 Annual Conservation Tree & Shrub Sale

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

EQIP October 15, 2011 Ranking Pool Deadline

2011 NACD South Central Regional Conference coming up

Office closed until August 15, 2011

1st place Winner in the Dugdemona River Photo Contest

2nd Place goes to...

3rd Place

Honorable Mention

Congratulations to the winners of the Dugdemona Photo Contest!!

Notice to Hispanic and/or Women Farmers or Ranchers:

Dugdemona River Photo Contest

Pasture Walk Scheduled for June 23rd

Pasture Walk at Peterson Farms

CEASE AND DESIST ON OUTDOOR BURNING

Program Assistant Position Available in Columbia, Louisiana

LACD 2010 Outstanding Non-Supervisor of the Year

Cyndi Beaubouef named as LACD 2010 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

Calvin High School Sweeps Conservation Essay Contest

LOCAL COMMUNITY TO MAKE LOCAL CONSERVATION DECISIONS

Saline SWCD Spring Plant Sale

Dugdemona Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Election for 2011

We're now on Facebook

Conservation Tree & Shrub Sale

Make a Splash With Project WET

Conservation Poster Contest

Conservation Essay Contest

Funds available for landowners through Conservation Programs

Nominating Period for Supervisor Elections Opens

Conservation Practices For Forestland Owners

EQIP Application are being taken...

2010 Conservation Tree & Shrub Sale

WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

New Office Hours

Locally Led Conservation Meeting

Conservation Posters are due Next Week

Conservation Poster Contest

Recovery Act Funding In Louisiana

Master Farmer Phase 2 Training

Conservation Partnership Efforts

Organic Initiative Offered Through the 2008 Farm Bill to Louisiana Farmers

District Supervisor Elections

March 3, 2009 Water Festival

“Make a Splash with Project WET”

Conservation Essay Contest Deadline

More of the 2008 Conservation Poster Contest

Congrats to Our State Poster Contest Winners

3rd Place Poster

2nd Place Posters

Participating in the Conservation Poster Contest

2008 Conservation Poster Contest "Water is Life"

Louisiana Master Farmer Training Offered

Conservation Posters Due Today

2009 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

2008 Conservation Essay Contest Rules

More Pictures from the NACD South Central Meeting

2008 NACD South Central Rgional Meeting in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Conservation Essay Contest