Southwest States Association of RC&D Councils
Success Stories
Switchgrass Demonstration
Knowledge is Power
Louisiana Native Plant Initiative
Conservation Innovation Grant
9006 Grant/Loan – Vanemburg’s Greenbrier Poultry Farm
Water Quality Project Office-Serving Upper White River
Cedar Bluff Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS)
Delaware River Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS)
Marais des Cygnes Targeted Watershed Project
Urban Stormwater Recycling
Wildland-Urban Interface/Firewise in Louisiana
Firewise and Ice Storm Mitigation
Partnerships- Rural School Sewage Treatment Replacement
OK Leads Effort in Hazardous Fuel Removal for Economic Development
Brownfields
From Flood and Heartache to Parks, Beauty, and Walking Trails
Ozark Regional Timberfest
Demonstrating Poultry Odorbreaks/Windbreaks
Redcedar Opportunities and Ozark Chinquapin Restoration
NRCS Foresters in Missouri – NRCS/MO Conservation Partnership
The Joy of Eating and Living Well
Identifying and Utilizing Your Community Assets
Wildlife Heritage Center Museum
Solid Waste Education/Information Program
Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax—Missouri’s Experience
Partnerships Can Make the Difference - Deer Hunt for the Disabled
Bicycles and Wheelchairs from Landfills
Community Wind Project
Great American Cattle Drive – National Drovers Museum
Sweet Potato Storage Facility Project
Hurricane Relief Tree Planting Program
Successful Farmland Protection Contracts
Civil Rights and Your RC&D Council
Low Impact Development
Facilitating Successful Meetings
Old Bricks Provide New Beginning
Old Bricks Provide for New Beginning
Four Winds RC&D
PO Box 548, Knox City, Texas 79529
940-658-3680, fax 940-658-3781
Darren Clark, RC&D Coordinator, email Darren.Clark@tx.usda.gov
Presenter: H.L. Ayers, President, Four Winds RC&D
The community of Truscott, Texas, located in Knox County, is now enjoying a new community center thanks to the efforts of Four Winds Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) and local community leaders.
Residents of this small community use the center as an all purpose facility and are very proud of their new structure. In past years, town meetings, voting polls, family reunions and other activities were held in a 100 year-old brick building, where the new center now stands.
It was hard for residents of Truscott to do away with the old building because it was a piece of their heritage and culture on the land that they would have rather refurbished for their use. However, after building inspections revealed that it was too rundown and costly for repairs, they decided to seek other options. Local resident and rancher Jerry Bob Daniel, owner of Circle Bar Ranch, took an interest in the project from the beginning. In 2005, he contacted Darren Clark, coordinator for the Four Winds RC&D in Knox City and inquired about possible funding using grant monies. Clark said, “The initial request for a new community center project was submitted to a private foundation in Texas during March, 2006, and in June, the grant was approved.”
Funding was secured for less than half of the $160,000 that was needed, so Daniel organized the effort and was successful in obtaining donations for the additional funding. Private landowners and businesses in the Rolling Plains area generously gave to the cause through Daniel’s work. He is credited for the reality of Truscott Community Center. The new building was completed in February, 2007 with an added bonus; old bricks from the historical building were salvaged and prominently placed on the front of the new building.
The structure is literally the ‘center’ of attention in the community. Both Knox and Foard Counties utilize the 50 x 90 facility for activities and functions. Its spacious area includes a large meeting room and kitchen, and the backside of the building is a covered concrete slab with open sides. Truscott Community Center Association manages the center and maintains the grounds at the building. Four Winds RC&D Coordinator Darren Clark said, “This new community center is a tremendous boost for Truscott and provides the area with a safe environment for meetings and other functions.”
Ozark Regional Timberfest
Big Springs RC&D
P.O. Box 747, Van Buren, Missouri 63965
573-323-8496, fax 573-323-8304
Jeff Lamb, RC&D Coordinator, jeff.lamb@mo.usda.gov
Presenter: Tracey Holden, Executive Director, Ripley County Chamber of Commerce
101 Washington Street, Doniphan, Missouri 63935
573-996-2212, fax 573-351-1441, rcchamber@windstream.net
Ozark Regional Timberfest: How partnerships helped a 125-member Chamber of Commerce put on an event that brought over 5,000 visitors to their community. This was a major accomplishment and profitable venture for a small community and a very small Chamber.
Sheraton Valley RC&D Switchgrass Demonstration
Northeast Missouri RC&D
Route 3, Box 56, Edina, Missouri 63537-9603
660-397-2223 ext. 4, fax 660-397-3289
Ken Berry, RC&D Coordinator, email Ken.Berry@mo.usda.gov
Presenter: Ken Berry
Louisiana Native Plant Initiative
Acadiana RC&D
3419 NW Evangeline Thruway, Suite B-9 Carencro, Louisiana 70520
337-896-0362 ext. 3, fax 337-896-1204
Scott Edwards, RC&D Coordinator, email scott.edwards@la.usda.gov
Presenter: Scott Edwards
Restoration efforts across all grassland systems in Louisiana are limited by a lack of locally adapted plant material. Despite the great demand for native plant material for conservation, restoration, and wildlife habitat creation, locally adapted plant material is not available. Many restoration and conservation projects in Louisiana have been unable to proceed because of the lack of available seed sources that are adapted to individual local sites. To achieve long-term sustainability, plant material used for restoration projects should be adapted to local physical, climatic, and biologic conditions. The Louisiana Native Plant Initiative (LNPI) has relied on volunteer labor and leadership by committee for the past four years until the Acadiana RC&D Council adopted it as a project. The Council has taken a leadership role in this project, bringing many diverse interests and groups together to assist with funding and staffing issues. The LNPI has made 30 extensive collections from across the state, placed 15 species in initial evaluation, developed 5 breeder blocks, and 3 species have been advanced to large scale seed increase. The LNPI has evolved into an unique comprehensive plant materials program to collect, increase, and release locally adapted ecotypes of native grasses, forbs, and legumes. Commercially available sources of locally adapted plant materials have the potential to provide substantial ecological and economic benefits.
Knowledge is Power
Wheatland RC&D
1216 West Willow, Suite E, Enid, Oklahoma 73703
580-234-8331, fax 580-237-9536
Carl Smith, RC&D Coordinator, email carl.smith@ok.usda.gov
Presenter: Jeff Lockett, Chairman, Wheatland RC&D, 580-718-4240
The “Knowledge is Power” program is the collaborative effort of a new partnership between the Oklahoma Tribal Conservation Advisory Council and Wheatland RC&D. Wheatland RC&D with its operational goals of promoting and enhancing the financial and economic development of rural areas and improving the outreach and delivery abilities of the council was the natural choice for a partnership. The disbanded Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Agriculture Outreach Program will be expanded to encompass the entire state of Oklahoma and include all socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers regardless of race or minority status. The first goal of “Knowledge is Power” is to get more female and minority farmers/ranchers to better understand and utilize the government programs that are available to them. This will include both technical and financial assistance. The second goal is to remove the feelings of intimidation at the prospect of government bureaucracy by providing technical assistance on a broader level.
The Joy of Eating and Living Well
Great Plains RC&D
1505 North Glenn English Street, Cordell, Oklahoma 73632
580-832-3661, fax 580-832-2434
Larry Wright, RC&D Coordinator, larry.wright@ok.usda.gov
Presenter: Larry Wright
Urban Stormwater Recycling
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
1100 Morton Parkway, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601-3723
660-646-6220 ext. 128, fax 660- 646-4894
Ray Goodwin, RC&D Coordinator, ray.goodwin@mo.usda.gov
Presenter: Ray Goodwin
Identifying and Utilizing Your Community Assets
Pecos Valley RC&D
3600 South Stockton Highway, Suite 6, Monahans, Texas 79756
432-943-3888, fax 432-943-4129
Greg Huber, RC&D Coordinator, greg.huber@tx.usda.gov
Presenter: Doug May, Member, Executive Director, Fort Stockton Economic Development
(also serves on Board of Directors of Pecos Valley RC&D)
1000 Railroad Avenue, Fort Stockton, Texas 79735
432-336-2264, cell 432-290-1963, fax 432-336-6114
The Pecos Valley RC&D Council has been very involved with the EDC and has had several projects related to activities including their spaceport and aeroscience programs. Doug May will emphasize recognition of and development of resources available to individual communities.
Partnerships—Rural/Low Income School Sewage Treatment Replacement
Southwest Missouri RC&D
283 US Highway 60 West, Republic, Missouri 65738
417-732-6485, fax 417-732-9101
Rita Mueller, RC&D Coordinator, rita.mueller@mo.usda.gov
Presenter: Kathryn Braden, President, Missouri Association of RC&D Councils, 417-785-4380
Mark Twain School is a small rural school (K-8th grade) in Taney County. The school's lagoon that sat on Forest Service land was failing and leaking in the groundwater into nearby Tumbling Creek Cave that houses many endangered species. Southwest Missouri RC&D facilitated the many partners needed to fund the school's new sewage treatment system.
Low Impact Development
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Presenter: DeDe Vest, Area Resource Conservationist (Urban)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
688 South State Highway B, Suite 100, Springfield, Missouri 65802
417-831-5246 ext. 6, fax 417-862-0585, dede.vest@mo.usda.gov
Wildland-Urban Interface/Firewise in Louisiana
Twin Valley RC&D
428 Dixie Plaza Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457
318-352-4946, fax 318-352-5559
Benny Dobson, RC&D Coordinator, benny.dobson@la.usda.gov
Presenters:
Holly Morgan, Timber Sales Specialist, US Forest Service, 318-473-7160
Alan Small, I&E Assistance Chief, Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, cell 318-471-5718
The WUI/Firewise program in Louisiana had it’s inception in 2002 with the partnership between Twin Valley RC&D, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and USFS with a meeting at the Natchitoches RC&D office between Coordinator Benny Dobson, Associate State Forester Cyril LeJeune, District Forester Alan Small and USFS Coordinator Alan Pigg. Shortly after Twin Valley Forestry Committee Chairperson Holley Morgan joined the venture and Twin Valley began working with the US Forest Service and the LA Department of Agriculture and Forestry in 2002 to secure grants to provide a means for wildfire education and prevention in Twin Valley’s eight-parish service area. Education has been provided through several projects. One project provided for demonstrations of forest fuel reduction by prescribed burns and mechanical fuel reduction utilizing a woodgator. Fuel reduction is the elimination/removal of underbrush and/or merchantable timber from forest land. The removal of these fuels helps significantly to reduce the amount of fuel available if a wildfire were to break-out. Another project involved the creation and production of 110,000 brochures to inform the public on defensible space entitled “Prevention - A Home’s Best Defense from Wildfire”. Additionally, Firewise educational workshops were held in fourteen (14) volunteer fire districts in the Twin Valley parishes, during which community meetings were held. 20,300 residents were educated on fire prevention, received informational brochures and participated in a question and answer session. As a result of these meetings, each volunteer fire department received a $1,000 mini-grant. Also, the first Firewise Community in Louisiana was created in the town of Fisher. Currently, Twin Valley is working the LA Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry on a grant which provides Smokey Bear Wildfire Danger Signs for fire districts in the Twin Valley Area. These signs will show the current fire danger rating and alert citizens on whether it is safe to burn on a particular day. Over 40 communities will benefit from this project. Our next step will be to design and produce educational CD’s, which will include information on all of these projects, to be distributed to the public. Twin Valley will continue to work on forestry and fire danger related projects to educate people on wildfire danger and to provide help to rural residents and homeowners in learning the value of identifying defensible space.
Conservation Innovation Grant
Solomon Valley RC&D
320 South Sixth Street, Stockton, Kansas 67669
785-425-6647, fax 785-425-6308
Darla Juhl, RC&D Coordinator, darla.juhl@ks.usda.gov
Presenter: Kathy Stice and Lujeana Howell, Solomon Valley RC&D, 785-425-6647
The Solomon Valley RC&D worked with the Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA) to submit a National Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) in January of 2007. The RC&D was officially notified of the three year grant award of $119,300 on June 27, 2007. A Project Coordinator will be hired by the RC&D to assist KBFA with the growth and marketing of teff, a grain native to Ethiopia that efficiently uses soil moisture. Teff can be used as a grain, forage, or ornamental and is also very low in gluten. Eighty acres of seed will be donated each year and grown within area farmer’s current dryland crop rotations. In 2005 and 2006 the KBFA and Kansas State Research and Extension have experimented with the growth of teff in Northwest Kansas. In Oklahoma and Idaho about 1,000 acres of teff is grown commercially with the use of irrigation. The teff seed is only 1/150th the size of a wheat grain!
Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS)
Smoky Hills RC&D
320 South Sixth Street, Stockton, Kansas 67669
785-425-6647, fax 785-425-6308
Darla Juhl, RC&D Coordinator, darla.juhl@ks.usda.gov
Presenter: Stephanie Royer, Smoky Hills RC&D, 785-222-2615
Watershed Restoration And Protection Strategy (WRAPS) is a program sponsored and administered by the Smoky Hills RC&D area and funded by the Kansas Water Plan and Environmental Protection Agency. This program is unique to Kansas and works only with local participation. It is a voluntary, grassroots program that deals with water issues at a local watershed level verses a statewide approach. The program allows local individuals on the leadership team to decide what the biggest issues and concerns are within the watershed and how to address them. Public meetings have been held across the Cedar Bluff watershed in west central Kansas and the following issues were brought forth: overall water use, water contamination, urban and rural chemical and fertilizer use, livestock and pet waste, erosion and education on Playa Lakes. During the next 18 months the leadership team has planned several activities including water festivals, un-permitted dumpsite remediation, no-till field days, alternative septic system installation, livestock pollution control and many more. The Smoky Hills RC&D has been working with this program since July 2006 and recently made application to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to fund the next year and a half.
Sweet Potato Storage Facility Project
Central Arkansas RC&D
13 Kings Highway, Conway, Arkansas 72032
501-505-8395, fax 510-505-8325
Cindy Neal, RC&D Coordinator, cindy.neal@ar.usda.gov
Presenter: Cindy Neal
The Central AR RC&D Council, Inc. opened the doors to the newly constructed 2.1 million dollar Sweet Potato Storage & Distribution Facility located in Phillips County, Arkansas. U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln was the keynote speaker for the dedication/ribbon cutting ceremony that brought in between 250 – 300 people. Central AR RC&D Council, Inc. will be the owner/operators and will be leasing space in the facility to a group of minority producers that grow sweet potatoes. This facility will enable producers to store, cure, wash, grade, package and load potatoes for shipment. This 37,000 sq. ft. building will store 110,000 bushels of sweet potatoes with plans to expand each year to the capacity of 500,000 bushels.
Successful Farmland Protection Contracts
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Presenter: DeDe Vest, Area Resource Conservationist (Urban)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
688 South State Highway B, Suite 100, Springfield, Missouri 65802
417-831-5246 ext. 6, fax 417-862-0585, dede.vest@mo.usda.gov
Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax—Missouri’s Experience
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 176, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
Presenter: Bill Wilson, Deputy Program Director, Soil and Water Conservation Program
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 176, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
bill.wilson@dnr.mo.gov, 573-751-4932, fax 573-526-3508
Missouri
has a dedicated sales tax—one-tenth of a cent—that helps funds state parks and
soil and water conservation. Missouri’s parks, soils and water sales tax, first
passed in 1984, has helped farmers address soil erosion and water quality on
agricultural land. The tax raises $82 million a year, half for state parks and
historic sites and half for soil and water conservation. An opportunity to
learn more about this effort to provide soil and water conservation programs
will be presented in this workshop. Come see what good things are happening in
Missouri.
From Flood and Heartache to Parks, Beauty, and Walking Trails
Big Springs RC&D
P.O. Box 747, Van Buren, Missouri 63965
573-323-8496, fax 573-323-8304
Jeff Lamb, RC&D Coordinator, jeff.lamb@mo.usda.gov
Presenter: Tammy Thurman, City Clerk, City of Piedmont, Missouri, 573-223-7660
In October 1993, the City of Piedmont, Missouri requested assistance through the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, Public Law 83-566 to address repetitive flood-related problems along McKenzie Creek. Average annual flood damages were calculated in excess of $500,000. In cooperation with the City of Piedmont and the Wayne County SWCD, the Missouri NRCS prepared the “McKenzie Creek Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment” which was signed on July 7, 1998.
As of December 2005, 109 residential and 3 business properties have been demolished and removed from floodplain areas. Residents and occupants have been relocated to flood-free areas. The acquired property has been developed into greenway and recreational areas composed of open spaces, walking/jogging trails, picnic areas, shelterhouses, restrooms, baseball and soccer facilities, restored riparian habitat, and 2 new city parks. Nearly 1000 feet of streambank has been restored and stabilized. Approximately $4,200,000 has been spent or allocated to fund project activities to date. The plan calls for total project costs of about $5,600,000.
Development of broad-based partnerships have been a major factor in the success of this project which provides an economically, environmentally, and socially acceptable alternative to address natural resource concerns and achieve floodplain management goals within the City of Piedmont. Additional project partners include: Big Springs RC&D, FEMA, SEMA, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Economic Development, U.S. Forest Service, Missouri Department of Transportation, Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission, and numerous local businesses, groups, and individuals.
The City of Piedmont was recognized by SW States RC&D Association as ‘Outstanding Supporting Organization’ in the 2004 National RC&D Awards Program.
Civil Rights and Your RC&D Council
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Presenter: DeDe Vest, Area Resource Conservationist (Urban)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
688 South State Highway B, Suite 100, Springfield, Missouri 65802
417-831-5246 ext. 6, fax 417-862-0585, dede.vest@mo.usda.gov
Facilitating Successful Meetings
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Presenter: DeDe Vest, Area Resource Conservationist (Urban)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
688 South State Highway B, Suite 100, Springfield, Missouri 65802
417-831-5246 ext. 6, fax 417-862-0585, dede.vest@mo.usda.gov
Brownfields
Solomon Valley RC&D and Smoky Hills RC&D
320 South Sixth Street, Stockton, Kansas 67669
785-425-6647, fax 785-425-6308
Darla Juhl, RC&D Coordinator, darla.juhl@ks.usda.gov
Presenters:
Lujeana Howell, Kathy Stice, and Stephanie Royer, Solomon Valley RC&D and Smoky Hills RC&D
On July 12, thirty-eight Junior Girl Scouts from across northwest and north central Kansas, four camp aides and two adult staff met at Weist Hall on Fort Hays State University campus for fun and adventure. The girls participated in "Our Town", a program introducing youth to Brownfields (areas in communities that have been shut down or abandoned due to environmental or contamination issues.) They learned how citizens can take an active role in rebuilding and cleaning up these sites. Whitney Rawls, Environmental Scientist and Brownfields Coordinator with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in Topeka, was the presenter. Volunteers from two area Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Areas and two Watershed Restoration And Protection Strategy (WRAPS) areas assisted with this event. Those organizations included the Solomon Valley RC&D, the Smoky Hills RC&D, the Waconda WRAPS, and the Cedar Bluff WRAPS. The girls watched a movie about Silent Spring, used the EPA and "Our Town" websites to learn about pollution and other environmental issues, visited a local brownfield, watched the Dr. Seuss movie "The Lorax", and worked in groups on brownfield restoration.
Delaware River Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS)
Glacial Hills RC&D
318
Broadway, Valley Falls, Kansas 66088
785-945-6292, 785-945-6882
Gary Satter, RC&D Coordinator, gary.satter@ks.usda.gov
Speaker: Gary Satter
The Delaware River Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) project provides the framework for the implementation of water quality improvement practices and behaviors through technical, informational, educational and financial assistance to stakeholders in this watershed. The goal is to restore the watershed to a condition with clean water, healthy habitats and open spaces for human and wildlife communities. The aim is to make the watershed a place where people work together to sustain mutual economic and environmental well-being. WRAPS is a “community-based” watershed management project, with the “community” being the Delaware River Watershed. The Delaware River watershed is an area of over 1,100 square miles that terminates in the Perry Lake Reservoir in northeast Kansas. Its goal is to protect and restore watershed functions while considering the social and economic factors of the human and non-human residents of the community and the benefits of those watershed functions to each.
The Delaware River WRAPS was initiated by the Glacial Hills RC&D and is funded through EPA Section 319 funds and Kansas Water Plan funds. We just submitted a third grant proposal for $1.25 million for demonstration projects for 2008.
Hurricane Relief Tree Planting Program
Bayou Land RC&D
2420
Athania Parkway, Suite 204, Metairie, Louisiana 70001
504-828-1866 ext. 3, fax
504-838-9472
Alton James, Jr., RC&D Coordinator, alton.james@la.usda.gov
Presenter: Alton James, Jr.
Thousands of volunteers are supporting restoration and beautification of the region at heightened levels as they manage and repair our public green spaces. Street medians, rights-of-way, parks, recreational areas, municipal campuses trees, and school-based gardens were all impacted after the storm.
As a result, Relief was born. The idea of developing a regional, multiphase, long-term replanting program that is networked with civic organizations and neighborhood associations for the support and management of green space in the region. Our collective goal is to replace over 50,000 trees lost in public spaces as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Bayou Land RC&D is a part of this initiative and are working with the City of New Orleans and Jefferson Parish to replace storm-damaged and storm-destroyed trees on public property within the area. Over $100,000 has been raised thus far to purchase over 14, 0000 young trees (including Live Oak, Crepe Myrtles, Magnolias, and Green Ash), irrigation drip bags, etc.
While we don’t think for a minute that we replaced every tree that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita damaged or destroyed, we do believe that we made a major impact into devastated urban forestry canopy and know that this is one of many steps in the regrowth and beautification of the region.
Firewise and Ice Storm Mitigation
Southwest Missouri RC&D
283 US Highway 60 West, Republic, Missouri 65738
417-732-6485, fax 417-732-9101
Rita Mueller, RC&D Coordinator, rita.mueller@mo.usda.gov
Presenter: Duane Parker, Firewise Communities Consultant, cell 417-569-7288
Southwest Missouri RC&D is sponsoring the Missouri Firewise Education grant from the USDA Forest Service and partnering with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), RC&Ds in Missouri, the Fire Marshal’s Office, and Firewise organization. Seven features of Firewise homes include home ignition zone; lean, clean, and green landscaping; fire-resistant roof construction; fire-resistant attachments; fire-resistant construction; a disaster plan; and emergency access.
After the ice storm hit southwest Missouri, landowners were left with downed trees that are now fuel for future fires. RC&D and MDC submitted a grant to the USDA Forest Service—Ice Storm Mitigation and Firewise Supplement to help educate the public about the increased fire danger from the excess fuel in the woods. TV and radio advertisements will explain safe burning tips and fire protection measures to be taken by the public.
Duane Parker retired as a Forestry Regional Supervisor for the Missouri Department of Conservation after a 33-year career of promoting forestry management, protecting our natural resources, and championing fire protection. Duane is now a Firewise Communities Consultant Forester working with Southwest Missouri RC&D to spread the Firewise message throughout Missouri.
Wildlife Heritage Center Museum
Ouachita Mountains RC&D
7 East Choctaw Avenue, Suite 101, McAlester, Oklahoma 74501
918-423-2479, fax 918-423-0793
Gary Garman, RC&D Coordinator, gary.garman@ok.usda.gov
Presenter: Gary Garman
The Wildlife Heritage Center Museum started out as a dream of a handful of the citizens of Antlers, Oklahoma. Those concerned citizens, partnering with the Ouachita Mountains RC&D Council worked to make that dream a reality. Today the Wildlife Center, a 2,400 SF log cabin facility, serves as a visitor information center while at the same time, serves as an interactive wildlife educational facility. The facility is constructed of locally harvested pine logs and native stone. In the Wildlife Center opening year (2006-2007) over 1,500 guest have visited the educational facility. Over 35 local volunteers staff the facility Monday – Saturday 9AM to 4PM. The facility is free to the public. The museum is host to static displays of Black bear, Whitetail deer, Wild Turkey and other small game of Oklahoma. The $200,000 facility was constructed with only $80,000 cash and over 2,400 volunteer hours during construction. The facility also serves as the rural communities meeting room, hosting over 75 public meetings in its first year.
9006 Grant/Loan – Vanemburg’s Greenbrier Poultry Farm
Ozark Foothills RC&D
2119 Malcolm Avenue, Suite 220, Newport, Arkansas 72112
870-523-8986 ext. 4, fax 870-523-9951
Lori Barker, RC&D Coordinator, lori.barker@ar.usda.gov
Presenter: Lori Barker
The 9006 Grant/Loan Program with Rural Development is design to help small farmers implement energy conservation practices and equipment into their farms- poultry houses, grain farms, etc. The Council was asked by Rural Development Administration (RD), Shirley Tucker, to assist them with the 9006 program outreach for our area. The Council ran the PSA in all the local papers for the public meeting on the 9006 Program for RD, April 25, 2007. The meeting proved fruitful with one applicant the, Vanemburgs which are poultry farm operators and owners in Independence County, decided to apply for the program. The Council worked with the Vanemburgs and their application for the 9006 grant/loan program. The project called for an energy audit, which at first was hard to find, but, EnSave of Vermont, agreed to partner with NARC&D to promote Energy Audits in many other programs but not in Arkansas until now. The council worked with the auditors to collect data from the farm and from the farmer that would later be included into the grant application and be scored. We also worked with them to gather information on the newest of equipment for the alternative heating source- corn heaters, new lighting, new doors to replace the old doors that did not seal, and install new cold seal covers- Tunnel Covers. These measures proved to have a pay back or ROI of 7.5 years which will allow them to budget to pay off the newly installed equipment but also prepared to invest in the future of the poultry houses, stay in the business of raising broilers and see a profit and use at least 30% less energy. The Vanemburg received their grant/loan approval on September 24th. This success is new for Arkansas, as this is the first of its kind in the 9006 Energy Efficiency Grant/Loan. This is a success for the Council in such a large project to install these practices and then use the Vanemburgs as a demonstration site for the program and equipment. This success has gained the Council new customers needing assistance in applying for the 9006 Grant/Loan and then looks into newer project with the Energy Audits and training data collectors as the program grows.
Successful Farmland Protection Contracts
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Presenter: DeDe Vest, Area Resource Conservationist (Urban)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
688 South State Highway B, Suite 100, Springfield, Missouri 65802
417-831-5246 ext. 6, fax 417-862-0585, dede.vest@mo.usda.gov
Oklahoma Leads Effort in Hazardous Fuel Removal for Economic Development
High Plains RC&D
PO Box 353, Buffalo, Oklahoma 73834
580-735-2033 ext. 4, fax 580-735-2536
Tom Lucas, RC&D Coordinator, email tom.lucas@ok.usda.gov
Presenter: Coleta Bratten, Vice Chair (Chair – Elect), High Plains RC&D, Oklahoma
The High Plains RC&D Council of Buffalo, Oklahoma leads a wide ranging partnership in a significant project involving harvesting Eastern Red Cedar and Salt Cedar and using it for economic development. The project is located on the North Canadian River, which is a major source of water supply for Oklahoma City. Cedar and Salt Cedar are being cleared along the river for about ¾ of the mile. Changes in stream flow and water levels will be monitored and the cedar will be used for mulch and cedar fiber for use in controlling circulation in oil and gas drilling.
The project partners include: Department of Water & Waster Water, City of Oklahoma City. Dewey, Ellis, and Woodward County Conservation Districts, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, USDA Forest Service, Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, USDA-ARS National Grasslands Laboratory, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma Economic Development Authority, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Oklahoma Wildlife & Prairie Heritage Alliance, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Private partners include: Red Gold Cedar Fiber, Mooreland, Oklahoma; Red Beaver Tree Cutting, Oakwood, Oklahoma; Western Hills Cedar Cutting, Taloga, Oklahoma; Brix-Berg International, Blue River, Oregon; Global Envirotech, Houston, Texas; Environmentally Correct Concepts, Monticello, Illinois. The project is expected to provide the basis for estimates of water that is being uptaken by the two invasive species and not reaching the river stream. Once the project is completed, an economic impact study will be conducted which will show the economic benefits that can be obtained by clearing the cedar along the river and using it for economic development, which is expected to be in the millions of dollars.
High Plains RC&D has worked extensively to create jobs using Eastern Red Cedar and those efforts have resulted in the creation of several new businesses that utilize the invasive species. The project was selected as a “Creative Moment” by the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority and received news coverage for a 60 period. The project is funded by the USDA Forest Service, through the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, other state and federal funds, and services provided by the various partners. The results of this project will assist in the creation of new jobs in rural Western Oklahoma, while enhancing the water supply of Oklahoma City.
Partnerships Can Make the Difference - Deer Hunt for the Disabled
Ouachita Mountains RC&D
7 East Choctaw Avenue, Suite 101, McAlester, Oklahoma 74501
918-423-2479, fax 918-423-0793
Gary Garman, RC&D Coordinator, gary.garman@ok.usda.gov
Presenter: Gary Garman
Bicycles and Wheelchairs from Landfills
Central Prairie RC&D
1817 16th Street, Great Bend, Kansas 67530
620-792-6224, fax 620-792-4875
Dan Curtis, RC&D Coordinator, dan.curtis@ks.usda.gov
Presenter: Dan Curtis
Since Central Prairie RC&D started assisting the Ellsworth Bicycle Reclamation Project in 2002, this program has kept over 22,000 bicycles and wheel chairs out of Kansas Landfills. 9705 bicycles have been repaired and given out in 12 states and seven foreign countries. 155 workers from Ellsworth Correctional Facility learned valuable knowledge in basic mechanics and repair ethics. The unrepairable bicycles were triaged and recycled to pay for the new parts, tubes, and tires. Valuable one step recycling turned landfill capacity into a positive asset. The Prison has since trained staff from 25 other domestic penal facilities and four other countries. The RC&D Councils of Kansas work hard to deliver these bicycles to less fortunate families and supporting youth organizations, such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Clubs, Foster placement systems, etc. Statewide the RC&D's hold local rodeos with other local organizations where children recipients gain a bike, helmet, training, certificates, hotdogs, hamburgers, a pop and a smile... A true winning program.
Community Wind Project
Central Prairie RC&D
1817 16th Street, Great Bend, Kansas 67530
620-792-6224, fax 620-792-4875
Dan Curtis, RC&D Coordinator, dan.curtis@ks.usda.gov
Presenter: Dan Curtis
West Wind Energy, LLC, assisted by Central Prairie RC&D, has blossomed in 15 months. Two wind turbines are up, four are in the shop getting prepped and six more are on order. By late summer 2008, a dozen of these 150KW Turbines will be saving Kansas businesses and schools between $4,200 and $5,500 a month in electrical costs depending on the wind. Owner and CEO Dr. Scott Brantley of West Wind Energy, recently concluded expansion contracts with a partnering firm. Together their two locations will be renovating, installing, and manufacturing new models of Kansas Engineered Mid-sized Community grade wind turbines producing between 100-200KW on order. West Wind Energy's second birthday in the summer of 2008 will have expanded from three to over 20 employees.
Water Quality Project Office – Serving the Upper White River Basin
Southwest Missouri RC&D
283 US Highway 60 West, Republic, Missouri 65738
417-732-6485, fax 417-732-9101
Rita Mueller, RC&D Coordinator, rita.mueller@mo.usda.gov
Presenter: Steve Hefner, Water Quality Project Coordinator, Natural Resources Conservation Service
1786 South 16th Avenue, Suite 105, Ozark, Missouri 65721, 417-581-2719 ext.5
steven.hefner@mo.usda.gov
Southwest Missouri RC&D sponsored the proposal for the establishment of South Missouri Water Quality Project, an interdisciplinary water quality staff, serving the Upper White River Basin. Legislation successfully sponsored by Congressman Roy Blunt. Provides voluntary conservation technical assistance to improve and protect water quality.
Great American Cattle Drive – National Drovers Museum
Central Prairie RC&D
1817 16th Street, Great Bend, Kansas 67530
620-792-6224, fax 620-792-4875
Dan Curtis, RC&D Coordinator, dan.curtis@ks.usda.gov
Presenter: Dan Curtis
On September 29th, 2007 The Great American Cattle Drive drove Texas Longhorns to the Rail Head in Ellsworth, Kansas, reenacting a great Western tradition. 140 years ago this landmark in American Culture ended in Ellsworth as Longhorn Cattle from Texas and Mexico made the arduous journey across the American Southwest on the Chisholm Trail. Last fall, down home local folks enjoyed over 6,000 visitors coming to Ellsworth, Kansas, as part of this two-year old event. Visit with how we expanded the eco-markets to support this great event. Proceeds from the Great American Cattle Drive have raised nearly two million dollars of the 6.3 million needed to complete the work of restoring part of Downtown Ellsworth into the "National Drovers Museum". Central Prairie RC&D is working with the sponsors to build the Great American Cattle Drive and assist their non-profit to raise the remaining funds for the National Drovers Museum.
Solid Waste Education/Information Program
Prairie Rose RC&D
PO Box 59, 106 NE 2nd Street, Concordia, Missouri 64020
660-463-1000, fax 660-463-1001,
Scott Paterson, RC&D Coordinator, scott.paterson@mo.usda.gov, 660-747-8200 ext. 4
Presenter: Scott Paterson
Prairie Rose Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) expanded the solid waste management education program by hiring an Education/Information Specialist. The program extends from pre-school through college and beyond. Its mission is to bring conservation and solid waste concerns and solutions to the future stewards of our earth.
This program reaches children while they are still citizens in the making; it empowers them to be involved in learning experiences and community activities. It helps them to thoughtfully apply what they’ve learned to their community and their future world. A program example is the Dilemma Derby, an activity held in conjunction with the Morgan County Water Festival and the 2007 Concordia R-II Summer School. Students used a computer version of a Project Wet (Department of Natural Resources) activity. A real-life, water quality situation (dilemma) was presented to the students. They were asked to research the situation and present a solution. This activity required the students to look at what causes poor water quality and identify the risks to the environment. They learned the consequences of poor natural resource and solid waste management. Students experienced solving problems, and learned good Earth stewardship by choosing better alternatives and creatively present solutions.
The long-range plan for the Prairie Rose RC&D identifies solid waste management as one of the five concern areas the council addresses. Another facet of the area plan is educating and dispersing information to the west central Missouri populace at all age levels. There is a continued need for solid waste management education and information. This includes programs at schools, service organizations, neighborhood communities, and the public at large.
This premiere program was originally a collaborative effort of Prairie Rose RC& D and West Central Missouri Solid Waste District Region F. The mission of the program is to comprehensively and systematically present solid waste management education and information to the schools, service organizations, city governments and other interested individuals in the area.
The Calendar Billboard Project focuses on raising awareness of illegal dumping. After selecting a host county, 5th grade students of that county are given an illegal dumping awareness presentation. Then students draw posters that promote awareness of the dangers of illegal dumping. Winning posters are made into calendars and billboards that are distributed and displayed throughout the county hosting the project.
A strong message is sent to the adults who use the calendars and see the billboards. Businesses are presented information about illegal dumping and asked to support the project with a donation. Their business cards are displayed on the calendars and the businesses help to distribute calendars to their customers. Adult presentations are also given to civic groups in the area. Proper trash disposal, recycling basics and how to report an illegal dumpsite are emphasized.
Another project through this program, Reusables, not only allows the Council to be role models of good solid waste management, but also helps it to provide educator supplies for local classrooms. Reusables originated, and is supported by, Educare of Boone County, it is a program that collects reusable materials from industry and residences that would normally end up in a landfill. The items are attractively displayed where teachers in the area (usually a specific county) are allowed to take the objects for creative use in their classrooms.
The Education/Information Program provided financial support and assistance for the establishment of a Reusables location in Pettis County. Their assistance to the Pettis County Community Partnership has benefited teachers and students, both with needed materials and as role models on how to go green! The Council looks forward to supporting other counties and communities in the same way through this Education/Information project. It is growing and helping more counties every year.
In another community centered project, the Education/Information Program provided financial support and planning assistance for the Johnson County Earth Day program. This program was a cooperative effort that included the community of Warrensburg, MO, and the Citizens for Environmental Awareness group. The Earth Day activities, designed for children, but enjoyed by adults as well, provided informative and entertaining activities focused on the environment.
The program activities enhanced the reputation of the RC&D Council. The publicity generated doing these presentations enlarged the capacity of Prairie Rose RC&D/Region F to extend their services to other communities. This ripple effect sparked economic growth and productivity in our area through positive solid waste management practices. Being environmentally progressive is a popular enticement to residents and businesses.
In a positive way, the Education/Information Program promotes the vision statement of Prairie Rose RC&D: “People addressing local needs with local solutions.” The RC&D philosophy speaks directly to the community’s ability to build strong leaders that will remain in the community to serve as adults. The youth who are served with this program learn about solid waste management and its implications for the community, and indeed the world environment.
Prairie Rose works to foster conservation of resources while positively affecting lives in our community and its children. The lives touched are forever positively altered as they consider what is in the best interest of their family, their community, indeed mankind and our planet. The programs presented foster a mature and responsible look at conservation. Highlighting achievement by participation in programs such as the Calendar/Billboard Illegal Dumping Awareness project contributes to leadership development and promotes the idea of one person making a difference. Those attending Prairie Rose presentations leave knowing they can change the world for the better.
Poultry Odorbreaks/Windbreaks Demonstration
Southwest Missouri RC&D
283 US Highway 60 West, Republic, Missouri 65738
417-732-6485, fax 417-732-9101
Rita Mueller, RC&D Coordinator, rita.mueller@mo.usda.gov
Presenter: Skip Mourglia, Forester, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 417.732.6485
Southwest Missouri RC&D received a grant from NRCS to plant and demonstrate poultry odorbreaks. The primary purpose of the project is to evaluate using container trees to abate offensive odor from poultry facilities. Secondary purpose is to test establishment techniques for species that would commonly be recommended in Missouri and the Midwest. Jim and Sharon Shepherd Poultry Farm in Lawrence County and the MOARK Egg Production Facility in Newton County are hosting the research sites.
Marais des Cygnes Targeted Watershed Project
Lake Region RC&D
Hillsdale Water Quality Project
107 East 23rd, Suite 4, Ottawa, Kansas 66067
785-242-2073, fax 785-242-5568
Rick Porter, RC&D Coordinator, rick.porter@ks.usda.gov
Presenter: Gale Garber, Director, Hillsdale Water Quality Project, 1 New Century Parkway, Suite 115
New Century, Kansa 66031-1106, 913-829-9414, fax 913-393-1394, ggarber@hwqp.org
The Marais des Cygnes Targeted Watershed Grant (TWG) Project implements proactive measures to address watershed restoration and protection strategies across state lines (Kansas and Missouri) in high priority Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) areas with urban, rural and transitioning land use to help reduce pollution from nonpoint sources.
Through extensive partnerships and planning activities, a bi-state collaboration submitted a proposal to the Environmental Protection Agency to install best management practices identified in each state’s Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS). The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) sponsors this bi-state program with major bi-state partners of Lake Region and Osage River Valley Resource Conservation and Development Councils and Hillsdale Water Quality Project.
The goal of this TWG Program is to restore water quality through implementing best management practices through a targeted approach of the basin’s high priority stream segments and identified areas.
The Marais des Cygnes River Basin spans 17 counties in eastern Kansas and western Missouri. The Marais des Cygnes River Basin includes areas south and southwest of the Kansas City metropolitan area, and drains into Truman Reservoir, upstream of the Lake of the Ozarks.
The Marais des Cygnes River Basin TWG Program is funded through EPA TWG Program funds. This grant includes $900,000 in EPA funds and $300,000 in in-kind funds over a three-year implementation program with one year to kick off the program and complete the results and reporting to EPA.
NRCS Foresters in Missouri (funded by NRCS and Missouri Department of Conservation)
Southwest Missouri RC&D
283 US Highway 60 West, Republic, Missouri 65738
417-732-6485, fax 417-732-9101
Rita Mueller, RC&D Coordinator, rita.mueller@mo.usda.gov
Presenter: Skip Mourglia, Forester, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 417.732.6485
Skip Mourglia and other Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Conservationist Foresters’ salaries are partially funded by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Skip is housed at the RC&D Project Office. These Foresters work with landowners to help them manage their forests and wildlife, plan and plant windbreaks, odor breaks, and establish riparian buffers. The Foresters also assist with the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Environmental Quality Improvement Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP), Conservation Security Program (CSP), and general technical assistance.
Redcedar Opportunities and Ozark Chinquapin Restoration
Southwest Missouri RC&D
283 US Highway 60 West, Republic, Missouri 65738
417-732-6485, fax 417-732-9101
Rita Mueller, RC&D Coordinator, rita.mueller@mo.usda.gov
Presenter: Skip Mourglia, Forester, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 417.732.6485
Southwest Missouri RC&D sponsored the Redcedar -Challenge or Opportunity Conference. The field trip portion of the conference was held in Bradleyville and included stops at various redcedar processing facilities.
The rest of the conference included history, market analysis, marketing, value-added products, biology, growth, management, scale and log grading, pruning and thinning, insects and diseases, chain saw safety, furniture manufacturing, portable sawmill demonstration, and harvesting.
Co-sponsors of the event included Missouri Department of Conservation, Great Plains Society of American Foresters, Missouri Society of American Foresters, University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Forest Products Association, Missouri Forest Products Association, Nebraska Forest Service, Kansas State University Extension, Oklahoma State University Extension, and University of Missouri Extension.
The Ozark Chinquapin is a well-known nut tree, native to southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas that is facing extinction. The once vigorous natural stands of the Ozark chinquapin have been devastated by chestnut blight, the same disease that killed billions of related American chestnut trees in eastern North America over the last century.
Southwest Missouri RC&D, State Fruit Experiment Station of Missouri State University, Southwest Research and Education Center of University of Missouri, the American Chestnut Foundation, and the Northern Nut Growers Association are co-sponsoring the Ozark Chinquapin restoration effort in southwest Missouri. Southwest Missouri RC&D hosted a Saving Ozark Chinquapin Workshop in Barry County to launch effort.
The Peveto Sand Fencing Project
Imperial Calcasieu RC&D
2003 Port Drive, Jennings, Louisiana 70546
337-824-0975 ext. 126, fax 337-824-9576
Mike Perry, RC&D Coordinator, email mike.perry@la.usda.gov
During the past century, Louisiana has lost over one million acres of coastal area. The coastal marshes of south Louisiana are continuing to erode at an alarming rate in many areas because of saltwater intrusion, storms, subsidence, sediment depletion and many other factors.
In southwest Louisiana, all that separated the Gulf of Mexico from thousands of acres of fragile marsh was a lone stretch of highway and a badly eroding area of beach. Encroachment from the Gulf of Mexico was occurring at an alarming rate and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development had to move the highway three times in the past 30 years. In recent years, areas of the highway were beginning to show signs of wear from wave erosion from the Gulf. The erosion along the beach and the concern for the fragile marsh immediately north of the highway triggered the Imperial Calcasieu Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council to implement an action plan to try to help the area. This highway and the many thousands marsh acres adjoining it are valuable. The area was just too important to lose, and ramifications of losing these two resources would have been catastrophic for this area.
The Imperial Calcasieu RC&D Council joined with partners and implemented The Peveto Sand Fencing Project. The 18,800-foot project was planned and installed to stabilize the area and create and protect habitat for marine species along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. The initial plan was to install 18,800 feet of sand fencing and plant vegetation to anchor the sand captured by the fence. The RC&D plan worked out far better than expected and more than 18 acres of prime habitat was created within the first year. Not only was 18 acres created, but all of the beach area was greatly improved because sand dunes developed along the area. Right before Hurricane Rita in 2005, the area was thriving. The sand dunes on the beach had grown to six feet in height and more!
Then, Hurricane Rita entered the Gulf of Mexico and hit this project head-on! After the storm, the vital benefits of the project could be seen. Even though the sand fencing and most of the built up sand had been destroyed by the hurricane, the highway was intact and the fragile marsh behind the highway was saved from being a permanent part of the Gulf of Mexico. After Hurricane Rita, the area surrounding The Peveto Sand Fencing Project was in total ruin, but authorities thought enough of the project that they wanted to help to reconstruct it. Reconstruction was considered a priority.
The area associated with The Peveto Sand Fencing Project has now been restored. It is helping to re-build sand dunes along the beach. The project is helping to serve as a buffer between the Gulf of Mexico; the coastal highway along the area; and the fragile coastal wetlands behind the highway. The Peveto Sand Fencing Project is an RC&D project that has proven to be very successful and vital to the people of southwest Louisiana. The project is the epitome of resource conservation and development.
Emergency Assistance Following Natural Disasters
North Rolling Plains RC&D
1224 North Hobart, NBC Plaza Suite 109, Pampa, Texas 79065
806-669-0312, fax 806-669-6119
John
Crowell, RC&D Coordinator, jcrowell@centramedia.net
The North Rolling Plains RC&D Council in Texas recently identified the need to respond to emergency situations such as wild fires, tornados, blizzards and other natural disasters. When these situations arise the council must be flexible enough to respond quickly to identify and address needs.
Following the devastating wildfires in the spring of 2006 the North Rolling Plains RC&D led an effort to provide help to affected ranchers. The ranchers main need was to get the burned out fences removed and replaced so they could manage livestock grazing following the fires and to initiate grazing management plans after the grass was restored. A new partner, the Fellowship of Christian Farmers, provided over 50 volunteers over a period of six months to help tear out the old fences and replace them with new fences. These Earth Team volunteers donated more than 1000 man-hours of labor to help the ranchers. Many brought their own heavy equipment including trucks, tractors and tools. The North Rolling Plains RC&D coordinated the volunteer work with ranchers by working through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. We also arranged lodging and meals for the volunteers.
Several families lost their homes in the 2006 wildfires. In response, the North Rolling Plains RC&D, in partnership with the High Plains RC&D of Texas provided donated household goods from the Gifts In Kind program to these families. And when local emergency and cell phone communications systems were overloaded during the wildfires, the RC&D organized local Amateur Radio operators to provide backup communications and provide “health and welfare” communications at the refugee centers similar to what was done following the Katrina hurricane.
Many of the volunteer workers who helped rebuild fences following the wildfires were ranchers and farmers from the Boise City Oklahoma area. When the Boise City area was devastated by a severe blizzard with over four feet of snow in the winter of 2007, the North Rolling Plains RC&D responded by organizing several semi truck loads of hay for the Boise City ranchers. Farmers and ranchers from the Pampa and Perryton areas donated and delivered the hay to Boise City.
Downed Timber Removal Program
Capital RC&D
109 South Cate, Suite 1, Hammond, Louisiana 70403
985-543-6570, fax 986-543-6692
Ben Malone, RC&D Coordinator, ben.malone@la.usda.gov
Capital RC&D, NRCS, Bogue Chitto-Pearl River SWCD, Tangipohoa-St. Helena SWCD, and Capital SWCD are sponsoring the Downed Timber Removal Program in the Florida Parishes region of the state. The Downed Timber Removal Program was established to reimburse landowners for the removal of downed timber that was lost due to Hurricane Katrina. Since downed timber can become a fire and pest hazard, the sponsors felt that downed timber removal would be viable for this area. The parishes targeted for this program are St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, St. Helena, and Livingston. The program reimburses landowners $150 per acre or 75 percent of the total cost of the timber removal.