Guernsey SWCD Seeks Wildlife/ Forestry Specialist

 

Wildlife/Forestry Specialist Job Opening with Guernsey SWCD

Responsibilities: Providing education, technical assistance, and field assistance to landowners,

primarily in wildlife & forestry issues.  Aides in educational programming

in local school systems. Minimum of 2-year degree and/or related experience in wildlife, forestry,

or natural resources management. Prefer experience in Microsoft Office and ArcGIS software. 

Resume & cover letter must be submitted/post-dated by November 29, 2021 by 8 am. You can email them to:

mepperson@guernseycounty.org

bgoodhart@guernseycounty.org

Or mail them to:

Guernsey SWCD

335C Old National Rd.

P.O. Box 310

Old Washington, OH 43768

(740) 489-5276

Ohio Tree Farm of the Year Tour

Come learn about what the Brammer family has done to earn the title of Tree Farm of the Year!

 

2021 Spring Newsletter

 

2020 Guernsey County SWCD Cooperator of the Year

 

2020 Guernsey County SWCD Cooperator of the Year

            A lot of things have been different this year, but one thing that has not been canceled is conservation. Conservation is something that needs to happen everyday no matter what is going on the world. The 2020 Cooperator of the year has been continually active in soil conservation and proactive in stopping soil erosion and preventing nitrogen and phosphorus run off. In the last 6 years Wilbur Galbraith has prevented an estimated 14,208 pounds of nitrogen and 2,592 pounds of phosphorus from finding its way into the Wills Creek Watershed. Wilbur has done so by participating and signing up for the Muskingum Watershed Conservation District’s Cover crop program. By planting a fall cover crop after harvesting his beans and corn. Wilbur provides a root system to help hold the soil in place during the fall rains, winter weather and wind. Without the root system the soil would soon find itself out of the field and possibly into the Wills Creek watershed.  Galbraith farms has been a staple to the northeastern end of the county for over 50 years. Wilbur and his family raise corn, soybeans, and have a cow- calf operation, with a feed lot where he finishes out fat steers. If you happen to see Wilbur out and about be sure to congratulate him on all the effort, he has put towards conservation in Guernsey County.

Ohio NRCS Announces New EQIP Application Deadline

 

Michiko Riley

Public Affairs

Michiko.riley@usda.gov

                                                                                                                            

Ohio NRCS Announces New EQIP Application Deadline

Application Deadline is January15, 2021

COLUMBUS, OH, Dec.7, 2020– The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)announced Friday, January15, 2021, as the deadline to submit applications for Ohio’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). 

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program which helps producers make conservation work for them. NRCS provides agricultural producers with financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement improvements, or what NRCS calls conservation practices. Using these practices can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving agricultural operations. Through EQIP, you can voluntarily implement conservation practices, and NRCS co-invests in these practices with you.Together, NRCS and producers invest in solutions that conserve natural resources for the future while also improving agricultural operations. 

Financial assistance is now available in a variety of agricultural categories such as cropland, pasture operations, and organic.  Several special projects are also available which address water quality, forestry management, improving pollinator populations and wildlife habitat, pasture improvements and many more. 

Applicants should be farmers, or farm or forest landowners and meet eligibility criteria. To participate in USDA conservation programs, contactyourlocal NRCS conservationist as soon as possible.  Be sure to check the status of your Service Center when you reach out to us. For offices with restrictions on in-person appointments, we are still available by phone, email, and through other digital tools. Your Service Center’s status is available at https://www.farmers.gov/coronavirus/service-center-status.

-more-

 

Applications signed and submitted to NRCS by the January 15 deadline will be evaluated for fiscal year 2021 funding. Visit Ohio NRCS website under “EQIP Funding Categories” for more details.To learn more about EQIP or other technical and financial assistance available through NRCS conservation programs, visit Get Started with NRCSor contact your local USDA Service Center at 1300 Clark St. Unit 10, Cambridge, OH 43725, or by phone at 740-421-3370.

 

Livestock Depredation Seminar

Having issues with losing livestock due to predators? Do you want to know some proactive steps to take to reduce your losses and improve your operation? This is a great seminar to get those questions answered. Eric Householder from USDA Wildlife Services will present with his years of experience dealing with this issue and how people can improve their operations. Experts from FSA will also be there to answer any questions regarding their indemnity program regarding animals lost due to Black Vultures. For more information and to register for this, please call the office at 740-489-5276.

Cover Crop Meeting

USDA to Reopen FSA Offices for Additional Services During Government Shutdown

USDA to Reopen FSA Offices for Additional Services During Government Shutdown

(Washington, D.C., January 22, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that all Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices nationwide will soon reopen to provide additional administrative services to farmers and ranchers during the lapse in federal funding.  Certain FSA offices have been providing limited services for existing loans and tax documents since January 17, and will continue to do so through January 23.  Beginning January 24, however, all FSA offices will open and offer a longer list of transactions they will accommodate.    

Additionally, Secretary Perdue announced that the deadline to apply for the Market Facilitation Program, which aids farmers harmed by unjustified retaliatory tariffs, has been extended to February 14.  The original deadline had been January 15.  Other program deadlines may be modified and will be announced as they are addressed.

“At President Trump’s direction, we have been working to alleviate the effects of the lapse in federal funding as best we can, and we are happy to announce the reopening of FSA offices for certain services,” Perdue said.  “The FSA provides vital support for farmers and ranchers and they count on those services being available.  We want to offer as much assistance as possible until the partial government shutdown is resolved.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has temporarily recalled all of the more than 9,700 FSA employees to keep offices open from 8 am to 4:30 pm weekdays beginning January 24.  President Trump has already signed legislation that guarantees employees will receive all backpay missed during the lapse in funding.

For the first two full weeks under this operating plan (January 28 through February 1 and February 4 through February 8), FSA offices will be open Mondays through Fridays.  In subsequent weeks, offices will be open three days a week, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, if needed to provide the additional administrative services. 

Agricultural producers who have business with the agency can contact their FSA service center to make an appointment. 

FSA can provide these administrative services, which are critical for farmers and ranchers, because failure to perform these services would harm funded programs.  FSA staff will work on the following transactions:

• Market Facilitation Program.
• Marketing Assistance Loans.
• Release of collateral warehouse receipts.
• Direct and Guaranteed Farm Operating Loans, and Emergency Loans.
• Service existing Conservation Reserve Program contracts.
• Sugar Price Support Loans.
• Dairy Margin Protection Program.
• Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage.
• Livestock Forage Disaster.
• Emergency Assistance Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program.
• Livestock Indemnity Program.
• Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.
• Tree Assistance Program.
• Remaining Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program payments for applications already processed.

Transactions that will not be available include, but are not limited to:

• New Conservation Reserve Program contracts.
• New Direct and Guaranteed Farm Ownership Loans.
• Farm Storage Facility Loan Program.
• New or in-process Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program applications.
• Emergency Conservation Program.
• Emergency Forest Rehabilitation Program.
• Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
• Grassroots Source Water Protection Program.

With the Office of Management and Budget, USDA reviewed all of its funding accounts that are not impacted by the lapse in appropriation. We further refined this list to include programs where the suspension of the activity associated with these accounts would significantly damage or prevent the execution of the terms of the underling statutory provision. As a result of this review, USDA was able to except more employees. Those accounts that are not impacted by the lapse in appropriation include mandatory, multiyear and no year discretionary funding including FY 2018 Farm Bill activities.

Updates to available services and offices will be made during the lapse in federal funding on the FSA shutdown webpage (https://www.fsa.usda.gov/help/shutdowninfo).  Programs managed by FSA that were re-authorized by the 2018 farm bill will be available at a later date yet to be determined.

Local Work Group and Special Meeting Notice

The Guernsey SWCD will be having a local work group meeting with NRCS on Tuesday morning at 9AM to discuss local conservation issues and ways to help address these conservation issues at the local level. All are welcome, the meeting will be held at the Guernsey SWCD office located at 335 C Old National Rd. Old Washington Ohio. Please RSVP if you plan on attending by calling 740-489-5276. After the local work group meeting the Guernsey SWCD board of supervisors will hold a special meeting to discuss candidates for their job position vacancy. This meeting will occur at 11:30 AM at the Guernsey SWCD office located at 335 C Old National Rd. Old Washington Oh. 43768.

Pasture Walk

Come join us for our 2018 Pasture Walk.  This is a great opportunity to learn how you can increase grazing efficiency on your farm.  

We're Hiring!

Inquiring candidates can contact the district directly at 740-489-5276, or by emailing larnold@guernseycounty.org. Candidates are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and a minimum of three references by Friday May 18^th 2018 no later than 4:30 PM. Resumes may be emailed, or mailed to the office. If you're mailing your packet please mail to Levi Arnold PO Box 310 Old Washington, Ohio 43768.

Guernsey Soil & Water Conservation District

Position Description

Position Title:             Education/ Natural Resources Specialist

For:                             

Reports to:                 District Program Administrator (DPA)

Employment Status:  Full time, subject to six month probationary period

Hours:                         8:00 AM to 4:30PM – 40 hours

                             

This position is responsible for education, technical assistance, and field assistance to landowners/operators and units of government, primarily in natural resources issues.  The position also coordinates educational programming in the Guernsey county school systems.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Plan and conduct tours, field days, technical workshops, public viewing of demonstrations for the general public and or school field trips

·         Conduct teacher workshops in order to better prepare them with the skills needed to become competent in teaching natural resources issues.

·         Establish a reliable and accessible resource base to assist teachers with their own natural resource curriculum within all school districts in Guernsey County

·         Organize K-12 classroom activities and field days promoting agriculture and natural resources conservation and management.

·         Create materials promoting environmental education to be used as aides in the science curriculum.

·         Coordinate overall conservation education programs of the district to Guernsey county residents

·         Work with the DPA to develop communication of district programs through social media.

·         Help promote the Envirothon Contest and solicit contest participants in county schools.  Coordinate training events with area schools.

·         Coordinates the district’s Conservation day camp

·         Represent the District at meetings of local, state and federal agencies and organizations

·         Work with county 4-H youth programs

·         Attend monthly board meetings and/or other meetings as designated by the DPA and /or Board of Supervisors.

·         Keep abreast of all federal, state, and local laws that affect the conservation work within the district.

·         Prepare and maintain all records, reports, and forms as required.  This includes the computerized payroll and data collection system, currently known as SWIMS.

·         Must comply with all of the district’s policies (i.e. Employment Policy, this position description)

·         Must demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.

·         Perform all other duties as assigned by the DPA or board of supervisors.

·         Other duties and responsibilities not mentioned will evolve. The Board of Supervisors does not  hold this job description to be “all encompassing” and maintain the right to develop other 

areas of responsibility as deemed necessary. 

QUALIFICATIONS

·         Minimum 2 year degree in wildlife, forestry, natural resources management or related field.

·         Experience with presenting educational programs to both adult and youth audiences.

·         Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form; exercise sound judgment; use time and organizational skills wisely; be groomed and dressed appropriately as to reflect well on the Guernsey SWCD; cooperate with co-workers; receive and implement instructions from DPA and board of supervisors; communicate and work well with landowners without discrimination.

·         Ability to operate field equipment (survey equipment, water quality monitoring equipment, GPS data collector, digital camera, etc.) with guidance and training.

·         Familiarity with popular computer software (including, but not limited to, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and willingness to learn new applications.

·         Must be insurable for government vehicle operation and have a valid Ohio driver’s license.

·         Ability to pass a background check in order to use county and federal computer system.

WORKING CONDITIONS

·         Occasionally performs duties during inclement weather.

·         Required to lift and carry necessary equipment; walk over uneven, steep ground; cross fences.

·         Required to transport district rental equipment using district vehicles.

·         Required to work in close proximity to construction equipment while in operation.

·         Required to attend evening and weekend meetings on occasion within and outside the county.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

A formal performance review will be conducted annually by the DPA.  During this review, salary advancement and items concerning the employee’s professional growth and employment are discussed.   At this time, a set of goals for the coming year which meet with the goals of the district will be discussed and agreed upon. 

New Employee!

Hello,

My name is Mark Wallen and I am the new Agriculture Resources Specialist for the Guernsey County Soil and Water Conservation District.  I originally hale from Champaign County near Urbana, Ohio where I grew up farming and was involved in agriculture.  I am an avid outdoorsman and enjoy spending my time either helping on the family farm, or spending my time afield either behind a good hunting dog or in a tree stand chasing deer. 

 I am a graduate of the Ohio State University where I earned my Bachelors degree in Environmental sciences.  After graduation I worked for the South McLean County Soil Conservation District in Turtle Lake, North Dakota as the District technician assisting agriculture producer’s with cover crop enrollment and tree windbreak plantings.  From there I joined the team at the Guernsey County SWCD where I enjoy working with producers and look forward to meeting with local landowners in the near future, so if you’re in the area please drop by and say hi, and we can discuss how I can be of assistance to you and your operation. 

75th Annual Meeting and Election

Guernsey Soil and Water Conservation District Election

On Tuesday October 24th, the Guernsey Soil and Water Conservation District will be holding their 75^th annual meeting and banquet. Every year the Guernsey SWCD holds an annual meeting for the purpose of electing members to the five member board that comprises the board of supervisors for the district. This year there will be two members elected to a three-year term.

The mission of the Guernsey Soil and Water Conservation District is to promote through education and technical assistance the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. The traditional perception of the Soil and Water Conservation District has been one of working primarily with the agricultural community. The district does work on natural resource issues with local agriculture but in addition to that, it is a considerable resource to all landowners and land users in Guernsey County.

This year's slate of candidates for election to the district board of supervisors include; John Enos, Ken Ford, Darlene Miser, and Mark Oliver. The two candidates with the most votes will be elected to a three-year term. The official election will begin at 5:00 pm Tuesday, October 24^th at the Deerassic Park Education Center located at 14250 Cadiz Rd, Cambridge, OH 43725. 

The dinner, catered by Theo’s Restaurant, will be served at 6:00pm, with a brief program following the meal. Tickets for the banquet are $10, and can soon be purchased from any current board member, or from the SWCD office.  If you are unable to attend the day of the election, absentee ballots are available at the district office located at 335C Old National Rd, Old Washington, Ohio until 2:00pm October 24^th.  Eligible voters are all individuals who are at least 18 years of age and a resident of Guernsey County or at least 18 years of age and own real estate in Guernsey County. Consider participating in this important process. For additional information you may contact the Guernsey Soil and Water Conservation District office at (740) 489-5276.

Pond Clinic 2017

Guernsey SWCD and OSU Extension teamed up on Tuesday August 15th for a Pond Clinic. We had a wonderful turnout, as close to 30 people showed up to learn about pond construction, wildlife habitats and weeds. We had delicious sandwiches from McKenna's Market for all who participated. Speakers included GSWCD employees Jason Tyrell and Levi Arnold, as well as OSU Extension's Clif Little. It was a great overall program that we all enjoyed. We would like to send a special thanks to Mike and Jenny Abbott for allowing us the use of their pond as a site for education. For information on upcoming events, please call Guernsey SWCD at 740-489-5276.

Cover Crop Planning Starts Now

ST. L

Time to plan for cover crops

Make this a year to ‘Cover Some Ground,’ Soil Health Partnership says

OUIS — When it comes to growing cover crops, some common advice from the more than 100 farmers enrolled in the Soil Health Partnership is “start small.” The SHP is encouraging farmers new to cover crops to start small, but start now.

A cover crop is a crop planted primarily to reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, and protect water quality, among other benefits. Typical varieties in the Midwest include cereal rye, oats and tillage radish.

David Moose, an Auburn, Ill. farmer enrolled in the SHP program, has grown cover crops on his farm for several years. Kneeling in his black soil at a November field day, Moose pulls up a tiny green plant. The cereal rye’s thin roots extend deeper into the soil than looks possible.

“This root is already nearly 12 inches long,” Moose says. “It will grow to be another one or two feet down in the soil, providing a nice environment for worms, and creating channels for water to go down deep. I don’t have to rip up the soil for this to happen.”

Growing cover crops, usually in fall and winter, can provide striking benefits to soil health, including:

• Erosion Prevention. Reducing the soil’s exposure to wind and water can help keep precious topsoil in place.

• Restoring Organic Matter.  Some components of organic matter can help bind soil.....(To Read more, click the following link:

                                           https://www.morningagclips.com/time-to-plan-for-cover-crops/

Pasture Walk outcome

Over 20 people showed up for a Pasture Walk last night. We covered several topics including Grass ID, Solar Power Usage, Paddock Layout, Water Systems and handed out grazing sticks for people to use. The food was provided by McKenna's Market in Cambridge. The next pasture walk is scheduled for in September.

Pasture Walk on 5/23/17 at 6 PM

Contact Guernsey SWCD at 740-489-5276 to RSVP

Brandt Soil Health Field Day

On April 5th, Guernsey SWCD attended Dave Brandt's Soil Health Field Day out in Carroll, OH. If you have never been to Dave Brandt's Farm before, put it on your bucket list. He is doing amazing things with cover crops, that are worth the drive to see.

New website avaliable!! "LEAP"

Check out the Ohio Livestock Enviromental Assurance Program (LEAP) website: https://ohleap.org.
Alot of great information on State and Federal regulations, farm management practices for multiple issues and several evaluation tools. Great website!!

How to help control compaction

NEWS

REDUCE FIELD COMPACTION WITH A TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN

February 21, 2017 By Andrew FlinnFiled Under: Crops, Human Interest, News, Ohio

The Ohio state soil scientist says a traffic control plan can reduce yield loss from compaction. Steve Baker is with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“The more you can get on a similar spacing, the better off you’ll be and kind of be thinking about your lines through the field. Some of the research I’ve seen shows up to 80 percent of your field can be tracked up if you’re not really thinking about what you’re up to” says Baker.

He tells Brownfield compaction can lower the amount of water and nutrients reaching the crops.

“The water and associated nutrients cannot get into the soil as easily and they may move to a different part of the field so that’s why you’ll see hot spots with more growth here and less over there” says Baker.

Baker says building up a field’s (To read more, or listen to the audio(3min 35sec long) click link below): 

https://brownfieldagnews.com/news/reduce-field-compaction-traffic-control-plan/