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

 

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.

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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.

 

Camp Canopy Registration is Open for 2019

COLUMBUS, OH – Registration is now open for the popular Camp Canopy, which runs from June 9-14, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Coordinators for Camp Canopy are developing brand-new classes and new adventure-themed recreational activities, in addition to the traditional learning topics and fun activities from previous years, according to Jeremy Scherf, camp co-director and service forester with the ODNR Division of Forestry. Topics for Camp Canopy this year include tree identification, wildlife management, silviculture and invasive species.

“This year’s camp is going to be better than ever,” said Scherf. “We are excited to share new knowledge and outdoor skills with the students, focusing on the wonders of forests and wildlife in Ohio.”

Students who have completed the eighth grade through high school seniors graduating the year of camp are invited to attend Camp Canopy, which was previously known as the Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp. The camp will be held at FFA Camp Muskingum on Leesville Lake in Carroll County.

For more information about Camp Canopy, visit their website at campcanopy.com.

The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Instagram at @odnrforestry (instagram.com/odnrforestry).

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

– 30 –

For more information, contact:
Stephanie Leis, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6860
Jeremy Scherf, ODNR Division of Forestry
614-212-3309

Cutline: Founded in 1950 and formerly known as Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp, Camp Canopy is an outdoors summer camp for high schoolers to discover forestry, wildlife and adventure.

2019 Wildlife Symposium

Check out this great event happening in Muskingum County. Here is a wonderful opportunity to shake off some of those winter blues and learn from a vast array of topics and speakers!

2019 Tree Seedling Sale

The 2019 Guernsey SWCD tree seedling sale is here. Attached is a sale flyer for you to print, fill out, and mail back with payment. For any questions, please contact the district at 740-489-5276.

 

Ohio Couple Named National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
Hepatica Falls Tree Farm represents long-term care of the land
COLUMBUS, OH – Randy and Koral Clum have been named the 2018 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the American Tree Farm System, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). “Randy and Koral Clum’s Harrison County woodland property is a stellar example of forest stewardship practices,” said Robert Boyles, Ohio’s state forester. “Not only is their land a joy to experience, but their investment has produced a thriving woodland and showcase for fellow landowners to learn about sustainable forestry. I can’t think of more deserving people than the Clums to represent Ohio for this national recognition.” Randy and Koral are both professional consulting foresters that work with 50 to 75 other landowners annually. Clum Forestry Consultants promote and provide science-based forest management, approaching their work as an educational opportunity for clients. The couple purchased their own 153-acre Hepatica Falls Tree Farm in east-central Ohio in 1993, learning many lessons as they applied practices they advise for other landowners. The Clums have hosted numerous tours and workshops, including the 2017 Ohio Tree Farm of the Year Tour. Both Randy and Koral began their forestry careers with the ODNR Division of Forestry, spending many of those years providing private land stewardship advice as service foresters. They are active in several woodland owner and professional forestry organizations, and they have served as tree farm inspectors. Among both Randy’s and Koral’s numerous awards and recognitions, the couple was named in 2012 by ODNR as Forest of Honor inductees for their excellent work and enthusiasm for sharing good forestry and for the many landowners they have influenced. The Ohio Tree Farm Program was organized in 1946, bringing foresters and landowners together to apply the American Tree Farm System standards of sustainable forest management. The system includes 1,700 woodland owners across the state committed to caring for their land under a comprehensive plan developed by a professional forester. Landowners interested in the American Tree Farm System may visit ohiotreefarm.org. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands and the fire management program, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Instagram at @odnrforestry (instagram.com/odnrforestry). ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov. – 30 – For more information, contact: Matt Eiselstein, ODNR Office of Communications 614-265-6860 Cotton Randall, ODNR Division of Forestry 614-265-6667 Cutline: Pictured are Randy and Koral Clum, who were recently named the 2018 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the American Tree Farm System. Photo courtesy of Kian McKellar.

Fall Forest Walk

Guernsey SWCD is hosting a fall forest walk with Guernsey OSU Extension. Come learn about all the cool things in your woods on October 10th from Levi Arnold of Guernsey SWCD and Clif Little of OSU Extension.

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Area Teen Wins Scholarship at Camp Canopy

Congratulations to Sam Gatrell on winning a $1,000 scholarship at Camp Canopy. The Guernsey SWCD sponsors kids from Guernsey County every year to attend the camp. Camp Canopy is located at FFA Camp Muskingum at Leesville Lake. The camp focuses on all aspects of forestry and wildlife management and brings kids in from all over the state. Forestry and wildlife professionals come together to teach many diverse classes and help with regular camp activities. At the end of the week the students take a test to compete for college scholarships that encompasses all they’ve learned that week.

2018 Wildlife Symposium!

Check out this great event in Muskingum county happening in March, the 2018 Wildlife Symposium. Hosted by Zane State College and Muskingum SWCD. Our own Levi Arnold will be there doing a Waterfowl ID presentation. Here is a list of speakers and topics that will be covered. This event requires registration and an associated cost of $20 that gets you access to the event and covers a continental breakfast and a light lunch. To register, print the registration card picture, fill out and send to Muskingum SWCD with payment. We look forward to seeing you there!

Camp Canopy! Check it Out!

January may not seem like the time to be thinking about summer fun but this news is too hot not to share! Camp Canopy, formerly known as Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Camp has done some re-branding. Camp Canopy will offer the same unique opportunities to the youth of Ohio as they have for the past 65+ years! So, if you are someone who may be interested in this opportunity or know of someone, go check out their new website and other forms of social media. https://campcanopy.com/

2017 Tree Sale!

The 2017 Tree Sale sale is ON!

Here is the order blank, or you can call the office to have us mail one.

740-489-5276

Deadline to order is March 17th - don't delay!

The 2017 Tree Sale Sale is here! Click on the picture to view what species we have available and prices. To order just print, fill out, and mail it in to us with payment. For more information or any questions please call the office at 740-489-5276, or stop by our fairgrounds office.

USDA offers Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) Sign-up.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications from landowners in Guernsey and Noble counties for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) until October 28, 2016

What is EQIP?  

The Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to landowners and agricultural producers to plan and implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air, and other related natural resources. EQIP may also assist landowners with meeting Federal, State, and Local environmental regulations.  Financial assistance payments through EQIP are made to eligible landowners and producers on completed practices or activities identified in an EQIP contract that meets NRCS Standards. Payment rates are set each fiscal year and are attached to the EQIP contract when it is approved. Payment rates for each Conservation Practice can be found at the Ohio NRCS Website. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/oh/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=nrcseprd408863

EQIP includes Conservation planning and financial assistance:

NRCS provides landowners and land managers with free technical assistance, or advice for their land. Technical assistance includes: Resource assessment, practice design and resource monitoring. Your conservation planner will help you determine if and what financial assistance is right for you. Dedicated EQIP funds are available for conservation practices targeting On-Farm Energy, Organic Systems, High Tunnel Systems, Honeybee and other wildlife habitat, as well as several landscape-based initiatives, including:  Livestock, Pasture, Cropland, Forestry, and Wildlife categories.

 Eligibility for financial assistance:

As part of the application process, we will check to see if you are eligible. To be eligible you as a landowner, or land manager, will need to bring an official tax ID to the USDA service center. Applicants will also need a property deed or lease agreement that shows you have control of the property. If USDA records are not already established, the applicant can establish or update their records at the USDA service center. Other documents may be necessary for the applicant to be eligible for funding. An eligibility document checklist is available for applicants on the Ohio NRCS Website or at a local USDA service center.

Competitive ranking of applications:

Once a complete and valid application is submitted that is supported by a conservation plan, NRCS will look at the applications and rank them when the funding period opens. All applications are ranked based on National, State, and Local resource concerns. The amount of conservation benefits to the environment in supporting the conservation plan, and the needs of the applicant are considered in the ranking process. Ranking questions are of public record and can be found on the Ohio NRCS website.

Stop by the USDA Service Center at 1300 Clark St. Suite 10, Cambridge, Ohio 43725. Or call Jay McElroy, District Conservationist at 740-432-5621 ext. 119 to discuss and see if EQIP is right for you.

Fall Forest Walk

The Scoop on Squirrels

Moore Woods Open House

Ginseng Program

On Wednesday, July 23rd the Guernsey SWCD along with Deerassic Park Education Center held a program to educate the public about Ginseng. There were nearly 30 people in attendance of the program. We would like to thank Officer Berry and Officer Kieffer of the Ohio Division of Wildlife for bringing in samples and explaining all about ginseng.

***Ginseng Seed Sale***

The Guernsey SWCD is holding its first ever Ginseng Seed Sale. American Ginseng is a plant native to Guernsey County as well as Appalachian Ohio. Ginseng is a plant most coveted for its roots that are often credited for their tonic and medicinal properties. Purposes for growing Ginseng would be to increase forest diversity and potentially create a cash crop for the future by selling the roots down the road when they’re legally mature and Ginseng season is in. The Guernsey SWCD is taking pre-paid orders for stratified Ginseng seed by the ounce. The seed costs $10 per ounce of stratified seed and there are approximately 437 seeds in one ounce of seed. All proceeds from the sale go towards the district’s education events. For more information about planting and growing Ginseng you can reach us at 740-489-5276, or stop by our office located at the Guernsey County fairgrounds in Old Washington.

Order Today!

2016 Logging BMP Workshop

            Logging is and has been going on in Guernsey and surrounding counties for many years, for the most part with no issues. Occasionally something happens that is brought to our attention and is then dealt with. To help insure that these issues are kept from happening and how to deal with them accordingly, the Guernsey Soil and Water Conservation District, The Ohio Division of Forestry, and Superior Hardwoods of Ohio held a workshop for local loggers to attend and learn about BMP’s (Best Management Practices). The goal of this class was to help educate loggers about Ohio’s BMP laws that are required on logging jobs so that local soil and water quality are not degraded due to timber harvest activities. Jeremy Scherf, State Service Forester, talked about BMP’s and why they’re important to the land they help conserve and the ground they’re implemented on, as well as different tips and tactics and how they apply under multiple circumstances.  Bob Mulligan, Forest Hydrology Manager from The Ohio Division of Forestry, also spoke about the importance of BMP’s and soil and water conservation during silviculture practices and how there are laws in effect to ensure that our natural resources are not infringed upon. Bob also talked about where these laws spurred from and the direction legislation is looking at turning on the subject. Tony Machamer, Forester with Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, showed loggers why BMP’s are important to them from a saw mills perspective, because taking care of the ground that timber is harvested from is a near and dear issue to them as a business. To wrap things up Levi Arnold, Wildlife/ Forestry Specialist with the Guernsey SWCD talked about filing a voluntary form with the district called a Timber Harvest Management Plan which can give loggers some legal stability if one of their logging jobs were to come into question about best management practices installed on a property and some of the benefits this form gives to all involved in a timber harvest, everyone from the landowner, and forester, to the logger, and SWCD representative. For any questions please call the Guernsey SWCD at 740-489-5276.

Bob Mulligan, Forest Hydrologist with The Ohio Division of Forestry, answers questions about Ohio’s BMP laws.

Jeremy Scherf, State Service Forester with The Ohio Division of Forestry, gives a presentation to loggers about why BMP’s are important and how they help the land.