Hunting at Moore Memorial Woods

 

NRCS Announces Conservation Funding Opportunities for FY2022

 

NRCS Announces Conservation Funding Opportunities for FY2022

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 22, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing fiscal year 2022 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for key programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) andAgricultural Management Assistance (AMA)program. While USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts applications for these programs year-round, producers and landowners should apply by state-specific, ranking dates to be considered for this year’s funding. For Ohio, this includes Jan. 14, 2022 for EQIP, CSP, RCPP, and AMA. ACEP ranking dates are Dec. 3 for Agricultural Land Easement and Dec.17 for Wetland Reserve Program. CSP FY23 Renewal’s ranking date is tentatively scheduled for March 31, 2022.

Through conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency, and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat the impacts of climate change.  

 

“NRCS conservation programs are good for Ohio’s natural resources and for your operation’s bottom line,” said Lori Ziehr, NRCS Acting State Conservationist in Ohio. “Whether this is your first time working with NRCS or you want to take conservation to the next level on your land, we encourage you to contact your local NRCS field office to learn more.”

 

Applying for Assistance

NRCS accepts applications for its conservation programs year-round. These dates account for producer needs, staff workload and ensure potential participants have ample opportunity to apply. Producers should apply by their state’s ranking dates to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Funding is provided through a competitive process.

Ranking dates for all programs and states are available at nrcs.usda.gov/staterankingdates. Applications received after ranking dates will be automatically deferred to the next funding period. Producers, landowners and forest managers interested in applying for assistance should contact the NRCS at their local USDA Service Center, or contact Jay McElroy for the Guernsey / Noble County NRCS Office.  He can be contacted at 740-421-3370; or at 1300 Clark St. Unit 10, Cambridge, OH 43725.

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Program Options

EQIP provides cost share assistance for producers to use 170-plus conservation practices to address a wide variety of resource concerns. Within EQIP, Conservation Incentive Contracts allow producers to further target priority resource concerns. CSP helps producers take their conservation activities to the

next level through comprehensive conservation and advanced conservation activities. ACEP helps producers enroll wetlands, grasslands and farmlands into easements for long-term protection. Additionally, through RCPP, producers and landowners can work with partners who are co-investing with NRCS on targeted projects.

 

Historically Underserved Producer Benefits

Special provisions are also available for historically underserved producers. For EQIP, historically underserved producers are eligible for advance payments to help offset costs related to purchasing materials or contracting services up front. In addition, historically underserved producers can receive higher EQIP payment rates (up to 90% of average cost). NRCS sets aside EQIP, CSP and ACEP funds for historically underserved producers.

 

NRCS also recently announced the availability of funding for cooperative agreements for partners to provide outreach and support for historically underserved producers. Applications from individuals and entities are due Oct. 25. 

 

Conservation Practices and Climate

NRCS conservation programs play a critical role in USDA’s commitment to partnering with farmers, ranchers, forest landowners and local communities to deliver climate solutions that strengthen agricultural operations and rural America. States may prioritize a variety of voluntary conservation practices through these NRCS programs, including those that support climate-smart agriculture and forestry (CSAF). 

 

In fiscal year 2022, EQIP and CSP will provide targeted funding for CSAF practices, and Conservation Incentive Contracts – a new EQIP program – will be available nationwide with an emphasis on CSAF practices. Building on these efforts, NRCS will also prioritize climate investments through ACEP, RCPP and Conservation Innovation Grants. 

 

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is engaged in a whole-of-government effort to combat the climate crisis and conserve and protect our nation’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources including our soil, air and water. Through conservation practices and partnerships, USDA aims to enhance economic growth and create new streams of income for farmers, ranchers, producers and private foresters. Successfully meeting these challenges will require USDA and our agencies to pursue a coordinated approach alongside USDA stakeholders, including State, local and Tribal governments.

 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

 

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

Annual Meeting and Election

 

SWCD Supervisor Election Notice

 

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!

 

Hunter Education Course Offered

 Are you or someone you know interested in getting your hunter education certification? Here's your chance! The Guernsey SWCD along with Noble SWCD is hosting a hunter education class at the Guernsey SWCD office on Saturday, August 7th from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, August 8^th from 12 PM to 5 PM. The instructors leading this course will be Levi Arnold and Dave Schott. Space is limited so, to register for this class please call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit https://oh-web.s3licensing.com/Event/Search . For questions about this event please call the Guernsey SWCD at 740-489-5276. 

2021 Guernsey SWCD Summer Fun Days

 

Take Precautions to Avoid Ticks in the Outdoors this Summer

 

Take Precautions to Avoid Ticks in the Outdoors this Summer   COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is encouraging hunters, anglers, birders, and all outdoor enthusiasts to use caution and take steps to avoid contact with Ohio’s tick species while exploring the outdoors this summer. Ticks are found throughout Ohio and sometimes carry potentially dangerous diseases.   Ohio has three medically important species of ticks: the American dog tick, blacklegged tick, and lone star tick. All three of these species have the potential to carry and transmit diseases to humans and pets. The American dog tick is the most common tick in Ohio and is found in grassy areas. This tick is most active during the summer months and is the primary transmitter of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.   When exploring the outdoors, everyone should take precautions to prevent a tick from becoming attached to the skin. Outer clothing should be sprayed with permethrin-based repellent according to the label directions. Pants should be tucked into socks or boots and shirts into pants to keep ticks on the outside of the clothing. Wear light colored clothing which will make spotting ticks easier. Thoroughly check clothes and skin for any attached ticks. Don’t forget to check pets and gear, too.   Attached ticks should be removed as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of contracting tick-borne diseases. To remove a tick, use tweezers or gloved hands. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady, even pressure. Do not use petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, alcohol, cigarettes, matches, or other similar methods to try to kill or stimulate the tick to back out. These methods do not work, delay proper removal, and may be dangerous.   “Ticks have the ability to transmit diseases to humans in 36 to 48 hours after the initial bite,” said Ohio Wildlife Council President and retired veterinarian Dr. Paul Mechling. “Urban and suburban development as well as outdoor recreation allows the spread of these diseases as people come in close contacts with mice, white-tailed deer, and other hosts for ticks. Pets in an outdoor setting should have tick control.”   Blacklegged tick populations have increased in Ohio since 2010, particularly in areas with forested habitat. This species can carry Lyme disease and is active throughout the year, including during the winter. Also known as the deer tick, blacklegged ticks are frequently found on white-tailed deer. The lone star tick is found mostly in southern Ohio and can transmit several diseases. It is found in shaded, grassy areas and is active during the warmer months of the year.   “Ohioans are at greatest risk for contracting tick-borne disease from June through August, but Lyme disease is possible year-round,” says Dr. Glen Needham, Associate Professor Emeritus of Entomology at The Ohio State University. “Wear proper clothing and use repellent to help prevent tick attachment.”   Dr. Mechling also advises landowners, particularly those who own woodlots, to consider the makeup of plants on their property. According to recent research conducted by the University of Maine, woodlots with invasive plants such as bush honeysuckle, Japanese barberry, and buckthorn had three to four times the number of blacklegged ticks compared to woodlots with no invasive plants.   It is important to note that unlike humans and pets, wild animals such as deer are not affected by the blacklegged tick and suffer no ill effects from Lyme disease. Additionally, Lyme disease cannot be transmitted by the consumption of venison. Hunters should remember that hunting and dressing deer may bring them into close contact with infected ticks.   More information on these and other tick species, and photos to help identify ticks can be found on the Ohio Department of Health webpage. To learn more about tick-borne diseases and their symptoms, visit cdc.gov/ticks.   The Ohio State University is hosting a day-long Ohio Regional Tick Symposium 2021 in October. Registration is available at osu.edu. For more information on ticks in Ohio, visit wildohio.gov.   The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.   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: Brian Plasters, Division of Wildlife (614) 601-3836

Ohio’s 2021 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season Concludes

 

Ohio’s 2021 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season Concludes   COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio’s 2021 spring wild turkey hunting season ended Sunday, May 30 with 14,541 birds taken, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Ohio’s spring wild turkey hunting season concluded on Sunday, May 30 in the northeast zone, and Sunday, May 23 in the south zone. In 2020, hunters harvested 17,894 wild turkeys during the spring hunting season.   The top 10 counties for wild turkey harvest during the 2021 spring hunting season include: Columbiana (454), Belmont (444), Meigs (437), Tuscarawas (417), Jefferson (408), Monroe (408), Ashtabula (401), Washington (398), Guernsey (378), and Muskingum (373).   “Wild turkey populations appear to have declined in much of the eastern U.S., including Ohio,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “The Division of Wildlife, in consultation with the Ohio Wildlife Council, other state wildlife agencies, and our non-government wildlife partners will be examining if further conservation measures are needed to stabilize and improve Ohio’s wild turkey population.”   Youth hunters harvested 1,473 wild turkeys during Ohio’s youth season on April 17-18. The youth season results are included in the final tally.   Ohio has two zones for spring wild turkey hunting: the south zone and the northeast zone. The northeast zone includes Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties, while the south zone covers the rest of the state. In the south zone, 13,510 turkeys were harvested, with 941 turkeys checked in the northeast zone.   Adult male turkeys (gobblers) made up 82% of the total 2021 harvest with 11,976 turkeys taken. Hunters checked 2,397 juvenile male turkeys (jakes) represented 16% of the harvest, and 173 bearded female turkeys (hens) were checked. The Division of Wildlife sold and distributed 61,135 wild turkey permits during the spring hunting season.   The 2021 spring turkey season limit was two bearded wild turkeys. Hunters could harvest one bearded turkey per day using a shotgun or archery equipment. All hunters were required to check in their harvest using the game-check system.   The Division of Wildlife began an extensive program in the 1950s to reintroduce wild turkeys to the Buckeye State. Ohio’s first modern day wild turkey season opened in 1966 in nine counties, and hunters checked 12 birds. The total number of harvested turkeys topped 1,000 for the first time in 1984. Turkey hunting was opened statewide in 2000. The record Ohio wild turkey harvest was in 2001, when hunters checked 26,156 birds.   Connect with the Division of Wildlife by downloading the HuntFish OH app and on Twitter and Facebook for instant news stories, outdoor recreation ideas, local wildlife information, and so much more. The Your Wild Ohio Hunter Facebook page provides hunting tips and useful information as you get outside this season.   The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.   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-   Editor’s Note: A county list of all wild turkeys checked by hunters during the 2021 spring and youth hunting seasons are shown below. The first number following the county’s name shows the harvest numbers for 2021, and the 2020 numbers are in parentheses. Harvest numbers below are raw data and subject to change.   Adams: 358 (421); Allen: 65 (79); Ashland: 149 (170); Ashtabula 401 (449); Athens: 324 (380); Auglaize: 29 (54); Belmont: 444 (533); Brown: 345 (433); Butler: 173 (237); Carroll: 286 (368); Champaign: 56 (106); Clark: 12 (17); Clermont: 249 (367); Clinton: 51 (92); Columbiana: 454 (395); Coshocton: 331 (450); Crawford: 47 (59); Cuyahoga 10 (7); Darke: 48 (68); Defiance: 160 (244); Delaware: 85 (127); Erie: 47 (41); Fairfield: 82 (115); Fayette: 7 (17); Franklin: 17 (21); Fulton: 104 (118); Gallia: 359 (398); Geauga 163 (214); Greene: 17 (22); Guernsey: 378 (508); Hamilton: 83 (147); Hancock: 28 (48); Hardin: 84 (103); Harrison: 351 (458); Henry: 48 (56); Highland: 317 (412); Hocking: 217 (271); Holmes: 167 (241); Huron: 88 (112); Jackson: 293 (351); Jefferson: 408 (413); Knox: 271 (317); Lake 60 (70); Lawrence: 182 (228); Licking: 277 (319); Logan: 88 (116); Lorain: 107 (141); Lucas: 50 (54); Madison: 5 (11); Mahoning: 181 (198); Marion: 30 (46); Medina: 97 (118); Meigs: 437 (503); Mercer: 10 (30); Miami: 18 (29); Monroe: 408 (532); Montgomery: 23 (28); Morgan: 267 (322); Morrow: 107 (146); Muskingum: 373 (499); Noble: 347 (399); Ottawa: 1 (1); Paulding: 70 (75); Perry: 249 (283); Pickaway: 13 (33); Pike: 185 (197); Portage: 185 (248); Preble: 82 (125); Putnam: 40 (61); Richland: 209 (221); Ross: 262 (334); Sandusky: 23 (23); Scioto: 228 (272); Seneca: 123 (108); Shelby: 42 (39); Stark: 240 (270); Summit: 64 (79); Trumbull 307 (378); Tuscarawas: 417 (528); Union: 34 (48); Van Wert: 10 (22); Vinton: 233 (294); Warren: 67 (110); Washington: 398 (484); Wayne: 102 (123); Williams: 183 (192); Wood: 24 (31); Wyandot: 77 (87).   2021 total: 14,541 2020 total: (17,894)   For more information, contact: Brian Plasters, Division of Wildlife (614) 601-3836

Ohio’s Wild Turkey Harvest Results Through Sunday, May 9

 Ohio’s Wild Turkey Harvest Results Through Sunday, May 9

 

Ohio’s wild turkey hunters have harvested 11,783 birds through Sunday, May 9, 2021. Ohio has two zones for 2021 spring wild turkey hunting: the south zone and the northeast zone. The total harvest represents 16 days of hunting in the south zone and nine days in the northeast zone, and includes the 1,473 wild turkeys taken during the 2021 youth season.

 

Hunters harvested 14,215 wild turkeys over the same time period during the 2020 spring hunting season.

 

Hunting in the south zone is open until Sunday, May 23, and the northeast zone (Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties) is open until Sunday, May 30. Find complete details in the 2020-2021 Hunting and Trapping Regulation Booklet.

 

The top 10 counties for wild turkey harvest during 2021 season: Columbiana (385), Meigs (372), Belmont (370), Monroe (359), Tuscarawas (348), Jefferson (339), Guernsey (333), Muskingum (327), Washington (325), and Adams (303).

Editor’s Note: A county list of all wild turkeys checked by hunters through Sunday, May 9, 2021 is shown below. Results from the south zone include 16 days of hunting, nine days in the northeast zone, and includes the youth hunting season. The first number following the county’s name shows the harvest numbers for 2021, and the 2020 numbers through the corresponding season length are in parentheses. Harvest numbers below are raw data and subject to change.

 

Adams: 303 (346); Allen: 50 (67); Ashland: 120 (139); Ashtabula 241 (257); Athens: 263 (316); Auglaize: 20 (42); Belmont: 370 (433); Brown: 287 (351); Butler: 143 (188); Carroll: 244 (296); Champaign: 45 (85); Clark: 11 (13); Clermont: 202 (291); Clinton: 40 (75); Columbiana: 385 (320); Coshocton: 283 (354); Crawford: 25 (42); Cuyahoga 3 (3); Darke: 38 (53); Defiance: 129 (200); Delaware: 71 (108); Erie: 34 (32); Fairfield: 68 (93); Fayette: 7 (15); Franklin: 15 (16); Fulton: 81 (99); Gallia: 292 (326); Geauga 102 (123); Greene: 12 (16); Guernsey: 333 (420); Hamilton: 62 (116); Hancock: 22 (37); Hardin: 59 (79); Harrison: 292 (363); Henry: 40 (50); Highland: 251 (338); Hocking: 191 (223); Holmes: 138 (194); Huron: 73 (95); Jackson: 241 (287); Jefferson: 339 (331); Knox: 214 (254); Lake 40 (43); Lawrence: 154 (199); Licking: 226 (249); Logan: 70 (100); Lorain: 84 (111); Lucas: 41 (41); Madison: 4 (7); Mahoning: 139 (152); Marion: 23 (42); Medina: 73 (96); Meigs: 372 (420); Mercer: 9 (25); Miami: 15 (23); Monroe: 359 (432); Montgomery: 18 (23); Morgan: 218 (258); Morrow: 83 (125); Muskingum: 327 (380); Noble: 280 (332); Ottawa: 1 (1); Paulding: 56 (62); Perry: 202 (226); Pickaway: 12 (28); Pike: 151 (149); Portage: 140 (202); Preble: 62 (99); Putnam: 32 (51); Richland: 167 (166); Ross: 215 (267); Sandusky: 23 (21); Scioto: 208 (239); Seneca: 94 (91); Shelby: 34 (36); Stark: 198 (222); Summit: 53 (54); Trumbull 190 (222); Tuscarawas: 348 (426); Union: 25 (34); Van Wert: 7 (16); Vinton: 198 (238); Warren: 55 (90); Washington: 325 (375); Wayne: 86 (99); Williams: 149 (157); Wood: 17 (25); Wyandot: 61 (75).

 

2021 total: 11,783

2020 total: (14,215)

 

For more information, contact:

Brian Plasters, Division of Wildlife

(614) 601-3836

 

2021 Spring Newsletter