Latah Soil and Water Conservation District

2011-12-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

A frosty seeding day yesterday with the field crew.

Palouse Prairie Restoration Roundtable

2011-10-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

There will be a Palouse Prairie Restoration Roundtable on Tuesday, October 25th and Wednesday, October 26th from 6:00 - 9:00 PM each evening in the Palouse Room at the University Inn Best Western in Moscow, Idaho. Please join us to learn more about Palouse Prairie and efforts to restore this unique plant community!

For more information please contact Brenda Erhardt, Assistant Resource Conservation Planner with the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District, berhardt@latahsoil.org, or go to the link at http://www.latahsoil.org/.

Sponsored by: Latah Soil and Water Conservation District, Intermountain West Joint Venture, Palouse Prairie Foundation, Idaho Native Plant Society

Field crew in Troy

2011-10-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

Our fearless field crew takes on the small town of Troy on Ayla's last day of the season. Thanks to all of you for all of the hard work!

General CRP Signup 41

2011-03-08T09:53:00.000-08:00

Signup 41 is March 14 - April 15, 2011.

Anyone interested in enrolling cropland into the CRP should plan to attend an informational meeting which will cover the following topics:

land eligibility
rental rates
conservation cover
making an offer to enroll
participant responsibilities and compliance

Informational meetings will be held 9:00 AM - noon on March 15th, 16th and 17th (information presented each day is the same) at the Latah County FSA Office conference room located at 220 East Fifth Street, Room 219, Moscow (second floor of Federal Building).

North Fork Palouse River Information Meeting

2011-01-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

The Palouse Conservation District will hold an informational meeting/panel discussion regarding the North Fork of the Palouse River on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the Palouse Federated Church located at 635 North Bridge Street, Palouse, WA. Landowners, livestock owners, local residents, and anyone interested in the watershed are invited to attend. Topics include:

How you can benefit from value-added markets for your agricultural and livestock products
How you can obtain cost share for conservation projects

For more information, please contact Jennifer Boie, (509) 332-4101 or jenniferpcd@palousecd.org.

Sustainable Agriculture Symposium, Ontario, Oregon

2011-01-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

The Payette and Malheur County Soil & Water Conservation Districts 2nd "Sustainable Agriculture Symposium" will be from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at the Four Rivers Cultural Center located at 676 SW 5th Ave., Ontario, Oregon. Registration is $15 before February 7, 2011 and $20 after that date. Lunch will include a special presentation by John Taberna Sr., "How to grow a Giant Pumpkin."

Featured speakers include:

Harry Kreeft, Hematologist/Plant Pathologist

Lynn Rogers, Microbial Matrix Systems, Inc.

Mir-M Seyedbagheri, U of I Extension

Marvin Miller, "What a Soil Test Really Says"

Steve Norberg "No Till Will Work in the Treasure Valley"

Don Huber, PhD "Mineral Deficiencies in Crops"

For more information, please contact Charlene Wimpy, 208-642-4402 ext. 102, Charlene.Wimpy@id.nacdnet.net.

Natural Resources Camp

2010-12-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

Will Idaho have abundant natural resources in 20 years? Will it still be a clean and scenic place to live? Idaho's natural resources need citizens who understand the trade-offs in environmental management. Natural Resources Camp (NRC) offers Idaho youth ages 12-14 an opportunity to learn about the wise use of natural resources and ways to protect the natural environment.

Camp will be June 27 - July 2, 2011 at the Central Idaho 4-H Camp in Ketchum, Idaho.

Join other campers in exploring the world around you: wildlife, rangeland, water, forests, and soil. Plus enjoy other outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, volleyball, firearm safety and target shooting, fireside sing-alongs, and the Tournament of the Outdoors!

Complete information can be found at the NRC website.

Moscow Mountain SNOTEL Site

2010-12-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) installs, operates, and maintains an extensive, automated system (SNOwpack TELemetry or SNOTEL) designed to collect snowpack and related climatic data. SNOTEL provides a reliable and cost effective means of collecting snowpack and other meteorological data needed to produce water supply forecasts.

There are over 750 automated SNOTEL stations in 13 Western States, including Alaska. The data, as well as related reports and forecasts, are made available in near real time through the Internet.

In Latah County, an enhanced sensor SNOTEL site is located on Moscow Mountain. Data from that site can be accessed here.

(The above clipart is from the Florida Center for Instructional Technology at the University of Southern Florida, http://etc.usf.edu/clipart.)

North Idaho Grazing Conference and Trade Show

2010-12-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

The annual North Idaho Grazing Conference and Trade Show will be held January 4, 2011 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Lewis-Clark State College Conference Center in Lewiston, Idaho.

Idaho Loan Program Lowers Interest Rates

2010-11-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

The Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission (ISWC) recently made a change to its revolving loan fund to provide farmers and ranchers with additional resources to implement conservation practices on their land. The Resource Conservation and Rangeland Development Program (RCRDP) is authorized by Idaho law to provide low interest loans to farmers and ranchers for resource management projects and improvements.

The interest rate for a new RCRDP l0an varies from 2% to 4% depending on the length of the loan. New interest rates are:

1 to 7 year term - 2% fixed APR
8 to 12 year term - 3% fixed APR
13 to 15 year term - 4% fixed APR

Applicants may apply for a single loan of up to $200,000. Existing borrowers may have up to $300,000 in outstanding loans.

"We have over 200 active loans and expect to see new applications coming from operators and owners to the local district for initial conservation benefit analysis," said Bill Flory, ISWC Chair from Winchester. "These fixed rates are a great opportunity to aid conservation in Idaho."

The first step for interested applicants is to submit an application and conservation plan to their local conservation district. The local conservation district will review the conservation plan and forward a recommendation ranking that particular project to the ISWC. The applicant will then privide financial and collateral information to the ISWC office in Boise. ISWC staff will then prepare the loan package for review by the Commission at the next scheduled meeting.

In order to improve turnaround times, the Commission also scheduled a standing monthly teleconference to conduct any pending loan program business. The Commission teleconferences will occur on the second Wednesday of every month that there is not a regular business meeting. Upcoming Commission meetings are December 8, January 12 and March 9 via teleconference. The Commission will also meet in person in Boise on February 15, 2011. Completed applications need to be submitted at least 30 days in advance of a Commission meeting.

The Commission works closely with local soil and water conservation districts in the wise use and enhancement of soil, water and related resources. The Commission and local districts are committed to improving the environment, increasing public awareness of conservation issues, and supplying landowners and land users with the technical information needed to implement conservation measures and improve natural resource management.

A RCRDP fact sheet and application form can be found under the 'Programs' tab at www.swc.idaho.gov.

Attention all 4th, 5th and 6th Grade Artists

2010-09-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's time for Latah SWCD's annual poster contest. This year's theme, Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats, is wide open to your interpretation, so have some fun unleashing your imagination while at the same time competing for one of three prizes.

Instructions are listed below.

Posters will be on display for one week at the Latah County Courthouse. Keeping with tradition, the Latah Board of County Commissioners will select three posters to advance to the next level of the contest.

Visit the National Association of Conservation Districts website to see the winning entries from last year's national contest.

An Invitation to Teachers: Latah SWCD staff are available to give a 45 minute classroom presentation centered around this years theme. Please contact Kari Schwendiman (208)882-4960 ext. 113 or kschwendiman@latahsoil.org if you would like to schedule a presentation.
2010 INSTRUCTIONS

2010 theme: Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats.
4th - 6th grade students residing in Latah County are invited to participate.
Poster size: 14" x 22" (no exceptions).
Choose your medium! Paint, crayons, colored pencils, markers, charcoal, and paste-on materials are all acceptable.
Students are encouraged to do their own work but may receive planning assistance from teachers and parents.
Please include student name, teacher name, and school name on back of poster. Home school students please include contact information.
Entries are due by 5:00 PM on Monday, September 27, 2010.
Deliver completed posters to the Latah SWCD office located at: 220 East 5th Street, Room 212 (above the post office - enter on south side of building). Teachers: Latah SWCD staff will gladly pick up posters from your classroom. Please contact Kari Schwendiman, (208)882-4960 ext. 113.
Judging priorities: Conservation Message (50 points), Visual Effectiveness (30 points), Originality (10 points), and Universal Appeal (10 points).

LATAH SWCD PRIZES:

1st, digital camera ($150 value)
2nd, acrylic paint set ($40 value)
3rd, artists pencils ($20 value)

Winning entries will advance to the division contest 10/6/2010. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place division entries will advance to the state contest 11/18/2010. The 1st place state entry will advance to the national contest. Prizes are awarded at each level.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD POSTER?

Use of color and white space to attract and hold attention
Letters large enough to read easily
A brief, catchy message

Get ready! Get set! Go for it!

No August Board Meeting

2010-08-02T11:04:00.001-07:00

The Latah SWCD board meeting previously scheduled for August 3, 2010 at 6:00 PM has been cancelled.

Trail and Hawley Receive Latah SWCD Conservation Stewardship Awards

2010-07-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

Over 60 guests were present last Tuesday evening as Latah Soil and Water Conservation District Chairman Cody Anderson presented the 2009 Conservaton Stewardship Award to Representative Tom Trail and the 2010 Conservation Stewardship Award to Lee Hawley.

2010 also marks the 70th anniversary of the Latah SWCD (see former blog post). The celebration was in the form of a BBQ at Robinson Park near Moscow, Idaho.

Each year, the District board chooses an award recipient. Lee was selected for his long-term commitment to conservation efforts and for his many years of service to the Latah SWCD. He filled three terms (12 years) as an elected District Supervisor, serving as Chairman for several of those years. In addition, he has contributed as an Associate Supervisor for over 24 years. Lee also served as Chairman of the Paradise Creek Watershed Advisory Group. Lee thanked the Natural Resource Conservation Service staff for all their help through the years.

Chairman Anderson provided a heartfelt tribute to Representative Trail for coming to the rescue when, as Anderson described it, Latah felt they were just about the only party left on a sinking ship. Nearly two years ago, Latah board members requested the assistance of their local legislators. They found Representative Trail, Representative Ringo, Senator Schroeder and numerous legislators throughout the State of Idaho to be extemely supportive of conservation districts, for which Chairman Anderson expressed his appreciation on behalf of himself and the District.

Thanks to all who attended to show their support for Lee, Rep. Trail, and local conservation efforts. And special thanks to Wayne and Jacie Jensen for grilling all the steaks, and the McGregor Company for lending us their grill!

Steelhead, Salmon, and "Thermal Hopscotch"

2010-06-23T09:27:00.001-07:00

The University of Idaho College of Natural Resources recently completed a report entitled, "Temperature regimes during upstream migration and the use of thermal refugia by adult salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River basin."

Additional information about the report can be found in a Columbia Basin Bulletin article. The article begins, "Remember when you were a child running barefoot--how you would run quickly over a hot sidewalk, rest in a shaded spot, and let your feet cool down before braving the hot surface again?"

The above two links reveal how adult steelhead and chinook in the Columbia basin are participating in a similar game of "temperature hopscotch," but more as a matter of survival.

Latah SWCD Celebrates 70th Anniversary at 2010 Conservation Stewardship Award BBQ

2010-06-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

On January 6, 1940, three petitions were submitted to the State Soil Conservation Commission requesting the formation of three separate districts within Latah County. On January 30, 1940, a fourth petition was submitted requesting the formation of a single conservation district within Latah County. On February 13, 1940 a public hearing was held in Moscow. 75 were in attendance. Unanimous consent to the formation of a district was voiced at that hearing. A referendum was held on March 16, 1940. 457 votes were cast; 363 voted in favor, making Latah the first conservation district in Idaho. On April 25, 1940, Guy Kitch and Henry Bottjer were appointed as supervisors. The certificate of organization was issued on May 1, 1940. The first election of supervisors was held June 15, 1940. Roy Emerson, Ralph Naylor, and King Ingle were elected. The first board meeting was held July 1, 1940. On July 12, 1940, supervisors met in the Kendrick City Park to elect officers and make a plan. At that time they also appointed G. T. McAlexander of the extension service to serve as secretary. The Kendrick City Park was also the scene of the 40th anniversary celebration held July 12, 1980; Lee Hawley was Chairman.

Please join us in Robinson Park on June 29th at 5:30 PM as we honor Representative Tom Trail and Lee Hawley as recipients of the 2009 and 2010 Latah SWCD Conservation Stewardship Awards, respectively.

Student Receives "Giant" Prize

2010-06-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

Michelle Ross, a Deary School 8th grade student, was the grand prize winner of the first Latah SWCD "Write to Bike!" essay contest. District staff presented a Giant bicycle and award certificate to Michelle at a Deary School award assembly on June 4, 2010.

There are two primary objectives associated with the essay contest. One is to encourage junior high students to think about and research issues related to natural resources and conservation. The other is to encourage a specific conservation habit: riding bikes! All 7th-9th grade students residing in Latah County are eligible to participate in the contest.

Each year brings a different contest theme. This year's theme was "Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats." The theme is selected by the National Association of Conservation Districts and also applies to the annual poster contest (elementary age students) and speech contest (high school age students).

Purchase of the bike (retail value $390) was a joint effort of the Latah SWCD and TJ at Paradise Creek Bicycles in Moscow. Thank you for supporting youth education in Latah County!

Additional information about this contest or next year's is available on the Latah SWCD website or by contacting Kari Schwendiman, kschwendiman@latahsoil.org.

Direct Seeder Field Tour, June 24th

2010-06-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

June Latah SWCD Board Meeting

2010-06-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

The next Latah SWCD board meeting will be on June 1st from 6 to 8:30 pm at the Idaho Works Career Center (Job Service), 1350 Troy Road, Moscow, ID.

Click on the meeting's agenda on the top left-hand corner to view the agenda

The public is encouraged to attend.

Apply for Conservation Stewardship Program by June 11

2010-05-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) offers monetary incentives for producers to conserve and enhance soil, water and other related natural resources. The application deadline to be considered for the next ranking and funding period is June 11, 2010.

For more information, visit the Idaho NRCS website or the Moscow Field Office.

Field Day: International Exchange on the Palouse

2010-05-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

All those interested are invited to attend a free field tour on Thursday, June 24, 2010. Registration is at 7:30 AM at the Palouse Conservation Field Station just north of Pullman; buses will depart promptly at 8:30 AM.

WSU and USDA-ARS will host 50 international visitors representing direct seed farmers from Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for a morning bus tour to the Palouse Rock Lake Conservation District direct seed drill research and demonstration field trials. A complimentary lunch will follow. The lunch program will include presentations from direct seeders visiting from Germany and New Zealand. After lunch, researchers will lead an early afternoon tour highlighting research on direct seed cropping systems, drills, pathogens and weeds at the Palouse Conservation Field Station.

Questions may be directed to Deb Marsh marshdj@wsu.edu. Additional details can be found here.

RCRDP Loan Program

2010-05-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

The Idaho Soil Conservation Commission (ISCC) continues to offer a low interest loan program as a way to help cooperators meet their conservation goals. Additional information about the Resource Conservation and Rangeland Development Loan Program (RCRDP) and application process is available by contacting your local conservation district or visiting the ISCC website.

Essay Contest Winner!

2010-05-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Michelle Ross, Deary Junior High, for placing first in Latah SWCD's 2010 Write to Bike Essay Contest! Michelle's essay, "My Hopeful Wilderness," charmingly addressed this year's theme: Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats. It was very well written, followed all the contest rules, and explored several conservation habits such as picking up litter (or not littering in the first place), planting trees, and riding a bike or walking instead of driving a vehicle. As you can probably guess, the first place prize (which will be presented to Michelle at an award assembly later this month) is a bike. Great job Michelle!

To request information regarding next year's contest, please contact Kari Schwendiman at kschwendiman@latahsoil.org or (208) 882-4960 ext. 113.

Latah SWCD Board Meeting May 4th

2010-05-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

The next Latah SWCD board meeting will be on May 4th from 6 to 8:30 pm at the Idaho Works Career Center (Job Service), 1350 Troy Road, Moscow, ID.

Click on the meeting's agenda on the top left-hand corner to view the agenda

The public is encouraged to attend.

Moscow Water Department Open House

2010-04-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

The City of Moscow Water Department annual open house is scheduled for May 6, 2010 from 12:00 - 3:00 PM. The open house will feature a free BBQ, raffle for a Hamilton-Lowe Aquatic Center family pool pass, activities for kids, self-guided tours, and a Wisescape demonstration garden with over 30 species of "water wise plants." The Moscow Water Department is located at 120 West A Street.

Summer Employment

2010-04-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District has several summer positions and internships available. Details are available here.

2010 Conservation Tour Schedule

2010-04-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

The list of 2010 Conservation Tours sponsored by PNW STEEP (Pacific Northwest Solutions to Environmental and Economic Problems) can be viewed here. The 2010 schedule for PNW Small Grain Research Tours can be viewed here.

Latah SWCD Board Accepting Public Comment

2010-04-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 6:00 PM at the regular monthly meeting of the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District Board, the District Supervisors will accept written or verbal comment from the public concerning the Latah SWCD Resource Conservation Plan, FY 2011 - 2015. The deadline for written comment by individuals not able to attend the meeting is close of business on Friday, April 30, 2010. Comments may be sent to the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District, 220 East Fifth Street, Room 212, Moscow, Idaho 83843. The Resource Conservation Plan is available for review at the District office or on the District's website, here.

Latah SWCD Board Meeting April 6th

2010-04-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

The next Latah SWCD board meeting will be on Tuesday, April 6th from 6 to 8:30 pm at the Idaho Works Career Center (Job Service), 1350 Troy Road, Moscow, ID.

Click on the meeting's agenda on the top left-hand corner to view the agenda

The public is encouraged to attend.

Conservation Awareness Days 2010

2010-03-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

The 23rd annual Conservation Awareness Days field trip to Spring Valley Reservoir will be held April 29 and 30, 2010. Fifth and/or sixth grade classes from Bovill/Deary Elementary, Genesee School, Juliaetta Elementary, McDonald School, Moscow Charter School, Potlatch Elementary, Russell School, St. Mary's School, and Troy Elementary are scheduled to attend on one of the two dates.

Home school students are also invited and encouraged to attend!

Each day will begin with a Washington State University Raptor Club presentation. Following that presentation, students will divide into six groups and rotate through the remaining presentations, including:

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates, John Pfeiffer, EcoAnalysts, Inc.
Fishing, Tiege Ulschmid, Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game
Forestry, Robert Barkley, Idaho Dept. of Lands
Outdoor Survival Skills, Marvin Pillers, Latah Search and Rescue
Salmon Migration, Megan Wandag, Dworshak Fisheries Complex
Soils, Dave Uberuaga, WSU/USDA Ag Research Service

Additional volunteers assist the lead instructors named above to make this an outstanding experience for Latah County youth. Thank you to all those who share their time and expertise to bring an enriched conservation education to our students. And thank you to all the teachers who return year after year with your students! We look forward to seeing you!

For additional information, please contact Kari Schwendiman at kschwendiman@latahsoil.org or 208-882-4960 ext. 113.

Cattle Producer Winter School

2010-03-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Cattle producers are invited to attend a Cattle Producer Winter School on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 beginning at 9:30 AM. The school will be held at Grangeville High School. Dr. John Hall, UI Extension Beef Specialist stationed in Salmon, will participate on the program via satellite. Jim Church, Extension Educator stationed in Grangeville, will also present.

Seating is limited to approximately 30 people so sign up today by calling the Idaho County Extension Office at 208-983-2667. There is no charge for the class.

The agenda is as follows:
9:30 AM - Registration, coffee/donuts
10:00 AM - Dr. John Hall - Feed Efficiency Trials and Ongoing Research at the UI Nancy Cummings Research Ranch, Salmon
11:00 AM - Break
11:15 AM - Jim Church - Genetic Defects in Cattle and Understanding Genomic Enhanced EPD's

Climate Change, Bioenergy and Sustaining the Forests of Idaho and Montana

2010-02-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

Click on press release to view a larger version.

28th Annual Idaho State Forestry Contest

2010-02-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

The Idaho State Forestry Contest will be held May 13, 2010 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Delay Farm in Careywood, Idaho. Pre-registration is mandatory; forms will be available in March. There is NO registration fee; a BBQ lunch will be provided.

Any student, grades 7-12, may compete. Teams consist of 4 members, but you do not have to be on a team to compete. Everyone will be scored individually. Sixth graders may compete in the Rookie Competition.

Additional information is available here.

Annual Forestry Conference

2010-02-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

The theme for Clearwater RC&D's Family Forest Landowners and Managers Conference is "Forestry in Transition." This annual conference will be held March 22-24, 2010 at the Best Western University Inn, Moscow, Idaho. Registration is due March 5, 2010. Complete conference information, including the registration form, can be found here.

Idaho AITC Tours Scheduled

2010-02-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

Idaho AITC tours have been scheduled for July 13-16 (Boise to Idaho Falls) and July 20-23 (Twin Falls Base Tour). Please visit the Idaho AITC website for complete details.

Idaho AITC Workshops Planned

2010-02-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

View the Idaho AITC website for complete information.

Legislative Budget Book

2010-01-15T09:46:00.000-08:00

The FY 2011 Idaho Legislative Budget Book can be viewed here. The recommended budget for conservation districts and the Idaho Soil Conservation Commission can be found under the heading of Economic Development/Agriculture, Department of/Soil Conservation Commission.

Farm Bill Program Applications Due Feb. 12th

2010-01-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

Click on press release to view a larger version.

For more information visit:
EQIP, WHIP, GRP, WRP, NRCS Conservation Programs.

15th Annual Idaho Ag Summit

2010-01-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Idaho Ag Summit will be Monday, February 8 and Tuesday, February 9. This year's theme is "Idaho Agriculture: Reality to Revitalization." For summit details and registration, please visit http://www.idahoagsummit.org/index.html.

Latah SWCD Board Meeting - January 12, 2010

2010-01-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

Next Idaho Soil Conservation Commission Interim Committee Meeting Scheduled for January 5, 2010

2009-12-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

Brrrrrr

2009-12-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Cold temperatures on the Palouse in the single digits North of Genesee.

Latah SWCD Board Meeting

2009-12-07T14:21:00.000-08:00

2010 Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference

2009-12-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference will be presented January 20-21, 2010 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, WA. Learn details and register online by visiting http://www.directseed.org/conference.html.

North Central Idaho Grazing Conference

2009-12-07T13:55:00.000-08:00

The 6th Annual North Central Idaho Grazing Conference will be held on January 5, 2010 at Lewis-Clark State College Williams Conference Center. The trade show opens at 8 am. Registration and check-in is from 8 to 8:30 am. The Conference begins at 9 am.

Dr. Kelly Crane, University of Idaho Rangeland Ecology and Management Specialist, will discuss Managing Dryland Pastures to Maximize Cattle Production.

Ben Henson, Renewable Energy Solutions, Enterprise, OR. will present Solar and Hydro: Renewable Energy from Farm and Ranch.

Tim DelCurto, superintendent, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center will present Beef Production Systems on Western Rangelands.

Rhod McIntosh, Colfax, WA will give a Producer's Perspective. For more information call 208-983-1046 x111.

Latah Board Meeting Postponed

2009-12-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

The board meeting scheduled for Dec. 8th has been postponed.

ClearWater Direct Seeders Breakfast Meeting

2009-12-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

The next meeting of the ClearWater Direct Seeders will focus on crop rotation opportunities through oilseed crops in direct seed systems. Joe Thompson of the University of Idaho Dept. of Biological and Agricultural Engineering will share information about research in his facility on processing oilseeds. He will demonstrate making biodiesel as he speaks. Steve Riggers will speak about experiences with canola, mustard, and camelina crops in direct seed rotation.

The breakfast meeting will be Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 7:00 AM at the Red Lion Hotel in Lewiston. Breakfast is sponsored by the Bank of Whitman, Clarkston Branch.

Fall Colors on Corral Creek

2009-11-03T09:51:00.001-08:00

The Tamarack or Western larch (Larix occidentalis) are putting on their fall colors in the forests around Corral Creek. Soon they will loose their leaves in preparation for winter.

Latah SWCD Board Meeting - Nov. 3

2009-10-29T09:18:00.001-07:00

A New Season for the ClearWater Direct Seeders

2009-10-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Harvest is over, winter seeding is wrapping up--it must be time for another season of sharing experiences with the ClearWater Direct Seeders! Meetings will be held at 7:00 AM at the Red Lion in Lewiston on the following Tuesdays:

Nov 17
Dec 8
Jan 12
Feb 9
Mar 2

Speakers will address risk management strategies for direct seeders, economic and environmental benefits of no-till cropping systems, bio-fuel chemistry 101, a direct seed mentoring project, direct seed weed management strategies, and CRP takeout strategies.

WSU Extension
UI Extension
Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association

Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWRRI) Seminar

2009-10-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

This seminar will be presented by Mark Solomon on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 from 10:30 - 11:30 am at the UI College of Natural Resources, Room 14. Click here for more information about this seminar and others offered in the IWRRI Hydrology Seminar Series. These seminars are open to all interested professionals, legislators, water supply managers, local government representatives, attorneys, students, and the interested public.

Latah SWCD Board Meeting - Oct. 6th

2009-10-05T08:20:00.001-07:00

Palouse Basin Water Summit

2009-10-01T06:28:00.001-07:00

The 5th Annual Palouse Basin Water Summit will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 6th at the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Event Center in Pullman, Washington. Registration is free.

New Technology Protects a Fragile Meadow

2009-09-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

How do you protect a fragile meadow from the steel cleats of a 20-ton excavator? This spring Latah SWCD was faced with this question during the Corral Creek Steelhead Habitat Restoration Project. Trish Heekin, Resource Conservation Planner and project lead, needed to build several structures to control the flow of the creek during spring runoff. The work involved hauling rock and topsoil and building ditch plugs using an excavator and dump truck.

The heavy equipment would have to cross a meadow covered with wildflowers, sedges and shrubs. Trish needed to minimize the damage to the meadow. If the top soil was disturbed weeds would move in, resulting in years of costly meadow restoration. Something needed to be placed on top of the meadow that could handle the weight of the equipment and still be light enough for a crew to move by hand.

One idea was to use 4x8 foot sheets of ¾ inch plywood. After talking with some heavy equipment operators we learned that plywood did not hold up very well. It was time to consult the Internet. A Google search turned up Ground Protection Mats. Several vendors offer 4x8 foot sheets of durable plastic designed for this type of project. White mats are available to help keep the ground underneath cool.

To date, several structures have been built at Corral Creek using the Ground Protection Mats. The meadow was protected and the mats survived intact, ready for our next project.

The New Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

2009-09-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

NRCS is conducting sign-ups under the new CSP until September 30, 2009. Still have questions? The following links might help:

FARMERS' GUIDE to the Conservation Stewardship Program (developed by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition)

NRCS website

NACD website (3rd article down)

Clearwater RC&D Annual Gathering

2009-09-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Annual Gathering of the Clearwater RC&D Council, Inc. will be Thursday, October 22, 2009 at The GALLERY, 107 W North St., Grangeville.

5:00 pm - No Host Social
6:00 pm - Dinner Served
7:00 pm - Keynote Address, John Bennett, CFO Idaho Forest Group
7:30 pm - Business Meeting, Election of Officers

Registration is $15. Please RSVP by Oct. 12 to Barb Knapp 208-882-4960 ext. 102.

IRCDA Annual Fall Meeting

2009-09-21T11:32:00.001-07:00

The IRCDA Annual Fall Meeting will be Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 5-6, 2009 at the Red Lion Hotel in Lewiston. Members and Partners of the IRCDA are invited to attend. The $50/individual registration fee is due Friday, Sept. 25. On the morning of the 5th, there will be a special workshop for nonprofit organizations, given by Lynn Hoffman from the Idaho Nonprofit Center in Boise. Please visit www.idahorcd.org/IRCDA/meetings.htm for additional meeting information.

Conservation Security Program (CSP) Public Information Meetings

2009-09-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (Moscow Service Center) has scheduled two public information meetings for the new CSP sign up. The same information will be covered at both meetings.

1) Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Genesee Senior Citizens Center
2) Thursday, Sept. 24, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Scenic 6 Train Depot in Potlatch

Annual Poster Contest for Students in Grades 4-6

2009-09-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

4th - 6th grade students residing in Latah County are invited to participate
Contact: Kari Schwendiman, 208-882-4960 ext. 113 or kschwendiman@latahsoil.org
Poster size: 14" x 22"
May use paint, crayons, colored pencils, markers, charcoal, and paste-on materials
Students are encouraged to do their own work but may receive planning assistance from parents and teachers
Please include student name, teacher name, and school name on back of poster; home school students please include contact information
Entries are due Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by 5:00 pm
Please deliver entries to the Latah SWCD office, located at 220 East 5th St., Rm. 212, Moscow, ID 83843 (above the post office--enter on south side of building)
TEACHERS: if you have several or all of your students participating, Latah SWCD staff will gladly pick up posters from your classroom
Poster will be on display at the Latah County Courthouse September 24 - October 6, 2009; posters will be judged by the Latah Board of County Commissioners October 5
Judging priorities:

Conservation Message - 50 points maximum
Visual Effectiveness - 30 points maximum
Originality - 10 points maximum
Universal Appeal - 10 points maximum

DISTRICT PRIZES:

1st - Digital camera ($150 value)

2nd - Acrylic paint set ($40 value)

3rd - Artist pencils ($20 value)

District winners will advance to the Division contest to be held in Moscow 10/7/2009. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Division winners will advance to the state contest. The 1st place state winner will advance to the national contest. Prizes are awarded at each level.

To view past national contest winners, visit http://www.nacdnet.org/education/contests/poster/#2009

Announcing Latah SWCD's Annual Speech Contest for Students in Grades 10-12

2009-09-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

10th - 12th grade students residing in Latah County are encouraged to participate!
2009 theme: DigIt! The Secrets of Soil
Contact: Kari Schwendiman, 208-882-4960 ext. 113 or kschwendiman@latahsoil.org
Speech duration: 3-5 minutes
Contestant may not give name at any time during speech
No props or visual aids
Speech must be contestant's original text, researched and written by contestant
Notes allowed at District contest but not at Division or State contests
Application forms are due September 18, 2009 by 5:00 pm. Please mail or deliver to: Latah SWCD, 220 East 5th St., Rm. 212, Moscow, ID 83843 (above the post office--enter on south side of building)
TEACHERS: If you have several or all of your students participating, Latah SWCD staff will gladly pick up application forms from your school/classroom.

DISTRICT PRIZES:

1st place - Outdoor gear ($200 value)

2nd place - Backpack ($40 value)

3rd place - Field guide ($20 value)

District winners will advance to the Division contest to be held in Moscow on 10/7/2009. The 1st place Division winner will advance to the State contest. Cash prizes are awarded at the Division and State levels of the contest. (State 1st place $250, 2nd place $150, 3rd place $100, 4th place $75.)

September Board Meeting Cancelled

2009-09-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

The Latah SWCD board meeting scheduled for September 1, 2009 has been cancelled. The next board meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2009.

Conservation Stewardship Program

2009-08-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced sign-up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). This is a voluntary program that encourages agricultural and forestry producers to improve or maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional ones on their land. To be considered in the first ranking period for CSP, producers must submit their applications by September 30, 2009. Another proposed cutoff date will be in January 2010. Complete information may be obtained by visiting your local NRCS office or at http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/index.html.

Board Meeting Cancelled

2009-07-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

There will not be a Latah SWCD board meeting in August 2009. The next Latah SWCD board meeting is scheduled for September 1, 2009.

Direct Seed Operations Tours

2009-06-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

For more information contact Hans Kok at 208-885-5971. Register online by June 22nd.

Yellow starthistle and Spotted knapweed Workshops

2009-06-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

The Nez Perce Bio-control Center is offering Yellow starthistle and Spotted knapweed workshops in the area. The all day workshop includes a morning classroom session, followed by a session in the field. All participants will receive a bio-control release to put on their known weed infestations. Idaho herbicide recertification credits will also be offered.

The Troy workshop will meet at the Lions Club Meeting Room on July 13th. Nez Perce County and Northern Idaho workshop dates can be found on the Latah SWCD events calendar.

You can register online, or by contacting Paul Brusven at 208-843-9374 ext. 1 or pbrusven@nezperce.org.

Funds Available to Improve Wildlife Habitat on Private Lands

2009-06-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will have an additional sign-up period in fiscal year 2009 for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) to implement conservation practices related to improving wildlife habitat on private lands. The application period is open for three weeks beginning June 15 and ending July 6.

For more information please contact the Idaho NRCS.

2009-06-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Approximately 170 students from Deary, Genesee, Lena Whitmore, Potlatch, St. Mary's Catholic, and Troy elementary schools came out to Spring Valley Reservoir May 14th and 15th for the 22nd annual Conservation Awareness Days. Each day began with a presentation by the WSU Raptor Club. Then students divided into groups and rotated through the following presentations or activities: fishing, forestry, outdoor survival skills, salmon migration, soils, and weeds. Thursdays participants were also subjected to a crash course on rain, wind and hail!

Thank you to the eighteen instructors who shared their time and expertise to make this event so worthwhile for Latah County youth. Instructors were from Dworshak Fisheries Complex, Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game, Idaho Dept. of Lands, Latah Search and Rescue, Latah Noxious Weed Dept., WSU Raptor Club, and WSU/USDA Agricultural Research Service. This event is sponsored by the Latah Soil & Water Conservation District.

2009-06-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Idaho State Forestry Contest was held May 14 at the Delay Farm in Careywood, Idaho. There were 320 participants. Students from Latah County included Genesee FFA, Potlatch FFA, and Troy FFA. Congratulations to Troy FFA Team #1 for placing second in the Junior Division! For more contest details, visit the Idaho Dept. of Lands website here or the Bonner Soil & Water Conservation District website here.

Wood Biomass Publication Recently Released

2009-05-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

The National Association of Conservation Districts recently published the Woody Biomass Desk Guide and Toolkit. This Guide is designed for use by conservation district, Resource Conservation & Development and Extension professionals throughout the U.S. This reference may be useful for communities within North-Central Idaho as they consider woody biomass as an alternative energy source.

goose eggs

2009-05-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

clutch of Canada goose eggs in a nest box by the pond --
second week in May
Blue Dog Ranch, 4 miles SE of Moscow, Idaho

This nesting platform, the only one we have, was provided in 1996 by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in connection with the Department’s Canada goose population monitoring program. Since the nesting platform was installed the population of adult Canada geese on our place has never exceeded one nesting pair.

windmill

2009-05-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

aerates our farm pond: supports aquatic life; inhibits eutrophication
Blue Dog Ranch, 4 miles SE of Moscow, Idaho

if it looks like a duck, and swims like a duck...

2009-05-11T14:20:00.001-07:00

...it could nevertheless be an American Coot. Coots are members of the rail family, often mistaken for ducks.
Blue Dog Ranch, 4 miles SE of Moscow, Idaho

Latah SWCD helps landowners preserve and expand Palouse Prairie

2009-05-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

Contact Latah SWCD for help in developing a plan and applying for LIP funding. Practices that could benefit Palouse Prairie include applying a conservation easement to an existing remnant, using integrated pest management to reduce weeds on remnants, revegetating disturbed areas within remnants, or adding more Palouse Prairie plant communities by planting native grasses and forbs into cropland, especially around an existing remnant. See Latah SWCD's website for more information about Palouse Prairie.

The Landowners Incentive Program's (LIP) purpose is to encourage landowners to improve existing habitat and assist species recovery on their property. LIP application deadline is June 1st. See Idaho Fish and Game's website for more information.

Pesticide Disposal - May 13 & 14

2009-05-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

The Idaho Department of Agriculture will be holding its annual Pesticide Disposal Program at the Nez Perce Co. Fair Grounds on Wednesday, May 13th, from 9 am to 1 pm. in Lewiston and at the Coeur d'Alene Transfer Station on Thursday, May 14th, from 9 am to 1 pm . Look for the "Agricultural Chemical Collection" signs.

The collection is open to everyone (homeowners, CWMA's and ag industry). Participation is free for the first 1,000 pounds of unusable pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides) per participant. Fertilizer, micronutrients, paint, solvents or motor oil cannot be accepted.

Please contact Idaho Dept. of Ag if you will be participating in the collection effort so they can have an idea of how much material to expect. Contact Tim Stein at 208-762-9598 or tstein@agri.idaho.gov.

WSU/USDA Precision Farming and Direct Seed Field Day

2009-05-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

WSU/USDA Precision Farming and Direct Seed Field Day will take place at the Cook Agronomy Farm outside of Pullman, WA. The field day will take place on Thursday, June 25, 2009. Registration will begin @ 7:30am and the tours begin @ 8:00am.

Latah SWCD board meeting time has changed

2009-05-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

The Latah Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meeting has be rescheduled for 7 pm, Tuesday May 5th. The public is encouraged to attend. The meeting will be held in the conference room at the Idaho Works Center (Job Service), 1350 Troy Road, Moscow. Click here to see the meeting's agenda.

Latah SWCD Board Meeting May 5th

2009-04-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

The public is encouraged to attend the next meeting of the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District Board on May 5th at 7 pm. Come to the conference room in the Idaho Works Career Center (Job Service), 1350 Troy Road, Moscow. Click here to see the meeting's agenda.

Steelhead and Habitat Restoration to Highlight Sportsman's Breakfast

2009-04-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

IDF&G News Release - Plan to attend a Sportsman's Breakfast at the Breakfast Club Restaurant in Moscow.

Hosted by Idaho Fish and Game, the breakfast will be from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, at the Breakfast Club Restaurant, 501 S. Main.

Fish and Game will provide presentations on recent Potlatch River steelhead research discoveries and habitat restoration activities. Reports will also be given on the Farm Bill and habitat improvement programs, spring Chinook season, current wolf status, volunteer opportunities, as well as other related activities.

The meeting is open to anyone interested in wildlife and is designed to stimulate informal discussion about local wildlife issues.

Coffee will be provided, and there is plenty of parking behind restaurant off of Jackson Street. For more information, contact the Fish and Game Lewiston office at 208-799-5010.

Volunteers Needed for Spring Valley Reservoir Clean-up Day

2009-04-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

IDF&G Press Release - To prepare for summer and Free Fishing Day, a volunteer cleanup event is scheduled beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, May 8, at Spring Valley Reservoir, near Troy.

Volunteers are needed to help clean-up litter around the reservoir, clean out firepits, assist with fence repair, spread gravel and various other projects. Volunteers should bring gloves, water, hat, sunscreen and work boots. All other tools will be provided.

Lunch and drinks will be provided to all volunteers. Please contact the Idaho Fish and Game office in Lewiston for more information or to sign-up for this project, 208-799-5010.

The 55-acre Spring Valley Reservoir is 13 miles east of Moscow, and two miles north of Highway 8. Managed with simple fishing regulations, Spring Valley provides a great place for families, children and first-time anglers. Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie are present in good numbers.

Robin Nest Photo Diary - Spring Snow

2009-04-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

The robin is protecting her eggs from this morning's snowfall.

Robin Nest Photo Diary - Days 4 and 5

2009-04-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

Egg #4 is the last addition to the clutch. Most robins lay 3 or 4 eggs during their first nesting of the season according to the American Robin page on the learner.org website.

This photo of the female sitting on the nest was taken on Day 5. The nest now contains 4 eggs. They should hatch in 12 - 14 days. I will continue to monitor the nest and post photos when anything changes.

Here are all of the photos in the diary so far.

Robin Nest Photo Diary - Day 3

2009-04-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

I was working around the root cellar yesterday afternoon and was afraid that I would disturb the female robin, but as you can see egg #3 appeared sometime during the night.

Here are all of the photos in the diary.

Harbinger of Spring

2009-04-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Reprinted from The Working Conservationist, Spring 2008
By Ken Preston, Resource Conservation Planner, Latah SWCD

Poets and artists rush to few things more quickly than the robin to illustrate the arrival of springtime. Most people take note of the first robin they see in spring, and are uplifted by the prospect of warmer days and greener landscapes. The robin, technically the “American robin”, is unique in that, despite ubiquitous numbers and range, it is still an omen. It is a reassurance that winter will end and spring will come, and the land will be reconstructed in green.

Males establish their spring territories prior to the arrival of the females. When the females arrive, the males serenade them with a very distinguishable “cheer-alee” song, usually sung at sunrise and sunset. The males only “sing” in spring and summer, and the females never sing; however, both sexes vocalize throughout the year with a scale of various chatterings, chirps, and calls. The average lifespan of a robin is short, usually only about one and a half years, but on occasion they can live up to 5 years.
More...

Spring 2009 Edition Now Available

2009-04-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

The spring 2009 edition of The Working Conservationist is now available. Click here to view the newsletter online. Hard copies should arrive in the mail on Tuesday, April 28th. Click here to receive a free copy.

Robin Nest Photo Diary - Day 2

2009-04-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

As you can see the robins have been busy. With any luck we can expect to see the female lay from 3 to 6 eggs in the nest.

Here are all of the photos in the diary.

Robin Nest Photo Diary - Day 1

2009-04-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

A pair of American robins have built a nest on the root cellar behind my house. I'll be posting a photo diary of what goes on in the nest over the next several weeks.

For more information about robins, see the post Harbinger Of Spring. Here are all of the photos in the diary.

ladybugs emerging from hibernation

2009-04-10T16:52:00.001-07:00

it happens every spring!
Blue Dog Ranch, 4 miles SE of Moscow, Idaho

Peregrine Falcon - Live Webcam in Boise

2009-04-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

The Idaho Department of Fish & Game teamed up with the Peregrine Fund to set up a live camera on a Peregrine Falcon that is living on the 14th floor of the Capital One Building in downtown Boise. As of April 9th this Falcon is nesting with at least one egg. With diving speeds clocked up to 240 mph, this will be a great opportunity to see what Boise's downtown dwellers are living on!

Everyone Lives in a Watershed

2009-04-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

Reprinted from The Working Conservationist, Fall 2006
By Ken Clark, Water Quality Analyst, IASCD

Even Your Home is in a Watershed

A watershed is an area of land from which all water drains into a common waterbody. Watersheds come in many shapes and sizes: hilly, flat, rocky, forested, and marshland. Watersheds can be quite small, such as a few hundred acres draining into a small creek, or large, like the 9,600 square mile drainage basin of the Clearwater River. A watershed can include a river or the tributaries that empty into it along its course. Several small watersheds make up large watersheds, creating a series of watersheds within a larger area called a drainage basin.
More...

Osprey Webcam

2009-04-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

This webcam is located in Loch Garden, Scotland, at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Abernethy Forest nature reserve. The webcam has been in place since 2007. Follow the birds, EJ, Henry, and Orange VS, from the RSPB blog. I always enjoy seeing the osprey fishing at Spring Valley Reservoir, northeast of Troy.

Biofuels Report Released

2009-04-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

The proceedings of the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) International Biofuels Project Rapid Assessment has just been released. This report may be of interest to North-Central Idaho as forest biomass is considered for energy generation at farm and community-wide scales.

Paradise Creek Clean-Up

2009-03-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

Bring your family and friends to the PCEI campus, 1040 Rodeo Drive, on Saturday, April 25th from 9am - 1pm, to join in the 19th annual Paradise Creek clean-up. After the clean-up meet back at the campus for complimentary pizza and prizes. For more details visit the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute website at www.pcei.org.

If you do not wish to have the stream on your property cleaned, please contact Tracy Brown at PCEI at (208) 882-1444 or brown@pcei.org.

Record Snow Fall in Spokane

2009-03-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

According to a statement from the NOAA National Weather Service, the winter of 2008-2009 set an all-time record snow fall of 93.6 inches (recorded at the Spokane International Airport). This amount could increase because totals are tabulated through the month of June.

Snow fall records have been kept in Spokane since 1893:

Rank winter snow total (inches)
1. 2008-2009 93.6
2. 1949-1950 93.5
3. 2007-2008 92.6
4. 1974-1975 89.0
5. 1992-1993 87.3

Upper Lochsa Land Exchange - US Forest Service

2009-03-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

The USDA Forest Service is considering a land exchange with Western Pacific Timber (WPT), LLC. Some of the Forest Service land parcels under consideration are located within Latah County. For more information about the proposed land exchange review the linkages located on the Forest Service website. The Clearwater National Forest can also be contacted at 208.476.4541.

Several articles have been published regarding the proposed land exchange.

Crop Residue Burning - Grower Trainings

2009-03-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) is providing agriculture producer trainings on March 30 and March 31, 2009. The meeting notices and other technical information related to IDEQ's crop residue burning program can be found at the following link.

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Publishes Environmental Guide for Local Governments

2009-03-26T22:03:00.000-07:00

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) recently published the Idaho Environmental Guide: A Resource for Local Governments. The Idaho Environmental Guide is designed to be a resource for local government officials to assist in managing a community's environmental responsibilities.

New USDA Cooperative Conservation Program

2009-03-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has recently announced a new conservation initiative to enhance cooperative conservation on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands.

The Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) is designed to enhance cooperative conservation on agriculture and nonindustrial private forest lands. The voluntary initiative provides financial and technical assistance to landowners that work together to address regional conservation concerns.

CCPI uses the funds, policies, and processes of NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) cost-share agreements.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) state office in Boise will accept applications for this program. For more information see the NRCS news release, or contact NRCS at (208) 378-5703.

Idaho State Forestry Contest

2009-03-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

The Idaho State Forestry Contest for Idaho schools is scheduled for May 14, 2009. The contest will take place at the Delay Farm in Careywood, ID. The contest is co-sponsored by the Idaho Department of Lands, Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District and the US Forest Service. Contest information can be found here. For more information, please contact the Bonner Soil & Water Conservation District at 208.263.5310 or Linda.OHare@id.nacdnet.net.

Please contact Linda O'Hare at the Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District is you are interested in c0-sponsoring the contest. Last year the cost for hosting the contest was approximately $6,500. A list of current sponsors is highlighted in the State Forestry Contest newsletter.

Giant Palouse Earthworm Court Decision

2009-03-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

The US District Court decision regarding the listing of the giant Palouse earthworm was filed in early February. The related article in the Capital Press can be found here. The Center for Biological Diversity has developed a link to the court case.

In Remembrance of Ken Houska

2009-03-13T07:38:00.001-07:00

March 13th is a sad anniversary for many of us here at Latah Soil and Water Conservation District. It was on this date in 2001 that our friend and colleague, Ken Houska, passed away. Ken had served Latah County as the NRCS District Conservationist for more than twenty years. His passing was so sudden and shocking that the news of his death locked our eyes wide with disbelief, while any sense of fairness in life dropped down the throat of a cruel, unalterable fate. It has been eight years now, and the pain has worn bittersweet because Ken's conservation work lives on, and his wisdom, humorous quips, and smile remain with us as memories. Thank you for everything, Ken...and may you rest in peace.

Palouse Ecosystem Research Recently Published

2009-03-13T00:48:00.000-07:00

A recent research paper has recently been released. The paper is entitled: Reconciling Social and Biological Needs in an Endangered Ecosystem: the Palouse as a Model for Bioregional Planning. The paper published in Ecology and Society can be reviewed here.