Local Work Group - Mcintoshscd

MCINTOSH COUNTY SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT118 East Main St SEPO Box 389Ashley, ND 58413US POSTAGEPAIDAshley, NDPermit No. 2NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONConservation MailerMcIntosh Co. Soil Conservation District (701) 288-3406 ext 3Local Work GroupOf Special Interest:What is Local Work Group(LWG)?ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMERWE HAVE A WEBSITE!www.mcintoshscd.comSummer 2015Amy Schlepp – NRCS DCAnnually, around mid-September or October, the McIntosh County Local Workgroup (LWG) meets todiscuss the local natural resource concerns in the area. In the past, participants in the Local WorkgroupTop Conservationists Awardedhave been composed of the Conservation District Board and staff, Water Board, a Ducks UnlimitedRepresentative, County Executive Director for FSA, County Agent, and NRCS personnel. At theseTree Land Prepmeetings, resource concerns are brought forth ranging from saline spots in fields, loss of native prairie,Want to Volunteer?concerns and develop five questions to address those concerns. This year there will be a few changes.Tree Order FormsLogan, Emmons, Kidder, Stutsman and Barnes. The questions that the LWG come up with will be used inand most recently gully washouts. From this meeting, the LWG will determine the priority resourceWe will still meet to address these local concerns but will be combining a total of 6 counties. McIntosh,ranking applications for the fiscal year 2016 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)applications. Anyone interested is welcome and encouraged to attend. At this time, the location andTree Planting FinancialAssistancedate of the LWG has not yet been set. Notifications will come out in the mail as to when the meeting willtake place. As always, feel free to contact our office to clarify.SCD Board: Adam Meidinger – Chairman, Sandra Meidinger, Cordell Bettenhausen, Nancy Betsch, Donavon BenderSCD Staff: Chelsey Horner – Clerk, Terry Gropper – TechnicianNRCS Staff: Amy Schlepp – District Conservationist, Patti Burian – Soil ConservationistSalinity is a concern that has been discussed much in the past at these meeting as well as in the office.While it is definitely a concern we can address through EQIP, another option is CRP. There are severalcontinuous CRP practices that can address small saline areas in your cropland. New grass mixes havebeen developed to increase the amount of water usage using warm season, deep rooted grasses. SalineCRP should be managed to utilize as much water as possible, while keeping the salts down in the soilprofile. When available, take advantage of the emergency and managed haying opportunities tostimulate more plant growth. The more the plant grows, the more water being used.When cropping saline soils, it is very important to use high water using, deep rooted, and long seasoncrops. Crops such as barley and wheat will tolerate low levels of salt, however do not root down deepand do not utilize much water throughout the growing season. I would encourage consideration ofsunflowers as a cash crop and incorporating fall cover crops after small grains to utilize the excess water.McIntosh County SCD118 East Main StreetPO Box 389Ashley, ND 58413Phone:701-288-3406 ext 3Email:chelsey.horner@nd.nacdnet.netWhen dealing with saline soils, remember tillage brings the moisture to the surface to dry the ground outAs time goes by and projects are completed, those of us with the McIntosh County SCD would liketo extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to EVERYONE! Our seasonal staff members; Micheal Rueb, JimMindeman, Jeff Wiest, Mark Lynn, Lori Gropper, Damian Maier and Cody Cooper! Customers,producers, nurseries; Lincoln Oakes –Bismarck, ND, Towner Nursery – Towner, ND and Big Sioux– Watertown, SD, kids and local businesses! Without you we wouldn’t be able to accomplish anyPutting Conservationon the Ground.leaving behind a thick layer of white salts. Manage WITH Mother Nature, not against her.Top Conservationists Awardedof our working goals in making the world a better place! Thank you to Titan Machinery of Wishekfor the use of a Tractor for the 2015 planting season! We planted 62.6 Acres of crops, rented outdrill for 454.7 acres of crops, 8.5 hours of weed management, 449 District Hand planted trees,2,180, Individual Hand plants sold and installed 32,638 feet of trees and barrier!! Everyone’ssupport is greatly appreciated!!For the past 67 years, producers from all overthe country are recognized and awarded fortheir outstanding efforts and practices inconservation. These producers are awarded asAchievement Award Winners.4 acres of Farmstead and Feedlot Windbreaks,Pasture and Hay land Plantings of 55 acres,Planned Grazing System of 300 acres andWildlife Upland Habitat Management of 10acres.This award marks those who make the bestmentors and stewards of the land with endlessconservation practices, enhancements and careof the land, water, air and animals.Winners receive an embroidered jacket and tripto the State SCD Convention held in Novemberand are recognized for their outstandingaccomplishments!This year we are happy to announce that the2015 McIntosh County Achievement awardwinners are Kenneth, Susan and AdamMeidinger of Zeeland!The McIntosh County SCD is always lookingfor the new up and coming Conservationistsso we ask that if you have a nominee orwant to nominate yourself, call or stop in theoffice and we will gladly take downinformation.Any other questions on this program contactour office!The Meidinger’s manage and operate on 4,500Acres of crop and range land. Comprised of3,500 cares of Conservation Cropping Systems,1,600 feet of Field Windbreaks,Kenneth, Susan & Adam Meidinger2015 Achievement Award Winners

Prep that Land!Anyone who is already planning to plant trees for the spring of 2016, make sure your plan is set so you can dothe best for your future tree stand and prep the land ahead of time. To break/work the land early allows fornature to help make the area more supple and a strong bed for young trees. It is also easier on districtplanting equipment and workers that also play a big role in a good tree stand and survival.If you are looking to plant further out, say 2-3 years, stop in at the District office and discuss your ideas to‘One who plants atree today cares formore than justhimself, but for thefuture of others.’make sure your site is suitable for trees you want. You can also look into possible funding options with theNRCS or the SCD’s Heritage Fund. Both programs are similar as both need to follow NRCS specs for plantings.NRCS programs give the option to producers to implement other practices. The Heritage Fund provides costshare for rural residence who may not have a lot of land and need protection for their yard, wildlife or otherconservation issues they may have. This program does not exceed 1 year. There is also the WindbreakRenovation Initiative through the ND Forest Service.For more information, contact the District office.Need Volunteer Time?Everyone likes to lend a helpingIn 2014, more than 25,000hand now and again. Why notvolunteers across the countryvolunteer at a fun, spirited anddonated 318,500 hours to NRCS, aequal opportunity facility and makevalue of 7.2 million. Volunteersa difference in your county!?can also be awarded for theirThe McIntosh Co NRCS and SCD arelooking for a few Earth Teamexceptional work and dedicationduring National Volunteer Week inApril.Volunteers to help with differenttasks in the office. Anyone 14 yearsWhy wait!? Stop in the office toor older can volunteer! Work can belearn more and be a part of a greatinside or outside the office,agency and better our naturalindividually or as a group.resources!Tree Order FormsIf you are out and about this summer/fall and you notice you will need tree replacements in new shelter belts,want to plant a new shelterbelt or just a couple trees around the house. Fill out the included Tree Order Formand return it back to the SCD office in the USDA building this fall. Tree orders are to be into the district byearly December to get them ordered at the nurseries. We do ask for a 50% down payment for eachorder that is submitted to the district. If you need help with tree ID or other questions and/or concerns stop inat the office and we will help you out!

McIntosh County Local WorkgroupMeeting will be heldMonday, September 14th.The Local Work Group will determine the priorityresource concerns (cropland/grassland) and developfive questions to address those concerns. Thosequestions will be considered in ranking applicationsfor the fiscal year 2016 Environmental QualityIncentives Program applications. This meeting isopen to the public.Location:USDA Service CenterConference RoomTime:9:00 amPLEASE JOIN US!!!

Outdoor Heritage Fund Tree Planting Assistance ProgramPURPOSEThe Outdoor Heritage Tree Planting Assistance Program will provide grant awards to landowners to conserve, protect,and enhance our natural resources.ELIGIBLE APPLICANTSPrivate landowners will work with a vendor of their choice who will assist them with the planning and installation ofthe project. Replanting designs are encouraged to address a resource concern based off of erosion, water, farmstead,and wildlife diversity. Planting designs are encouraged and recommended to follow technical specifications drawn outby the NRCS/SCD Field Office Technical Guide in order to be considered for funding. Cost share is available for the treeplanting design, machine planting, trees and fabric application. Tree tubes would also be eligible in situations toprotect trees from wildlife. Staff will scan proposed location for cultural resources. If culture resources are found, thelocation of the tree planting will need to be moved in order to remain eligible.FUNDS AVAILABILITYA landowner is eligible to receive a maximum grant award of 25,000. Grant award dollars will be reimbursed to aneligible vendor at a cost share rate of 60% of total project cost. The remaining 40% of the total cost of the projectmust be contributed by the landowner or other working partner not to exceed full amount of bill submitted.APPLICATION REQUIREMENTSCompleted submission of the attached application with signature. The vendor must provide two (2) copies of theconservation CONS-4 tree planting data form along with two (2) aerial photos with soil category. The planting locationmust be outlined on the map. Copies of this information will be sent in by the District Staff. Upon acceptance,landowners will be required to sign the tree planting agreement along with copies provided to vendor for grant award.Projects applicable are encouraged to show recognition to the Outdoor Heritage Fund with signage that will beprovided. Applications within this batching round will be considered for the 2016 tree planting.Call the McIntosh County SCD if you are interested in this program for more details.