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Students at a Centreville, Maryland, Middle School plant a tree as part of an outdoor classroom being built on the school groundsPublic Input Invited to Improve Conservation Delivery
NRCS is seeking public comments to improve conservation practice standards and better meet conservation objectives. The comment period for Conservation Practice Technical Assistance is open through August 11, 2009.
 

 

 
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Colorado

workshops particpants watch Greg Fenchel demonstrating how to plant a longstem plantRefurbishing Waterways in Colorado
The Los Lunas and Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Material Centers along with the Grand Junction NRCS Service Center recently hosted two, one-day Riparian Restoration Workshops.

 

 
Indiana

(from left) Indiana NRCS cartographic technician Elena Stephens and Wes Bryan engineering intern looking out over the Cannelburg mine (NRCS image -- click to enlarge)Surface Mining Reclamation Field Day
Experts from NRCS, the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, and he University of Illinois recently participated at the 2009 Surface Mining Reclamation Field Day where they described how soil moved for mining can be replaced after the coal is gone, returning the site to productive farmland. NRCS panel members included Indiana NRCS State Conservationist Jane Hardisty, conservation agronomist Barry Fisher and Daviess County District Conservationist Joe Williams.

 

New Mexico

Alexander Milliken Ranch ranch manager Kenny AldereteConservation Concepts Fit Like a Glove
Watershed conservation, forest management, cooperative conservation, and inclusion of the historically underserved are all concepts that fit like a hand in a glove in the Tierra y Montes Soil & Water Conservation District in northern New Mexico.  Adoption of numerous conservation practices by the Alexander Milliken Ranch is a case in point.
 

 

 

 

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NRCS National Geologist Jerry Bernard holds his Outstanding Service Recognition Award (NRCS image -- click to enlarge)NRCS National Geologist Receives Outstanding Service Recognition Award
NRCS National Geologist Jerry Bernard recently received the Outstanding Service Recognition Award from the Interagency Advisory Committee on Water Information Subcommittee on Sedimentation for his “pivotal role in producing the valuable and well-received web-based application, the REServoir SEDimentation (RESSED) Database and Website."

 

 

 

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Ann Mills is sworn in as Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRCS image -- click to enlarge)Secretary Vilsack Names Ann Mills as Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment
Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the appointment of Ann Mills as USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRE). In this position, Mills will have responsibility for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the federal agency with primary responsibility for working with private landowners in conserving, maintaining, and improving their natural resources.
 

 

 

 

 

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Bruno Tropeano -- Alabama Earth Team VolunteerBruno Tropeano -- Alabama Earth Team Volunteer
Since  Bruno Tropeano moved to Alabama in 2000, the Jefferson County area has greatly benefitted from his commitment to resource conservation and volunteerism on many levels.

 

 

 

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NRCS Assists with Assessment of Bird Strike Hazard
The Drummond Flats Basin in north-central Oklahoma is an expansive, low lying area that experiences frequent, shallow inundation in winter and spring. At the time of European settlement the 4,000-acre basin was vegetated by water tolerant plants that produced abundant seeds and below-ground plant parts attractive to migrating and wintering waterfowl. Only about five percent of the Basin was permanently flooded. Situated in the Central Flyway, a major migration route for western birds, the Basin historically provided habitat for numerous migrating and wintering waterfowl and other wetland associated birds.
 

 

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the first NRCS Chief Dr. Hugh Hammond Bennett (right) and Hudson Bearce from Aroostook County, MaineHugh Hammond Bennett in Maine
This August 1951 photo depicts the first NRCS Chief Dr. Hugh Hammond Bennett (right) and Hudson Bearce from Aroostook County, Maine, examining a sawdust mulch on a raspberry patch (NRCS photo -- click to enlarge).

Thanks to Maine NRCS State Public Affairs Specialist Elaine Tremble for sending in this historic photo.

NRCS This Week features a weekly historical photo and caption.  NHQ, districts, States, RC&D councils, and all other NRCS entities are invited to submit a historical photo of activities or individuals who have worked or are working for the agency along with a caption. 
 

 

 

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