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NRCS Tribal liaison fosters strong ties with Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

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Teamwork

NRCS Tribal Liaison and tribal member Jeff Desjarlais has made significant strides in building relationships with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. On June 6, Desjarlais and Elmer Davis, Vice Chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians hosted NRCS employees.

Water
On June 6, the NRCS Rolla Field Office showcased a successful well decommissioning project at the ranch of Elmer Davis, Vice Chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. As part of the planning process, a new well was installed. This well decommissioning project aligns with NRCS Key Practice 351, which involves the removal of all pumping equipment, valves, pipelines, liners, debris, and other foreign materials. Well decommissioning plays a crucial role in protecting groundwater from surface water contamination, safeguarding aquifer water quality, and restoring natural hydrogeologic conditions ensuring the safety and sustainability of the environment. (Photo by NRCS Public Affairs Specialist Chris Maestas)

By NRCS State Public Affairs Specialist Chris Maestas

BELCOURT, N.D. — Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Tribal Liaison and tribal member Jeff Desjarlais has made significant strides in building relationships with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.

On June 6, Desjarlais and Elmer Davis, Vice Chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians hosted NRCS employees to showcase a successful well decommissioning project at the Davis ranch. 

"I have a small cattle operation, and I had my well decommissioned by NRCS," said Davis. "NRCS also provided assistance for a new well to help me with my cattle operation. The new well allowed me to increase my numbers to 100 cattle."

Desjarlais has worked tirelessly to establish a NRCS tribal office, which is open every Tuesday and Wednesday providing detailed information on NRCS programs.  

"Jeff Desjarlais has been instrumental in providing our community with the resources and support we need," Davis noted. "The NRCS programs have made a real difference in the lives of many tribal members."

“The well decommissioning project is part of the NRCS Key Practice 351,” explained Desjarlais. "This practice requires the removal of all pumping equipment, valves, pipelines, liners, debris, and other foreign materials.  Decommissioning is crucial for protecting groundwater from surface water contamination, safeguarding aquifer water quality, and restoring natural hydrogeologic conditions ensuring the safety and sustainability of our environment."

Davis praised the efforts of Desjarlais and the NRCS. Together, they aim to increase the involvement of other tribal members in NRCS programs.

"Jeff and I have developed an excellent relationship," Davis said. "We are working together to encourage more of our people to take advantage of the NRCS resources available to us."

The success of the tribal office and projects, such as the well decommissioning at the Davis ranch, highlight the positive impact of NRCS' work with tribal members.

Desjarlais is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and has worked as the NRCS Tribal Liaison for three years. He has used his position within the tribe to share NRCS programs and services, increasing applications amongst tribal members.

NRCS continues to support landowners in preserving and enhancing their land for future generations. For more information about NRCS programs and services, contact your local field office or visit the North Dakota NRCS website at (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/nd/home). Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their https://www.farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

Solitude
A southward view from the Davis ranch reveals the picturesque landscape. On June 6, the NRCS Rolla Field Office showcased a successful well decommissioning project at the ranch of Elmer Davis, Vice Chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. NRCS continues to support landowners in preserving and enhancing their land for future generations. For more information about NRCS programs and services, contact your local field office. (Photo by NRCS Public Affairs Specialist Chris Maestas)
Cattle
Elmer Davis, Vice Chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, stands at his ranch while sharing his experience with NRCS: “I have a small cattle operation, and I had my well decommissioned by NRCS. NRCS also provided assistance for a new well to help me with my cattle operation. The new well allowed me to increase my herd to 100 cattle.” (Photo by NRCS Public Affairs Specialist Chris Maestas)

 

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