The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Louisiana Master Farmers Program and Peterson Farms will host a pasture walk at Mr. Josh Peterson’s farm in Jonesboro, LA on Thursday, June 23, 2011.
Registration will be from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm with the pasture walk beginning at 5:30pm.
Pasture walks are one of the very best ways for experienced or beginning farmers and agricultural service providers to learn from one another. Each host farmer has tricks and tips for managing their own systems to its best advantage. Often service providers, such as USDA-NRCS field agents or grazing specialist can add new information, review grazing or animal health concepts, share ideas gathered from outside sources, and learn along with everyone else.
Peterson Farms is located at 1426 Walker Road, Jonesboro, LA 71251. The evening will conclude with a hamburger supper. The pasture walk is free and helps to connect all ages, interests and experience levels to one another. For additional information please contact the USDA Ruston Field Office at (318) 255-3136 ext 3 or the Dugdemona SWCD at (318) 628-4438.
Photo Contest
Sponsored by Trailblazer Rural Development Institute,
Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District,
and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Starting June 22nd – July 15th
The holds much recreational and sentimental value for the people of . The purpose of the contest is to raise awareness for the water quality in the river.
According to the 2008 Louisiana Water Quality Integrated Report, the , from Big Creek to Little River, was listed as impaired for Primary Contact Recreation (swimming), due to high concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria. The suspected causes of this contamination are livestock and sewage discharges from nonexistent or broken septic systems. Fortunately, the 2010 Water Quality Report states that the river is no longer impaired.
A plan to preserve and protect this portion of the river is being written in order to keep this valuable resource from becoming polluted again. It is important that everyone within the Dugdemona River Watershed, takes action to ensure that the river remains clean and suitable for wildlife and human use.
Furthermore, the river is not just in potential danger from fecal contamination, but also contamination from litter, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, sediment (from erosion), and toxic household or industrial chemicals. What we do on land can be washed into waterways and pollute water. Again, it is critical that we are mindful of our activities and how they could potentially effect nearby water sources, including ground water.
The contest will start June 22nd and end on July 15th. Photos submitted for this competition must feature the . The 1st place winner will receive an award of $75, 2nd place will receive $50, and 3rd place will receive $25. Winning pictures will be displayed in the paper, Pea Patch, and the Winn Parish Library and Courthouse.
The contest is open to anyone who can take a picture. Best photo wins; could be a picture of a polluted area of the river, include wildlife or people on the river, or be a snapshot of a perfectly scenic area - each photo will have its own story. The key is to be creative and make sure the river is in the picture. Also, the photo may not be digitally altered or be an old picture (has to be taken during the designated time of the contest). 8 X 10 entries should be framed or placed on matt board so they can be easily displayed. In addition, a copy of the submitted photo should be emailed to olivia@trailblazer.org or dugdswcd@bellsouth.net if possible. Lastly, your name, phone number, address, and location where the picture was taken will need to be typed and included with your entry on a separate piece of paper.
Entries may be submitted to Vikkie Lafollette at the Dugdemona SWCD office located at in Winnfield, La (room 210 above the Winn Parish Health Unit). Office hours are Monday-Wednesday from 9:00am – 5:00pm. They may also be mailed to Olivia Ward at 302 Reynolds Drive, Ruston, La 71270.
For more information about water quality and what you can do to help or to schedule a water quality presentation for your group or class, contact Olivia Ward at 318-255-3554 or olivia@trailblazer.org.
The Dugdemona Soil and Water Conservation District will host the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts (LACD) Annual Area III meeting on Tuesday, April 19, 2011.
LACDs Area III includes 9 conservation districts:
Ø Allen SWCD
Ø Avoyelles SWCD
Ø Calcasieu SWCD
Ø Catahoula SWCD
Ø Dugdemona SWCD
Ø Grant SWCD
Ø LaSalle SWCD
Ø Natchitoches SWCD
Ø Rapides SWCD
The meeting will be at the Winnfield Civic Center located on Fairgrounds Road (off of Hwy 34 West) on Tuesday, April 19, 2011. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. and is expected to adjourn at approximately 1:20 p.m. Two tours will be offered after the meeting is adjourned.
The Kisatchie tour will be open to approximately 25 people on a first come first serve basis via RSVPs. The tour will include native grass prairies, stands of long leaf pine and the Biomass Gasification System which features a BioMax 25 gasification device. The Biomax 25 unit is designed to burn woody biomass to power the Ranger station and one day produce synthetic diesel. The tour is expected to last for an hour and a half plus travel time (15- 20 minutes) back to the Winnfield Civic Center. Transportation will be provided from and back to the civic center.
For the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame tour you will be providing your own transportation to and from the museum and is available to all who RSVP in advance (the museum will need a count a few days prior to the tour). The Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame contains memorabilia of political figures throughout the state’s history. The Hall of Fame includes governors, senators, congressman and representatives, a president and a presidential advisor. We have a singing governor, a hog hunting governor and a governor who would be king. Each inductee has his or her own display containing memorabilia and facts. The tour is expected to last for an hour… or more depending upon your interest and the time you take viewing the memorabilia.
Should you wish to extend your stay please see the list of motels below.
1.
5930 Hwy 167 North, Winnfield, LA 71483-5075
Phone: (318) 648 9400
http://www.lajaguinnandsuiteswinnfieldla.com
1903 Maple St # A, Winnfield, LA 71483-6066
Phone: (318) 628-4691
700 W Court Street, Winnfield Louisiana 71483-2636
Phone: (318) 628-3993 Fax: (318) 628-1743
801East Main Street, Winnfield, LA 71483-3340
Phone: (318) 628-6087
www.southerncolonialbedandbreakfast.com/
On August 16, 2010 conservation leaders from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana gathered in Lubbock, Texas for NACD’s South Central Regional Meeting. The three-day event covered a wide range of conservation issues.
On Tuesday, attendees addressed invasive species issues, as well as herbicide-resistant weeds. Earlier this year, NACD appointed a task force to address the issue of herbicide resistance and its impact on conservation.
President-Elect Gene Schmidt also addressed the group. Schmidt discussed the importance of a united voice for NACD and the opportunities for conservation in the next Farm Bill.
Participants also participated in a tour highlighting the USDA-ARS Cropping Systems Research Laboratory. Here, conservationists learned about USDA’s efforts to develop seed verities that are more drought and heat tolerant. Scientists are working to crop more crop with every drop of water, USDA said.
Rick Jeans of Oklahoma was elected to serve another term as the NACD South Central Regional Chairman.
Jeanette Hale of Arkansas’ Pope County Conservation District was appointed to serve as the National Conservation District Employees Associations’ (NCDEA) South Central Regional Representative. The current slate of NCDEA South Central Region officers are:
President: Carolann Corado of Texas
Vice President: Vikkie Lafollette of Louisiana
Secretary: Mary Smith of Texas
Treasurer: Sharon Underwood of Arkansas
Regional Representative: Jeanette Hale of ArkansasChesapeake Energy Fish Fest 2010 was Fun for All
Sunny skies and hot temperatures were just the right combination as youth fishermen met at the Sabine River Authority’s Cypress Bend Park to participate in the first annual Chesapeake Energy Fish Fest on Saturday, June 5, 2010. Chesapeake Energy Corporation and the Sabine Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) partnered to sponsor the first Chesapeake Energy Fish Fest. “As a district, everybody’s budget gets smaller and smaller, said Pat Boudreaux, Sabine SWCD Chairman. “We all have to look for the partnerships that allow us to share resources, such as the relationship we have formed with the folks at Chesapeake Energy Corporation and we are thankful for all their support.”
The morning began with eager fishermen arriving early and staking out their spots on the banks of Cypress Bend Park ready to start the competition at 9:00 a.m. Anglers had dreams of catching one of the top three fish in the five specie categories of bass, bream, catfish, white perch (crappie), and other. All fishermen were reminded the weigh in time was no later than 1:00 p.m. and the fisherman had to be present to accept their prize. As the day continued some fishermen decided it was more fun to take a swim on the sandy beach at Cypress Bend Park than to try their luck with their fishing pole.
Eighty two fishermen entered Cypress Bend Park at no charge courtesy of the Sabine River Authority. The event was open to school age children in kindergarten through 12th grade for the school year 2009-2010. Pre-registered youth from Louisiana and East Texas were eligible to fish. Each fisherman provided their own fishing equipment and bait.
The tournament was competitive and educational, with an emphasis on fishery biology and species identification. All fishermen received a colored Fish, Snakes and Turtles of Toledo Bend Reservoir Booklet developed by John Rogers, District Conservationist Many Field Office and printed courtesy of the Louisiana USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Youth fishermen also received a Chesapeake Energy Fish Fest cap and a ditty bag loaded with information about Toledo Bend Lake as well as fun summer activity items compliments of the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission, Sabine Medical Center, Sabine State Bank, KWLA Radio and Sabine River Authority.
Excitement was in the air as the last fish were weighed in. Following the tallying of the results Chris Pearce of the Sabine SWCD Board of Supervisors introduced the members of the board who were present including Pat Boudreaux, John Alan Williams, and Margie Brown. Pearce also announced all the sponsors. Finally it was time to announce the winners. All winners received an engraved medal, and a rod and reel combo, along with a tackle box, gift card, or cricket cage.
Winners of the 2010 Chesapeake Fish Fest Bass Division: First Place – Brian Rivers, Jr. of Converse, LA weight 3.36; Second Place – Trey Guccione of Zwolle, LA weight 1.98; and Third Place – Cameron Gauthier of Lafayette, LA weight 1.72.
Top fishermen in the Bream Division: First Place – Jacob Cheatwood of Many, LA weight .34; Second Place – Victoria Carroll of Florien, LA weight .25; and a tie for Third Place – Kaitlyn Foshee of Florien, LA weight .22, and Kyle Hopkins of Florien, LA weight .22.
Catfish winners: First Place - Tyler Lewing of Florien, LA weight 2.12; Second Place - Mayci Lewis of Many, LA weight 1.52; and Third Place- Brian Rivers, Jr. of Converse, LA weight 1.38.
The category for Other Fish ended up being the most fun with First Place for a garfish going to - Cameron Gauthier of Lafayette, LA weight 3.52; Second Place - Matthew Lovelady of Zwolle, LA landed a fresh water drum that weighed 3.21; and rounding out the category with Third Place was Zachary Cook of Florien, LA with a 2.32 fresh water drum.
Surprisingly no white perch (crappie) were caught from the banks. The fishermen still benefited as the prizes were given away as door prizes along with many other door prizes. Fishermen who did not win in a prize category were eligible to win a door prize.
Lunch and cold drinks were provided to all fishermen thanks to our sponsors.
The Sabine SWCD is proud to partner with Chesapeake Energy and the other 2010 sponsors listed: Big Star Grocery of Many, Zwolle, Toledo Bend, & Mansfield, LA; Threads by Deborah, Deborah West, Owner, Many, LA; Toledo Bend Lake Association; Jack Vermeire, President; Nichols, Inc., Debbie Nichols, Owner, Many LA; O. E. Williams Timberland, Many, LA; Sabine River Authority, Many, LA; Harold Anderson Dozer Service, Zwolle, LA; Toledo Tackle, Kurt Carver, Manager, Many, LA; Twin Valley Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc., Natchitoches, LA; and Wal Mart Store #876, Phil Medine Manager, of Many, LA.
Our special thanks to the following: Sabine River Authority, Becky Anderson, & Cypress Bend Park Staff; John Rogers; USDA NRCS Earth Team volunteers including Roy Lee Brown, Guy Chowns, Paige Edwards, Vikkie Lafollette (Dugdemona SWCD), George Randle Manshack, Chastity Moore, Ben West, and Deborah West; and The of Many, Louisiana..
To ask questions or voice comments call the Sabine SWCD at (318) 256-3491. The Sabine SWCD/USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office is located in the Wright's Shopping Center in Many, .