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69th SWCS International Annual Conference July 27-30, 2014 Lombard, IL
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Bill Berry, NACD communications specialist Stevens Point, Wisconsin
[email protected] 341 9119
www.nacdnet.org
Connecting with Historically Underserved Customers
SWCS 2014Lombard, Illinois
According to NRCS…
• The term "historically underserved" refers to groups that have not participated in or that in the past have received limited benefits from USDA programs. These are: – Beginning Farmers and Ranchers – Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher – Socially Disadvantaged Producers
Conservation districts
• Have a broader base• Address local issues
– Array of settings• Urban, suburban, exurban, interfaces• Rural
– Agriculture– Forestry
– Driven by local resource needs
NACD 2014 Report
• Captures work of districts across US
• Includes tips on how to engage
• Broadening partnerships• Underscores that we are a diverse nation
Findings
–Know your customers’ needs–Be persistent–Collaborate–Conservation has a social services dimension
–Local work can create national change–Diversity is us
RCD of San Diego CountyCommunity Garden
San Diego RCD gardens
• District manages with county• 136 plots in Tijuana River Valley park• Latinos, Hmong & other Asians• Gardeners pay $100 per year (water and fence)• Gardeners provide in‐kind services translating quarterly newsletters
• District also clearing house for gardening info for K‐12 teachers
• District receives county funding for programs
Kenton County CD, Kentucky‘A matter of Life and Death’
Kenton County flooding
• Deadly flooding of Banklick Creek• District engaged since 1960s (dams)• Sought NRCS funding in 2009, didn’t receive• Sought FEMA funding in 2011, received in ’13• $2 million FEMA, $578,000 state• 41 properties sold to county• Conservation easement on land for floodplain
Taos SWCD, New MexicoServing centuries‐old irrigation organizations
Taos SWCD irrigation
• Communal systems called “acequias”• Pre‐date Declaration of Independence• Political subdivisions of state • Vital to low‐income subsistence farmers, ranchers in desert setting
• District staff assists with improvements to ditches, pipelines, diversion gates, dams
• District has local levy authority
Cuyahoga SWCD, OhioLocal need changes national policy
Avon Standard, first to receive NRCS incentive payment
Cuyahoga SWCD
• Saw needs of Cleveland residents in food deserts
• 3,000 vacant lots = urban agriculture• State Conservationist Terry Cosby reached out to US Rep. Marcia Fudge
• Sought EQIP funds for urban high tunnels• More than 50 high tunnels built• NRCS now funds nationally
Charleston SWCD, SCProtecting resources, helping people
Charleston SWCD
• Sewee to Santee Watershed failing septics• Impacted humans and shellfish beds (closed)• District used EPA 319 grant to repair or replace more than 20 septic systems
• Also BMPs for farms, pet waste, marine sanitary waste
• ‘Our Connected Coast’ outreach• State reopened shellfish beds in 2011
“When you help those in need, you help the whole community and generations to come.”
Bill Berry, NACD communications specialist Stevens Point, Wisconsin
[email protected] 341 9119
www.nacdnet.org
QUESTIONS?