Klickitat County has secured grant funding from DOE to assist landowners with riparian plantings. The eligible planting locations are in the headwaters of Rock Creek, specifically the areas burned on Squaw, Quartz, and Spring Creeks in the 1998 Cleveland fire that have been slow to recover. Planting is planned for the fall of this year. For additional information or to express interest, please contact John at 509-773-2353 or e-mail johnf@co.klickitat.wa.us.
The 2012 Annual Meeting will be held Thursday, February 9th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Alder Creek Grange Hall in Bickleton. Annual meetings are a chance for you to meet district supervisors and staff, learn more about our programs, hear from other agricultural agencies, enjoy a free lunch, and even earn some pesticide credits. Annual meetings are also the polling location for our supervisor election (see the post on 2012 elections and appointments).
2012 EKCD Annual Meeting Agenda
The Eastern Klickitat Conservation District board of supervisors adopted an election resolution at their December 13, 2012 meeting. The following board members’ terms will expire in 2012: Stephen Matsen (elected) and Rhon Raschko (appointed). An election for the position currently held by Mr. Matsen will be held during EKCD’s Annual Meeting on February 9, 2012 from 9 am – 1 pm at the Alder Creek Grange Hall on Market Street in Bickleton. Absentee ballots may be requested any time before 4:00 pm on Thursday, January 26th. Any person wishing to run for the position of supervisor, or to apply for appointment by the Washington State Conservation Commission, may request an application from Mindy Pomerinke, election supervisor, at the district office at 1107 S. Columbus Ave. in Goldendale, or by calling (509)773-5823 ext. 5. The candidate filing deadline is Thursday, January 12, 2012; the deadline to apply for appointment is Friday, March 30, 2012. There is no filing or application fee.
The latest edition of the Klickitat Conservation Newsletter is now available. Winter 2011-2012 newsletter on-line
Be sure to see our 2012 Plant Sale catalog (it’s big, so be patient while it loads). 2012 Plant Sale Catalog 2012 Order Form
If you would like to be added to our mailing list (post or e-mail) please e-mail your request to Mindy at cdoffice@gorge.net.
Created by the Washington State Legislature in the Local Farms-Healthy Kids Act of 2008, the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Farm-to-School Program is dedicated to fostering relationships between schools and agricultural producers in the state. Their goal is to support expanding economic opportunities for farmers while educating students about the connections between food, farming, health, and the environment. The program provides information, inspiration, assistance, and policy solutions for those working to supply healthy, Washington-grown food and related education to youth in our state. Partners include the Small Farm & Direct Marketing Program, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, WSU Small Farms Team, and various commodity commissions.
For more information on the Farm-to-School Program, phone (206)256-6151, visit www.agr.wa.gov/farmtoschool, or e-mail FarmtoSchool@agr.wa.gov.
Here’s something fun -
Check out the National Tree Benefit Calculator web site to get an estimation of the environmental and economic benefits provided by the trees on your property. Six different values are assessed, including storm water interception, property value, and CO2 reduction.
“USDA Farm Bill: What is in it for Woodland Owners?” can be viewed on the NACD web site, http://www.nacdnet.org/news/publications/forestrynotes/reports/farm_bill_for_woodland_owners.pdf
Backyard Woods provides a guide and tip sheets on how small acreage owners can enhance the scenery in their backyard woods, provide habitat for wildlife, and utilize the land as an extra source of income. This is a joint program of the US Forest Service, National Association of Conservation Districts, and the National Arbor Day Foundation. Click on the link to visit the Backyard Woods web site.
The Board of Supervisors for Eastern Klickitat Conservation District has a cost-share program available for agricultural producers in the District, to assist with the implementation of “precision agriculture” practices.
The policy applies to the NEW use of technology (procedures not previously used) and is paid on a per-acre basis. The maximum cost-share available is $5,000.00 total over a maximum of three years. Each practice listed below is eligible for $2.00 of cost-share per acre.
Auto Steer
Swath Management
Rate Control
Electrical Conductivity Mapping
Yield Monitoring Technology
Feel free to call the District office or one of the Supervisors for more information.
The District meets the second Tuesday of each month, at 6:00 pm (March-October) or 1:00 pm (November-February) at the Bickleton Fire Hall. The public is welcome to attend.
The EKCD is a proud member of the Washington Association of Conservation Districts.