NRCS Alaska News

February 3, 2006

In this Issue:

Anchorage Watershed Cut from CSP Signup, Public Workshop Planned in Kenai

NRCS Announces Three Special Funding Initiatives

Operation Paperback (Mission Complete)

NRCS Orients Girls to Science Careers

Anchorage Watershed Cut from CSP Signup, Public Workshop Planned in Kenai

On Monday, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the 2006 Conservation Security Program (CSP) sign-up will be held Feb. 13, 2006 to March 31, 2006 in 60 watersheds nationwide.

USDA previously announced the preliminary selection of 110 watersheds for fiscal year 2006 based on the President's budget request that included both the Upper Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage watershed. Based on available funding, CSP will be offered only in Kenai this year.

A CSP public meeting is being planned for February 22 at 7 p.m. at the Kenai River Center. It is being sponsored by the Kenai Soil and Water Conservation District.

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NRCS Announces Three Special Funding Initiatives

Alaska State Conservationist Bob Jones has announced that Alaska landowners, municipalities, tribal entities, educational institutions and non-profits are eligible to compete for more that $28 million from three special funding initiatives for natural resources conservation projects.

The specific funding initiatives are as follows:

1. $20 million for Conservation Innovation Grants for development and adoption of innovative conservation technologies and approaches in conjunction with agricultural production. Applications should be received in the NRCS State Office by March 11.

2. 2. $4 million for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) for proposals to control and manage invasive species affecting grazing lands. Applications should be received in the NRCS State Office by March 25.

3. 3. $4 million for Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) proposals to help partners identify and solve regional, state and local natural resources concerns. Applications should be received in the NRCS State Office by March 7.

The request for proposals can be found http://www.grants.gov/. Information is also available at http://www.ak.nrcs.usda.gov/ or by calling 907-761-7749.

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Operation Paperback (Mission Complete)

A suggestion from Mitch Michaud in early December 2005 started a chain of events which would have positive effects half way around the world. Mitch suggested that Alaska NRCS employees participate in a program designed to help fill the time of troops deployed in support of U.S. operations around the globe.

The program Operation Paperback provides coordination between deployed troops desiring fresh reading material and people with used paperback books they are willing to donate. A quick check on the logistical aspects of the operation indicated that the suggestion was not only a wondrous idea but a viable project.   

A last minute email to all Alaskan NRCS personnel requested they bring any paperbacks they would like to contribute to the employee training held in mid-December. Here the books were given to Jim Hazlett the NRCS Veterans Employment Manager who coordinated project activities.

The generosity of Alaskan employees resulted in the collection of 126 books in a three day period. Next the books had to undergo screening and labeling in accordance with Operation Paperback requirements. Several people indicated that it would be nice if the books donated by Alaskans could be donated to troops deployed from Alaska.  Following the exploration of several options to achieve this goal, a method was identified which would enable Alaskan donated books to go to troops deployed from Alaska.

Six boxes were prepared for shipment. Each box contained paperbacks from several genres and letters from NRCS employees. These letters expressed gratitude for the service the troops were providing and offered encouraging words of support. Some letters included pictures of Alaskan activities to remind troops of the magnificent Alaskan opportunities awaiting their return.

I would like to take this opportunity to pass along the gratitude expressed by the founder of Operation Paperback for the support provided by Alaska’s NRCS employees. I also personally thank all who contributed in any manner. The message you sent by your selfless actions will speak volumes to those defending our way of life.

NRCS Orients Girls to Science Careers

The third triennial “Women In Science” day was held at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center in Homer, AK.  This was a workshop for local girl scouts of all ages to learn about the many science careers that exist in this community.  Each Girl Scout troop circulated to six different presenters throughout the six hours, and gained insight into what kinds of jobs exist in the science fields.  Rangeland Management Specialist Karin Sonnen was one of the lucky ones who were asked to participate.  The girls in her workshop learned about the uses and methods of Snow Surveying, and also all about Range Management in Alaska.  The scouts worked through a Dichotomous Key and identified lichen species.  In addition, they learned about the different kinds of ungulates that graze in Alaska, where they are located, and they even drew out some utilization lines on a map of St. George Island.  All of the scientists who shared their jobs with the girls were, of course, women.

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