From the Field

Mountain RC&D Resource Conservation and Development

The Mountain Resource Conservation & Development has had a long term working relationship with the McDowell County Wastewater Coalition. This year the RC&D has assisted the Coalition with financial support for its VISTA position that coordinates the water monitoring program, project planning, and education outreach. The Council has also assisted with funding to update and reprint the Coalition’s county wide wastewater plan, and is currently administering the 2006-7 WV Stream Partners grant to monitor the environmental condition of streams in McDowell County. This partnership will become even more valuable as WV NRCS has been funded for its first Raid Watershed Assessment which will address environmental concerns on the Big Sandy Watershed.

The RC&D Council recognized the magnitude of the environmental problems in the Elkhorn Creek watershed and has stepped forward by providing funding along with local suppliers to help with the installation of a new wastewater treatment system for the Children’s Advocacy Center in McDowell County.

The Children's Advocacy Center, represented by Sharon Walden, Carmela Fredricks, and Candice Keasler, with funding check to help with the installation of a new wastewater treatment system.

The Mountain RC&D has partnered with the Mercer NAACP in providing a matching $500 Leadership Development Scholarship for continuing education. The RC&D recognizes that regions of our state need assistance in developing future leaders for communities to improve.

The RC&D Council has been very interested in outdoor education so it was no surprise when the Education Committee awarded  Brittany Bauer with the Rural Appalachian Improvement League a $500 check to help with the development of the Mullens Outdoor learning Center. This facility will be accessible to young and old and provide environmental educational opportunities for all.

Mike Gasper presented Project Coordinator Brittany Bauer with a check for the Mullens Outdoor Learning Center.

Mountain RC&D partnering with Little Kanawha RC&D has been able to provide refurbished Xerox copiers to area non-profits. At this time in the Mountain Area the copier project has benefits organizations in Braxton, Fayette, and Pocahontas Counties.

Little Kanawha RC&D Resource Conservation and Development

The Little Kanawha RC&D Council is moving forward, assisting non-profits, schools and churches through its Project Sharing program. The council plans to provide nearly $1 million in donated goods this year, with items such as food, school/office supplies, computer printers, stuffed animals and items for hospitals, nursing homes, churches, and child-care organizations, soft drinks to summer work programs, Bible schools and church camps, and a variety of other supplies. Recently, the council began distributing Xerox copiers as a part of the project.

The spring Lawn, Garden & Forestry Expo saw 2,000 people in attendance, with 64 vendors. The two-day event featured unique exhibits with everything from equipment used in farming and gardening, to log home furnishings, outdoor landscaping and water gardens, to blends of seasonings made in-state. Also enjoyed were the wood-carving and food demonstrations by talented professionals, timbers ports competition, and guest speakers who provided an abundance of information. Plan on attending next year with fun for all ages.

Jim Ash was recently honored for his dedication and service to the Little Kanawha RC&D Council. He is active with several projects and serves as the council Vice-Chairman.

For more information, contact Kurt Simon at the Little Kanawha RC&D Office

Dry Fire Hydrants Help Local Rural Community

The rural community of Clintonville, West Virginia has had very limited access to public water to assist with fire protection. With the cooperation of the members of the Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department and the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District, the NRCS Lewisburg Field Office staff assisted with the installation of a dry fire hydrant. Dry fire hydrants are non pressurized fire hydrants permanently installed in water sources such as ponds, streams, and cisterns.
 

The newly installed dry fire hydrant was designed by the local NRCS office.

The Greenbrier Valley Conservation District provided funding for the installation of this dry fire hydrant in Clintonville and has also agreed to fund another dry fire hydrant project for the Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department.

A dry hydrant provides a convenient hook-up and a supply of untreated water. In West Virginia where fire departments often have difficulty finding adequate water supplies, dry hydrants can be a tremendous help. Not only will the installation of the new dry fire hydrant assist the Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department, it may also help decrease the fire insurance for local landowners.

For more information, contact Katy McBride at the Lewisburg Service Center

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