BE A REAL PARTNER
            The little things you do everyday to protect our precious soil and water and conserve natural resources are very important. Equally important is your support for those who lead the effort to keep soil productive, our water sources clean, and our natural resources protected for future generations.
            You and the community are important partners with the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) addressing issues that you cannot address as an individual. These issues include things such as, soil health, water quantity and quality, energy, livestock, wildlife, air quality, and plants, which contribute to overall quality of life.
            The manner in which local issues are addressed by these agencies is intended to reflect local needs expressed by local citizens. NRCS cooperates with Stephenson SWCD. A local 5-member board of elected Stephenson county residents directs the work of SWCD. The task of the board is to oversee the operation of the District and to provide direction for its services.
            You can show your support and participate in electing board members by attending the 67th Annual Meeting of the Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at 4 Season’s White Oak Room on West Galena in Freeport. If you own property or reside in the county, you are a member with voting privileges. Call 815-235-2161ext 3 to make a reservation. Tickets $12.00.
            Besides voting for 3 positions for director, you can meet the directors and staff, review and approve actions at the business meeting, hear from US Fish and Wildlife and the Illinois Friendly Paddle organization, enjoy a fine luncheon, and visit with others concerned about our environment. Come and demonstrate your support of the work of SWCD and NRCS in our county.
            You are a partner through federal, state, and county taxes. You give financial support to the work of NRCS and SWCD locally. Your tax dollars used by this office in our county last year have saved thousands of tons of good soil, sustained wildlife habitat, provided seedling trees, stocked fish ponds, completed assessments for county zoning, given opportunities for private well testing, protected water quality through well sealing of abandoned wells, gathered information about concerns and opportunities related to the streams and rivers of the County, and supported conservation education.
            Local support and input are essential for success of SWCD and NRCS conservation efforts. BE A REAL PARTNER. Come to the Annual Meeting. Visit the office at the USDA Service Center on south Galena, make suggestions and ask questions. Take advantage of the professional services offered by them to help you make good use of conservation practices.  Help fund their services by purchasing trees, fish, books, rain barrels, and other helpful items. SWCD and NRCS are counting on you.

Della Moen, Earth Team Volunteer, NRCS/Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District, an equal opportunity provider and employer, 01/20/10 (for publication on 01/23/10 in the Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois) Della can be reached at info@stephensonswcd.org