Job Opening

The Dubois County SWCD is taking applications for an Invasive Species Specialist. Please see the link for the job description. The application deadline has been extended to April 20, 2018.

Job description

Clean Water Indiana Grants Awarded to 25 Counties

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 31, 2017) – Today, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and the State Soil Conservation Board (SSCB) awarded nearly $900,000 in Clean Water Indiana (CWI) grants to 25 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). These grants will help fund conservation projects designed to improve water quality across the state.

“We’re starting to see a significant reduction in the amount of sediment and nutrients prevented from entering Indiana’s waterways, as a result of Clean Water Indiana,” said Melissa Rekeweg, ISDA interim director. "There is still much work to be done to improve our water quality, and these grants are critical to that effort."

The CWI program is administered by ISDA’s Division of Soil Conservation, under the direction of the SSCB, and funded, in part, by the state’s cigarette tax revenue. It was established to provide financial assistance to landowners and conservation districts, as an effort to reduce non-point sources of water pollution. While the grant proposals vary in scope, each project was designed to support the local conservation efforts of Indiana’s SWCDs, whether it’s installing a filter strip, planting cover crops or hiring staff to provide technical assistance, education and training. Collaboration was also encouraged as part of the competitive grant process, and many of the districts will use these funds to leverage additional resources through cost-share programs and other partnership opportunities.

“Conservation in Indiana is volunteer driven; however, volunteers need tangible support to carry out their conservation initiatives,” said Robert Woodling, SSCB Chairman. “The State Soil Conservation Board is pleased that we are able to provide support by way of the Clean Water Indiana grants.”

The following list includes the CWI grants that were awarded for 2018. The lead SWCD on the project is listed first, followed by the partnering district(s), if applicable, and then the award amount. The total funding amount was $897,034.50.

• Allen County: $24,300
• Blackford County (Adams, Jays, Wells counties): $154,500
• Dearborn County (Ohio County): $107,000
• Dubois County (Daviess, Martin counties): $95,250
• Fulton County: $55,500
• Jefferson County (Clark County): $66,990
• Knox County (Pike, Sullivan, Dubois, Daviess, Warrick counties): $52,500
• Marion County: $60,000
• Pike County (Gibson County): $84,000
• Rush County (Shelby County): $4,912.50
• Steuben County: $25,750
• Vanderburgh County (Gibson, Pike, Posey, Warrick counties): $95,000
• Wabash County: $22,300
• Warrick County (Posey, Vanderburgh counties): $49,032

For more information, technical assistance or questions related to the CWI program, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.in.gov/isda/2361.htm.

SWCD Hosts 21st Farm Fair

        
The Daviess County SWCD hosted its 2^1st  annual Fourth Grade Farm Fair on September 8, 2017 at the 4H fairgrounds in Washington. This year we had the largest group ever - nearly 450 students were accompanied by 47 teachers and parents as they all moved through a series of 19 learning stations. Local and area experts taught the students about crops and livestock grown and raised here in Daviess County, as well as other topics such as ATV safety, technology in agriculture, and invasive species. Most of our dedicated volunteers have been a part of the Farm Fair for many years! Those attending the Farm Fair also enjoyed a special demonstration on dog obedience and agility, given by Andrea Bauer and Kensay Mott of A-1 K-9. They also volunteer with the local 4H dog club. Check out the 'Dog Cam' video here: https://youtu.be/0Hn-yvBvMkk

Each year, the Farm Fair relies on the hard work of many volunteers, and also the support from several organizations. This annual event would not be possible without them! The Daviess County SWCD would like to thank the following for their continued support of the Farm Fair: All of the presenters and volunteers, Purdue Extension, Farm Bureau Inc., Prairie Farms, Hoefling Truck & Tractor, Washington Parks & Recreation Department, the City of Washington, Perdue Farms, supervisors and staff of the Daviess County SWCD, staff of the Daviess/Martin NRCS and FSA, and ISDA staff. A big thank you to Steve Osha Photography for all the great photos!

See photos from the day in our photo gallery. Photo credits: Steve Osha Photography 

Are You Eligible for CREP?

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program is a federal-state conservation program designed to help alleviate some of the concerns of nonpoint source pollution by restoring buffers and wetlands to improve water quality. CREP participants receive financial incentives and maintain ownership rights to enrolled land. See the flyer below for more information.