FORWARD - Clearwater County, Idaho · The Clearwater Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is...

FORWARD

January 2011

The Clearwater Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is one of 51 Conservation Districts in Idaho. Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Districts are political subdivisions of State government, but are not

State agencies. Conservation Districts are charged with carrying out a program for the conservation use and development of soil, water, and other natural resources. Conservation Districts are the primary entities to provide assistance to private landowners and land users in the conservation, sustainment, improvement and enhancement of Idaho’s natural resources. They are catalysts for coordinating and implementing conservation programs, channeling expertise from all levels of government into action at the local level. Programs are non-regulatory, providing science-based technical assistance, incentive-based financial programs, and informational and educational programs at the local level.

Both by legislation and by agreement, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission provide technical assistance to landowners and land users through Conservation Districts. Each Conservation District in Idaho has a signed Mutual Agreement with the Secretary of Agricultural and the Governor of Idaho that establishes a framework for cooperation.

This Five-Year Resource Conservation Business Plan was developed not only to guide the Conservation District, but also to encourage cooperation among landowners, government agencies, private organizations, and elected officials. Through knowledge and cooperation, all concerned can ensure a sustainable natural resource base for present and future generations in the Clearwater Soil and Water Conservation District.

This document identifies the resource needs in the Conservation District and presents a resource conservation action plan for meeting these needs along with an operational plan. The Conservation District office is located in the lower level of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center, 12730 Hwy 12, Orofino. Our supporting staff members are:

Michael Hoffman, Conservation District Manager

Cathy L Bolin, Conservation District Office Manager Primary Technical assistance is from:

Eileen Rowan, SWCC Water Quality Specialist Lee Naylor, NRCS District Conservationist

Roger Ammerman, NRCS Soil Conservationist

January 2011 Clearwater Soil and Water Conservation District – Assisting Landowners since 1946


Five-Year Resource Conservation

Business Plan – FY 2011 through 2016

Our Vision:

Productive and sustainable natural resources in harmony with an elevated land stewardship

ethic of the people.

Our Mission:

To provide local leadership to educate and assist the public on the stewardship of soil, water, air, plant and animal resources, and to promote strong conservation partnerships to find practical, economical solutions to natural resource problems and coordinate their implementation.

Mission Goals:

High Quality Productive Soils Healthy Plant and Animal Communities Clean and Abundant Water Adequate Water Supply Working Farms, Ranches and Forest lands Clean Air Active and Effective Local Conservation Partnerships

Local Governance:

To lead and support local conservation planning efforts by building strong conservation partnerships with landowners, operators, and managers to identify natural resource concerns, alternative solutions and funding sources to resolve priority issues.

Coordinated Implementation:

To lead voluntary implementation efforts with projects, grants, demonstrations and programs by coordinating the technical resources and incentives to meet long term economic, ecologic and social objectives.

Community Outreach:

To promote greater understanding of our environment and encourage ways to sustain its productivity, diversity and health through stewardship.

District Capacity:

Develop and maintain the organizational capacity and strong partnerships to fully exercise District authorities and responsibilities


Natural Resource Issues and Concerns:

Cropland Soil Quality and Stability

Rural-Urban Interface

Pasture and Hay land Condition

Air Quality

Forest Health and Productivity

Fish and Wildlife*

Watershed Health

Information and Education*

Land Use Planning and Conversions

Animal Waste Management*

Water Quality and Quantity*

Outdoor Recreation

Riparian Area Condition and Renewable Energy

Function

Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation

Rangeland Health*

Carbon Sequestration

* Meets Idaho’s Anti-degradation Plan for Agriculture criteria

Trends and Issues Impacting Conservation in the Clearwater County:

Urban impacts on agriculture and forest production

Fragmentation of agricultural and forest land

Increasing small acreage farms, less than 40 acres

Limited availability of funds for conservation

The recent focus on water quality has lost sight of other conservation issues

Increased administrative tasks and decreased agency funding have reduced technical assistance to landowners

Trends to regulate agriculture, ranching and forestry

Increasing recreational pressures on forest land

A decline in timber harvest due to low prices and/or management decisions have resulted in a corresponding reduction in forest health

Reduced funding sources for the District and State conservation programs


Natural Resource Priorities and Objectives:

1. Bio-Fuel Projects Using Logging Slash and Wood Fiber Waste:

a. Identify grants or demonstration projects that can promote use of logging slash and wood fiber.

b. Identify a business or entity that would be willing to set up a demonstration site on their property.

c. Set up a project in Clearwater County to demonstrate technology and economics of bio-fuel use.

2. Water Quality and Quantity:

a. Annually meet with the Watershed Advisory Group (WAG) of the Lower North Fork of the Clearwater River and Jim Ford Creek to review work progress and future implementation tasks. To help meet the pollutant load reductions spelled out in the Total Maximum Daily Loadings (TMDL’s).

b. Look for future project needs through the locally led process.

c. Provide information on snowpack, stream runoff predictions, and drought conditions as they apply to crop, forage and fiber production and management.

d. Ensure water quality information gets out to rural residences, including topics such as wellhead protection, septic system evaluations, nutrient and pesticide use, and source water protection for our drinking water.

e. Support water quality monitoring efforts, especially on priority streams and reservoirs

3. Cropland Soil Quality and Stability:

a. Participate in planning meetings with local landowners, the NRCS and ISCC to identify priorities and alternatives for implementation.

b. Promote no-till and other conservation tillage practices.

c. Provide soil quality educational information and testing.

d. Explore county-wide project needs for roadside seeding.

e. Provide assistance to the county for landslide hazard reduction associated with roads.

f. Provide information on forest road Best Management Practices (BMPs) to the public.

4. Pest Management:

a. Support the Clearwater Basin Coop. Weed Management Area so that Clearwater County invasive and noxious weeds will be listed by location and degree of problem.

b. Map noxious & invasive weeds to more effectively target weed control efforts

c. Develop a work plan with the Clearwater Basin Coop. Weed Management Area partners leading to a reduction in noxious weed species


d. District will sponsor a Weed Control Workshop annually in February in Partnership with Clearwater Co Cooperative Extension Office Staff.

e. Promote precision use and safe application of agricultural pesticides.

5. Rangeland Health and Pasture Condition:

a. Promote proper stocking levels matched with plant growth and availability through grazing management plans.

b. Promote vegetation improvement practices with management, seeding, nutrients and livestock control.

c. Provide information on proper management through agency guides on Pasture Condition Scores, Rangeland Health, and Nutrition Balancing.

d. Co-sponsor the Annual North Central Idaho Grazing Workshop each January with IASCD Div. II.

e. Provide input on federal, state and private grazing lease programs to promote sustainable forage use while meeting other objectives of timber production, water quality, weed control, wildlife habitat, recreation and more.

f. Provide information to managers who lease land for grazing, and to the Grazing Associations and other rancher groups that lease land on technical and financial assistance available for management plans, monitoring and improvements.

6. Resource Stewardship on Small Acreage Properties:

a. Identify information methods to communicate with small land owners.

b. Lead efforts to provide information to small acreage landowners by coordinating programs with the local Cooperative Extension System, NRCS, SCC and county entities.

c. Sponsor at least one workshop per year to promote land stewardship practices.

d. Identify library resources for rural residence (both on-line and hard copy) including Backyard Conservation, Home*A*Syst, Stream*A*Syst, and more suggested topics.

7. Land Use Planning, Land Use Conversions, and Natural Hazard Mitigation:

a. Reduce Impacts of Land Use Conversions to Rural Residences.

b. Determine how to provide more input on County Planning and Zoning issues impacting natural resources and the County Emergency Management’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.

c. Provide the resource information the County Planning and Zoning board needs to make better informed decisions for land use planning and on subdivisions of properties.

d. Explore conservation easement programs that would benefit local land use planning objectives.

e. Identify areas the District could help to accelerate the implementation of flood hazard reduction projects on Orofino Creek.


8. Livestock Winter Feeding Operation Impacts on Water Quality:

a. Support project proposals with other neighboring districts, such as the Division II AFO project through their 319 program.

b. Sponsor local landowner contracts for technical and financial assistance to make improvements on their winter feeding operations.

9. Agricultural Nutrient Management:

a. Promote the use of soil tests and precision agriculture to apply nutrients specific for crops and production goals.

b. Promote the practice of split nutrient application, or use of slow-release fertilizers.

10. Riparian Area Condition and Function:

a. Promote proper functioning riparian areas in all projects, programs and contracts the District enters into with landowners and managers.

b. Promote riparian vegetation plantings where needed, with trees, shrubs and herbaceous materials.

c. Sponsor workshops and information handouts on Proper Function and Condition of Riparian Areas.

11. Forest Health and Productivity:

a. Promote active management of forests, using a minimum standard of removing dead, dying and diseased trees for proper sanitation and protection of the remaining trees.

b. Co-sponsor the Family Forest Landowners and Managers Workshop each March with neighboring Districts.

c. Participate in forest management plan discussions with federal, state, tribal and industrial forest landowners to emphasize active management, not non-use.

d. Promote tree planting, reforestation, and control of tall brush that prohibits tree establishment.

12. Fish and Wildlife:

a. Promote habitat enhancement in all programs and resource treatments.

b. Utilize IDF&G personnel, programs and species guides as resources to assist landowners.

c. Provide resource information and program support for local problems with deer overpopulation, lack of winter range for elk and deer, and predator control.

13. Air Quality:

a. Promote adherence to local restrictions on agricultural burning and forest slash burning through Idaho Dept. of Lands, C-PTPA and the Nez Perce Tribe.

b. Participate in airshed management planning with cooperating agencies and entities.


14. Increased Technical Assistance to Private Landowners:

a. Strengthen local technical assistance by participation in federal and state program development, regional assessments and commitments through mutual agreements.

b. Facilitate ways that Technical Service Providers (TSP) can be utilized by the conservation partnership and seek those who would qualify to serve.

c. Develop an active volunteer program and/or job training program to assist in conservation planning and implementation.

15. Promote ‘Fire Wise’ and Defensible Space’ programs to reduce wildfire hazards:

a. Contact IDL, local fire districts and Clearwater RC&D to identify ways to utilize these programs.

b. Provide information to rural residence on wildfire hazard reduction.

16. Renewable Energy Sources and Information:

a. Start a resource library of alternative energy sources for remote sites for interested landowners.

b. Collect information on solar, wind, small hydro projects, waste oil furnaces and any other energy resources.

17. Education and Information on Carbon Credit Trading:

a. Keep current information available, including credit prices, markets, planning information, 3rd party verifiers and aggregators.

b. Take steps to become a sub-aggregator if prices become economical for local landowners to participate.

18. Outdoor Recreation:

a. Promote access to outdoor areas by the public.

b. Provide stewardship information to the public concerning their impacts on water quality, the spread of noxious weeds, off-road vehicle impacts, and other issues.

c. Support the planning and construction of the Deyo Reservoir project.

d. Provide input and support to expand uses of abandoned railroad grades for recreation.

19. Community Outreach:

a. Determine opportunities to coordinate outreach activities with all partners.

b. Promote more education outreach instead of publications.

c. Raise awareness of conservation values with State legislature and elected officials – help decision makers to be better informed on issues

d. Host an open house to make public aware of Conservation District goals.

e. Solicit input to improve Annual Plan/Five-Year Resource Conservation Business Plan.

f. Annually conduct youth environmental education programs and sponsor youth groups that compete in natural resource contests within the state.

g. By October 30 all 6th grade students will have had the opportunity to participate in the conservation poster contest.

h. Annually sponsor a fair booth.


20. Maintain Viable District Operations:

a. Training for District Supervisors and staff on operational responsibilities and authorities.

b. New supervisors will have completed New Supervisor Training within their first 2 years.

c. More informed District Supervisors on current issues impacting working lands, Farm Bill programs, and information from agencies.

d. Maintain District infrastructure and efficient operations with long-range plans and budgets, annual plans and budgets, and effective personnel management.

e. In cooperation with other Conservation Districts, carry out an effective legislative outreach program to provide information on the state’s natural resource conditions, and ensure matching funds are available for all Districts.

f. Conduct Conservation District Board elections in even years (2010, 2012, 2014).

g. Maintain full Board membership.

h. Complete a staffing needs analysis, including a supporting budget and prospects for funding.


Priority Actions – 6 Months:

Actions: Begin End Date Date

Complete the annual up date of the Five-Year Resource Conservation Business Plan/Annual Plan, and FY 212 budget and staff needs

Aug Oct

Hire new District staff to implement our 5-year plan July Aug

Provide assistance to the County Commissioners as a Project Steering Committee member for the Biomass Feasibility Study to generate combined heat and power

July Sep

Contact the County Emergency Management coordinator and the Army Corps of Engineers to identify flood hazard reduction measures for abandoned railroad tressels on Orofino Creek

July Sept

Contact the County Extension Educators to coordinate outreach programs

Dec Dec

Meet with the County Planning and Zoning Board to coordinate the District’s outreach proposals for small rural landowners

Aug Oct

Contact IDL, Potlatch and the Idaho Office of Species Conservation to assess the feasibility of improving bull trout critical habitat on the N Fork Clearwater River

Nov Feb

Participate in the IASCD Div II Strategic Plan revision and take leadership on some of the Division-wide resource concerns

Sept Nov

Coordinate local education efforts on Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Forest Health

Oct March


CLEARWATER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ANNUAL PLAN OF WORK

FY2011 (7/1/2010 – 6/30/2011)

Conservation District Priority Number 1:

Water Resources and Water Quality

Goal(s): Local Governance and Comprehensive Planning

Objective: Address priority stream resource concerns

Actions: Target Date

Individual(s) Responsible

Maintain a current list of 303(d) listed streams, maps of bull trout critical habitat, anadromous fish habitat, surface waters used as drinking water sources, and identify local priorities with conservation partners for water quality improvement project proposals

Seek out funding for water quality improvements through the Clearwater Basin Advisory Group (BAG), ID. Dept of Environmental Quality (DEQ), ID. Office of Species Conservation (OSC), and all other possible sources.

Participate in the Animal Feeding (AFO) grant to improve water quality by accepting landowner applications in Clearwater County and reviewing their project improvement plans

Actively participate in Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plans, such as Lolo Creek, through local Watershed Advisory Groups involving landowners, road districts, agencies, water user groups, and other stakeholders

Move forward with Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 Planning Assistance Program fro the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Develop a watershed Master Plan and potential “Rails to Trails” Program on Orofino Creek

Collaborate with the necessary Federal, State, and local agencies in this effort


Leading Voluntary Conservation efforts since 1946


FY2011 (7/1/2010 – 6/30/2011)


Water Resources and Water Quality

Goal(s): Coordinated Implementation

Objective: to meet the beneficial uses of priority streams



Review past contracts and projects including the recently completed:

Lower North Fork Clearwater River TMDL Implementation Grant Phase I, II, & III Whiskey Creek Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Funds To see if the Best Management Practices implemented are functioning properly

Submit a new grant proposal to improve bull trout critical habitat on the N Fork Clearwater River

Fully support water quality monitoring efforts to evaluate project progress

Assist all landowners implementing Best Management Practices on agricultural lands, especially near 303(d) listed streams to reduce water quality impacts from sediment, nutrients, bacteria, pathogens and rising temperatures




FY2011 (7/1/2010 – 6/30/2011)


Maintain Viable District Operations

Goal(s): District Capacity

Objective: Maintain District infrastructure and efficient operations



Update the 5-Year Resource Conservation Business Plan/Annual Plan

March

Contact Idaho Legislature, Senators and Representatives concerning the reorganization plans for the Idaho Soil Conservation Commission and Conservation Districts

Contact the Idaho Legislature and local elected officials to provide information on natural resource conditions and the funding needed for Conservation Districts and the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission

Complete all FY 2012 and 2013 plans and budget proposals May

Provide opportunities for new District Supervisor training

Change job descriptions of local District staff to emphasize grant writing, acquisition and administration

Dec




FY2011 (7/1/2010 – 6/30/2011)


Bio-Fuel Projects using Logging Slash and Wood Fiber Waste

Goal(s): Community Outreach

Objective: Set up demonstration projects using bio-fuel for eating



Provide assistance to the County Commissioners as a Project Steering Committee member for the Biomass Feasibility Study to generate combined heat and power for a large building, using Tetra-Tech from California

Identify a business or entity willing to set up a small demonstration using biofuel as a supplemental heat source or total conservation for heating

Find a product source and funding to set up a small biofuel project site




FY2011 (7/1/2010 – 6/30/2011)


Promote Resources Stewardship on Small Acreage Properties


Objective: To establish an ongoing unified program to educate rural landowners



Contact the U of I Extension, NRCS, SCC and Clearwater County Commissioners to identify common outreach efforts and program curriculum for small acreage conservation

Get commitments from conservation partners to start an annual classroom program for landowner participation

Develop the curriculum to be used and resource library

Develop a concept paper to provide technical assistance to landowners on-site

Seek funding sources to perpetuate the education effort and technical assistance

Work with Clearwater County Planning and Zoning and the U of I (Bioregional Planning and Community Design) to enhance the county’s GIS Database on all Hazard Mitigation efforts with landowners




FY2011 (7/1/2010 – 6/30/2011)


Conservation Youth Education


Objective: Actively promote, sponsor and participate in at least 5 youth education

activities



Sponsor and participate in the Sixth grade Forestry and Nature Resource Tour

July

Sponsor and participate in the Sixth grade Poster Contest September

Sponsor and participate in the Fifth grade Farm and Forest Fair

March

Sponsor and participate in the Fourth grade Earth Day Outdoor Classroom

April

Sponsor and participate in the Eight grade Overnight Field and Forest Trip

May




FY2011 (7/1/2010 – 6/30/2011)


Land Use Planning and Natural Hazard Mitigation

Goal(s): Local Governance and Comprehensive Planning

Objective: Enhance District leadership in comprehensive resource planning with

Clearwater County



Contact the County Emergency Management Coordinator to determine critical areas in the county, priority projects and ways the District can assist with natural hazard mitigation, such as flood control and wildlife hazard reduction

Contact the Planning and Zoning board to identify resources the District can provide or areas of discussion that can help in local planning efforts

Participate and collaborate with working groups on local natural resource issues affecting Clearwater County and the Clearwater Basin, such as the:

State Forestry Assessment Public Water System Safety Clearwater Basin Collaborative Initiatives USDAA Local Working Group Priorities

Recent severe wind storm event on Nov 15 and 16, 2010 and subsequent potential for insect infestation on Ponderosa Pine (both damaged and healthy trees)



PRIORITY PROECTS

- APPENDIX -

1) Orofino Creek flood hazard reduction

2) Clearwater River Source Water Protection (dept. of Environmental Quality funds)

3) Whiskey Creek water quality improvements (Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Funds)

4) E. Fork of Potlatch River water quality improvements (Pacific Coast Salmon Rec. Funds)

5) Bio-Fuel demonstration projects

6) Centralized Database to file water quality data for the Clearwater River Basin (potential EPA funds)

7) Youth Conservation Education

8) Forest Health and Wildfire Hazard Reduction Education

9) Small Parcel Landowner Education Program


Mission Statement: The Mission of Clearwater County Soil and Water Conservation District is to provide local leadership to educate and assist the public on the stewardship of soil, water, air, plant and animal resources, and to promote strong conservation partnerships to find practical, economical, solutions to natural resource problems and coordinate their implementation.

Most Significant natural Resource Improvement, Project or Accomplishment: Implementation projects for both Phase II and Phase III of the Lower North Fork Clearwater River 319 projects were completed. These projects focused on sediment reduction identified in the TMDL plan by installing forest-related Best Management Practices such as road abandonment, road stabilization with culvert up-grades and replacement, grass seeding, conversions of some culverts to bridges, and protection of adjacent stream banks with rock riprap.

Priority # 1, Water Resources and Water Quality: The district signed a Source Water Protection Grant with the Dept of Environmental Quality to help Orofino and Riverside Water Districts protect drinking water quality from the Clearwater River. The District also decided to take the lead on Centralized Database for water quality improvements completed on private land in the 5 County Clearwater Basin Watershed. The database proposal started at a meeting with other Conservation Districts, DEQ, and EPA. A concept proposal will be sent to EPA in early 201 so they can seek funding.

Priority # 2, Collaborative Planning: The District Board contacted the County Planning and Zoning Board to set up a new working relationship to review subdivision proposals and identify small acreage ownership impacts. The Board participated in the USDA Local Working Group to prioritize program implementation in the county. The District continues to support the Clearwater Basin Collaborative by supplying administrative assistance. The Board met with County Commissioners to discuss their new 5 year plan and discuss county natural resource issues.

Priority # 3, Bio Fuel Projects: The district volunteered to be on the technical review committee for the County Commissioner’s grant for a feasibility study on a co-gen plant. The committee interviewed several company proposals and selected one to start the study in calendar year 2010. The Clearwater Economic Development Agency and the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho are also active participants.

District Operations Accomplishments: The Board of Directors completed their new 5-year plan, allowed public review, and submitted it to the Commission. The District initiated action by setting up a meeting with the County Emergency Management Coordinator, the Commissioners, the Army Corps of Engineers, and some of the landowners along Orofino Creek. The discussion focused on the flood hazard caused by abandoned railroad trestles along Orofino Creek that threaten the City of Orofino.

Name of Conservation District: Clearwater Soil and Water

Mailing Address: 12730 Highway 12, Suite C

City: Orofino, ZIP: 83544

Telephone : (208) 476-5313

Contact Person: Bruce Hanson

County/Counties Served: Clearwater

Legislative District(s) 2 IASCS Division: II


District Information and Education Accomplishments: Annually, and continually, we participate with conservation partner agencies in the sixth grade Forestry Tour, and the 8th grade Outdoor Classroom. The District got several high school students to help develop a virtual tour to display conservation projects and improvements around the county. The District Board is represented on the planning committee for the Annual North Central Idaho Grazing Conference, which has an attendance of over 125. Funding Source Purpose/Benefit Funding Received

County/City General Purpose $ 8,500

State Base Funding General Purpose $ 5794.00

State Match Funding General Purpose $ 15,960.84

Total State Funds $ 21,754.84

USDA Farm bill Programs (Inclusive) Conservation Projects

Water Quality Program for Ag (WQPA) Conservation Projects

Landowner Contribution Conservation Projects

Volunteer Hours General Purpose/Conservation

OTHER FUNDING (insert source by name) Purpose/Benefit Funding Received

Epa 319 DEQ Phase III LNFCR $103,525.76

Idaho Association of Conservation Districts $ 2,033.26

Phase I 319 Final Payments $ 3,679.35

Best Management Practices $ 2,028.00

TOTAL DISTRICT FUNDING $ 141,521.21

TOTAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT ON COUNTY/CITY FUNDS ROI on County/City Funds without USDA Funding

$ 15.65 $ 15.65

TOTAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT ON STATE FUNDS ROI on State Funds without USDA Funding

$ 5.51

$ 5.51

DISTRICT INFORMATION AND LEADERSHIP

Address: 12730 Highway 12, Sit C Phone: (208) 476-5313 Website: E-mail: [email protected] County(ies) Served: Clearwater City(ies) Orofino State Legislature District(s) One Board Chair Bob Reggear Vice Chair Bruce Hanson Secretary/Treasurer Terry White Member Mike Bird Member Dave Daniels

mailto:[email protected]


District Calendar of Events

Regular monthly Board meetings are held on the 3rdThursday

JULY

Submit financial records for annual audit

6th Grade Forestry Tour

Review and evaluate previous year’s work plan

Begin preparation of Annual Report of Accomplishments

AUGUST

Resolutions to Districts in respective Division and IASCD

Prepare Annual Report of Accomplishments

File Candidacy Requirements for Supervisor Elections (Sept 1 – even numbered years)

Begin planning District’s county fair exhibit

SEPTEMBER

Visit schools and hold the 6th Grade Conservation Poster Contest

Set up exhibit at Clearwater County Fair

Review election materials and petitions (even numbered years)

Send districts Annual Report of Accomplishments

ASCD and IDEA Award nominations due

OCTOBER

IASCD Division II meeting

Discuss IASCD resolutions and appoint a voting delegate for the annual conference

Notices of election published in legal section of newspaper (even years – at least 12 days; and 5 days prior to election)

NOVEMBER

Conduct District Elections (even years)

IASCD Annual Conference

Select Conservation Award recipients and order awards

DECEMBER

Annual awards dinner

Provide input for USDA’s Locally Led Working Group on conservation priorities

JANUARY

New Officers on Board of Supervisors

New Supervisor Training / Orientation

North Central Idaho Grazing Conference, Lewiston

Conservation Tillage Conference

Small Acreage Land Stewardship Course


FEBRUARY

Review Conservation Agreements and MOUs with NRCS and other agencies

MARCH

IASCD Division II meeting

5th Grade Farm and Forest Fair

Family Forest Landowners and Managers Workshop, Moscow

Meet with County Commissioners

APRIL

4th Grade Earth Day Activities

Prepare nominations for IASCD and IDEA Awards

MAY

8th Grade Outdoor Education

Soil Stewardship Week

Natural Resources Youth Camp Scholarships

JUNE

Sponsor local crops and conservation tour

Review and revise Annual and Five Year Plan


Special Projects and Potential Future Projects

Clearwater River Source Water Protection

This grant will focus on the protection of the source water intakes for the City of Orofino and Riverside. It will be a two-fold project including education of local residents on water quality, water conservation, and proper disposal of household hazardous wastes. The second part of the grant will focus on identifying resource concerns from local homeowners / landowners such as (but not limited to) septic failures and livestock concerns. The grant was awarded in June of 2010 and will run through June of 2012

Future Projects and Grants currently in progress:

Centralized Data Base for Conservation Practices

Orofino Creek Master Plan and Potential “Rails to Trails Project Section 22 Planning Assist with US Army Corps of Engineers

SRBA Planning and Implementation for Critical Bull Trout on North Fork and Clearwater River


District Physical Characteristics

Land Ownership and Land Use

Private Land 479,959 acres

cultivated 33,261 acres

Highly Erodible Land 28,210 acres

Irrigated land (golf course) 17 acres

Non-Irrigated Cropland 21,331 acres

CRP 3,406 acres

Hayland 7,500 acres

Pasture 7,500 acres

Rangeland … 6,852 acres

Forest 419,716 acres

Non-Industrial 82,236 acres

Industrial 337,480 acres

Potlatch 285,440 acres

Diamond Int 44,800 acres

Tri Pro 3,400 acres

Burlington 3,840 acres

Urban, built-up, mining, etc 5,806 acres

Tribal land (mostly forest) 11,076 acres

State Land (mostly forest) 16,158 acres

Federal Land (mostly forest) 38,682 acres

USFS 808252 acres

BLM acres

Army Corps of Engineers acres

Water 16,558 acres

Total Acres in Clearwater County 1,607,201 acres


Geology and Topography

Compiled by Terril Stevenson, State Geologist, NRCS, for the Clearwater Soil Survey.

Geomorphology

The survey area is located predominantly in the Northern Rocky Mountains Physiographic Province. The southwest section of the County around Orofino is in the Tristate Uplands Section of the Columbia Intermountain Province. (28)

The Northern Rocky Mountains Province is characterized by dissected mountain ranges and somewhat narrow valleys with irregular stream patterns. The mountains are developed mainly in massive intrusive “granitic” rocks and exhibit generally accordant summit levels. (28) In higher elevations the valleys tend to be wider and more u-shaped due to glaciation. In Clearwater County the Clearwater Mountains are generally a broad, deeply and maturely dissected plateau. Valleys tend to be narrow and steep, with broad crests or ridges between drainages. The present topography is due to several incomplete erosion cycles, with stream drainage patterns controlled mainly by geologic structure. Pleistocene glaciation resulted in wider valleys and glacial landforms at elevations of 5000 feet or above, with deposits of glacial material in valleys and on plateaus downstream as low as 3000 feet in elevation. (20, 26, 27)

The Tristate Uplands Section of the Columbia Intermountain Province is a dissected “basalt” plateau drained by the Clearwater River. Topography in this section consists of rolling, broad upland sections separated by deep, narrow, steep canyons cut into the plateau. (12)

The canyons of the Tristate Uplands area and steep mountain sides of the Northern Rocky Mountains Province are both formed by similar processes - both are erosional landforms sometimes accelerated by joints and fractures or fault processes. The mountain drainages cut into granitics are canyons the same as basalt canyons. The difference in appearance is due to the layered nature and vertical jointing in the basalts compared to the more uniform weathering granitic materials. Basalt tends to "slab off" in massive blocks or chunks and form near vertical canyon walls. Granitics tend to weather and break down to the grain size of the original material - sands and clays. This allows weathered granitics to form the more typical "mountain" sloping topography.

The entire survey area is drained by the Clearwater River System. Drainage is westward to the Columbia Plateau. Drainage at the Columbia Plateau boundary turns north into the Snake-Columbia Rivers system to the Pacific Ocean.

Many cycles of both stream and glacial erosion have contributed to the topography of the area. These are characterized by remnant terraces or benches in the higher mountains, and remnant gravels on ridges between drainages in the lower elevations. Deep gravel outwash and valley train deposits from glaciation in higher elevations is present in some of the drainages below about 5000 feet elevation.


Stratigraphy

Unconsolidated surface material consists predominantly of silts and clays of Quaternary Age alluvium, colluvium, and bedrock residuum. Thicker deposits of Quaternary alluvium and bedrock residuum cover much of the upland area. Thin deposits of sandy cobble and boulder stream alluvium are present along most of the drainages, while Quaternary Age gravels form intermediate benches and terraces along most of the valleys and on lower slopes of the mountain ranges. Quaternary Age sand, gravel, and cobble talus and colluvium deposits cover most of the steep valley side slopes. Minor, isolated deposits of landslide debris exist along slopes in steeper drainages. (13, 20, 26, 27)

A large area of Tertiary Age igneous rocks of the Columbia River Basalt and intercalated Latah Formation sediments blankets the south and west third of the survey area. (13, 27) These consist of vesicular basalt and lacustrine silts and clays. These were deposited over older Tertiary Age andesite and latite flows (Potato Hill and Kamiah Volcanics). Other Tertiary Age igneous rocks include intrusive pink granite and pyroxene gabbro in the east half of the County, extrusive rhyolite and quartz latite near the eastern border, and intrusive granite and diorite dikes scattered throughout the county. (14, 26, 27)

Each basalt flow typically exhibits three different layers related to emplacement, cooling, thickness of original flow, and chemical makeup. The three parts are a thick colonnade or base section of regularly jointed massive rock, a thinner entablature or middle section jointed in small, irregular, blocky patterns, and the thin, vesicular or scoriasceous flowtop. The flowtop is often eroded, weathered or non-existent. (25)

Bedrock in the mountain ranges consists predominantly of hard, somewhat fractured, Cretaceous Age intrusive igneous rocks of the Idaho Batholith and fractured, highly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks of the Precambrian Age Belt Series. (26)

The Idaho Batholith rocks consists of granite, quartz diorite, quartz monzonite, gabbro, tonalite, and pegmatite dikes (extremely coarse-grained crystalline rock). Metamorphic rocks associated with the batholith border zones mainly in the northeast part and along the southwest border of the county include gneiss, serpentine, and metadiabase. (14, 16, 26, 27)

The Precambrian Belt Series rocks are found throughout the County, especially in the north half of the area. These are meta-sediments of quartzite, micaceous sandstone, argillite, shale, gneiss, schist, and marble. These metasediments actually belong to different formations within the Belt Series; the Libby Formation, Striped Peak Formation, Wallace Formation, Orofino Series, St. Regis Formation, Revett Formation, Burke Formation, and the Prichard Formation. The Burke, Revett, and St. Regis Formations are also combined into the "Ravalli Group". (5, 14, 26, 27) The Orofino series rocks contain an exceptionally pure crystalline limestone (marble) near the town of Orofino, as well as beds of scapolite (lime in schist). (5) One other important formation, the Blacklead Limestone, is present near the head of Cayuse Creek along the south-central border of the county. (5)


Structure: Geologic structure in Clearwater County is complex. Precambrian meta-sediments were subjected to alteration, folding, and faulting during Cretaceous and Tertiary intrusions of batholithic rocks, followed by intrusion of later Tertiary Age granite and diorite dikes. The north half of the County is the border zone between Idaho Batholith granitic rocks and Belt Series meta-sediments. The contact zone varies from sharp with little contact-metamorphism to transitional with extensive formation of gneiss and crushed, deformed, mylonitic diorite and granite. (14, 16) Bedrock in contact areas or zones between intrusive rock and the surrounding country rock is generally less resistant to weathering processes than either the unaffected country rock or intrusive rock on either side of the contact. This is due to chemical interaction and alteration which takes place between the country rock and the intrusive body and the increased fracturing which also generally takes place in contact zones. Secondary or altered minerals in the contacts are usually less resistant to weathering forces and break down faster than surrounding rock. The increase in fracturing also hastens the weathering process. This can lead to development of the type of terrain described in the problem area - flatter relief compared to surrounding mountain areas. These contact zones can affect large areas.

The predominant strike of the geologic structures is west-northwest, with steep dips in older rock and very slight dips in younger rock. (14, 16) The Northern Rocky Mountains are in a relatively stable seismic zone. Risk of damage due to earth-shaking in this area is slight. Small earthquakes, though not common, do occur. Measurable earthquakes have occurred in this area during historic time, with 2 events recorded in 1967 and 1975. The December 26, 1975, earthquake near Kamiah was rated as a 3.5 on the Richter scale. No damage or adverse impact was noted from this event. (30)

Economic/Mining Geology

Clearwater County has been an important source of many economic minerals in Idaho. The combination of igneous intrusives and highly metamorphosed sediments with the complex geologic structure resulted in mineralization or formation of mineable deposits of gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore, magnetite, wolframite (tungsten), rutile (titanium), asbestos, monazite (thorium), flourspar, garnets, and marble, mainly in the metamorphosed areas. (5, 15) Gold and garnets are also present as placer deposits in alluvial and colluvial material throughout the county, weathered from vein and crystalline deposits upstream. (5) Nearly all of the streams in the area have been worked for gold mainly by dredging and washing. This has removed much of the fine sediment in some drainages’, leaving only the coarse-grained fraction in the streambeds and banks.

Other economic deposits occur as thin, sub-bituminous coal beds in the Latah Formation, and clay deposits from hydrothermal alteration and weathering of granitic rocks. The clays are found mainly along plateau margins and on ridge slopes. (5, 15)

Climate

Prepared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center, Portland, Oregon for the Clearwater Soil Survey.

In winter, average temperatures are 34.6, 27.3 and 27.7 degrees F, respectively, at Dworshak Fish Hatchery, Elk River and Headquarters. The average daily minimum temperatures in winter are 27.7, 18.8 and 18.8 degrees F, respectively, at these three stations. The lowest temperatures on record were: -15 degrees at Dworshak Fish Hatchery on December 30, 1968; -37 degrees on the same date at Elk River; and –28 degrees at Headquarters one day later, on December 31, 1968.


In summer, average temperatures are 70.0 degrees F at Dworshak Fish Hatchery, 61.1 at Elk River and 60.3 at Headquarters. Average daily maximum temperatures in winter are: 86.0,

77.4 and 77.1 degrees F, respectively, at Dworshak Fish Hatchery, Elk River and Headquarters. The highest temperatures on record were: 111 at Dworshak Fish Hatchery on July 13, 1967; 107 at Elk River on August 5, 1961; and 108 at Headquarters, also on August 5, 1961.

Growing degree days range from 30 days in the mountain regions to 180 days in the valley regions of Clearwater County. They are equivalent to "heat units". During the month, growing degree days accumulate by the amount that the average temperature each day exceeds a base temperature (40 degrees F). The normal monthly accumulation is used to schedule single or successive plantings of a crop between the last freeze in spring and the first freeze in fall.

Average annual total precipitation across this soil survey area depends greatly on location and elevation. In general, average annual amounts increase from the Orofino and Kamiah areas northeastward. Average annual totals at the three climate stations are 25.49 inches at Dworshak Fish Hatchery, 46.54 inches at Elk River, and 39.47 inches at Headquarters. New NRCS mean annual precipitation maps of the region developed using the PRISM modeling system from Oregon State University show that along the lower Clearwater River and for most of the length of Dworshak Reservoir the mean annual precipitation is between 24 and 28 inches. However, amounts increase rapidly with elevation and most of the higher terrain of the survey areas receives between 35 and 50 inches annually, with as much as 62 inches over the ridges north and east of Elk River. At lower elevations the growing season is generally between April and October, and during this time about 40 percent of the mean annual precipitation is received—-about 10 to 12 inches at lowest elevations. At higher elevations, only about 10 to 20 percent of their annual precipitation falls during the warmest 6 months. The heaviest 1-day precipitation amounts during the periods of record were: 2.21 inches at Dworshak Fish Hatchery on December 2, 1977; 2.44 inches at Elk River on February 19, 1968; and 2.47 inches at Headquarters on May 7, 1979. Thunderstorms occur on about 16 days each year, and most occur between late May and early September.

Average seasonal snowfall is also highly dependent on elevation. For instance, at Dworshak Fish Hatchery at 1000 feet, only 12.3 inches falls in a normal winter. However, at Elk River at 2920 feet the normal annual snowfall is 102.7 inches, and 100.6 inches is normal at Headquarters. At higher elevations even more falls, with more than 250 inches likely in the mountains of this survey area. The greatest snow depths at any one time during the periods of record were: 16 inches at Dworshak Fish Hatchery, recorded on February 1, 1969; 78 inches at Elk River on February 15, 1972; and 57 inches at Headquarters on January 12, 1972. On average, less than 10 days per year have at least 1 inch of snow on the ground at lowest elevations, like Dworshak; however, at higher elevations snow is on the ground for 3 to 6 months. The annual normal is 133 days per year at Elk River, and 111 days at Headquarters. The heaviest 1-day snowfalls on record were: 10.0 inches at Dworshak Fish Hatchery on January 28, 1996; and 20.0 inches at Elk River and 30.0 inches at Headquarters, both recorded on December 28, 1968.

The average relative humidity in mid-afternoon is about 25 percent in the summer and 75 percent in December. Humidity is higher at night, and the average at dawn is about 60 percent in July and August, and around 80 percent in the winter. The sun shines about 75 percent of the time in summer and about 30 percent in winter. The prevailing wind is highly dependent on location, elevation and exposure. In general, though, winds follow valleys, blowing up valleys during the day and down valley at night. At Lewiston, prevailing winds are generally from the southwest, except from the northeast during the fall and early winter. Average wind speeds are highest in the spring, with average low elevation speeds generally between 8 and 10 miles per hour in March and April.


Economic Conditions and Outlook

Clearwater County borders the state of Montana in Northern Idaho. It is the state’s twenty-sixth most populace county and the tenth largest in area. Nearly 27 square miles of the county is water and about 54% of the land area is federally owned. Historically, forest and wood products employment have driven the economy. Major employers include Joint School District #171, U. S. Forest Service, Department of Corrections, Department of Health and Welfare (including State Hospital North) and Clearwater Valley Hospital. From Department of Labor web site:

During the early 1990s, population in Clearwater County grew peaking at 9,232 in 1996. Hard economic times cause population to fall 10 percent from 9,099 in 1997 to 8,231 in 2007, while U.S. population grew 11 percent and Idaho’s population grew 22 percent. New registrations for driver's licenses and job registrations indicate that the few people who did move to Clearwater County came from other parts of the Pacific Northwest and California. People move here to enjoy the scenery, recreational opportunities and rural lifestyle. The county seat, Orofino, had a 2008 population of 3,045; Pierce, 527; Weippe, 370; and Elk River, 136.

The decline in the forest products industry climaxed in the late 1990s with the closure of Pierce’s Jaype Mill. In 2006, Clearwater County began to show signs of recovery. Jobs were added in manufacturing, retail trade, tourism, construction and health care. Unfortunately, trouble in the lumber industry has once again unsettled the area, pushed the unemployment rate above 10 percent. Economic development groups are trying to diversify the economy, attract new businesses and help existing businesses grow. An industrial park was built in Orofino and Architectural Signs and Engraving Inc. was the first tenant. Phantom Jet Boat opened a manufacturing plant in 2008. Another source of job growth is Nightforce Optics, which employs nearly 50 people near Orofino making high-quality rifle scopes for hunters, police and the military.

Federal and state employment provides some job stability. The U.S. Forest Service employs 80 people year-round and a few dozen more in the summer. Orofino is home to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Hatchery, which employs 45 people. A state penitentiary and mental health facility employs 230 people. Tourists come to enjoy hunting, fishing and boating opportunities, at Dworshak Reservoir and learning about the area’s role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Lodge at River’s Edge in Orofino opened in 2005 to provide upscale lodging to help attract more visitors for longer stays.


Soils Map Legend

Soils on Stream Terraces, Drainage ways, Floodplains and in Basins:

1 Teneb-Lewhand-Burntcreek-Hildebrand-Aquandic Endoaquepts : Very deep, poorly drained to

well drained, nearly level to undulating soils formed in mixed alluvium

2 Narnett-Aquandic Cryaquepts-Jury: Very deep, very poorly to well drained, nearly level to hilly

soils formed in mixed alluvium, loess and residuum from granite and or gneiss.

Soils on Canyon Sides and Benches:

1. Klickson-Agatha-Kettenbach: Shallow to very deep, well drained, undulating to very steep soils formed in loess and or colluium and residuum from basalt

2. Texas creek-Johnson-Whiskey creek-Fordcreek : Shallow to very deep, well to somewhat excessively drained, rolling to very steep soils formed in colluvium and residuum from granitic and metamorphic rocks with loess influence.

Soils on Basalt Plateaus:

1. Taney-Carlinton: Moderately deep to a fragipan, moderately well to well drained, undulating to steep soils formed in loess and residuum from basalt.

2. Grangemont-Kauder-Riswold: Moderately deep to a fragipan and very deep, moderately well and well drained, undulating to very steep soils formed in a mantle of volcanic ash over loess, lacustrine sediments or loess and residuum and colluvium from basalt

Soils in Mountains:

1. Kruse-Noil-Uvi: Deep and very deep, rolling to very steep soils formed in colluvium and residuum form granitic or metamorphic rocks

2. Brodeer-Dullaxe-Mushel-Bouldercreek: Deep and very deep, moderately well to well drained, undulating to very steep soils formed in a thin or thick mantle of volcanic ash over the following: loess, loess and residuum from granitic and metamorphic rocks or colluvuim and residuum from granitic and metamorphic rocks

3. Grandad-Rettig-Township: Deep and very deep, well drained, rolling to very steep soils formed in either a thin or thick mantle of volcanic ash over loess over material from metamorphic rocks high in mica, or a mantle of volcanic ash over material from metamorphic rocks high in mica??

4. Vaywood-Berthahill-Hucberit: Deep and very deep, well drained, undulating to very steep soils formed in a thick mantle of volcanic ash over colluvium and residuum from granitic or metamorphic rocks

5. Water


303d Listed Streams Highly Erodible Land (HEL)


Conservation District Organization and Policies

District Organization

The District is a political subdivision of the State of Idaho with authorities, powers and structure contained in Soil Conservation District Law, Title 22, Chapter 27, Idaho Code. It was organized in 1946 to provide voluntary soil and water conservation assistance to landowners for land uses within the Clearwater SWCD boundary of Clearwater County.

Conservation districts are a unique unit of local government using a wide variety of means to solve the conservation problems of today and tomorrow. There are nearly 3,000 conservation districts in America, including our commonwealths, territories, and possessions. Each district assesses the conservation concerns within their community, sets priorities for conservation efforts and then coordinates and completes the appropriate programs. Districts always keep a watchful eye on improving water quality, protecting productive soil, and enhancing our natural resources. It is the role of the local conservation district to serve as the liaison between state and federal resource management agencies, corporate America and the local people committed to a cleaner environment. Conservation officials work closely with businesses and government leaders, educators, student volunteers, landowners, and other individuals interested in conservation. Together these groups support community conservation education programs and the proper use of America’s natural resources.

Channeling Resources and Solutions

One strength of a conservation district is the ability to build alliances with a wide variety of people and organizations. Through leadership and guidance, these individuals and organizations are brought together as a resource for solving today’s conservation problems. This cooperative approach draws on many sources of technical knowledge, financial commitment and broad-based educational programs. Districts coordinate projects with private sector groups as well as to the state and local government agencies. The federal government lends additional support through the USDA agencies such as Extension Services and the Forest Service. Working closely with these alliances members, conservation districts have a proven track record of channeling governmental and non-governmental resources and putting them into action at the local level.

Today’s Resource Problems

Today, natural resource management involves a multitude of conservation practices and programs that touch every part of the United States. The ultimate goal of a conservation district is to implement a comprehensive natural resource management plan geared to the needs of the rural and urban communities. During the last 50 years, conservation districts have protected and enhanced America’s most valuable resources – topsoil. Most noted for controlling soil erosion, the work of the district goes beyond soil loss and encompasses other key areas such as:

Development of long-range programs that address the needs of district citizens. Implementation of an annual plan of work that establishes conservation work priorities. Leadership and guidance in the coordination of conservation programs within the district. Public information an environmental education programs.


The Clearwater Soil and Water Conservation District assists teachers with the development of outdoor classroom sites provides educational materials and makes special presentations on soil and water conservation and natural resource management. The Clearwater Soil and Water Conservation District sponsors contest and award programs such as poster, essay and speech contests for local students.

History

On November 27, 1945, a meeting was held to discuss possibilities of forming a Soil Conservation District in the Clearwater County area. Five men were appointed to serve on a committee in charge of holding ‘Educational Meetings’ throughout the county to receive input from area farmers and landowners regarding the idea. These first conservation minded pioneers were: Roy Lebaron, W. C. Richardson; Ike Dunlap; J. M. Perkins and Harry Hatch. The educational meetings were held in different communities where petitions were distributed and signatures obtained.

The educational meetings proved, without a doubt, that there was a real need for serious conservation work in Clearwater County, and that a great deal of interest was evident in the formation of a Conservation District. On January 24, 1946, a hearing for the Proposed Organization of the Clearwater Soil and Water conservation District was held. The hearing took place at the Orofino city Hall with 41 area farmers and landowners attending. Communities represented at this hearing were: Orofino, Greer, Weippe, Lenore, Southwick, and Ahsahka. Many public and agency officials attended the hearing, including public and agency officials attended the hearing, including Mr. Irving who was the State Conservationist at the time, and Ross Trout, Clearwater county Extension Agent. It was decided to begin the formal formation of the Clearwater Soil and water Conservation District, and legal petitions were filed at once. Approval was forthcoming, and the Clearwater Soil and Water Conservation District was officially organized on June 21, 1946.

The Clearwater district was formed on June 21, 1946, according to provisions of the Idaho State Soil Conservation District Law. The function of the District is to provide local leadership for the purpose of conserving soil and water resources and bringing about an effective coordination of the conservation activities within the District. The District, a local sub-division of State Government, was organized to provide private landowners and users a legal means whereby they may cooperate with one another and county, state, and federal agencies to establish soil and water conservation practices on all lands within the Districts boundary.

The Districts original objectives were just soil and water conservation; however we are now broadening the program to include the conservation and proper development of all resources, including people.

The first Board of Supervisors consisted of the following men:

Chairman: Frank Larson Vice Chairman: Ike Dunlap Secretary: Ross Trout Treasurer: Roy LeBaron


Two SCS personnel were permanently assigned to the District in July 1946. They were:

Soil Conservationist: Bill Currier Soil Surveyor: Jack Harwood

Office space was secured from the Clearwater County Commissioners, and early meetings were then held in the basement of the County Courthouse in Orofino, Idaho.

According to the District’s Annual Reports for the years of 1946 through 1951; Memorandums of Understanding were drawn up between the Clearwater Soil Conservation District and several other agencies.

Annual Work Plans for each year were completed. Soils Legends and recommendations were worked up and incorporated into farm plans. By 1951, a total of 79,140 acres had been surveyed and classified. By 1951, the District had 192 active conservation farm plans (50% of the county) which covered approximately 37,435 acres. Strip cropping proved to be one of the best practices for controlling erosion on steep slopes, and the District encouraging the acceptance of the practice successfully. Other high priorities were placed on seeding practices, weed control, and experimentation with nitrogen fertilizers. There was a serious need for stock water in the County, and many ponds were built by area farmers through the District’s assistance. Land-clearing practices were also much in demand since a good part of Clearwater Count was still in timber during the early years.

Guiding Principles

Value and respect for the Idaho Conservation Partnership to make available technical, financial and educational resources to better manage the soil, water and related natural resources

The planned management of natural resources for the beneficial and sustainable use by all To conserve natural resources and use practical, economical management practices We encourage a strong public outreach program reaching students and adults

Administration and Finance

Idaho Soil Conservation Commission anti-degradation rules for agriculture – IDAPA 02.05.025 require each district to complete a five year plan and update it annually in order to receive matching funds from the state.

The Clearwater Soil and Water Conservation District is a governmental subdivision of Idaho organized June 21, 1946, for the conservation and development of the soil and water resources (Soil Conservation District Law, 22-12) with authority to employ a secretary, technical experts, and such other offices, agents and employees, permanent and temporary, as it may require.

The mission of the District is largely, but not wholly carried out and its purpose and objectives are achieved in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding: with the NRCS, provides for the assignment of technical and other personnel to assist the District in carrying out its program. As additional “Agreement of Gratuitous Use of Benefits Available from Non-Federal Sources” sets forth the conditions under which the District may furnish personnel to further discharge of the duties and functions of the service.


Coordinated but separate lines of communication and channels of responsibility are united in the accomplishment of the missions of both District and the Service.

Board Members’ tenure rotates with two vacancies being filled one year and three vacancies filled two years later. Elections are held on the first Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November in even numbered years in conjunction with county elections. Supervisors elected serve four-year terms, without pay, which commence on the second Monday of January next following the election.

The Clearwater SWCD holds it s regular board meetings on the third Thursday of each month at the District Office in Orofino, Idaho. The Clearwater SWCD follows the Idaho open meeting laws.

Financing is received from Clearwater County, State of Idaho and the administration of grants. All District funds regardless of source are public funds and are accountable to the taxpaying citizens of Idaho.

Policies

The Clearwater SWCD is dedicated to conserving renewable resources and using sound management practices. We promote clean water and productive soils. The district strives to ensure that local landowners make decisions on conservation problems at the local level.

The Clearwater SWCD willingly supports, accepts and promotes the responsibilities inherent to the Conservation Districts Section “319” and anti-degradation policy in order to preserve a locally administered voluntary approach addressing agriculture non-point source pollution.

The District will provide technical assistance to all landowners and operators in Clearwater County and provide information and guidance for local, state, federal and tribal funded programs.

The District will continue to provide effective local leadership for conservation programs and conduct well publicized supervisor elections.

The District will cooperate with units of local, state, federal and tribal government. The District reviews all programs and determines what progress has been made with improvements and determines any changes the District should make in implementing conservation programs.

The District will keep a personnel handbook and supervisors handbook up-to-date and available to personnel and supervisors.

Outreach

The District encourages a strong, effective public outreach program reaching students and adults. The District conducts various forms of public outreach on a yearly basis, in addition to the publication of the District’s newsletter. The districts’ news letter is published quarterly through the Clearwater Tribune. The circulation for the newspaper is approximately 2950, and includes landowners, operators, environmental groups, WAG’s, BAG’s, legislative representatives, and conservation partners.


District Resource Documents

District and County Planning Resource

Current 5-year plan (2009-2014)

IASCD Division II Strategic Plan

Clearwater Co. Winter Feeding Operations Inventory

Annual Plans District Calendar of Events

Memorandums of Understanding and Coop. Working Agreements

Memorandums of understanding

U S Department of Agriculture

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Idaho Soil Conservation Commission

Idaho Department of Lands

Idaho Department of Fish and Game

The Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho

Other Resource Documents and Inventories

Clearwater Rapid Watershed Assessment

303d listed streams & Beneficial Uses

Idaho Agriculture Statistics & Economic Statistics

USDA, Resource Conservation Act local assessments

USDA, National Resources Inventory

State Assessment of Forest Resources

County and City Planning and Zoning Comprehensive Plan

County Hazard Mitigation Plans

USDA, Local Working Group minutes

Clearwater Area Soil Survey Report

Bull Trout Critical Habitat Inventory


Conservation Partners

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Idaho Soil Conservation Commission

Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts

Idaho District Employee Assoc

Idaho Dept. of Environmental Quality

Clearwater Basin Advisory Group

Local Watershed Advisory Groups

County Commission, Planning & Zoning, Road Dept, Weed Dept.

County Highway Districts

Univ. of Idaho Cooperative Extension System

Idaho Dept. of Agriculture

Idaho Dept. of Lands Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game

Office of Species Conservation

Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association

Clearwater Resource Conservation & Development

Clearwater Economic Development Association

Clearwater Basin Weed Management Area Steering Committee

Idaho Dept. of Agriculture

Idaho Dept. of Parks and Recreation

Idaho Dept. of Water Resources

Farm Service Agency

Forest Service

Fish and Wildlife Service

Bureau of Land Management

Environmental Protection Agency

Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho

US Army Corps of Engineers

Potlatch Corporation

Industrial forest owners

Outfitters and Guides Association

NOAA Fisheries

Cities of Orofino, Pierce, Weippe, Elk River

Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis and Idaho Soil & Water Conservation Districts


Other Partner Organizations

Farm Bureau

Agricultural Chemical Companies

Women in Agriculture

Idaho Forest Owners Association

Christmas Tree Association

Idaho Nursery Association

Pacific NW Direct Seed Association

Idaho Cattlemen, Wool Producers, Grain Producers

Idaho Conservation League

Guides and Outfitters

Federal, State and Tribal Fish Hatcheries

School District #171

Idaho Dept. of Transportation

Power companies

Land Trusts

Friends of the Clearwater

Palouse Environmental Institute

The Nature Conservancy


Services Provided to Landowners

Education on local natural resources

Equipment/tool rental (to do projects and/or monitor)

Providing Information

Services Provided to General Public

School classroom talks, poster & speech contests

Outdoor classrooms, tours, natural resource camps

Other youth activities

Libraries

On-line resources

Marketing and/or Brokerages

Newsletters, Newspaper articles, Radio announcements, TV


Distribution List for Five-Year PLAN

FORWARD - Clearwater County, Idaho · The Clearwater Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is...

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