What's New

The Menard County SWCD would like to thank Cantrall Intermediate School 5th graders for their participation in the 2010 Conservation Poster Contest. Each year the District hosts a poster contest for all fifth graders in Menard County with the National Association of Conservation Districts' (NACD) theme . It teaches the children the importance of protecting our natural resources. This year's theme was "Conservation Habits=Healthy Habitats."

The 2010 winners are: First Place, Tyler Penrod; Second Place, Kayla Snyder; Third Place, Karli King, and Honorable Mention, Jared Richards. Tyler Penrod's poster will go on to compete at the state level in the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts' (AISWCD) contest this summer. Tyler and his family, as well as his teacher, will also be honored at the Menard County SWCD's Annual Meeting and Dinner next year. Congratulations!

Menard County Residents were invited to participate in the 4^th Annual Photo Contest held by the Menard County Soil and Water Conservation District. The staff members were delighted to receive so many wonderful entries, and judging was very difficult. The First place photo, titled Spring Morning, was taken by Lindsay Wilken of Petersburg. Owen Ford, also of Petersburg, won Second Place for her photo titled Nutty, and also won the Third Place award for her photo titled Galaxy.

Mrs. Wilken received a $50 award from the Menard County SWCD and her photograph was sent on to compete at the state level in the Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ Photo Contest this summer. She will also be honored at the Menard County SWCD’s 2011 Annual Meeting. The Menard County SWCD would like to thank this year’s participants and would like to encourage everyone to start snapping pictures for the 2011 contest! To view the entries and other photos, visit the Photo Gallery.

Update: Mrs. Wilken won First Place in her category in the AISWCD (state level) contest as well. She will be honored at their Summer Conference in July. Congratulations Lindsay!

August 3 Board Meeting 6:30 p.m.

August 24 Board Meeting 6:30 p.m.

September 6 Labor Day Office Closed

EQIP Sign-Up In Progress

NRCS is now taking applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). EQIP offers solutions that address soil, water, and nutrient needs on the farm. With EQIP, you get a resource management plan and the financial assistance you need to accomplish things such as: water and sediment control basins; nutrient management; irrigation water management; improving your forestland; creating new wildlife habitat areas; confinement livestock management planning; improving or establishing a water supply for grazing animals; developing a grazing plan for livestock; and reducing water runoff from your livestock operation. EQIP has recently changed to a payment rate type of assistance, so if you haven't inquired about EQIP this fall, it may be worth your while to give it another chance. If you are new to EQIP, we are really excited about the new program rules for Illinois and we can't wait to work with you to address any resource concerns that you may have on your farm. Come into the office or call 217/632-7590 ext. 3 for more information.

April 30th marks the 134th Anniversary Celebration of Arbor Day, a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. This year 186 tree seedlings were given to all third grade students at Greenview Elementary, Cantrall Elementary, PORTA Central, and Tallula Elementary schools. The photos show Resource Conservationist Marilyn Kelton speaking with students in Rhonda Grosboll's class at Tallula Elementary School.

Changes in C-2000 Program Cost-Share Funding

This fiscal year the Menard County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will receive money for the C-2000 Program at a new cost-share rate of 60% and Well Decommissioning 60% not to exceed $400.00 and Irrigation Wells 60% not to exceed $750.00. Any landuser is eligible to apply for and receive state C-2000 Program assistance provided they have a signed agreement. To receive C-2000 Program cost-share dollars, the land upon which a landuser intends to install eligible practices must meet the criteria for the individual practice. Eligible practices include but are not limited to grassed waterway, terraces, water and sediment control basin and well decommissioning. A site visit will be scheduled to determine what practices would best benefit the land. The C-2000 Program is available to assist with sheet and rill erosion exceeding the tolerable soil loss level or with ephemeral/gully erosion, by constructing C-2000 Program projects, which conserve soil, protect water quality and reduce flooding. It also provides incentives to owners of abandoned wells to properly decommission and seal the wells so that the potential for groundwater pollution is reduced or eliminated.

For more information about the program or to sign-up; please contact the Menard Co. SWCD at 217/632-7590 X3 or stop by the office at 17781 Village Green Rd. (Rt. 123 East), Petersburg.

Last modified: 07/30/10