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Professor Jared Williams (top) works with students, Brenden Ellis (left) and Evan Konshuk (right) in a soils pit. |
Students in eastern Idaho took advantage of an opportunity to participate in an in-depth soils study hosted by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho). The study was designed to increase the awareness and understanding of one critical natural resource—soil.
Eight BYU-Idaho students converged on sagebrush, grass and forbs range sites at an ARS sheep experiment station near Dubois, Idaho. The field lab included backhoe pits to help describe soils on various landscape positions. Students learned the five soil forming factors: time, climate, living organisms, parent material and topography. But, they were challenged to understand how these factors affect soil formation above the bedrock. Throughout the study, students learned how to hand texture and classify soil, and differentiate between soil layers using physical and chemical properties of soil.
“This collaborative field study has been a great success,” said Bill Hiett, NRCS Soil Survey Project Leader. “It has provided insight into potential career opportunities and served as an example of how data is gathered to solve real world problems and make informed decisions.” Students learned that soil scientists must understand the whole soil resource system and how soil characteristics might affect land managers, engineers and other soil survey users.
This joint effort between BYU-Idaho, NRCS, and ARS provided an opportunity to teach students and enrich their understanding of soils. It has allowed local scientists and researchers to share new knowledge and concepts about the soils in southeast Idaho.
The field study was made possible by Dr. Jared Williams, soils professor, BYU-Idaho; Dr. Corey Moffet, rangeland scientist, ARS; Glenn Hoffman, NRCS Major Land Resource Area Project Leader; and Bill Hiett, NRCS Soil Survey Project Leader.
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Rick Noble, Acting State Conservationist for Idaho. |
Idaho’s new Acting State Conservationist (STC) is here. Rick Noble, Area Conservationist (West Area Office) in Olympia, Washington, has joined the Idaho team for a temporary term up to 120 days. Current STC Richard Sims is serving as Acting Deputy Chief for Soil Survey and Resource Assessment in Washington, D.C. until further notice.
Noble boasts an extensive and varied career with NRCS. In 1983, he secured a full-time position as a soil scientist in Indiana. He mapped soils for two years before advancing to soil conservationist. While in Indiana, he was promoted to district conservationist and later resource conservationist. In 2002, Noble was selected for his current position where he oversees the Olympia Area Office, 14 field offices and 2 RC&D offices.
Although Noble is unsure of his end date, he is sure of his purpose. “I will work with the leadership team and partners to support the remarkable efforts of Idaho until Rich returns,” said Noble. “This is an uncertain time with the budget and the Farm Bill, but I come dedicated to Idaho.” Noble also realizes employees are busy writing plans and finalizing contracts and does not want to interfere by any means. “However, if there are opportunities to see some of Idaho’s conservation successes, I would love to come out and visit.”
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Brooks uses tools to remove tightly tangled barbed fence from exhausted elk. |
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Cow elk entangled in barbed wired fence. |
Anyone who knows Ron Brooks, soil conservationist in Weiser, knows that he loves hunting elk. However, there are times when hunting elk comes second to helping elk. A typical field visit for Brooks turned into a surprising and memorable one in early November.
As planned, he and a landowner went to the field to work on a range seeding project east of Midvale when it happened. They came upon a cow elk entangled in a barbed-wire gate. The animal was exhausted and bloody and had been stuck there long enough to beat an arced trail into the ground in its efforts to get free. He approached the elk very carefully, fearing that the animal might try to defend herself, but the elk remained calm and lets Brooks approach. He used a pair of wire cutters to remove the barbed wire from the animal's flanks; thus, allowing the grateful elk to walk away and continue her roaming.
The locals now know Brooks as "the Elk Whisperer" and there is new insight into why he is such a successful hunter.
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Recently freed elk calmly walks away to continue her travels. |
For more information on this story, please contact Mike Raymond at
208-642-4402.
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Carter G. Woodson, "Father of Black History" |
An artistic opportunity for Idaho NRCS employees to recognize Black History Month 2008 is right around the corner. All employees are eligible to enter the annual Black History Month poster contest as announced in the National Bulletin. This year's theme is “Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism.”
A $300.00 spot award will be given to the employee whose entry is selected, along with national recognition as field and state offices proudly display the poster nationwide. Do not delay, the January 5, 2008 deadline is quickly approaching.
This is a unique opportunity for Idaho NRCS employees to exhibit their creative talents, shed a positive light on Idaho and aid in outreach and recruitment.
For more information on the application process, visit the following link: http://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/NB_230_8_3.htm.
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State Conservationist Rich Sims presents R.N. Irving Award to Larry Mickelsen. |
An award can come in many ways, but its purpose remains the same—to recognize and celebrate the merit of a person or entity. At a recent awards banquet hosted by the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (IASCD), four NRCS employees received awards for their outstanding work with conservation partners.
Rich Sims presented the R.N. Irving Award to Larry Mickelsen, district conservationist in Soda Springs. The award, named after the first Idaho SCS State Conservationist, is designed to recognize one outstanding NRCS district conservationist.
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(L to R) Mark Hogen, Mark Addy and Robert Flagor accept the IASCD Conservation Partnership Field Office Award. |
According to representatives from the Bear Lake and Caribou Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), Mickelsen is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand with district projects while handling the normal NRCS program workload. He is always willing to assist with district educational programs, tours and other public outreach programs. Upon acceptance, Mickelsen thanked “the two best districts in the state,” along with Rich Sims and his NRCS field office employees for their support.
Employees of the Coeur d’Alene field office received the 2007 Conservation Partnership Field Office Award. Recipients included Mark Hogen (Idaho Soil Conservation Commission),
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Bert Ruiz, brother of deceased NRCS employee Lee Ruiz, had much to say about his brother's passion for NRCS. |
Mark Addy (NRCS), Kim Erk (NRCS) and Bob Flagor (Kootenai Shoshone SWCD).
Two years ago, these conservation partners initiated a proposal with the four conservation districts in Division I to improve the planning and implementation of conservation practices. Their proposal was to obtain funds from the Commission's Water Quality Program for Agriculture (WQPA) project and combine it with Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)
contracts to improve
the amount of funding available to cooperators in the five-county area. This has resulted in more on-the-ground conservation. Upon acceptance, Addy left an encouraging thought, “you got to do something to get something done.”
Bert Ruiz, the brother of deceased NRCS employee Lee Ruiz accepted the “Helping People Help the Land” award on Lee’s behalf for his dedication and outstanding talents with NRCS and the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Districts. An emotional Bert said that his brother Lee “enjoyed his work tremendously—he had a passion for it. He spoke to us about the agency and all the friends he had. He truly enjoyed working with all of you.”
Other award recipients included Lyla Dettmer for the ‘District Employee of the Year’ award, Mark Hogen for the ‘Agency Employee of the Year’ award, Marlene Able for the IASCD Special Recognition Award and Jim Lanting for the Doyle L. Scott award.
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PMC specialists Loren St. John, Derek Tilley, Dan Ogle and Brent Cornforth prepare for the test plot planting at the Skull Valley site in mid-November. |
The NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center (PMC) recently completed the planting of test plots at a new off-center test site in Skull Valley, Utah. These test plots will help PMC specialists evaluate the adaptability and performance of new conservation plant releases and potential releases in a low precipitation environment. The new releases will be compared against traditionally used plants for establishment, production and longevity.
The test planting is on a semi-desert gravelly loam ecological site. The site is located in the 8-12 inch annual precipitation zone west of Tooele on the Ensign Ranch. The planting trial has 72 collections of 23 species of native and introduced grasses, forbs and shrubs. Each collection is replicated three times--totaling 216 plots. PMC specialists also planted a trial of Anatone Bluebunch wheatgrass and Nezpar Indian ricegrass seed. These seeds were treated with a recently patented seed coating that absorbs and releases water to plants as needed. PMC specialists will be evaluating the effectiveness of this seed coating treatment in order to establish new seedings over the next several years.
PMC will begin evaluations of the test planting next spring. Evaluations are planned throughout 2018 to determine long-term performance and survival of the test planting.
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Workers block a vehicle access point by installing borders |
Pick-up trucks and all-terrain vehicles are unfair matches for delicate riverbeds and banks. For years, heavy vehicles have accessed the Pack River in northern Idaho, speeding up bank erosion and sweeping sand into the river, along with vehicle residue.
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Greg Becker drills holes with a willow pilot hole driver while students plant willows along the river bank. Mark Addy, NRCS district conservationist in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, designed the driver. |
In early November, employees from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Soil Conservation Commission helped place boulders in front of vehicle entry points along the Pack River. Although access to the river site is on private property, the landowner still wants the public to enjoy its beauty for swimming, fishing, paddling and more—just without vehicles.
Greg Becker, NRCS district conservationist, called a few cooperators who willingly donated the boulders and hauling and machine time--alleviating any out-of-pocket costs for the landowner or the need for cost-share or grants. "I love to play a part with others in contributing to things of great value,” said Becker. “People from the community and other agencies continue to ask how they can be involved in this project and future needs at the site. It's been rewarding." A few days after installation, fifth graders from a nearby elementary school joined local conservation officials to plant willows and clean up the site.
According to Becker, Jamie Davis, water resource conservationist with the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts and Gary Parker with the Bonner SWCD, largely contributed to the field offices' role in spearheading this effort. "Our unique conservation partnership allows us the chance to reach new customers and facilitate locally led conservation efforts like these,” said Becker. Other partners include the Pack River Council, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Bonner County, Apex Construction Services, Pack River Rock, Lakes Commission, Bailey Hauling and Excavation and Jeremy Grove Hauling.
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Staff Sergeant Mark Olson rides in an 'up-armored' Humvess near Kirkuk, Irag. |
The United States reserves Veterans Day to honor ALL (Active, Reserve, Retired) veterans for their noble service in the U.S. Military--in war or peacetime.
Idaho is very fortunate to have many veterans in the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Mark Olson is the district conservationist in the Salmon Field Office. He is a Staff Sergeant in the Idaho Army National Guard with more than 18 years of service. Being a Reservist, he currently serves with the 148th Field Artillery Battalion.
In February 2004, Olson’s Unit received the official word to prepare for mobilization to Iraq. This required extra drill weekends in addition to his two-week annual training period. Still, he kept up with his normal duties as the district conservationist.
In June 2004, the 148th Field Artillery Battalion left Idaho for final combat readiness preparations for mobilization overseas. They were stationed in Kirkuk, a city 160 miles north of Baghdad. Their mission was to provide security for convoys that delivered various critical supplies to smaller Units in the area. They rode in ‘up-armored’ Humvees with mounted machine guns. His Unit also provided security for the Air Force Explosive Ordnance Detonation Teams, which hunted out and destroyed Improvised Explosive Devices. Olson’s Unit returned home to Idaho in 2005--18 months after initial deployment.
This represents one of many stories of veterans who have selflessly given their time and commitment to our country. President Bush has proclaimed November 11, 2007, as Veterans Day, and November 11 - 17, as National Veterans Awareness Week. Collectively as Americans, we reserve Veterans Day to appreciate all that veterans have done and are doing to make our country safe and free. We can show our respect to veterans by saying two words-- THANK YOU.
Sure, you have
heard about Idaho’s newest additions to the Civil Rights webpage—a
resource library and a book review site. Yet, have you taken the
time to peruse it? If you answered no, you are probably not alone,
but you are definitely missing out on information that can benefit
you—both professionally and personally.
The
Civil Rights Resource Library is a collection of various media
for loan to Idaho NRCS employees. Employees may discover a number
of uses for these materials, including improving awareness of
different cultures and races; developing outreach techniques,
training, self-improvement, reference information and information
for Civil Rights presentations at staff meetings.
The Civil Rights Book Review provides employees with an opportunity to review and suggest books that might be of interest to fellow employees in the area of history and civil rights. It is intended to be an enjoyable and casual opportunity for employees to discover and read interesting books on Idaho and national history. In these readings, employees will gain insight into the treatment and perspectives of minority groups in our past, and compare those cultural perspectives to current situations.
The books entered into the Civil Rights Book Review section are available at most libraries or bookstores throughout the state.
The Idaho NRCS Civil Rights Committee encourages all employees to visit the above items on the Civil Rights webpage at http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/about/informational_resources.html. Click on the link for complete details and instructions.
Questions regarding the Civil Rights Library or Book Review should be directed to Kim Golden, Civil Rights Committee Chair, at 208-762-4939.
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NRCS Chief Lancaster addresses state and local field office employees during an early morning visit at the Idaho NRCS state office. |
On Tuesday, August 28, NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster visited the Idaho NRCS state office as the first of many stops during his two-day tour of eastern Idaho. Chief Lancaster participated in a forum on conservation, visited a dairy farm with irrigation and composting practices and participated in a unique partnership tour with Trout Unlimited.
NRCS employees in the state office and neighboring field offices had an opportunity to hear from the Chief early Tuesday morning. He highlighted his three main priorities for the agency: meeting new challenges, making conservation easier and showing accountability. For some employees, it was an opportunity to have their questions answered about various topics including CSP, the snow survey program, engineering practices and more. The Chief thanked everyone for their excellent level of service. He acknowledged that the employees were truly the most important part in the makeup of our agency and the reason for its success.
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District Conservationist Jeff Bohr (far left) and family farmers, Mr. and Mrs. DeWinkle, show Chief Lancaster some of the cropland benefits from the new irrigation system. |
Chief Lancaster had an opportunity to visit a dairy farm operated by the DeWinkle family later that afternoon. He learned about conservation practices installed with NRCS assistance on their operation. The Chief was accompanied U.S. Senator Mike Crapo’s Ag Director Don Dixon and Senior Policy Advisor, Staci Lancaster, along with NRCS field and state office staff. Participants learned how new irrigation systems resulted in water savings and a reduction in irrigation inefficiencies for the DeWinkles. The DeWinkle family is also planning to use the EQIP program to develop a composting facility and to plant windbreaks.
On Wednesday, Trout Unlimited held a partnership celebration tour in which they praised the efforts of NRCS for their role in enhancing stream habitat for bull trout in the Little Lost River watershed. One of the problems preventing upstream migration of bull trout and other fish to the Little Lost River system was an irrigation diversion. Utilizing financial assistance from EQIP, the landowner was able to change the irrigation point of diversion from Badger Creek to the Little Lost River, install three center pivots and permanently remove the diversion structure from Badger Creek to allow bull trout access to spawning and rearing habitat.
Chief Lancaster, along with USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, Mark Rey, and U.S. Senator Mike Crapo were special guests at the event. All commended the partnership efforts between the various federal, state and local agencies and private landowners to the success of this project.
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Urban
Conservationist Skip Vetten explains to a youthful crowd that
everyone can take steps to protect and enhance natural
resources. Taking on conservation education can be a bit of a
challenge—especially in the urban areas of the Treasure Valley, where
farms and traditional agricultural vistas are disappearing. However, the
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is working to meet
the needs of a shifting clientele resulting from a steady increase in
population and development in this area. One of the most recent efforts
included an interactive presentation on urban conservation to dozens of
kids and adults at a community fair in Boise. Several Idaho NRCS employees volunteered a Saturday to teach others about
the importance of urban conservation and its benefits. The presentation
included an interactive exhibit from the Ada Soil and Water Conservation
District, which depicted a landscape model of housing subdivisions,
businesses and small farms within close proximity to streams and waterways.
NRCS employees showed how the careless use of common pesticides and
fertilizers could impair water quality. “Whether it’s by over fertilizing
lawns, driving leaky cars or ignoring dog droppings on your lawn, everything
we do affects our water quality,” said NRCS Urban Conservationist Skip
Vetten. He explained this concept while sprinkling colored powder on the
lawns and buildings of the exhibit to symbolize fertilizer, pesticides, oil
and soil. Using a spray bottle to represent rain, participants sprayed water
over the landscape model. Participants’ eyes widened as the rain swept the
contaminants off the land into the water, turning it from clear to a murky
brown. “But the solutions are easy,” said Vetten. “Using simple conservation
practices around your home, yard and acreage can greatly improve water
quality in your local streams. Practices include planting grass strips to
filter pollutants, practicing water conservation, fixing leaky cars to
prevent oil seepage, or applying proper amounts of pesticides, among
others.” Most Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) employees and partners are familiar with
traditional soil surveys and may even have a good handle on using the
information manually and/or electronically. However, many have yet to grasp
why, with the once-over survey nearing completion, NRCS now plans to revise
mapping to fit Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) borders.
The majority of once-over soil
surveys were done according to arbitrary boundaries where funding was
available. Contracts and agreements were signed and surveys were
accomplished using the technical concepts available—but at varying times and
at different levels of intensity. The process worked well and was the only
financially prudent way of getting the once-over completed. However, soils’
natural delineations are not defined by such boundaries. MLRAs are delineations of
areas with similar landforms, climate, vegetative characteristics and land
uses. There is a great base of information to start from using
the once-over soil surveys; still, there is a need for maps that tie
together soils within their natural landscapes. Nationwide, the National
Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) is completing an analysis of the staff years
needed to maintain or update each soil survey using MLRA concepts.
Anticipated improvements include increased accuracy of soil
interpretations for users and USDA
programs. They also include
consistency in mapping for planning, Conservation
Reserve Program
(CRP) rental rates, and land value assessments, among others. The map (right) shows
the current soil survey office structure within Idaho. This new structure is
being implemented throughout the nation. There are three MLRA
Management Area (MMA) offices in Idaho. They are located in Idaho Falls,
Meridian and Moscow. These offices manage and update soil surveys in six of
the twelve Idaho MLRA areas. The other six MLRAs are managed by offices in
adjacent states. The new structure offers soil scientists a permanent duty
station. In addition, it allows NRCS to efficiently bring the once-over soil
surveys up to MLRA mapping standards. Once information is
updated, it will be available on the Soil Data Mart and the Web Soil Survey
at
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. For additional
information on MLRA soil surveys, contact Dave Hoover, 208-378-5790
or Bruce Knapp, 208-882-4960, Ext. 117.
The project surfaced when local landowner Byron
Thomason contacted NRCS for assistance to convert his wet, marginal farmland
into a permanent wetland. Thomason’s main priority was providing a home for
wildlife habitat. Bagley assured him that the wetland would address wildlife
habitat, filter out pollutants, control erosion and recharge ground water.
However, to make it happen, they would need to plant 3,500 native plant
species on 240 acres of wet agricultural land.
After learning about the project’s benefits to the
environment and community, both teams enthusiastically volunteered to help.
Once on site, they hopped out of their vans and went to work. “We worked the whole gamut. We planted trees, laid down
a weed mat over the trees, cut holes in the mat where trees were planted,
and pulled trees through,” said Scott Birkinbine, President of Upper Valley
Options. “My clients thought it was one of the neatest opportunities that
they’d ever had. They can look back at the project years from now, and know
that they had a part in it.” Although the weather was cold and stormy, 25 volunteers
worked a total of 12 hours over a three-day period to complete the planting
project in May. Bagley was impressed. “These volunteers have proved that
sometimes the only thing that is needed for success is a helping hand.” For additional information on this project, contact Cleve Bagley,
208-356-5701.
Juarros efforts brought Idaho NRCS its first Asian Pacific Islander SCEP
employee in the summer of 2006. However, she considers it more of a team
effort. “I couldn’t have done it by myself,” said Juarros. “I am indebted
to my contacts at the University of Guam; Rich who gave me the time, and all
those who pitched in. Although the award was given to me—it was for
everybody.” In addition, Leah spearheaded ten outreach events with middle and high
school students to promote agricultural careers with NRCS. “Leah is laying
the groundwork for an increased awareness of Agency career opportunities and
a significantly larger hiring pool of qualified diverse candidates in
Idaho,” said Sims. Leah’s outreach efforts are seemingly endless. As the
Asian American/Pacific Islander
SEPM, Juarros most recent endeavor literally brought a taste of India to
dozens of Idaho NRCS employees. Complete details are forthcoming. Be sure
to check
http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/news/ periodically for future eNewsbytes.
These posters can be used for special activities in which NRCS and/or our
partners may be involved during National Pollinator Week, June 24-30, 2007.
NRCS is participating with a number of other Federal agencies and
non-governmental parties in the North American Pollinator Protection
Campaign (NAPPC). This involvement has provided NRCS the opportunity to
become more informed about issues related to pollinator population declines
being faced by Federal land management agencies and to discuss actions we
may take, in a collaborative manner, to reduce any negative impacts of our
activities upon pollinator populations. A new pollinator stamp series will be available in June 2007, and USDA
Secretary Johanns has signed a proclamation in support of National
Pollinator Week. Please share this information with our local pollinator
partners. Additional copies of the poster are available through the State
PAS. For large orders, contact LANDCARE, 1-888-LANDCARE,
landcare@usda.gov, or
http://landcare.nrcs.usda.gov.
Conservation Education Shifts to Urban in Ada County
Soil Surveys: New Concepts and Structure in Idaho
By Bruce Knapp
Volunteers Lend Helping Hand to Idaho Wetlands
Project
“It
was our largest wetlands planting project to date, and we owe much of our
success to the volunteers.” Cleve Bagley, soil conservation technician with
the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), was referring to a
special team of young adults from Upper Valley Options, a rehabilitation
center for adults with physiological and mental disabilities, and students
from Brigham Young University-Idaho majoring in agriculture. They teamed up
to assist NRCS in the planting of thousands of native wetlands plants on a
Wetlands Reserve Project (WRP) in Rexburg, Idaho.
Idaho Soil Scientist Receives National Civil Rights Award
State
Conservationist Richard Sims recently presented soil scientist Leah Juarros
with the 2006 NRCS Workforce Diversity Award for non-managers. Chief
Lancaster announced Juarros as a National Civil Awards recipient for her
recruitment efforts with the University of Guam and Boise State University
to diversify NRCS’ workforce.
Pollinators Poster Available
All
Idaho NRCS field offices will receive copies of a new poster, “Our Future
Flies on the Wings of Pollinators.” These posters were designed to build
awareness of the importance of pollinators to our survival. Each poster
displays the logo of partners that have additional information concerning
pollinators.
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NRCS and Tribal employees and volunteers plant willows along the base of the Snake River’s banks. |
Protecting the original Fort Hall site has been a work in progress for six years—and the commitment remains today. Idaho NRCS, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and the Bureau of Reclamation have been continuously working to stabilize the Snake River’s banks to prevent these wandering waters from destroying this national historic landmark and Oregon Trail stopping point.
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Don Dixon, Ag Director for U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (left), joins NRCS and Tribal employees bundle a fascine for use in strengthening the Snake River’s banks. |
“We’re using Streambank Soil bioengineering practices, or vegetation treatments,” said NRCS Wetland Ecologist Chris Hoag. Recently, NRCS and Tribal employees, volunteers and Federal officials converged on the river’s edge to lend a hand. Equipped with waterjets, sledgehammers, and shovels, participants planted hundreds of native willows to aid in the stabilization and restoration process.
“We’re trying to roughen up the bank, and get some silt deposition to raise the east bank near the old Fort Hall site --to convince the river to move away. Additionally, the roots and the willows themselves will help stop erosion," said Hoag. “If you look closely, you can actually see the waters slowing as they move away from the bank.”
The conservation practices applied at Fort Hall’s site will be adapted for use along eroding streambanks statewide. Benefits include improved water quality, the trapping of productive soils, water temperature control, and enhanced wildlife habitat.
For more information about NRCS programs and services, visit www.id.nrcs.usda.gov.
The
Bear River in southeastern Idaho provides critical habitat for the threatened
Bonneville cutthroat trout. This river and its tributaries also provide major
sources of irrigation water for farms and ranches along the riverbanks.
According to District Conservationist, Larry Mickelsen, after irrigation season, there were numerous fish found trapped in the irrigation ditches. With guidance from the Bear Lake Soil and Water Conservation District, Trout Unlimited, the Ovid Irrigation Company and landowner Dennis Carlsen contacted NRCS to cost share a better fish passage and improved irrigation system.
The NRCS Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program provided 75 percent of the $45,000 project. Today, a large irrigation diversion structure and screen exist on Bear River’s tributary, Ovid Creek. It is expected to prevent the fish from being trapped and killed when traveling up and down the spawning tributary.
Designed by NRCS Civil Engineer, Dale Gooby, the fish screen has no moving parts and requires no power- some say it is virtually maintenance free. A bypass pipe is used to transport fish back to the stream, while screened water is discharged into the canal.
Mickelsen enjoys the partnership and expects to have joint projects for years to come. For more information about this project, contact Larry Mickelsen, 208/847-0585.
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The Inside Scoop!
Personnel Actions for January
PROMOTIONS
Sue Ellis – Career Ladder Promotion, Human Resources Specialist – Boise State
Office, effective 01/21/2007
Janet Jacobs – Career Ladder Promotion, Human Resources Assistant – Boise State
Office, effective 01/21/2007
Carrie Treccani – Temporary Promotion, from Soil Conservationist (Moscow Field
Office) to District Conservationist – Orofino Field Office, effective 01/21/2007
Mary Jennings – Career Ladder Promotion, Soil Conservation Technician, Rigby
Field Office, effective 01/07/2007
RETIREMENTS
Bruce Hanson – District Conservationist – Orofino Field Office, effective
01/03/2007
Peter Sinclair – District Conservationist – Marsing Field Office, effective
01/06/2007 (preliminary disability)
Clayton Erickson – Civil Engineering Technician – Pocatello Field Office,
effective 01/03/2007
Ralph Fisher – Agronomist – Boise State Office, effective 01/03/2007
Most
Idaho NRCS employees have not yet had the pleasure of talking with NRCS Chief
Arlen Lancaster. However, Hydrologist Julie Koeberle and 60 students from
national, state and municipal agencies attended snow survey school in California
with Chief Lancaster to learn proper snow sampling and snow survival techniques.
Koeberle learned that re-sampling is sometimes necessary to provide accurate snow measurements. “Usually, if snow densities are more than five percent from each other, then re-sampling is needed. It could be a sign that we did not fully measure the snowpack due to an obstacle, such as a log or ice lens.”
To pass the course, all participants had to build a snow cave and stay the night. Students spent nearly four hours shoveling, piling and packing snow for their individual caves—their survival source in case of inclement weather. During the night, temperatures dipped into the 20s, but the insulated cave kept temperatures in the low 30s. “I’m struck by the dedication of our employees who decide the risk is worth it because of the help this work provides farmers, ranches and others,” said Chief Lancaster.
To communicate in a more timely and effective manner between Idaho NRCS employees and partners, you will now receive “eNewsbytes” in lieu of a quarterly newsletter. “eNewsbytes” are periodic news reports that will usually feature one item on a need-to-know basis. “eNewsbytes” will provide newsworthy information about innovative projects, conservation successes, outreach and partnership activities and events throughout Idaho.
I am requesting your participation in order to make this new format successful. If you have a story (or story idea) and photos that you would like to share, please submit them to me. Abridged entries are welcomed--hence the word ‘byte’. Future ‘eNewsbytes’ will be archived under News of the Idaho website for viewing anytime.
Your comments and suggestions on this approach are welcome. Please feel free to contact me anytime. Your first “eNewsbyte” will arrive in the near future.
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