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United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709
 
For More Information:
Contact: Russel Manwaring, (208) 365-4475
             West Central Highlands RC&D, Emmett, Idaho
            
Contact: Jody Fagan, (208) 685-6978


WILDFIRE PROJECT WINS PRESTIGIOUS USDA AWARD

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2004—Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Bruce Knight recently honored the Idaho Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) coordinators in the 58th annual U.S. Department of Agriculture Honor Awards Ceremony. These awards are the most prestigious honors bestowed by the Secretary of Agriculture.

Idaho’s nine RC&D coordinators—one for each area of the state—received the award for leading communities toward wildfire prevention and suppression. The coordinators worked together to complete countywide wildfire safety assessments, educational programs and fuel reduction demonstrations in rural and urban areas across Idaho.

“The Honor Awards are a tribute to our employees for their commitment to doing the best job possible and serving local communities,” Knight said.

The Idaho RC&Ds’ wildfire projects helped local communities:

  • Educate homeowners on how to protect their property from wildfire
  • Reduce vegetative fuel loads and create fire-safe barriers around housing subdivisions
  • Assist rural fire departments in writing of grants for new equipment and fire stations
  • Work with community leaders to develop fire mitigation plans

“I’m very impressed with the RC&D accomplishments,” says Rich Sims, Idaho NRCS state conservationist. “The local communities and the safety of their citizens will greatly benefit from this work.”

Idaho’s RC&Ds are located in Coeur d’Alene, Moscow, Emmett, Meridian, Gooding, Twin Falls, North Logan (UT), Pocatello and Rexburg. RC&Ds focus on the environmental, economic and social needs of their area by coordinating projects to enhance the quality of life.


USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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