NEWS

Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist - Quarterly Partners Report

Fall is the time to go to the field - nice weather, few annoying bugs, and lots of plans and wildlife to look at! I was able to get out in the filed quite a bit this quarter, to meet with producers and evaluate seedings. It was also a good opportunity to work on my dormant plant identification skills. Unfortunately, my fun was rudely interrupted by winter... 

NRCS Sets Feb.19 Application Cutoff for CSP in Iowa

Iowa farmers and private landowners who want to be considered for funding through USDA's Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) in fiscal year 2021 have until February 19th to apply. While USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts CSP applications throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the Feb. 19 application cutoff to ensure they are considered for 2021 funding.  

December 2020 Women Land and Legacy (WLL) Newsletter

For several months this fall, NRCS Outreach Coordinator and Women Land and Legacy (WLL) Coordinator Tanya Meyer-Dideriksen met with the leads for each WLL Local Team. Each meeting provided the opportunity to get to know each other while also allowing Tanya to understand what each county has done in the past and plans for the future. Likewise, it was a great opportunity for local teams to share success, concerns, and needs.  

Conservation Districts of Iowa 2021 Conservation Scholarship

CDI is partnering with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) to foster the higher education endeavors of Iowa students interested in conservation and agriculture by offering scholarships. Iowa High School Class of 2021 students pursuing programs of study in any field of conservation or agriculture qualifies for the Conservation Scholarship. 

Fiscal Year 2020 At-a-Glance Iowa NRCS 

This document gives a detailed breakdown of the 2020 Fiscal Year Program Accomplishments for he Iowa NRCS. Some of the programs detailed are the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Iowa Conservation Innovation Grants, and other conservation activities. Numbers of grant obligations, contracts, and cost-share practices are divided and displayed by county. 

Iowa Farm Families Receive Environmental Leader Award

Forty-two Iowa farmers have been selected to receive the 2020 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon recognize these Iowa farm families for taking an active role in the state's ongoing conservation efforts, which rely on farmers, landowners and businesses working together to make a difference.. 

NRCS Obligates Nearly $60 Million to Iowa Farmers..

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) contracted with Iowa farmers and landowners to treat natural resources on more than 316,000 acres, obligating $59.8 million in financial assistance during fiscal year 2020 that ended Sept. 30. NRCS also wrote 12,624 conservation plans that cover 889,071 acres, during fiscal year 2020. The conservation plans will help Iowa farmers reduce soil erosion, improve soil heath and water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and treat other environmental issues. 

Save $5/acre on your Crop Insurance

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has entered into an agreement with the USDA-Risk Management Agency (RMA) to provide an additional crop insurance premium reduction for cover crop acres from producers who enroll through this program. This premium reduction is only eligible for acres in cover crops, located in the state of Iowa only, and NOT receiving cost-share or incentives from state and/or federal programs. 

East Pottawattamie County SWCD 2019 Annual Report

The East Pottawattamie Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a subdivision of the Iowa State Government, Conservation Districts of Iowa. It consists of Pottawattamie County's eastern 13 townships and Washington Township. The East Pottawattamie SWCD has a locally elected governing board of commissioners who direct the programs of the District. 

Pottawattamie County Bridges Stream Sign Project

This project will help educate and identify some of the major streams and watersheds in Pottawattamie County.  Over the past three years, 57 stream signs have been added at bridges throughout our county.  This project has been successful because of cooperation and contributions of many partners, including both East and West Pottawattamie Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Pheasants Forever

Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.

How do we achieve this mission across more than 45 U.S. states and parts of Canada? Through the dedicated efforts of our: 

-149,000 members 

-Diverse staff including more than 150 wildlife biologists

-More than 700 local chapters   

Want to Become a Commissioner? Here's How!

If you're qualified to vote in a Pottawattamie County general election, you're an eligible candidate for election to the East Pottawattamie County Soil and Water Conservation District board. Each district is governed by five commissioners who are elected at a general elections on a nonpartisan basis for four-year terms. only one commissioner may reside in any single township. You'll need a nominating petition from the county Auditor or SWCD office.