North Carolina Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts

The NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts recently recognized P&S Farms of Robeson County as the 2012 Conservation Farm Family of the Year for North Carolina.  Michael “Bo” amd Missy Stone along with Bo’s parents Tommy and Bonnie Stone were recognized at an on-farm celebration that drew over 150 attendees. In addition to a plaque, they were presented a check for $1,000 made possible through funding support of the NC State Grange.  A short video of the farm produced by the NC Farm Bureau is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLwP0AIY7Ks&list=UURO9yzp_k4W7DdtIrjSHRkw&feature=plcp.

The NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts will hold its 69th Annual Meeting January 6-8, 2013 at the Sheraton Imperial just off I-40 between Raleigh and Durham.  On-line registration is now available at www.ncagr.gov/SWC.  Access the links from the box to the right.  On-line registration closes December 1 so register early!

Bill Yarborough, Haywood Conservation District Supervisor and Member of the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission, was recently recognized by the NC District Employees Association as “District Supervisor of The Year”.  See related article at http://themountaineer.villagesoup.com/lifestyles/story/yarborough-honored-at-statewide-meeting/900019.

The Association sponsored a Legislative Breakfast on June 14, 2012 at the Legislative Building cafeteria in Raleigh.  Twenty one soil and water district supervisors from across the state networked with the 25 or so legislators in attendance.  President Donald Heath talked about the importance of conservation districts and the significance of the 75th anniversary.  Charles Davenport, Chair of the Legislative Committee, covered the top 6 legislative priorities of the Association:  Reinstate the Area 7 Area Coordinator position; fund AgWRAP at $1,000,000 recurring; restore District matching funds to FY2010-2011 levels; restore District supervisor travel to FY2010-2011 levels; continue Clean Water Management Trust Fund appropriations as recurring; and incrementally increase CCAP funding to $2 million.