A Message from the President: Today, many of our districts are being challenged heavily as a result of decreased funding.  A number of districts are reducing staffing and office hours.  While this is a very trying time for so many throughout Ohio, we cannot allow these challenges to overtake us and the opportunities that are out there to positively impact our natural resources. 

I want to encourage each of you to remain strong, unified, and confident in the services that are provided throughout your county and to so many needy constituents!  You  continue to make a difference and are needed to help Ohio’s economy and environment today, as well as for future generations.    

So, it is time to band together, get loud, and take action!  I assure you that the leadership of the OFSWCD and our staff are looking for grant and funding opportunities, as well as talking with legislators, local officials, and friends in an effort to help the situation.  But I also want to stress that we need each of you to help!  We need every supervisor and staff, along with constituents, partners, educators, and others to not only tell our message about how we impact the local economy, education, environment and quality of life...but why our funding is so vitally important to the well being of the state of this Ohio!  After all, in order for “Buckeyes” to grow, soil & water resources must be productive and sustainable!

Schedule a legislative meeting, a local tour, talk to the media.  Take Action!  And if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask your Directors or OFSWCD staff!  We are here for guidance and suggestions!  And — Stay strong!

 What are our options?

SB 155 was introduced by Senators John Carey and Dale Miller.  The legislation would decouple Ohio’s tax receipts and provide additional GRF funding to various programs including Ohio’s SWCDs.  Should the legislation pass, it would provide the necessary 1:1 match to SWCDs.  A hearing could occur in mid-September.  So we need to be prepared to testify in support of additional funding!

In the meantime, meet with legislators and encourage support of SB 155, or  the following options:

Construction & Demolition Debris Fee increase that was initially passed by the Ohio House and supported by the Administration; Additional funding through the Ohio Facilities Establishment Fund, which is funded through Ohio Liquor Profits that was initially passed by the Ohio Senate; 

Or consider  the options outlined in the Parks Study Committee Report offered to the Governor & General Assembly;  or proposals highlighted by the Natural Resources Stakeholders’ group. The OFSWCD would gladly provide this material to any of the members or constituent groups!

Ohio Envirothon Winners Announced: 1st Place: Granville High School of Licking County; 2nd Place: Beavercreek High School of Greene County; 3rd Pace: Chardon High School of Geauga County. Granville High School will be competing in the National Cannon Envirothon August 2-8, 2009! Congratulations to all of our teams and volunteers  for their hard work!

NACD CEO, Krysta Harden, Selected for USDA Assistant Secretary Post  NACD President Steve Robinson, a producer from Marysville, Ohio, today issued the following statement following President Barack Obama’s announcement of NACD Chief Executive Officer Krysta Harden as the Administration’s pick for USDA Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations.

“Last night President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate NACD Chief Executive Officer Krysta Harden as USDA’s Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations. On behalf of the National Association of Conservation Districts, I congratulate Krysta on this new opportunity. We are excited for Krysta and, once confirmed by the U.S. Senate, we have confidence she will serve with distinction in her new post.

            “Krysta’s passion for conservation and public policy has served districts well over the last five years. The Association has grown in many ways under her leadership. She has placed a high priority on maintaining a credible, consistent reputation for conservation districts on Capitol Hill. She emphasized the need to provide necessary valuable resources to our members and the public alike. In all decisions, she took into account the effect on the land, local communities and landowners. Krysta understands the importance of locally-led conservation and has always sought input from the ground level.

“Krysta will lead NACD in the coming weeks until the U.S. Senate holds a confirmation hearing. We have confidence that she will continue to be a champion for conservation and her passion for conservation and sincere love for the land will guide her in her new role.”

Lawrence Burdell, OFSWCD President is Interviewed by Dave Russell with the Brownfield Ag News: Again this year, the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts was recognized as the top state contributing to the NACD. Dave Russell talked with Lawrence about their financial support and about his involvement. Click here to hear the interview with Lawrence Burdell

All Radio Clips

Lawrence Burdell , more to come

OFSWCD Officers, Staff, and Disticts attend the National Association Conservation Districts in New Orleans. Celebrating Ohio's Strong Leadership,  Ohio's fourth National President of the NACD, Steve Robinson was inducted. Click here to see photos from our trip.

Important Downloads

NRCS Program Assistance- Beginning Farmer Fact Sheet

NRCS Program Assistance - Organic Farmers Fact Sheet

NRCS Program Assistance - Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Fact Sheet