Zone Training Conference Focuses on Stewardship and Conservation Ethics

By Randy Henry, Public Affairs Specialist

With internal training a focus for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), zone 5 employees in Texas convened at the Somervell County Expo Center on Nov. 16, 2006.

The training was designed to enhance conservation efforts by all zone employees for our customers and maintain leadership in natural resources management. Conference discussions included wildlife habitat management, native forage and supplemental feed for whitetail deer nutrition, prescribed burning, effective conservation planning, plant collecting though pressing and scanning techniques, and learning how to “read” the land.

Dr. Larry Butler, NRCS state conservationist for Texas, said NRCS Texas is looking within the agency to help employees be the best conservationists they can, and to foster strong ethics toward conservation and stewardship for the land.

“Our greatest asset is our technical people, and the many new employees moving up the NRCS ladder,” Dr. Butler said. “It takes a true commitment from our people to do this kind of job because there are more and more landowners every year.”

Rhett Johnson, ranch manager at Rancho Hielo Brazos located in Granbury, Texas, and retired NRCS range conservationist, delivered a message about the dedication it takes to be a conservationist with NRCS and helping customers.

“Working with ranchers and farmers over the years has been what NRCS is all about, and it’s been a great career for me,” Johnson said.

Deborah Clark, rancher from the Birdwell and Clark Ranch in Henrietta, Texas, discussed how she found out about NRCS, and the differences in her ranch operation after using our technical assistance.

“NRCS has the heart, the mission, and the strategic position to make a difference for landowners, while helping landowners to lead the way toward success with their operations,” Clark said.

Other speakers at the conference included Kent Mills, livestock and wildlife nutritionist from Hi-Pro Feeds; Ricky Linex, NRCS wildlife biologist; Tony Baeza, NRCS soil conservationist; Charles Kneuper, NRCS range management specialist; Kim Burr, NRCS soil conservationist, and Gary Franke, NRCS soil conservation technician.

Dr. Larry Butler, NRCS Texas state conservationist, talked at the conference about the importance of NRCS employees and the technical assistance they provide to customers.	NRCS employees assembled at the Somervell County Expo Center on Nov. 16, 2006, for an internal training conference focusing on conservation ethics and stewardship.	Rhett Johnson spoke about his career with NRCS Texas as a range conservationist and the personal satisfaction he gained.

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