Texas Association of RC&D Areas Annual Conference 2008

Don Gohmert Addresses RC&D Councils

The Texas Association of Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Areas Annual Conference was held in Abilene, April 20-22. Directors and administrative assistants from 22 RC&D councils attended this year’s meeting, hosted by Big Country RC&D.

Texas State Conservationist Don Gohmert, with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), spoke to council members and coordinators during the general session on Monday.

Gohmert said, “RC&D projects are something to be proud of in Texas. We received $2.6 million in total funding for all RC&D areas in the state for 2007, and they have exemplified performance measures with the completion of 276 projects out of the proposed 289.”

Gohmert pointed out the abundance of opportunities RC&D areas have in Texas, emphasizing the strong support landowners and producers have given to the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

“Almost a half-billion dollars was invested across the state, and producers have invested that much or more of their own resources for solving erosion, brush control, rangeland management, wildlife management and other resource concerns,” he said.

Recognizing the importance of RC&Ds and their impact in rural communities, Gohmert asked RC&D directors and their councils to inform landowners of the tremendous impact farm bill programs have had in their state.

He encouraged council members and coordinators to keep area plans up-to-date. He said, “Area plans help you stay current when we have issues that arise and make an impact on the state.”

Gohmert thanked the RC&Ds for their continued work and commitment to rural community development. “Councils have made outstanding achievements by providing a direct impact on individual communities for statewide recognition and success,” he said.

Additionally, he told councils of the opportunities to participate in the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI). “We have a need for helping producers get the best out of their pastureland, rangeland, and in helping the livestock industry through public awareness.”

This year’s theme for the conference was “The New Frontier.” Renewable energy topped the list of topics discussed as each speaker commented on the possibilities surrounding alternative energy.

Texas Department of Agriculture’s Assistant Commissioner Rick Rhoades said, “It’s exciting how alternative energy evolves and grows.” Rhoades elaborated and explained his point of view, saying although development and planning is in some painful stages, alternatives are needed.

Texas RC&D Association President Marva Beck said, “The conference offered excellent networking opportunities and training for directors as they learned about the current issues surrounding community development in rural areas of the state.”

Board directors, RC&D coordinators, NRCS employees and others experienced interactive sessions focused on building rural communities, renewable energy possibilities, certified retirement communities, the carbon market, fire wise safety and more.

“Community leaders from across the state took the opportunity to share ideas and solutions for the issues facing all of our communities,” said Riley Kitchens, Big Country RC&D coordinator and conference organizer.”

The conference was time well spent for the board of directors to become more effective in their role as RC&D advocates.”

During the conference, council members and directors were also treated to presentations by the President of the National Association of RC&D Areas Joan Smith Freeman; Texas Forest Service Mitigation and Prevention Coordinator Justice Jones; Texas Department of Agriculture Specialist Chandra Eggemeyer; West Texas Consortium Executive Director Greg Wortham; Texas AgriLife Extension Service Extension Specialist Eric Taylor; and Texas Forts Trail Region Coordinator Margaret Hoogstra.

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Don Gohmert, Texas NRCS state conservationist, spoke to representatives from 22 Texas RC&D Areas at the MCM Elegante’ hotel in Abilene during the Annual Texas Association of RC&D Area’s Conference.	Rick Rhoades, Texas Department of Agriculture assistant commissioner, spoke to RC&D councils encouraging them to look ahead to the possibilities in renewable energy.
National Association President of RC&D Areas Joan Smith Freeman addresses the Texas councils and directors at the 2008 Texas Association of RC&D Areas Convention in Abilene on issues affecting RC&D councils across the nation.	Claude Ross, state RC&D coordinator; Darren Clark, Four Winds RC&D coordinator; and Riley Kitchens, Big Country RC&D coordinator and convention coordinator; attended the live auction following dinner.
The luncheon featured entertainment from the musical group ‘Revolution,’ made up of students from Cooper High and Abilene High Schools.	Dale Spurgin, Nichole Camacho, and Eddi Darilek conducted registration at the conference along with my other coordinating duties.
The evening social included a program about rattlesnakes by RC&D Council member and Sweetwater Jaycee Tom Henderson. Attendees learned of the safety aspects and the biology of the species.	RC&D Council Directors and administrative staff organized and coordinated an outstanding RC&D conference for 2008. (L to R): Dale Spurgin, Riley Kitchens, Tom Henderson, Robert Posey, Nichole Camacho, Sue Young, B.L. ‘Shug’ Thomas and Charles Hobbs.

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