August 1, 2008, Signup Deadline for Funds Available for Flood Damaged Conservation Practices

Eric B. Banks, State Conservationist for the NRCS, announced an additional $1.45 million for financial assistance has been made available to Kansas producers who had conservation practices damaged or destroyed by flooding events in Kansas during 2008 that need to be repaired and replaced. "Producers need to act quickly and sign up for financial assistance by the August 1, 2008, deadline," said Banks.

State Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils Annual Meeting and Conserving the Green—Energy Conference

The State Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (SARCDC) will hold its annual meeting in conjunction with the Conserving the Green—Energy Conference according to Colleen Anderson, president of the Flint Hills Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council, Emporia.

Both events will be held at the Courtyard Marriot, Junction City. The SARCDC's annual meeting will be August 3 and 4; energy conference, August 5 and 6.

NRCS Flood and Tornado Damage Assistance May Be Available

"Individuals and communities in portions of Kansas that sustained damages from tornadoes or flooding might be eligible for federal assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program," said Eric B. Banks, State Conservationist, for the NRCS in Kansas.

Fire is the Key Topic at Upcoming Range Schools

"Principles of Rangeland Management - Grass and Animal Ecology in Kansas is a three-day event that will provide in-the-field, hands-on experience for attendees, and a chance to learn first-hand from other ranchers and land management experts," said Tim Christian, state coordinator, Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition, Inc. (KGLC). A primary focus for the schools is the use of prescribed fire as a management tool across the state.