making conservation work for you soil & w a t e r franklin...

Our mission is to address the voluntary conservation of natural resources for all citizens by providing technical assistance and educational programs

Soil & Water News

Franklin County SWCD & NRCS HonoredReceive National Field Award - Earth Team Volunteer Program Special Recognition

Franklin County Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office in Farmington were honored by receiving the National 2007 Chief’s Field Award.

Maine State Conservationist Joyce Swartzendruber recognized the Farmington Field Office and the Franklin County SWCD with an Earth

Team Volunteer Program Special Recognition Award at FCSWCD’s 60th Annual Meeting on April 11. With over 7,700 hours of volunteer time in the last five years, the Franklin County office has a very suc-cessful program.

Our Invaluable Shrub Volunteers ...

Left over shrubs from the FCSWCD Annual Shrub Sale are still avail-able on a limited basis. Shrubs include high bush cranberries, lilacs, we-gelias, foxglove, rugosa roses, and a few other items. Call 778-4279 for more info.

A total of 176 customers purchased over 2900 plants for a total sale netting over $12,000.00. We have also sold 54 compost bins.

We are ever so greatful to all the wonderful volunteers who devoted almost a week of their time helping us prepare and distribute the trees, shrubs and other plants.

This year, the sale was held Friday in addition to Saturday, giving people extra time to look around and see if they wanted to add to their orders. If you want something special for 2009, let us know.

Over 7,700 hours of volunteer hours logged in the last five years - 1,700 of those were from 29 individuals

in fiscal year 2007

District Activities• Annual Appeal• Annual Auction• Annual Meeting• Compost Bins• Conservation Field Day• Contractor Certification• Envirothon• GPS Trainings• Hall of Flags• Legislative Work• Plum Creek Grant• Poster Contest• Rain Barrels• Trout Program• Shrub Sale• Walmart Garden Shop Opening

... do some really hard work for days on end... helping us make our Annual Shrub Sale such a success!

Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District • June/July 2008 • Issue 2 • Volume XII

Making Conservation Work For You

107 Park St., Farmington, ME Tel: 207-778-4279 www.franklincswcd.org

Mary Ohren-berger, top photo, helps District Man-ager Rosetta Thompson. At right, Clem Begin covers the office when no one else is available.

Soil & Water

Franklin County

Why buy a rain barrel? You’ll save money on your water bill, or if you have a well, you’ll save on your electric bill. Lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40 percent of total household water use during the sum-mer. A rain barrel will save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months. Barrels come in blue, terra cota, brown and gray. Bar-rels are $85 each, plus tax through Aug 30th.

To order, contact, FCSWCD at 207-778-4279 or e-mail us at [email protected].

District Happenings

Rain Barrels Available

Our 60th Annual Meeting

Linton Robinson2007 Logger of the Year

Kathy & Liam Trodden,Conservation Farmer of the Year

2007 Poster Contest Winners

2007 National Field Award

Denis & Sarah Wilk Some of Our Volunteers Honored

• FCSWCD hosted our 60th annual meeting on April 11. Volunteers and poster contest winners were hon-ored. Brad Smith won the door prize, a Made in Maine basket courtesy of FCSWCD, and Henry Hardy won the 50/50 drawing. Guest speakers were John Secker, of Backyard Farms, Madison, and Cheryl Wixson, a lo-cally grown food educator. Kathy and Liam Trodden, of Second Chance Farm and Longfellow Creamery were honored as 2007 Conservation Farmer of the Year, and Linton Robinson was named 2007 Logger of the Year.

• We’ve hosted three GPS Introductory Trainings to date. Each training was full, and we thank Patty Corm-ier, of the Maine Forest Service, and the Small Wood-

lot Owners Association for conducting and sponoring them. If there’s enough interest, we’ll continue the classes. A minimum of 15 must sign up to hold a class. The fee is $20.

• FCSWCD put together a conservation display for the Farmington Wal-Mart Garden Center’s Grand Opening right before Earth Day.

• FCSWCD assisted the Maine Association of Con-servation Districts in updating a new cooperator agree-ment and form, assisted MACD in the implementation of an Envirothon grant, and in the development of a MACD Conservation Award to be unveiled this fall.

• Rosetta was asked to testify and assisted with pass-ing LD 2249, the Lake Water Quality Bill, that among other things requires contractors working in shoreland areas to become certified as of 2013.

• FCSWC attended the planning meeting that en-dorsed the establishment of a Farmers Blue Ribbon Planning Committee in Franklin County to look at transportation and energy issues.

• Verso and Plum Creek each each awarded the Dis-trict a grant for $500, Verso’s towards the purchase of a copier, and Plum Creek for the Envirothon. We extend a huge thank you to both companies for their generos-ity.

• FCSWCD particpated in the MACD Hall of Flags Day at the statehouse in March. Districts from through-

Cont. on pg. 5

Western Regional & Mock Envirothon ... Environmental Learning At Its Best

A Rainy Mock Envirothon in Lisbon April 29

The sun was shining in Wilton for theMay 15 Western Regional Envirothon

The Mock Envi-rothon, pictured at left, in Lisbon on

April 29 gave stu-dents a chance to ask

questions and prepare for Regional Envi-

rothon competitions across the state. Over

50 high school stu-dents participated in

the hands-on environ-mental learning com-petition for teams of

three to five members at Lake View Farm, Wilton on May 15.

Dirigo High School Team 2, placed first,

Jay Team 1, second, and Jay Team 2, third

Winners went onto the MACD State

Envirothon May 29 in Unity. Franklin, Androscoggin and

Oxford SWCDs hosted the events.

Cont. on pg. 5

FCSWCD SupervisorsPamela Harden, ChairL. Herbert York, Vice ChairBruce J. Tracy, SecretaryFred Hardy, TreasurerThayden Farrington, Member

District Personnel778-4279 or778-4767 ext 101 or 104Rosetta Thompson ext. 101District ManagerBJ Bangs, ext. 104Administrative AssistantConnie Tibbetts, ext. 104Accounting AssistantAnju Myodo, ext. 104Marketing Assistant TraineeMary OhrenbergerLong-term Office VolunteerMarcy LibbyLong-term Office Volunteer

If you wish to advertise your business, call us. We accept ads throughout the year. Our best deal is a quarter page in our annual report and a business card sized ad in our newsletter which with each issue reaches over 3,000 people concerned about maintain-ing the quality of their soil and water. Advertising also helps FCSWCD deliver an educational environ-mental information to those same readers.

Call FCSWCD at 778-4279 for advertising rates for our website, as well.

Advertise Your Business

The Franklin County Soil and Water Conserva-tion District is an equal opportunity provider and em-ployer. ———————Donations made to the Franklin County SWCD are used to help offset the costs of the District’s Environ-mental Education-al Programming.

NRCS Personnel778-4767 or 2788Paul Hersey, ext. 105District ConservationistChuck Penney, ext. 106Somerset & Franklin CountyConservation TechnicianBernadette Luncsford, ext 106Oxford & Franklin CountyConservation Technician-----------------------Sally Butler, ext. 108NRCS State Forester

FSA Personnel 778-2788 ext. 100Gary Raymond ext. 102County Executive DirectorTrina Smith ext. 100Program Technician

DR. PATRICK J. KIERANCHIROPRACTOR

KIERAN CHIROPRACTIC, PA

One Depot StreetLivermore Falls, Maine 04254

(207)897-2332fax: (207) 897-3933

Land Donations Sought

We currently have over 350 different maps in stock. Many maps are on sale are $5.25 includ-ing tax (regular price $8.40). Stop by our office for a list of maps on sale. We also have one out- of-print 15” map of Little Bigelow—for $5 and 30X60” maps of Lewiston at half price. Thanks Ea-gle’s Sports Shop for donating many of the maps.

Topo Maps Available

FCSWCD would gratefully appreciate donations of forested land for our educational programs. Your tax-deductible donation will allow us to provide ad-ditional learning opportunities for both students and adults.

If you have land that you would like to generously donate, call FCSWCD at 778-4279.

McClure’sTree Nursery

Trees:

Cedar, Fir, Spruce & Pines;

Ball & Burlap

Ornamentals, Windbreaks

Shrubbery & Christmas Trees

Gift Certificates

Howell & Linda McClure207-265-4931

351 Salem RoadKingfield, ME 04947

Come In & Experience The Franklin Difference

FRANKLIN CHYSLER, INC184 WILTON ROAD

FARMINGTON, MAINE 04938TELEPHONE: 207-778-0500 Toll-Free 800-640-2543

Annette and Wally Backus, Owners

[email protected]

Friends of Consersation

PO BOX 392, 166 MAIN STREETFARMINGTON, MAINE 04938

SCOTT LANDRY, [email protected]

1-888-266-1572(207) 778-5282

Fax (207-778-9453

SHIRETOWNINSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

FCSWCD Has Lots Going On in 2008out Maine had a chance to discuss conservation related issues with their legislators.

• Our Spring Trout program was a tremendous suc-cess. We sold 125 5-6 inch and 318 6-7 inch brook trout; and 58 5-6 inch and 110 6-7 inch rainbow trout.

• We are working with DEP, assisting contractors who do excavation in shoreland zones, to become certified.

• FCSWCD is working on LakeSmart evaluations and awards.

• Conservation Field Day in Carrabassett Valley was a huge success with fifth and sixth graders from north-ern Franklin County attending.

• Work continues on the FCSWCD website, www.franklincswcd.org making it even better. We are now listing our upcoming programs and registration forms online.

Elaine Moceus, the long-standing friendly face at the FSA counter, has recently been promoted from Program Technician (PT) to County Office Trainee (COT).

Trina Smith of Wilton is serving as the new Frank-lin County PT and is thrilled to be working with FSA. She is still putting names together with faces and farms, so feel free to stop in and introduce yourself.

FSA Personnel Changes

Cont. from pg. 2

In early 2008, Franklin County received $424,423 through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Thirty-one (31) new contracts were developed and approved. Contracts approved were:

Agricultural Waste Management 3Cropland – Hay land Erosion Control 1Forestry 11Pasture 2Wildlife 2Comprehensive Nutrient Mgt. Plan 1Development of Forestry Plans 11

USDA Farm Bill Program Update

A forestry workshop titled “Achieving a Vision for Your Forested Lands - Making Your Woodlot Work for You!” will be held on Saturday, July 19th, from 8 am to 4 pm.

This workshop will teach the basics of how to man-age your woodlot and plan for a successful harvest. In addition, you will learn how to identify opportunities for supplemental income from non-timber forest prod-ucts.

There will be a morning discussion on wood harvest-ing with a landowner, forester and logger and an after-

It is not known if Maine and Franklin County will receive any additional EQIP funds this year.

USDA Conservation Security Program (CSP)Recently, 24 agricultural producers in Franklin

County submitted an application for CSP. The lower Kennebec River Watershed was selected as one of the 51 watersheds nationwide. The CSP, part of the 2002 Farm Bill, rewards the best agricultural produc-ers for their stewardship efforts. Applications selected for funding should be known in July. Successful ap-plicants will then sign a contract, and the first payment should be made later this summer.

noon session at the actual harvest site with lots of time to ask questions.

The morning speaker session will be held at the Grange in Farmington. The afternoon field tour will be at the Doug Dunlap property on Holly Road.

The registration fee of $15 is due by July 10th to Threshold to Maine RC&D, 67 Shaker Rd., Gray, ME 04039-9640.

For more information, contact Threshold to Maine Resource Conservation and Development Office at 207-657-3131 or [email protected]

Achieving a Vision for Your Forested Lands

Thanks To Everyone Who Donated to Our Live Auction

Androscoggin BankArdene ProctorCalico PatchCamden National BankDr Kenneth RockwoodDr Roger Allen KayDunphy FlooringFarmington Car WashFarmington ChiropracticFranklin County Ag SocietyHammond LumberHealthquestJonathan Luce, EsquireKen Richards, B.S., L.M.T.

Kennebec Home Brew SuppliesMaine Huts & TrailsMaine Wood TurningMardy Bogar DesignsMark Beauregard NewPageNorth Country FirewoodNortheast ConstructionPoetry in PigmentRocky Hill LandscapingRon RidleySassy ScizzorsSecond Nature TaxidermySignWorks

Silver Valley Farm/Jim & Rick DavisSpruce Mtn. Tree ServiceSugarloaf USAThaydie FarringtonThe Sportsman’s WifeThe Ugly MooseThompson Novelty AcresTitcomb Ski ClubUMF Health & Fitness CenterUpcountry SnowshoesWilliams & Williams Family LawWilson Lake Inn

Aardvark OutfittersAbove Average Massage TherapyAlpine ShopAmanda Dow-SmithAmerigas PropaneAnonymousAthena’sAubuchon HardwareAvon MallBeal’s General StoreBear Hill VarietyBlack Bear GraphicsBlack AcresBlessed Baby BoutiqueBMC DinerBob LesoBoivins Harvest HouseBooks Line & ThinkersBrick Yard Café Bruce & Bobbi TracyCar Quest Carrabassett CoffeeChretian’s GreenhouseClassic GalleryColon DurrellConifers UnlimitedConnie Tibbetts CousineauCurves

Davco, Div of Jackman EquipDave Fuller, Forest FarmDD & Garrett BooksellersDelektoDexter SupplyDouble DDutch TreatE.T. Cash FuelEagle’s SportEarl HardyEcopelagiconEnd of RainbowFamily Optometry - Dr.. DingleyFarmington Med. SupplyFire House VideoForever ClassicFranklin SavingsFranklin Journal Fred & Ruby HardyGifford’sGlen’s Country WoodcraftsGoings ElectricGood Times Unlimited H & R BlockHair WorksHair Designs Unlimited Helen Hobbs

Hight ChevroletHomestead BakeryHorse StuffIrving Faunce & Jan CollinsIrvings’ Big Stop Diner Island FarmJava Joe’s Corner CaféJim PageJim Martin SubaruJoyce DubayJudy Smith - More AcresKarin Reiner, Lic. MTKingfield Wood ProductsLaFleur’sMain Street GarageMaple Hill FarmMarcy LibbyMary Beth MorrisonMickey’s Hallmark Mosher’s SeafoodMotor SupplyMount Blue AgwayMt’n View Chocolate ShoppeMountain GreeneryMt Blue State ParkMt Blue GarageNancy’s GiftsNAPA

O & P GlassOakhurstOlympia SportsOquossoc Bed & BreakfastOtis Credit UnionPam HarndenParis Farmers UnionPike’s U Pick StrawberriesPine Tree CellularPins & Needles R S OsgoodRandy KeechRangeley Family DentistryRivers Edge Sports ShopRiverside GreenhouseRiverside Kwik Shop Roaring BrookRobin’s Flower PotSaddlebackSR & RL RailroadSandy River FarmSearsSecond Chance Farm & Longfellow CreameryShirt TalesSoup For YouStan Keirstead

Sugarwood GallerySunrise View FarmTasteful CreationsTD BankNorth Thai Orchard RestaurantThayden C FarringtonThe Flower BarnThe Stanley Museum The Red OnionThe Boiler RoomThe Granary Brew & PubThe Original IrregularThe Luce StudioThe Oliver StoreTranten’s MarketTwice Sold BooksUp Front & Pleasant GourmetVickie GordonVirginia ParkerW. A. Mitchell Fine FurnitureWest Mount White Water FarmWilhelm Reich MuseumAlyce at Wilton Village Studio Wilton Printed ProductsWoodsman Restaurant

A Huge Thanks to All the Generous Auction Donors

Those Donating Items Valued $100 or More

Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District had a tremendously successful auction on Saturday, March 29 at Mt. Blue Middle School, rasing over $7000. We could not have done this without the generous donations from thee following individuals and businesses. Those who made donations valued at $100 or

more were given free ads on our website. We also want to give a special thanks to Adrien and Jeff Harris who donated their time to be the auctioneers.Door prize winners were Sally Butler, Ruby Hardy and Cindy Harris. The 50-50 raffle winner was Pam Hargraves.

Name: Amount Donated:Street Address:Mailing Address (if different than street address):Town: State: Zip: Phone: Email address:

Please clip out this form and return it with donation to: Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District, 107 Park St., Farmington, ME 04938

f $5 a day or over

We need your support. Your tax-deductible gift to our annual Appeal will benefit future generations. We urge you to consider the largest gift you can. However, we sincerely say that no gift is too small and that all gifts are greatly appreciated. We accept cash, checks and money orders.

Please help us expand our Conservation Education,

LakeSmart & Other Programs

Your gift will make a significant difference and help us to continue:Educational programs such as Environmental/Agricultural Day at the fair which attracts over 1,200 students, teachers and chaperones; Conservation Field Day, and the Mock and Regional EnvirothonsContractor certifications, Lakeside Awards, and gravel road Front Runner-Grader programs that help sustain our natural resourcesPublic programs, adult education and activities such as the popular GPS training classes.Providing educational resources, information or materials about soil and water conservation

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Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District is a not-for-profit organization that is solely reliant upon funding from grants and fundraising. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture generously provides office space, FCSWCD is not a federal or state

agency, and is not funded, as such. The tightening economy has reduced our grant monies, and we must ask for your help. Environmental programs are more important than ever, and we hope your donation will propel our progress forward.

Annual Appeal

f 5¢ a day $18.25 year

f 10¢ a day 36.50 year

f 25¢ a day $91.25 year

f $1 a day $365.00 year

making conservation work for you soil & w a t e r franklin...

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