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USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - 1995 Application (for FY96) to the Corporation for National Service 6 [1]
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USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - 1995 Application (for FY96) to the Corporation for National Service 6 [1]
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FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Americorps
Series/Staff Member:
General Files
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
24227
FolderID:
Folder Title:
USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - 1995 Application (for FY
96) to the Corporation for National Service 6 [1]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
66
1
5
3
CONGRESSIONAL NEWSLETTERS
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 7
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: St. Peter, Minnesota
Minnesota River Basin (1 RDT/6 PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Jim Jirik
PHONE: (507) 835-4831
COUNTY: Waseca
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Remove 15 miles of litter (old tires, debris, etc.) from the
Blue Earth River and its tributaries, to improve the quality
and esthetics of the river and of the water entering the
Minnesota River.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Junk, old tires, car bodies, etc., will be pulled out of rivers and disposed of properly. Talks
will be provided to various civic, environmental, agricultural groups, schools and other
organizations. News articles will be provided to all news media within the area.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
The activities in the project area will improve water quality, provide for better esthetics, improve
the appreciation for natural resources within the river corridor, and educate the public.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Miles of river cleaned of junk, old tires, car bodies, etc. will be used to determine the impact of
the project I the project area.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Reduced flooding, reduced impact of flooding, and improved water quality will determine the success
of the project. The success will also be measured by the involvement of and the ability to
compliment the local area's on-going Blue Earth river Basin Initiative (BERBI) project.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
The 150, 000 people living in the BERBI project area will either directly or indirectly benefit from
the flood restoration and prevention project. There are millions of people downstream of the
project area who will receive benefits as the Minnesota River flows into the Mississippi River.
927
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 8
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: St. Peter, Minnesota
Minnesota River Basin (1 RDT/6 PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Jim Jirik
PHONE: (507) 835-4831
COUNTY: Waseca
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Enhance 15 miles of habitat for wildlife by creating shelters
from organic debris removed from the river systems.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Organic debris pulled from the rivers will be used to make wildlife shelters adjacent to the river
system. Talks will be provided to various civic, environmental, agricultural groups, schools and
other organizations. News articles will be provided to all news media within the area.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Creation of 15 wildlife shelters, enhanced wildlife cover and increased populations of wildlife.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
The quality of work will be measured by the increased populations of wildlife observed several years
after project completion.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Completion of 15 wildlife shelters. Also, by the local community response to the project and by
improved future wildlife populations. The success will also be measured by the involvement of and
the ability to compliment the local area's on going Blue Earth River Basin Initiative (BERBI)
project.
928
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
The 150,000 people living in the BERBI project area will either directly or indirectly benefit from
the flood restoration and prevention project. There are millions of people downstream of the
project area who will receive benefits as the Minnesota River flows into the Mississippi River.
930
II
)TA
TII
AGE:
A.
e of Project:
River Beautification & Flood Control
B:
of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C.
Type:
PL&E
D.
e of Duty Station:
Minnesota
E.
= of -
Station:
Marshall and Polk
F.
m s C
.es served
Marshall and Polk
G.
= =ic
District:
7
H.
Si
pervisor:
David Rose
I:
:
p.
X numbers:
NRCS
P.O. Box 74
105 S. Division St.
Warren, MN 56762-1409
(218) 745-4351
FAX: (218) 746-6107
f
tiect Dir:
Michael M. Price
in
X numbers:
NRCS
600 Farm Credit Service Bldg
375 Jackson St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
Ph: (612) 290-3677
FAX: (612) 290-3375
L.
0
3 in PL&E: 9
M.
0
3 in RDT: 0
931
RIVER BEAUTIFICATION AND
FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT
USDA- NRCS
David F. Rose
P.O. Box 74, 105 S. Division St.
Warren, MN 56762
(218) 745-4351
932
SUMMARY PAGE
NEEDS TO BE MET:
American Elm trees killed by Dutch Elm disease are now causing flood
damage along the Middle River and Tamarac River in Marshall County, and the
Snake River which flows through both Marshall and Polk County.
The main problem is that the dead trees fall into and then float down
the rivers, creating log jams at certain points along the way; taking on
all the characteristics of a dam. These log jams plug culverts and bridges
causing major damage to the road systems. It also results in overland flow
outside the main channel and causes erosion problems on public and private
property. These problems will continue to increase for many years as more
dead elms decay and fall into the river channels.
Our main objective is to remove the dead elm trees from the river
channels and also those standing dead trees that have the potential to fall
into the river.
We will plant new trees along this work zone to reforest those areas
devastated by the Dutch Elm disease. Shrubs could also be considered for
iver bank stabilization in some sections.
The loss of the elms (floating down stream) in the river systems also
creates a loss of habit for our wildlife. Therefore, we would like to
salvage/utilize these dead trees to create "Cabins for Critters" to enhance
habitat options for the area's wildlife.
There is approximately 170 miles of river in this project area. We
estimate approximately 50% or 85 miles will be where most of the work needs
to be done.
KEY ELEMENTS OF THE SITE DESIGN:
The project team will cooperate with a strategic Project Board. The
Project Board will consist of representatives from each of the partners.
The daily work site supervision will be accomplished by a Rural Development
Corps Member.
THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS:
A team consisting of eight (8) Environmental Corps Members supervised
by one (1) Rural Development Corps Member.
`ESCRIPTION OF ADMINISTERING ORGANIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PRIMARY
ROGRAM PARTNERS:
933
The Natural Resources Conservation Service will be the administering
Organization They will also provide office supplies, equipment
(safety/computers), and coordinate training/education.
The partners are:
1.
The Middle River/Snake River Watershed District will be providing
a minimum of $10,000 in cash for the project.
2.
Marshall County will provide office space, phone, and
transportation.
3.
The Marshall County Soil & Water Conservation District will
provide office supplies, technical assistance for tree planting
phase, and public relations with the media and landowners.
MISSION:
The mission of this project is to assist the residents of Marshall and
Northwest Polk Counties to rehabilitate riparian corridors, enhance
wildlife habitat, improve water quality and insure public safety.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES:
1.
Remove debris (dead elm trees) from the 3 major river systems to
prevent flood damage to private land and public facilities/roads
which will help improve water quality.
Work to be done: Remove debris from the 3 major river systems
with a goal of 25 miles the 1st year.
Result of activities: Reduce potential for flood damage to both
private and public property, thus improving water quality.
Quality: Improve stream flow and reduction of debris in channels.
Success: 70% reduction in log jams at bridges and culverts. 50%
less water erosion on private property located adjacent to river
systems.
Benefiting area: All the residents of Marshall and Northwest Polk
Counties.
2.
Enhance habitat for wildlife by creating "Cabins for Critters"
using the debris removed from the river system.
934
Work to be done: Take debris and make wildlife shelters (Cabins
for Critters) on areas adjacent to the river systems. Goal the
1st year is to do this along the 25 miles of river system that
has had the debris removed.
Result: More shelter for birds/animals.
Quality: Construction will meet wildlife habitat standards from
either the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources or the US Fish/Wildlife Service.
Success: Enhance availability of wildlife cover and therefore
decrease the potential for winter loss in bird and animal
populations by 10%.
Benefiting area: All residents of Marshall and Northwest Polk
Counties.
3.
Plant trees/shrubs in identified areas along the 3 river systems
where Dutch Elm disease has devastate the American Elm trees.
Work to be done: The goal the first year is to plant trees/shrubs
along 25 miles of the river system.
Result: Reforestation of riparian areas along river system.
Quality: Successful establishment of trees/shrubs.
Success: 75% survival rate of newly planted trees/shrubs.
Benefiting area: All residents of Marshall and Northwest Polk
Counties; especially those living along these sections of the
river systems.
COMMUNITY BUILDING OBJECTIVE:
1. Foster an ethic of Community Service.
Activities: Conduct a "Clean-up Day" at each city park in
Marshall County.
Result: 500 additional hours of volunteer service from other
organizations (partners).
935
Measure Quality: Survey the partners and cities involved
Standard of Success: 500 additional hours of volunteer service
met or exceeded; 100% of cities were satisfied with the service
provided.
PARTICIPANT DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE:
1.
Create an environment for members to have a positive learning
experience.
Activities: Training in team building, safety methods, 1st aid,
public speaking and value of diversity.
Result: AmeriCorps members learn and understand the value of
working together as a team; create an awareness on the importance
of safety, no matter what type of activity; learn to administer
basic 1st aid and CPR methods; members experience the necessity
of clear communication with individuals, groups and organizations
in carrying out their project objectives; members accept others
for what they are and utilize the strengths to complete their
projects.
Measure Quality: Successful completion of training courses,
ability to work together as 1 group.
Standard of Success: Accident-free work sites; favorable comments
from partners on actions of members; retention of 100% of members
in program.
A.
NARRATIVE
Needs
American Elm trees killed by Dutch Elm disease are now causing
flood damage along the Middle River and Tamarac River in Marshall
County, and the Snake River which flows through both Marshall and Polk
County.
The main problem is that the dead trees fall into and then float
down the rivers, creating log jams at certain points along the way,
taking on all the characteristics of a dam. These log jams plug
936
culverts and bridges causing major damage to the road systems. It also
results in overland flow outside the main channel and causes erosion
problems on public and private property. These problems will continue
to increase for many years as more dead elms decay and fall into the
river channels.
Our main objective is to remove the dead elm trees from the river
channels and also those standing dead trees that have the potential to
fall into the river.
We will plant new trees along this work zone to reforest those
areas devastated by the Dutch Elm disease. Shrubs could also be
considered for river bank stabilization in some sections.
The loss of the elms (floating down stream) in the river systems
also creates a loss of habit for our wildlife. Therefore, we would
like to salvage/utilize these dead trees to create "Cabins for
Critters" to enhance habitat options for the area's wildlife.
There is approximately 170 miles of river in this project area.
We estimate approximately 50% or 85 miles will be where most of the
work needs to be done.
Process
The Marshall County Soil & Water Conservation District, the
Middle River/Snake River Watershed District, Marshall County and the
Natural Resources Conservation Service all assisted in identifying
this need. After the flood in 1993, local residents requested help
from the Watershed District. An inventory was completed by the above
organizations to identify problems and possible solutions.
A Project Board will be formed that includes a representative
from each of the following organizations to provide project direction
and support:
1. The Middle River/Snake River Watershed District will take the
lead role in this project by identifying the location of the
project work sites. They will also be providing a minimum of
$10,000 in cash for the project.
937
2. Marshall County will provide office space, phone (s), and
transportation.
3.
The Marshall County Soil & Water Conservation District will
provide office supplies, technical assistance for the tree
planting phase, secure funding for cost of trees to be planted,
and public relations with the media and landowners.
4.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide program
administration, office supplies, equipment (safety/computers),
and coordinate training/education.
B.
DESIGN
Concept
A team consisting of eight Environmental Corps Members supervised
by one Rural Development Corps Member headquartered in Warren,
Minnesota (county seat for Marshall County). This team will get their
direction from the Project Board.
Service Activities - (typical day)
Meet at the office at 8 a.m.. Go to a selected site utilizing proper
equipment to remove dead trees from the river channel. Most of the debris
removal will be done during the winter months (November-March). Members
will be using chain and hand saws to cut trees and then manually
hauling/dragging this debris to adjacent areas. Mechanized equipment may
also be utilized. During the summer months (April-October) members will do
some debris removal, along with creating the "Cabins for Critters"
(arranging and stacking debris in different types of piles) wildlife
habitat. The tree planting will be done in may or October.
Members will be bringing bag lunches and will receive morning and
afternoon breaks. They will return back to their home site around 5 p.m.
A member from the Project Board will stop by at certain intervals to see if
the members require anything.
Participant Training and Support
The Natural Resources Conservation Service will take the lead role to
dentify and schedule any training (safety, first aid, CPR, defensive
driving, AIDS, cultural awareness) that members will receive. The Project
938
ard will provide input on prioritizing timing of training, along with
ember input.
We plan to utilize local organizations, agencies, and individuals to
conduct this training whenever possible. We also plan to hold weekly
meetings with members of the team, supervisors, and representatives of the
Project Board.
Participant Placement and Supervision
Members will be placed on one team. They will all be working together
in the same area. A Rural Development Member will be the work-site
supervisor.
Evaluation/Quality
The Project Board and team members will jointly evaluate and monitor
work programs for both quantity and quality. They will work together to
set monthly goals and standards.
vivic Activities
All towns/communities are located along the 3 major river systems in
Marshall County. The monthly community service activity will include doing
a project (related to environment) so each town will benefit from a
specific group activity by the member sometime during the year.
Recruitment
We will contact schools, colleges, technical schools, and universities
in our region for applicants. A cover letter, along with a fact sheet and
the application form will be sent to the above contacts. Follow-ups will
be made by phone or personal visits. We will also use the media (radio and
newspapers) for news releases and ads.
Applicants obtained from the National 1-800 AmeriCorps Hotline will
also be considered.
Every effort will be made to have a diverse group of AmeriCorps
members for this project; including both gender and ethnic background.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 9
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Warren, Minnesota
River Beautification & Flood Control (1 - RDT/8 PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: David Rose
PHONE: (218) 746-6107 COUNTY: Marshall & Polk
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Remove debris from the 3 major river systems to prevent flood
damage to private land & public facilities/roads which will
help improve water quality.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Remove debris from the 3 major river systems with a goal of 25 miles the 1st year.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Reduce potential for flood damage to both private and public property, thus improving water quality.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Improve stream flow and reduction of debris in channels.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
70% reduction in log jams at bridges and culverts. 50% less water erosion on private property
located adjacent to river systems.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All the residents of Marshall and Northwest Polk counties.
939
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 10
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Warren, Minnesota
River Beautification & Flood Control (1 - RDT/8 PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: David Rose
PHONE: (218) 746-6107 COUNTY: Marshall & Polk
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Enhance habitat for wildlife by creating "Cabins for
Critters" using the debris removed from the river system.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Take debris and make wildlife shelters (Cabins for Critters) on areas adjacent to the river systems.
Goal the 1st year is to do this along the 25 miles of river system that has had the debris removed.
A minimum of 20 wildlife shelters will be constructed.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
More shelter for birds and animals.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Construction will meet wildlife habitat standards from either the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, the Minnesota Department of natural Resources or the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Success will be gauged by the local community response to the project and by improved future
wildlife populations. Evaluations will be made during the winter to determine wildlife use and to
predict increased survival rates. Enhance availability of wildlife cover and therefore decrease the
potential for winter loss in bird and animal populations by 10%.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All residents of Marshall and Northwest Polk counties.
940
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 11
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Warren, Minnesota
River Beautification & Flood Control (1 - RDT/8 PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: David Rose
PHONE: (218) 746-6107
COUNTY: Marshall & Polk
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Plant trees/shrubs in identified areas along the 3 river
systems where Dutch Elm disease has devastated the American
Elm trees.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
The goal of the 1st year is to plant 5,000 trees/shrubs along 25 miles of the river system.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Reforestation of riparian areas along river system.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Successful establishment of trees/shrubs.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
75% survival rate of newly planted trees/shrubs.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All residents of Marshall and Northwest Polk counties; especially those living along these sections
of the river systems.
TITLE PAGE
942
A) Title of Project:
Tourism Promotion
B) Name of Organization:
USDA, NRCS
C) Team Type:
RDT
D) State of Duty Station:
Mississippi
E) County of Duty Station:
Forrest
F) Names of counties served:
Smith, Jasper, Clarke, Covington, Jones, Wayne,
Greene, Perry, Forrest, Lamar, Stone, George, Jackson, Harrison, Hancock
G) Congressional District:
5
H) Name of site supervisor:
Jeannine May
I) Address, Phone and FAX No.: Room 323, Colmer Fed. Building
701 N. Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Ph: (601) 545-2753
FAX (601) 583-2424
J) Name of St Project Director:
Reginald Spears
K) Address, Phone and FAX No.: Suite 1321, McCoy Federal Bldg.
100 West Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39269-1399
Ph: (601) 965-4335
FAX: (601) 965-5178
L) Number of Members in PL&E: 0
M) Number of Members is RDT:
1
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PAGE. 002
943
Tourism - P.1
TEMPLATE FOR RENEWAL FY96 NRCS AMERICORPS APPLICATIONS (PRIVATE)
For each site, we need the following information on this disk in DOS
and in a hard copy, doubled spaced. The file should use ONLY font and
INDENT not TABs should be used to indent text. You may have more than
one sita per diskette but please make each site a separate file:
1. TITLE PAGE:
(A) Title of Project: Tourism Promotion
(B) Name of Organisation: Southeast MS RCED Council
(c) Team Type (PL&P or RDT, or combined): RDT
(D) state of Duty station of Americorps Members: MS
(E) County of Duty Station of Americorps Members: Forrest
(F) Names of counties served by Members (up to 15 counties):
Jasper, Covington, Marion, Jackson, Harrison, Forrest,
Hancock, Jones, Greene, George, Perry, Pearl River,
Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Clarke, Raleigh, Wayne and Stone.
(G) Congressional District of duty station of the Members: Fifth
(H) Name of site supervisor (at the local or county level):
Jeannine B. May
(I) Address, phone number, and fax number of site supervisor:
Wm. Colmer Bldg., Suite 315, 701 N. Main Street,
Hattiesburg, MS 39401-3497
Telephone number: (601) 545-2753
Fax number: (601) 583-2424
(J) Name of state project manager: Reginald M. Spears
(X) Address, phone number, and fax number of state project
manager:
Dr. A. H. McCoy. Bldg., Suite 1321, 100 West Capitol St.
Jackson, MS 39269-1399
Telephone number: (601) 965-4335
Fax number: (601) 965-4940
(L) Number of Members in Public Lands and Environment Teams: 0
(X) Number of members in Rural Development Teams: I
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Tourism P.
944
:- SUMMARY PAGE - on one page provide an overview of:
A) Exactly what specific accomplishments were achieved in the first
half a year of the project in meeting the community service objectives
and boosting the personal development of the Members.
The primary/initial visits to the different counties has been very
productive. The response from the various groups and individuals that
I have met with has been outstanding. The persons in the area have a
good idea of the impact that tourism could have of their county, and
are more than willing to assist in the effort. others have the
impression that our goal is to create urban tourism rather than
promote rural tourism. This misunderstanding is usually cleared up in
no time and the townspeople then become very excited to show and tell
some of the interesting, historic and even unusual aspects of their
county.
The bimonthly newsletter is in the development stage and no
complications are foreseen. We have had very good feedback concerning
this newsletter and the networking possibilities that are there for
all members.
Feedback on the upcoming conference has been very good as we have had
many volunteers to help with the organization and development of such
a conference.
I feel that the organization of SMTA has helped the smaller
communities see that, even though they do not have a theme park or
casino, they still have a great many attractions to offer visitors.
The idea of the inventory, just the idea, starts to spin the wheels in
the minds of the people as to what they have that someone from a large
metropolitan area has never seen before. Better yet, what that person
has not seen in may years and would dearly love to see again and
especially show it to their children. SMTA is an opportunity for the
smaller towns and communities to realize that they have things very
important to offer, things like history, hospitality, and nostalgia
that they will not have to sell their souls to have, it is in their
own backyards. Another benefit of SMTA is the awareness that is being
created among the locals of this 18 county area. Most of the people
that live here have no concept of the variety of attractions that they
have in their own backyards. Our organization and the publicity that
we are receiving concerning all there is to do and see in southeast
Mississippi, even thus far and through word of mouth, has been an eye-
opening experience for the residents.
04/25/95
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PAGE. 004
945
Tourism. .p.3 P.
B) The key elements of the program design for next year.
Specifically describe each new service project to be
performed by the Members. Describe any major changes in
management structure or partner organizations.
The goals for next year follow the stated objectives. The
Southeast Mississippi Tourism Association (SMTA) will
continue to build the liaisons that we have been working on
within the eighteen counties. with these counties working
together, we will be in a position to better develop and
promote our tourism resources, continue to apply for state
matching grants, and work collectively for the betterment of
the area.
During the course of the next year, we will develop a
minimum of four regional tourism routes. Each of these
routes will be focused on a different resource indigenous to
the area. we will further our work on hospitality training
for front line personnel in the area. We are consistently
receiving reports on what to focus on in a hospitality
training course and what to avoid. Trade shows are an
important aspect of this industry and we will represent SMTA
at certain shows with a promotional booth. This booth is a
goal that is to be in place within the coming year. The
trade shows to be attended will be decided on by our
Executive Committee possibly with assistance from the Board
of Supervisors. We also have set a goal to locate and
utilize alternative sources of funding in the next year.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Hattiesburg, MS
SITE SUPERVISOR: Jeannine May
COUNTY:
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Promote local tourism.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Develop an inventory of the tourism attractions in the southeast Mississippi region;
develop a regional brochure, coordinate a regional tourism conference.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Promote tourism in rural and other areas of southeast Mississippi and to stimulate the
exchange of ideas of historic, cultural and scenic interest that will attract people to
this region. To enhance recreation for the local people.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Local attractions will be summarized and a regional plan for tourism will be written and
evaluated by the sponsoring organizations. Evaluations of the conference will be used to
measure the impact.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
18 counties will be summarized for tourism attractions. Conference will be attended and
evaluated by representatives from each of the 18 regions.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Estimated 2,000 people.
946
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Hattiesburg, MS
SITE SUPERVISOR: Jeannine May
COUNTY:
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Promote local tourism.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Establish cooperative partnerships with tourism related agencies and businesses in
Southeast Mississippi. Develop regional tour routes and materials. Organize a committee
to identify and report on regional marketing trends, produce and display a promotional
booth and research and identify sources of support.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Coordination of tourism among agencies, organizations and business. Promote tourism in
rural and other areas of southeast Mississippi and to stimulate the exchange of ideas of
historic, cultural and scenic interest that will attract people to this region. To
enhance recreation for the local people.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Tour routes and materials will be evaluated and accepted for use.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
4 regional tour routes will be established.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Estimated 2,000 people.
947
948
MISSISSIPPI
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Rural Fire Protection
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
NRCS
C. Team Type:
RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
Mississippi
E. County of Duty Station:
Linclon
F. Names of counties served
Franklin, Jefferson, Jeff Davis,
Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Pearl
River, Pike, Walthall, &
Wilkinson
G. Congressional District:
4
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Bennie Huthins
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
747 Industrial Park RD, NE
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Ph: 601-833-5539
FAX: 601-835-0054
J: Name of State Project Director:
Reginald Spears
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
Federal Bldg
Jackson, MS 39269
Ph: 601-965-4330
FAX: 601-965-4940
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M. Number of Members in RDT:
2
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003/008
949
RENEWAL APPLICATION FY 1996
Mississippi Cluster #3 NRCS
Cluster Site: Brookhaven
Work Site: Brookhaven (Area Office)
Rural Fire Protection
A
Exactly what specific accomplishments were achieved in the first half a year of the
project in meeting the community service objectives and boosting the personal
development of the Members.
Using $10,500 in grant funds donated for this project, over 50,000 conservation
education booklets were purchased from Soil and Water Conservation Society
(SWCS) and distributed to over 200 elementary schools across the state of
Mississippi. The response has been overwhelming, with requests being received
for approximately 4 million booklets! Dawn Speights- Greeniee has worked as a
team with the other four AmeriCorps members to assist them in preparing and
distributing 8 news releases to 26 newspapers in 13 counties, setting up computer
data bases and files on all projects, and preparing and distributing thousands of
pieces of direct mail on AmeriCorps projects, activities and meetings.
This AmeriCorps work has developed Dawn's abilities and skills in business
technology and public relations.
B.
The key elements of the program design for next year. Specifically describe each
new service project to be performed by the Members. Describe any major changes
in management structure or partner organizations.
Key elements of this project of 1996 in addition to providing team assistance to the
other four AmeriCorps members will include at least 75% of the members time
being devoted to the Rural Fire Protection project along with the other
AmeriCorps member at Brookhaven field office work site (Gail Clark on Adopt-
A-Stream). Both will be providing direct assistance to volunteer teams in selected
counties (selected by need and interest) in identifying aiternative water sources for
rural fire protection and in collecting data needed to allow technical certification of
these sources (topographic data, watershed size, pond size, distance to access
roads, fire stations, etc.) This will involve extensive riding rural roads with
geological survey maps. Assistance will also be provided in identifying landowners
and making necessary contacts to collect information needed by local fire
protection officials in preparing easements for use of private ponds.
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950
RENEWAL APPLICATION FY 1996
Mississippi Cluster #3 NRCS
Cluster Site: Brookhaven
Work Site: Liberty
Rural Fire Protection
A.
Exactly what specific accomplishments were achieved in the first half a year of the
project in meeting the community service objectives and boosting the personal
development of the Members.
An initial "kickoff" meeting was attended by 42 fire protection and community
leaders from 11 of the 13 counties. Interest in the proposed AmeriCorps directed
project was very high. RC&D Council obtained a $3,000 US Forest Service Rural
Development grant to help with the project expenses. To date funds have been
used ($580) to purchase USGS topographic maps for complete double coverage
for all 13 counties participating. Working group meetings have been held in 10 of
the 13 counties with over 200 volunteers, and fire protection and community
leaders participating. Meetings were scheduled, organized and directed by
AmeriCorps member Canetti O'Brien. She also prepared all maps for the work
sessions.
B. The key elements of the program design for next year. Specifically
describe each new service project to be performed by the Members.
Describe any major changes in management structure or partner
organizations.
Program activities in 1996 will contain as now. More direct assistance will be
provided to selected counties by Canetti and by additional assistance from Dawn
Speights-Greenlee (Brookhaven AO) and Gail Clark (Brookhaven FO).
Assistance will be provided in preparation of a sample landowner easement and in
determining access needs to selected sites. Data will also be collected as needed to
certify potential sites.
Due to the grant response from this project, we are transferring (following national
office approval, of course!) the responsibilities of the Brookhaven (Area Office)
Work Site AmeriCorp member (Dawn Speights-Greenlee) to Rural Fire Protection
with the same objectives as the original Rural Fire Protection project as established
in FY-95. She will continue to be located in Brookhaven Area Office.
{PRIVATE }
CLUSTER: #3
GRANTEE: USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service
(formerly the Soil Conservation Service)
SITE: Liberty, Mississippi
{PRIVATE FISCAL YEAR 1996 - PROPOSED
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE COMMUNITY BUILDING OBJECTIVES
A tool for creating or revising community building objectives.
Use one worksheet for each objective.
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Rural Fire Protection
{PRIVATE }
{PRIVATE ) 1) What work will be done?
Continue to work with local sponsors in identifying potential alternative water sources. Assist in collecting data for certifying sources. Provide assistance where needed
in obtaining landowner easements.
{PRIVATE )
{PRIVATE 12) What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Activities should result in 75 percent of all residences having an approved water supply for fire fighting within 3 miles, covering 75 percent of the 13-project counties.
{PRIVATE }
{PRIVATE 13) How will you measure the quality of your work?
Potential sites will be monitored on computer to regularly evaluate their status as to certification, easements, access and final approval.
{PRIVATE )
{PRIVATE 14) By what standard will you gauge success?
100 percent of selected sources must meet NRCS and State Fire Academy Standards. All easements must be reviewed by an attorney and recorded as a legal document
{PRIVATE )
{PRIVATE )5) How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work of your Members?
An estimated 8,000 homes will benefit from available water supply for rural fire protection.
TITLE PAGE
952
A) Title of Project:
Livestock Waste Management
B) Name of Organization:
USDA, NRCS
C) Team Type:
RDT
D) State of Duty Station:
Mississippi
E) County of Duty Station:
Lawrence
F) Names of counties served:
Copiah, Lincoln, Marion, Pike, Adams, Jefferson,
Lawrence, Pearl River, Amite, Franklin, Jeff Davis, Walthall, Wilkinson
G) Congressional District:
4
H) Name of site supervisor:
Bennie Hutchins
I) Address, Phone and FAX No.: 747 Industrial Park Rd., NE
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Ph: (601) 833-5539
FAX (601) 835-0054
J) Name of St Project Director:
Reginald Spears
K) Address, Phone and FAX No.: Suite 1321, McCoy Federal Bldg.
100 West Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39269-1399
Ph: (601) 965-4335
FAX: (601) 965-5
L) Number of Members in PL&E: 0
M) Number of Members is RDT:
2
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V.
005/006
953
RENEWAL APPLICATION FY 1996
Mississippi Cluster #3 NRCS
Cluster Site: Brookhaven
Work Site: Monticello
Livestock Waste Management
A
Exactly what specific accomplishments were achieved in the first half a year of the
project in meeting the community service objectives and boosting the personal
development of the Members.
Seven animal waste lagoons have been pumped put and the nutrients applied to
cropland and grassland according to an approved livestock waste application and
management plan. Eleven farmers are on the waiting list. One field day was held
with 50 in attendence and coverage provided by a Jackson television station. Six
programs on water quality and animal management was presented to schools,
mostly agriculture students. Member is currently coordinating efforts with
Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service to promote, organize, and conduct
environmental assessments on self-evaluations on homesteads and farms in selected
watersheds using MCES's Farm-A-Syst and Home-A-Syst programs, 4-H's "Give
Water A Hand" program and our own environmental assessment checklist
developed by AmeriCorps member. Through numerous news releases, direct
mailouts, and the field day, area farmers are now aware of the above services being
offered.
Barbara Adams, AmeriCorps member has developed skills in working with people
and groups and accumulated valuable technical skills and practical knowledge to
strengthen her agriculture and biological education.
B.
The key elements of the program design for next year. Specifically describe each
new service project to be performed by the Members. Describe any major changes
in management structure or partner organizations.
Key elements of the 1996 program will include a continuation of all the activities
described above plus closer coordination with the Adopt-A-Stream and Adopt-A-
Watershed programs being coordinated by another AmeriCorps member
(Brookhaven field office work site - Gail Clark). There are over 100 animal waste
lagoons in the RC&D Area that need this "renewing" treatment. Established
partnerships with Extension Service, schools (Esp. Vo-Ag and Agri-Science
teachers), and Conservation Districts will be continued and strengthened.
TITLE PAGE{PRIVATE}
954
A) Title of Project:
Water Quality Improvement Project
B) Name of Organization:
USDA, NRCS
C) Team Type:
RDT
D) State of Duty Station:
Mississippi
E) County of Duty Station:
Union
F) Names of counties served:
Benton, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola,
Pontotoc, Tate, Tippah
G) Congressional District:
1
H) Name of site supervisor:
William A. Hannaford
I) Address, Phone and FAX No.: 816 Hwy. 348 East
New Albany, MS
Ph: (601) 534-7651
FAX (601) 534-3242
J)
Name of St Project Director:
Reginald Spears
K) Address, Phone and FAX No.: Suite 1321, McCoy Federal Bldg.
100 West Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39269-1399
Ph: (601) 965-4335
FAX: (601) 965-5178
L) Number of Members in PL&E: 0
M) Number of Members is RDT:
1
TITLE PAGE
955
A) Title of Project:
Adopt-A-Stream
B) Name of Organization:
USDA, NRCS
C) Team Type:
RDT
D) State of Duty Station:
Mississippi
E) County of Duty Station:
Lincoln
F) Names of counties served:
Copiah, Lincoln, Marion, Pike, Adams, Jefferson,
Lawrence, Pearl River, Amite, Franklin, Jeff Davis, Walthall, Wilkinson
G) Congressional District:
4
H) Name of site supervisor:
Bennie Hutchins
I) Address, Phone and FAX No.: 747 Industrial Park Rd., NE
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Ph: (601) 833-5539
FAX (601) 835-0054
J)
Name of St Project Director:
Reginald Spears
K) Address, Phone and FAX No.: Suite 1321, McCoy Federal Bldg.
100 West Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39269-1399
Ph: (601) 965-4335
FAX: (601) 965-5178
L) Number of Members in PL&E: 0
M) Number of Members is RDT:
2
SCS AREA 7
1
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954
RENEWAL APPLICATION FY 1996
Mississippi Cluster #3 NRCS
Cluster Site: Brookhaven
Work Site: Brookhaven (Field Office)
Adopt-A-Stream
A.
Exactly what specific accomplishments were achieved in the first half a year of the
project in meeting the community service objectives and boosting the personal
development of the Members.
Two news releases distributed to all newspapers in 13 counties, four programs
with local schools, one field day with television coverage, and hundreds of direct
mailouts have increased the awareness of water quality concerns and especially the
Adopt-A-Stream program. Four volunteers were recruited to attend an intensive
3-day workshop, along with AmeriCorps members Barbara Adams, and Gail
Clark, to prepare them to become stream monitors with a 3-year commitment to
conduct tests and collect data on adopted streams. Six streams have now been
adopted for monitoring and/or stream cleanup projects. Six volunteers are
scheduled to attend a July workshop.
B.
The key elements of the program design for next year. Specifically describe each
new service project to be performed by the Members. Describe any major changes
in management structure or partner organizations.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts in 13 counties are in the process of adopting
small watersheds with intensive agricultural or silvicultural operations. Gail Clark,
AmeriCorps member, will coordinate activities that will include individual farm and
homestead environmental assessments, land use evaluations, and organization of
community action teams in addition to water quality monitoring. Volunteers will
continue to be solicited for Adopt-A-Stream workshops and subsequent stream
monitoring. Partners include Miss. Wildlife Federation, Miss. Dept. of
Environmental Quality, Miss. Coop Extension Service, Conservation Districts, 4-H
Clubs, Scouts, and Vo-Ag classes. Mississippi Power and Light Co. recently
approved a $500 matching grant to help cover expenses. SW Miss RC&D, Inc.
will provide match funds. Gail will also assist with the Rural Fire Protection
project in 1996.
{PRIVATE
CLUSTER: #3
GRANTEE: USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service
(formerly the Soil Conservation Service)
SITE: Brookhaven, Mississippi
{PRIVATE FISCAL YEAR 1996 - PROPOSED
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE COMMUNITY BUILDING OBJECTIVES
A tool for creating or revising community building objectives.
Use one worksheet for each objective.
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Adopt-A-Stream Project
(PRIVATE)
{PRIVATE 1) What work will be done?
Continue to coordinate the promoting and solicitation of monitors (volunteers) to adopt stream sections for cleanup and environmental monitoring in cooperation with
Mississippi Wildlife Federation's Adopt-A-Stream program. Work with local sponsoring groups in an Adopt-A-Watershed program to promote local pride and action in
addressing water quality and natural resource related problems within small watersheds throughout the 13-county area.
{PRIVATE }
{PRIVATE 12) What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
The establishment of a water quality database to monitor changes caused by point and nonpoint pollution. The promotion and acceptance of ecosystem based
management or management by watersheds to instill community action through peer pressure and community pride without the need for local ordinances or bad-actor
laws.
{PRIVATE}
{PRIVATE 13) How will you measure the quality of your work?
Tests must maintain quality control procedures and must be conducted on specified schedule.
(PRIVATE)
{PRIVATE 14) By what standard will you gauge success?
By number of volunteers recruited (goal-50), number miles stream adopted (goal-100). by number monitoring points established (goal-30), and by number of targeted
streams involved and by number of small watersheds accepted.
(PRIVATE)
{PRIVATE )5) How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work of your Members?
4,000 landowners and recreational users in a 13-county area
957
TITLE PAGE
A) Title of Project:
958
Economic Development through Forestry
B) Name of Organization:
USDA, NRCS
C) Team Type:
RDT
D) State of Duty Station:
Mississippi
E) County of Duty Station:
Pike
F) Names of counties served:
Copiah, Lincoln, Marion, Pike, Adams, Jefferson,
Lawrence, Pearl River, Amite, Franklin, Jeff Davis, Walthall, Wilkinson
G) Congressional District:
4
H) Name of site supervisor:
Bennie Hutchins
I) Address, Phone and FAX No.: 747 Industrial Park Rd., NE
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Ph: (601) 833-5539
FAX (601) 835-0054
J) Name of St Project Director:
Reginald Spears
K) Address, Phone and FAX No.: Suite 1321, McCoy Federal Bldg.
100 West Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39269-1399
Ph: (601) 965-4335
FAX: (601) 965-5178
L) Number of Members in PL&E: 0
M) Number of Members is RDT:
2
SCS
9/60/90
00.00
959
RENEWAL APPLICATION FY 1996
Mississippi Cluster #3 NRCS
Cluster Site: Brookhaven
Work Site: Magnolia
Economic Development Through Forestry Products
A.
Exactly what specific accomplishments were achieved in the first half a year of the
project in meeting the community service objectives and boosting the personal
development of the Members.
AmeriCorps member Frank Oakes has made dozens of personal contacts with key
community and economic development leaders promoting our Forest Products
Promotion project. Also presented 10 Civic Club programs. Held organizational
meeting with Southwest Mississippi Woodworkers' Association (attendance-40).
This organization will assist and encourage entrepreneurs in the development of
small woodworking enterprises by providing information, guidance, and support
on sources of technical and financial assistance available as needed.
Frank has also organized support for a RC&D-sponsored project to develop a
Wood Products Technology Center in Southwest Mississippi with trifold furniture
of vocational-technical training, technology transfer to new and existing
businesses, and incubation services to new enterprises. The response from his
efforts has been very encouraging, including a scheduled visit by the Governor of
Mississippi today (4-25-95). He has organized to fact-finding trip for a busload
(40-50) of economic and development leaders to operations in Alabama and north
Mississippi scheduled for May 2-3.
He is continuing to work on a project to develop a local (13-county) incentive
program to encourage tree-planted acres in expiring CRP contracts to remain in
trees. The 100,000 acres in our 13-county area will be a valuable future raw
materials sources.
B.
The key elements of the program design for next year. Specifically describe each
new service project to be performed by the Members. Describe any major changes
in management structure or partner organizations.
Efforts and activities on this project will continue in the same direction in FY-96.
Response of key leadership and results to date have been too encouraging to
require any changes, just need more help!
{PRIVATE
CLUSTER: #3
GRANTEE: USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service
(formerly the Soil Conservation Service)
SITE: Magnolia, Mississippi
{PRIVATE FISCAL YEAR 1996 - PROPOSED
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE COMMUNITY BUILDING OBJECTIVES
A tool for creating or revising community building objectives.
Use one worksheet for each objective.
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Economic Development Through Forestry Project
{PRIVATE
{PRIVATE 1) What work will be done?
Coordinating activities to promote secondary forest products development in the 13 project counties.
Assisting the newly organized Woodworkers Association in conducting training workshops on production, marketing, technical assistance, etc.
Continue activities and contacts toward developing and operating a local incentive program to encourage landowners to maintain expiring CRP contracts in trees.
{PRIVATE 1
{PRIVATE 12) What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
6 secondary wood products enterprises started or expanded
4 meetings and 3 technical seminars conducted by Woodworkers Association.
95 percent of expiring CRP contracts signed up to participate in incentive program.
{PRIVATE 1
{PRIVATE 13) How will you measure the quality of your work?
Quality of assistance will be measured by evaluation of success of enterprises assisted, as well as number and size of enterprises assisted. Also quality of CRP project
will be measured by the degree of participation by landowners
{PRIVATE }
{PRIVATE 14) By what standard will you gauge success?
Success will be measured by number of enterprises assisted, number of members active in Association, and number of acres signed up for extended incentive program.
{PRIVATE }
{PRIVATE )5) How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work of your Members?
300 landowners and 13 enterprises
096
96/
Title:
Mid-Missouri Farm-A-Syst and Water Quality Project
Organization
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service - Missouri
Team Type:
Rural Development Team (RDT)
State of Duty Station:
Missouri
County of Duty Station:
Boone
Counties served:
Boone, Callaway, Audrain, Howard & Cooper
Site Supervisor:
Robert Broz (4 members)
Site Supervisor address:
205 Ag. Eng Bldg, University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
Ph: (314) 882-0085 FAX: (314) 884-5650
Site Supervisor:
Ross Braun (1 member)
Site Supervisor address:
USDA - NRCS, Parkade Center #250
601 Bux. Loop 70 West
Columbia, MO 65203
Ph: (314) 876-0912 FAX: (314) 876-091
Project Director:
Ross Braun
Project Director Address:
USDA - NRCS, Parkade Center #250
601 Bus. Loop 70 West
Columbia, MO 65203
Ph: (314) 876-0912 FAX: (314) 876-0913
Number in Team
5
962
SUMMARY
Needs:
Water quality, both surface and subsurface, is a
major concern of the public. The Missouri Department of Natural
Resources has identified several potential sources of surface and
ground water pollution from farmsteads. Potential pollutants
include pesticides, fertilizer, petroleum products, human and
animal waste and other household and farm materials that pose a
risk to water quality. Potential sources of pollution include
storage facilities in homes and outbuildings, handling
procedures, actual use of materials and disposal procedures and
locations. Pollution risk is high at abandoned and working wells
and surface conditions such as waterways, drainage ditches and
road ditches. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and
public water supply agencies and companies have expressed an
interest to identify well sites within their jurisdiction.
Design:
AmeriCorps members will conduct a water quality
information campaign, conduct Farm-A-Syst short courses, give
presentations to student and adult organizations and assist
individual rural residents to evaluate water quality concerns on
farmsteads and provide guidance to reduce water pollution risks
through protection measures and emergency plans. They will work
in five counties in Mid-Missouri.
Participants: 5 AmeriCorps members with natural resource
management backgrounds who are willing and able to work full-
time.
Partners:
USDA - NRCS: Administering agency, office space, vehicles,
and technical support and training.
University of Miss ari Extension Service: Lead agency for
technical oversight and training, office space.
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Pollution
Control Program: Funding for materials and training
Consolidated Farm Service Agency: Training and
administrative support.
Mission:
To increase awareness of water quality protection
needs and measures and assist rural residents to evaluate water
963
quality concerns on their farms in order to implement protection
practices.
Objectives:
1) Perform Farm-A-Syst evaluations on 500 farmsteads.
2) Reduce potential water quality pollution on 250
farmsteads.
3) Increase public awareness of water quality concerns
through at least 2 public presentations in each of 5
counties.
4) Initiate a system to inventory wells and identify 500
well sites.
964
USDA-NRCS AmeriCorps Project Proposal
January 20, 1995
NARRATIVE
Needs:
This project is a response to concerns about protecting
surface and ground water. The Farm-A-Syst program has been
developed by the Cooperative Extension System, Natural Resources
Conservation Service and the Environmental Protection Agency in
order to assess the risks of water pollution from farmsteads and
develop individual action plans to reduce risks. Use of the
program in Missouri has been limited since other mandates have
taken priority. The Extension Service is the lead agency for
this program. Farm*A*Syst campaigns have been implemented in two
Missouri projects, the Upper Niangua Hydrologic Unit Area and the
Mark Twain "319" Water Quality project.
Needs have been identified through monthly state water quality
committee meetings that include the University Extension Service,
Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), NRCS, CFSA and
the Missouri Department of Conservation. In addition, the
Extension Service, DNR, CFSA and NRCS worked together to
determine priority areas for an AmeriCorps Farm-A-Syst project.
Additional funding and personnel is needed in order to
successfully implement the Farm-A-Syst program in Missouri. The
Farm-A-Syst program is well suited to the AmeriCorps national
service program since implementation asserts direct assistance to
communities through presentations and short-courses and
individuals through one-on-one guidance to perform farmstead
evaluations and determine methods to reduce the risk of water
pollution. AmeriCorps members will complete program worksheets
with local residents in order to accurately record information,
increase understanding and explain risks and solutions to reduce
risks. Short courses and formal public presentations complement
the program. The direct benefits to communities and residents
are an increased understanding of water pollution risks and
methods to reduce risks.
Design:
The five AmeriCorps members will be housed at Extension Service
and NRCS offices in the Columbia, Missouri area. They will
465
receive training from University Extension Service and NRCS
staff. County office staff from both agencies will provide the
support to implement an information campaign that includes
mailing announcements and developing relationships with community
leaders, organizations and local news media. County offices will
also provide clerical and technical support.
Members will primarily work one-on-one with residents to complete
Farm-A-Syst worksheets and determine implementation of water
protection practices. Well locations will be mapped during the
on-farm inventory. They will give presentations to local
organizations such as FFA, 4-H, service organizations. Members
will also assist Extension Service staff to conduct Farm-A-Syst
short courses.
A memorandum of understanding between the NRCS and University of
Missouri will be established.
Training:
Farm*A*Syst training and quality oversight will be provided by
the Extension Service. Both the Extension Service and NRCS will
teach members about natural resource management concepts and
water quality principles. Initial Farm*A*Syst training will be
provided through a 2 - 3 day session and subsequently will be
provided through one-day sessions and on-the-job training. The
Extension Service will conduct the Farm*A*Syst training with
assistance from NRCS. The Extension Service will assist the NRCS
Project Director to complete individual performance evaluations.
CFSA will coordinate training on communication skills, first aid
and defensive driving.
466
USDA-NRCS AmeriCorps Project Proposal
Placement:
Members will be placed individually since an office large enough
to house an additional five people is not available. We will
utilize space at the University of Missouri, Columbia, the NRCS
State Office and local NRCS and Extension Service offices.
Members will have office space in order to have access to agency
electronic mail, phones, copiers, fax machines and both clerical
and technical support.
Supervision:
Robert Broz, University Extension Service, will provide technical
supervision
Ross Braun, NRCS AmeriCorps Project Director will serve as
administrative supervisor for the five members.
467
BUDGET
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) :
Living Allowances:
5 @ $12,000 = $ 60,000
FICA, Unemployment,
Workmen's Comp:
5 @ 1,878
9,390
Health Benefits:
5 @ 1,200
6,000
Support:
5 @ 1.510 = =
7,550
TOTAL:
$ 82,940
In-kind costs: 5 Vehicles
Project Director & Administrative support
University of Missouri Extension Service:
In-kind costs: Office space, supplies, phone, fax & computer
Secretarial support
Instructional & Supervisory support
Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) - Water Pollution
Program (319 Funds)
Farm-A-Syst Notebooks
500 @ $10 each
$ 5,000
Postage: 5 counties X 2,000 letters X .32
3,200
TOTAL:
$ 8,200
In-kind costs: Grant administration
Consolidated Farm Service Agency (CFSA)
In-kind costs: Training and administrative support
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS:
$ 91,140 plus in-kind costs to NRCS, Extension Service, MDNR and
CFSA.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Columbia, Missouri
Farm*A*Syst (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Robert Broz (4 members)
PHONE: (314) 882-0085
COUNTY:
Boone
Ross Braun (1 member)
(314) 876-0912
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Improve water quality
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Do Farm*A*Syst evaluations, provide one-on-one assistance, develop and implement a marketing effort
to create interest in the evaluation process, direct Farm*A*Syst participants to technical &
financial assistance.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
500 farms completed evaluation; 50% of farmers in watershed will have received information; requests
for evaluations, farm families have a better understanding of Groundwater Protection Practices
around the farm. Each member will make 2 presentations; at least 500 well sites will be clearly
identified using a USGS topographic map or a global positioning system (GPS).
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
500 farms have altered at least one practice to reduce pollution, 90% of work sheets properly
completed; 90% of recipients have indicated satisfaction with the service.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Residents will request Farm*A*Syst assistance & 500 evaluations will be completed. 50% are
intending to apply a practice the next year, a service evaluation form will be completed by each
family. Well site maps will be used by public water supply organizations.
968
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
500 farm families will receive direct assistance, Community members from at least 10 organizations
will have an improved understanding of water quality concerns.
969
470
TEMPLATE FOR RENEWAL FY 96 NRCS AMERICORPS APPLICATIONS
For each site, we need the following information on this disk in DOS Word
Perfect 5.1 and in a hard copy, double spaced. The file should use ONLY font and
INDENT not TABs should be used to indent text. You may have more than one site
per diskette but please make each site a separate WordPerfect 5.1 file:
1.
TITLE PAGE:
A) Title of Project: Community Service - AmeriCorps
B) Name of Organization: Five Rivers RC&D - NRCS
C) Team Type (PL&E or RDT, or combined): RDT
D) State of Duty Station of AmeriCorps Members: Nebraska
E) County of Duty station of AmeriCorps Members: Johnson
F) Names of counties served by Members (up to 15 counties): Saline, Otoe,
Johnson, Nemaha, Jefferson, Gage, Pawnee, and Richardson counties, and
Nebraska Loess Hills RC&D, South Central Nebraska RC&D, and Trailblazer
RC&D counties.
G) Congressional District of duty station of the Members: 1, 2, and 3.
H) Name of site supervisor (at the local or county level): Howard McNiff
I) Address, phone number, and fax number of site supervisor: P.O. Box 626,
Tecumseh, NE 68450 (402) 335-3338, Fax-(402) 335-3356.
J) Name of state project manager: Craig R. Derickson
K) Address, phone number, and fax number of state project manager: Federal
Building, Room 152, 100 Centennial Mall North, Lincoln, NE 68508-3866
(402) 437-5878, Fax-(402) 437-5327.
L) Number of Members in Public Lands and Environment Teams:
M) Number of members in Rural Development Teams: 5
1
971
TEMPLATE FOR RENEWAL FY 96 NRCS AMERICORPS APPLICATIONS
For each site, we need the following information on this disk in DOS Word
Perfect 5.1 and in a hard copy, double spaced. The file should use ONLY font and
INDENT not TABs should be used to indent text. You may have more than one site
per diskette but please make each site a separate WordPerfect 5.1 file:
1.
TITLE PAGE:
A) Title of Project: Community Service - AmeriCorps
B) Name of Organization: Northeast Nebraska RC&D - NRCS
C) Team Type (PL&E or RDT, or combined): RDT
D) State of Duty Station of AmeriCorps Members: Nebraska
E) County of Duty station of AmeriCorps Members: Pierce
F) Names of counties served by Members (up to 15 counties): Antelope,
Cedar, Dixon, Knox, Pierce, and Wayne counties and Loup Basin RC&D, North
Central Nebraska RC&D, Northeast Nebraska RC&D, Panhandle RC&D, and
Southwest Nebraska RC&D counties.
G) Congressional District of duty station of the Members: 1 and 3
H) Name of site supervisor (at the local or county level): Janet L. Jorgensen
I) Address, phone number, and fax number of site supervisor: Route 2, Box
67, Plainview, NE 68769-9504 (402) 582-4866, Fax-(402) 582-3799
J) Name of state project manager: Craig R. Derickson
K) Address, phone number, and fax number of state project manager: Federal
Building, Room 152, 100 Centennial Mall North, Lincoln, NE 68508-3866
(402) 437-5878, Fax-(402) 437-4327
L) Number of Members in Public Lands and Environment Teams:
M) Number of members in Rural Development Teams: 5
1
972
2. Summary Page
A. Specific accomplishments that were achieved in the first two quarters of
the project in meeting community service objectives are as follows:
- Developed and presented hands-on conservation educational
material on soil erosion and sediment control to 600 students.
- Collected environmental data on wildlife habitat in flood plains of 19
areas in eastern Nebraska. Information is being entered into a GIS
system to assist local officials and planners.
- Provided assistance to 8 local communities in fish and wildlife
enhancement at recreation areas; recycling of Christmas trees;
prepared food boxes for the elderly and other people in need.
- Developed and implemented a school program for 720 children on
the Threatened and Endangered Species, Bio-engineering, Water
Quality, and Landscape Ecology.
- Gathered resource data for Agricultural Non-point Source Pollution
Model for Wehrspann Lake Water Quality Project affecting over 100
land owners on 15,00 acres.
- Marked timber in forestlands of Winnebago Indian Reservation on
over 160 acres of land in need of improvement.
- Implemented a bioengineering demonstration on streambank
stabilization at the National Arbor Day Foundation Farm. Members
built and installed 70 feet of brush material and willow plants to
restore the area damaged in the 1993 floods.
- Completed inspections on over 300 flood control structures affected
by the 1993 floods and removed debris to maintain the effectiveness
of the watershed structures.
- Members assisted in presentations at the Children's Groundwater
Festival to educate our youth on the importance of water quality
protection and ways to conserve water. The festival has gained
regional status and is attended by over 600 children from as many as
50 communities.
Our experience with the AmeriCorps program so far this year has shown us
that there is a tremendous unmet need in Nebraska to assist rural
communities in developing programs and projects to strengthen their
economic, environmental, and cultural well being. We believe that the
AmeriCorps program can best serve Nebraska by concentrating our
proposed 10 Rural Development members in two District cluster offices to
provide assistance to 9 different Resource Conservation & Development
(RC&D) offices across the state. The partnerships that we have built this
first year will allow us to assist the RC&D coordinators in addressing local
priorities that the community councils and boards have identified.
973
B. The FY 1998 AmeriCorps program will move from a 20 member
Environmental Corps model at 4 sites to a 10 member Rural Development
model with 2 cluster sites. The teams will specifically address economic,
environmental and cultural needs in the following community service
projects:
- Identify the volume of solid waste being generated and reduce the
volume going to landfills by 20 percent through the establishment of
five recycling programs in five communities for 2,000 participants.
- Enhance tourism through partnerships with local officials, the
Nebraska Economic Development Department, Nebraska Tourism
Board, which will result in at least a 20 percent increase in tourism
activities, brochures, and travel points of interest for Nebraska.
- Provide assistance in the collection and recycling of household
hazardous waste by establishing a regional recycling committee to
have at least 50 percent of the local households participating and
collecting 4,000 pounds of hazardous waste.
974
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVE #1: Identify the amount (volume) of solid waster
being generated and the reduce the volume of solid waste material going to
community landfills by 20 percent through the establishment of five recycling
programs serving five communities benefiting 2,000 participants.
GRANTEE: NRCS
SITE:
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT:
Establishment of an information program.
Work with the County Recycling members.
Utilize the Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) programs database to
measure before and after program participation.
Establish five recycling programs in the region.
Formation of recycling committees.
Identify market(s) for recyclables.
Then answer the following questions:
1. What work will be done?
Improve the knowledge and awareness in communities on recycling of solid waste
materials.
Formation of recycling committee(s).
Develop partnerships with other volunteer community organizations.
Strengthening of existing recycling centers or the establishment of new ones to serve
participating communities.
Establish a market for recyclables.
Identify the volume of solid waster being generated and what percentage is
recyclable.
975
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Develop five recycling programs in five communities.
Two to three recycling centers that are viable.
Identify the volume of solid waste being generated by communities.
3. How will you measure the quality of your work?
Documentation of a 20 percent reduction in volume of solid waste material to the
participating communities' landfill through environmentally sound practices.
Established recycling centers able to market recycled material.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Out of five programs established, 50 percent of the households in the communities
are committed to recycling.
Survey by the County Recycling members will identify household participation.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work of your Members?
250 households and 2,500 residents in five communities.
976
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVE #4: Advocate the collection and recycling of
household hazardous wastes by forming regional recycling of household hazard waste
committee as measured by an increase of 50 percent of households participating and
a collection of 4,000 pounds.
GRANTEE: NRCS
SITE:
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT:
Establish a structure for the collection and recycling of household hazardous wastes.
Then answer the following questions:
1. What work will be done?
Community awareness in waste management, environment, and community
recycling.
Development of partnerships between communities and increase community
cooperation.
Formation of regional recycling of household hazardous waste committee(s).
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
A regional recycling household hazardous waste committee addressing area needs.
Form at least one committee and one center established for receiving materials.
Participants show a continued commitment to the environment and community
recycling projects.
3. How will you measure the quality of your work?
Individual participant survey form.
A survey of community and county officials in participating areas.
The volume of materials being collected.
977
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Four thousand pounds of household hazardous waste collected the first year.
Fifty percent of households participating.
Eighty percent of participants demonstrating continued community recycling.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work of your Members?
Twenty-five participating communities.
Eight thousand residents.
978
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVE #5: Provide site visit evaluation on 90 percent
of the counties in Nebraska for improvement or development working with at least
three committees to identify the feasibility of development and creation of jobs.
GRANTEE: NRCS
SITE:
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT:
Evaluate the tourism/recreational sites and opportunities in the region.
Work with committees to recommend development needs.
Identify one to three corridors or areas for tourism/recreational opportunities.
Work with committees to establish tourism/recreational services needed for support
and development.
Develop at least three committees to assist on tourism development and promote
regional cooperation.
Then answer the following questions:
1. What work will be done?
Site visit 90 percent inventoried tourism/recreational sites and evaluate.
Identify infrastructure available or needed to improve utilization of 30 percent of the
attractions.
Establish three communities to assist on regional tourism development.
Through the three committees established identify tourism and recreational services
available or needed on 50 percent of the region's attractions.
Through the three committees established identify tourism/recreation business that
are established or needed for regional tourism development.
979
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Regional cooperation on development of the tourism/recreation industries.
A regional tourism development plan for counties in Nebraska.
Three partnerships developed.
Three committees to support and develop regional tourism.
Planning activities will encourage adoption of proposed projects by communities for
immediate implementation.
3. How will you measure the quality of your work?
Survey partners to identify projects beine implemented from the regional tourism plan
resulting in the potential for a 10 percent increase in jobs.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
The completion of the regional tourism plan.
Survey partners to identify projects being implemented that will result in a 10 percent
increase in jobs related to tourism/recreation.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work of your Members?
Fifty individuals in five communities.
980
EW HAMPSHIRE
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
N.H. Rural Revitalization Team
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
NRCS
C. Team Type:
Rural Development
D. State of Duty Station:
New Hampshire
E. County of Duty Station:
Belknap
F. Names of counties served
Belnap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos,
Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack,
Rockingham, Strafford, and
Sullivan
G. Congressional District:
1 and 2
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Rick DeMark
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
103 Main Street Suite #1
Meredith, NH 03253-9266
J: Name of State Project Director:
Rick DeMark
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
103 Main Street Suite #1
Meredith, NH 03253-9266
Number of Members in PL&E:
.
N/A
M. Number of Members in RDT:
5
981
A Proposal
for an
AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps Project
N.H. Resource Revitalization Team
January 24, 1995
Submitted by:
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service in New Hampshire
in cooperation with the
North Country Resource Conservation and Development Council
and
Southern N.H. Resource Conservation and Development Council
982
Project Summary
Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils in New Hampshire
(N.H.) are volunteer organizations established to assist communities and non-
profit organizations solve problems and develop opportunities that will
improve the social, economic and environmental fabric of rural areas. RC&Ds
respond to requests for assistance and assertive, pro-active actions in
specific topic areas that are directed at developing or conserving critical
natural resources. The RC&D no-turf, can do project oriented philosophy
brings a diverse mixture of agencies, organizations and individuals together
to get things done. In N.H. RC&D's partner list is greater than sixty
agencies and organizations working together on community improvement and
regional development projects.
B.
The purpose of this project is to create a Team that will work directly
with communities and non-profits through the two RC&D councils in N.H. The
Team will help organize community project teams. AmeriCorps members in these
functions will provide a degree of continuity not currently available. The
roal of the Team is to help allow NH communities revitalize their rural
conomies and maintain their desired rural character while protecting and
developing their valuable natural and human resources.
983
Project Mission and Objectives
Mission
The mission of the N.H. Resource Revitalization Team is to respond to
requests for assistance from communities, organize resource assessments and
help organize and implement projects by providing technical support to
project teams.
Objectives
Community service
1. To organize and provide coordination and organizational support
to 30 community level and regionally based project teams
working on identified resource concerns and opportunities.
2. To facilitate communication between communities and technical
assistance providers in each of four resource categories
including forest, water, agricultural, and human/community.
184
Project Narrative
A. Needs to be addressed by this Project
This proposal is appropriate for consideration under the AmeriCorps
Rural Development Corps Program because it addresses specifically identified
community revitalization, resource conservation and development needs. It is
also an appropriate proposal because it will place and direct assistance at
the grass roots level and on project specific activities.
RC&D Councils conduct regular needs assessments to insure that projects
which are adopted are wanted and will have area wide benefit. All projects
adopted by RC&D Councils in N.H. are driven by one of the following needs:
To develop and promote creative approaches to use and manage land for
agriculture, forestry, water, wildlife, recreation and community needs.
To protect the quality of natural resources thorough education, training,
technical and financial assistance.
-
To better utilize locally available resources.
-
To expand natural resources based opportunities that contribute to
economic and social vitality.
To improve and develop new technologies for agriculture and forestry.
To achieve balanced development combining natural resource utilization,
tourism, industry and commerce.
-
To increase citizen awareness, involvement and effectiveness as the
foundation to natural, technical, financial and human resource
development.
To help communities find ways to provide needed facilities, resource recovery
and recycling opportunities.
B. Project Design
Concept
The concept behind the Rural Revitalization Team is to organize a team
that can organize outreach services and provide technical, communication, and
organizational services to teams of community volunteers.
Service Activities to be Performed
The objectives of this project will be achieved by the Resource
Revitalization Team. Americorps participants of the Team will be recruited to
nsure appropriate experience, education and diversity. The Team will be
omposed of five participants. Talents sought for Team participants will
985
iclude a communication, forestry, marketing, soil and water conservationist
and an organizational support.
The Team will help project teams organize and accomplish their goals.
The specific disciplines provided by individual Team participants will be
directed to appropriated situations.
AmeriCorps participants will receive technical training and support that
enables them to excel in their positions. The training will be valuable to
the AmeriCorps participants in their future employment.
Relation to Need
In NH, resource and economic development is a locally directed volunteer
process. NH has 244 communities, each developing and implementing their own
plan to conserve and develop its resources. RC&D Councils build coalitions
and regionally oriented projects between communities and organizations to
help lessen the degree of fragmentation. The existence of the Rural
Revitalization Team will provide a degree of coordination and a delivery
system not currently available.
Participant Training, Support, Placement and Supervision
The Team will receive administrative support from the RC&D Councils.
Technical support and training will be provided by the Natural Resources
Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service and other RC&D partner
organizations. Supervision of the Team will be provided by the RC&D Project
Coordinators.
Office space, equipment, telephone, computers and use of vehicles will
be coordinated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, RC&D and their
cooperating agencies and organizations.
Anticipated Results of this Project include:
1.
Assistance to a Chamber of Commerce to complete a resource
inventory and develop an overall economic development plan.
2.
Help to communities to conduct townwide Forest Land Evaluation Site
Assessments (FLESA) to identify critical forest lands.
3.
Working with individual farmers and farming organizations will
develop the fee for hunting business and other farm diversification
enterprises.
986
4.
A leadership training program for municipal and non-profit board
members will be organized.
5.
Communities and watershed organizations will conduct environmental
clean-up projects, public education and watershed management
activities.
6.
Local conservation commissions will conduct wetland inventories and
functional assessments.
7.
communities will develop eco-tourism marketing programs.
8.
Communities will initiate recycling programs.
9.
A flexible marketing network of secondary wood product
manufacturers will be organized.
Additional project activities where AmeriCorps participants would be
involved would be determined by the results of the public outreach resource
assessment and requests from individual communities and non-profit
organizations that have been endorsed by the RC&D Council.
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: New Hampshire
Revitalization Team (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Richard DeMark
Phone: (603) 279-6546 COUNTY: Belknap
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Enhanced network and coordination of resource conservation and
development activities resulting in more than 30 individual
projects addressing specifically identified needs.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Will provide technical assistance, and coordination services to community project teams; help
watershed regions conduct environmental protection/restoration projects.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Increased coordination between communities and resource agencies and organizations; timely
completion of statewide/regionwide resource conservation and development projects.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Numbers of individuals & organizations participating in a statewide resource revitalization;
numbers & categories of projects initiated. Performance evaluations of and by project teams.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
30 projects initiated with at least 5 projects in each resource category (agriculture, forestry
water, human/community).
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All state residents and businesses that can benefit from the 30 projects initiated.
987
989
EW HAMPSHIRE
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
N.H. Rural Fire Protection
Technical Team
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
NRCS
C. Team Type:
Rural Development
D. State of Duty Station:
New Hampshire
E. County of Duty Station:
Belknap
F. Names of counties served
Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos,
Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack,
Rockingham, Strafford, Sullivan
G. Congressional District:
1 and 2
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Rick DeMark
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
103 Main Street Suite #1
Meredith, NH 03253-9266
J: Name of State Project Director:
Rick DeMark
Address, phone & fax numbers:
103 Main Street Suite #1
Meredith, NH 03253-9266
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
M. Number of Members in RDT:
5
990
A Proposal
for an
AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps Project
N.H. Rural Fire Protection
Technical Team
Submitted by:
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service in New Hampshire
in cooperation with the
North Country Resource Conservation and Development Area Council Southern
N.H. Resource Conservation and Development Council
and the
N.H. Rural Fire Protection Task Force and
its cooperating agencies and organizations including:
N.H. Fire Marshals Office N.H. Division of Forests & Lands
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation service UNH Cooperative
Extension
N.H. Association of Conservation Districts N.H. Bureau of Fire
Standards & Training N.H. Association of Fire Chiefs N.H. Fire
Prevention Society N.H. Insurance Department New Boston Fire
Department Strafford County Conservation District N.H.
Technical College
Federal Emergency Management Agency N.H. Office of Emergency
Management
991
Project Summary
Rural communities in New Hampshire (N.H.) face a unique set of obstacles
and challenges in their attempts to provide protection from loss of life and
property caused by fire. The rural character in N.H. inherently contributes
to large acreage's of poorly accessible land; narrow, winding and often, dirt
roads; increasingly intermixed wildland and suburban type development; lack
of year-round developed water withdrawal sites; volunteer fire departments
and small town budget constraints.
The purpose of this project is to provide educational, organizational
and technical services not normally available to rural communities in NH.
These services will be provided through the creation of the NH Rural Fire
Protection Technical Team (RFPTT).
B. The RFPTT will have five (5) members. The team will produce fire
protection and fire prevention plans and will be working with local agencies.
The project will be administered by the North Country and Southern New
Hampshire Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area Councils for the
N.H. Rural Fire Protection Task Force. Agency partners of the Task Force
iclude: N.H. Fire Marshall's Office, N.H. Division of Forests & Lands, USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service, UNH Cooperative Extension, N.H.
Association of Conservation Districts, N.H. Bureau of Fire Standards &
Training, N.H. Association of Fire Chiefs, N.H. Fire Prevention Society, N.H.
Insurance Department, New Boston Fire Department, Strafford County
Conservation District, N.H. Technical College, Federal Emergency Management
Agency, N.H. Office of Emergency Management.
993
Project Mission and Objectives
Mission
The mission of the N.H. Rural Fire Protection Technical Team is to help
communities reduce risk and loss of life and property due to fire through a
comprehensive problem solving approach including local education,
organization and technical improvements.
Objectives
Community Service
1.
To provide the skills and technical information to help 60 rural
fire departments in N.H. develop innovative fire protection plans
for their communities.
2.
To have 60 rural fire departments in N.H. fully understand water
supply needs and management principles.
3.
To assist 40 rural N.H. communities find innovative ways to carry
out planned improvements.
4.
To have 20 fire departments in N.H. create and implement a
comprehensive educational fire prevention plan with their citizens.
994
Project Narrative
A. Needs to be addressed by this project
This proposal is appropriate for consideration within the
AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps Program because it specifically addresses
needs of rural N.H. communities that could not be addressed otherwise.
Improving a community's ability to prevent and suppress the threat of fire
will have direct benefits for community revitalization as well as protecting
the natural resources so critical to rural lifestyle and economies in our
state. Because 80% of rural businesses that are destroyed by fire are not
rebuilt, it is critical to the economic stability of rural communities to be
able to provide adequate service.
In preparation for this project, a detailed survey was sent to all
244 fire departments in N.H. The results of the survey established the basis
for the needs assessment used in the preparation of this project proposal as
well as other activities currently underway onto which this project, if
funded, will build.
The N.H. Rural Fire Protection Task Force is already involved in
riting and publishing a compendium of information on issues critical to
rural communities wishing to improve their fire prevention and suppression
capabilities. This compendium of information will be initially introduced in
the Spring of 1995 at two regional seminars. In addition, a pilot cost
sharing program will be instituted this year to provide modest financial
incentives to communities wishing to undertake prevention and protection
actions. The Rural Fire Protection Technical Team will help provide a degree
of contact with communities not currently possible. The existence of the
Team will allow timely and direct interaction with communities most
interested in improving their fire protection services.
B. Project Design
Concept
The concept behind the organization of this team is to bring together a
diversity of skills that, when brought together, can provide comprehensive
fire protection planners assistance to rural communities in our state. Such
services are currently not available.
995
Service Activities to be Performed
The objectives of this project will be reached by a New Hampshire
Rural Fire Protection Technical Team. Team members will be recruited locally
to insure appropriate experience, education and diversity. The Team of five
will be able to provide comprehensive community services including:
developing plans of work, scheduling and compiling comprehensive community
plans, assisting individual fire departments identify their fire prevention
educational needs and implement an innovative strategy to meet them.
Interaction of community fire protection planning with other aspects of local
government, helping communities collect and interpret natural resources and
community resource information as related to developing fire protection
strategies. Evaluate and design water withdrawal facilities as a part of
comprehensive fire protection community plans. Provide technical assistance
in installing planned improvements. The Team will receive administrative
support from the RC&D Councils in N.H. These councils are working in
partnership with the New Hampshire Rural Fire Protection Task Force who will
provide technical support, project guidance and priorities. Supervision of
the Team will be provided by the North Country RC&D Projects Coordinator.
'eam members will receive technical training that enables them to excel in
their positions. The training will also be valuable in their future
employment.
Individual fire departments and communities will be contacted on behalf of
the Team by the new Hampshire Rural Fire Protection Task Force. Team
services will be offered to help them prepare comprehensive rural fire
protection and prevention plans. Every community has its unique features and
its plan will be carefully tailored to meet the locally identified needs.
At the same time we will encourage the development of mutual aid strategies
to enhance regional fire protection capabilities.
Relation to Need
Development of this statewide assistance program will be based on the
outcomes of the Statewide Assessment of Rural Fire Protection Issues
completed in the Fall of 1994. Assistance to individual communities will be
based on the specific assessment completed and reviewed by that community
with the team.
Participant Training and Support
Training and support for the rural Fire Protection Team will be provided
by the members of the NH Rural Fire Protection Task Force. The Task Force is
496
public/private partnership including the following agencies and
organizations.
Office space, office equipment, telephone, computer and use of vehicles
for the Team will be organized by the Task Force. Training in water supply
site assessment and development and fire suppression planning will be
provided by NRCS. Training in planning as relates to fire protection will
be provided by the UNH Cooperative Extension, NH Department of Safety, and
the NH Office of Emergency Management.
Participant Placement and Supervision
The Team will receive direct supervision by the Task Force through the
Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Resource Conservation and
Development Council. However, the design, composition, and mission of the
Team will result in its becoming self directed, answering to and having
direct contact with the work of the Task Force.
Anticipated Results of this Project Include:
-
60 communities will have a comprehensive fire protection plan to
improve the capability of the fire department.
-
60 communities will have a comprehensive fire prevention plan.
-
40 communities will have on-site technical assistance and properly
installed non-pressure hydrants, cisterns and other water drafting
facilities.
-
60 communities will have developed a plan and implement to obtain
resources for improvements.
-
60 communities will have received training and developed strategies
to identify what water is needed, what is available and how to move
it to accomplish fire control.
Every community in New Hampshire would have the opportunity to request
this assistance. They would be required to establish a local task force that
works with the Technical Team to develop their plans and strategies.
This approach will be successful because local decision-makers are
leading their own improvement initiatives. They are supported by a
partnership that is recognized in New Hampshire as an authority in rural fire
protection and community development.
991
Annual Budget
Funds
Grantee
Requested
Contributions
Total
1. Personnel
A. Stipends
$12,000 X 5
$60,000
- 0 -
$60,000
B. Benefits
$3,500 X 5
17,500
- 0 -
17,500
C. Contract Services
$100/month
1,200
1,200
D. Training
$1,000 X 5
5,000
5,000
2. Non-Personnel
A. Office
- 0
-
6,000
6,000
B. Telephone
- 0
-
800
800
C. Utilities
- 0 -
600
600
D. Equipment
Computer
- 0 -
4,000
4,000
Survey equipment
- 0 -
3,000
3,000
Desk, chairs, etc.
- 0 -
1,000
1,000
Photo copier
- 0 -
2,000
2,000
Fax
- 0 -
1,200
1,200
E. Office Supplies
- 0 -
600
600
F. Educational materials
- 0 -
1,400
1,400
G. Printing
- 0 -
1,200
1,200
H. Travel
Mileage 30,00 @.25/mile
7,500
7,500
Vehicles 3 @ $10,000 each
30,000
30,000
Vehicle Maintenance
- 0
-
2,000
2,000
I. Other
Publications
200
200
$77,500
$67,700
$145,200
CORPORATION FOR TIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 2
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: New Hampshire
Fire Protection Team (5 Members - RDT)
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Development of innovative fire protection plans,
improved water supply delivery systems, increased capability
to implement needed actions, increased public awareness and
support.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Provide technical & financial resources to local fire departments and community leaders for improved
fire prevention & suppression through direct assistance in planning, implementation and education.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Increased intra and inter community capacity to reduce fire losses. Lowered community risk
assessments.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Pre and post service evaluations of fire protection capabilities. Demand for team services.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
60 rural fire departments will have created innovative fire prevention and protection, plans. 40
communities will find new ways to carry out improvements. 20 communities will create and carry out
comprehensive educational program.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
60 rural fire departments and the residents of those 60 N.H. communities.
998
999
1. TITLE PAGE:
New Jersey FY 96 NRCS AmeriCorps Renewal Applicaitons
A Title of Project:
Beemersville Forest Stewardship
Demonstration
B Name of Organization:
USDA, NRCS
C Team Type:
RDT
D State of Duty Station:
New Jersey
E County of Duty station:
Hunterdon
F Names of counties served:
Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren
G Congressional District:
Twelve
H Name of site supervisor:
Gail Bartok
I Address, Ph/FAX number:
8 Gauntt Place
Flemington, New Jersey 08822
Ph: (908) 782-3915
FAX: (908) 788-0795
J Name of State Project Dir.:
Carlos F. Henning
K Address, ph/FAX number:
1370 Hamilton Street
Somerset, NJ 08873
Ph: (908) 246-2358
FAX: (908) 246-2358
L Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M Number of Members in RDT:
#5
1000
2. Summary Page-Beemersville Watershed Restoration
A. Accomplishments for First Half Year:
Developing forest stewardship plans on two tracts. This
involves about 250 acres woodlot, where very little forest
management has taken place during the last 30 years. The
work included:
Making brush piles for wildlife habitat improvement
Planting riparian buffers
Assisting Rutgers Cooperative Extension and USDA-NRCS
to promote forest stewardship via field days, open
houses and other activities which increase public
awareness
* Planning a wetland restoration project at the Rutgers
University Snyder Farm
* Presented a list of Forest Stewardship practices that
the team would like to accomplish this year
* Cleaned up woodland dump at Snyder Farm including
11 tons of steel that was recycled. Woody debris
(fence posts and branches) will be used for wildlife
habitat improvement projects on site.
*
Began wildlife inventory at both sites
* Marked property boundaries at Snyder Farm after
researching deeds at Hunterdon County Hall of
Records and using Rutgers GIS staff and a global
positioning system
*
Began designing and laying out over 2 miles of trails
at Beemersville for environmental education and to
highlight various forestry, wildlife management, soils,
geologic formations and history of the camp
Began helping with construction of a maple sugar
house in Beemersville including installing evaporators
and cleaning tap lines for the upcoming maple syrup
season
* Made artificial nest cavities for wildlife at both sites
and for the Warren County AmeriCorps group
Assisted NJ Bureau of Forest Management to organize and
supervise volunteers in eracting fencing at Wharton State
Forest in the Pinelands
B. Key elements of FY-96 will focus 100% completing and
implementing two comprehensive FS management demonstration
plans. Activities will include:
* Forest management practices
* Installing 2 miles of trails
Planting riparian buffers
Planting wetland restoration areas on the two tracts
Making brush piles for wildlife habitat improvement
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service SITE: New Jersey
SITE SUPERVISOR: Gail Bartok
COUNTY:
NO OF MEMBERS: 3
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: 1 Update/Revise Forest Stewardship Plans
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Inventory natural resources at the Beemersville, and Snyder Farm tracts and update Forest
Stewardship Plans as needed.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Comprehensive management plans for Beemersville and Snyder Farm tracts.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Evaluation of plans to meet standards of New Jersey State Forester.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Two plans completed and approved for implementation.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
200+ Rutgers University Natural Resource management students.
900+ forest landowners and 7,600,00 residents
6. How many members will work on this objective?
Three
1001
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service SITE: New Jersey
SITE SUPERVISOR: Gail Bartok
COUNTY:
NO OF MEMBERS: 5
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: 2 Implementation of Planned Practices
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Trail construction, wildlife habitat improvements, planting trees and shrubs, etc.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Complete implemenţation of all practices
*
5000 ft. trails
*1 250 ac. wildlife habitat improvement
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Inspect & measure units of each practice; observe wildlife populations at 2 sites.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
100% of planned practices are installed according to standards.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
200+ Rutgers University Natural Resource management students.
900+ NJ Forestry Associate landowners.
6. How many members will work on this objective?
Three
e001
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service SITE: New Jersey
SITE SUPERVISOR: Gail Bartok
COUNTY:
NO OF MEMBERS: 3
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: 3 Develop Strong Bond/Partnerships Among AmeriCorps
Team Members
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Riparian buffer planting, streambank stabilization using bioengineering techniques.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
To demonstrate streambanks improvement using native plants.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Number of plantings and Inspection by NRCS engineer.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
200 feet of stream stabilized
1,000 feet of buffers planted
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
20,000 residents of Pattenburg, Somerville and Camden
6. How many members will work on this objective?
Three
1003
NEW JERSEY FY 96 NRCS AMERICORPS RENEWAL APPLICATIONS
1004
1. TITLE PAGE:
A} Title of Project:
Burlington, Camden, Ocean Conservation Project
B} Name of Organization:
Natural Resources Conservation Service
C} Team Type:
Rural Development
D} State of Duty Station of AmeriCorps Members:
New Jersey
E} County of Duty Station of AmeriCorps Members:
Burlington
F} Names of Counties Served by Members:
Burlington, Camden, Ocean
G} Congressional District of Duty Station of the Members:
Three
H) Name of Site Supervisor:
Kenneth Taaffe
I} Address, Phone Number, and Fax Number of Site Supervisor:
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Tiffany Square, Suite 101A
R.D.#2, 2615 Route 38
Mt. Holly, N.J. 08060
(908) 267-0811
Fax (908) 251-3007
J} Name of State Project Manager:
Carlos F. Henning
K} Address, Phone Number and Fax Number of State Project Manager:
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service
1370 Hamilton Street
Somerset, N.J. 08873
(908) 246-1171 ext 122
Fax (908) 246-2358
L} Number of Members in Public Lands and Environment Teams:
Zero
M} Number of Members in Rural Development Teams:
one 5
Revised 4/27/95 Kevism II
2. Summary Page-Burlington, Camden Ocean Conservation Project
1005
A. Accomplishments for First Half Year:
New Jersey's major land and water resource problems are many.
Most people within the state have little knowledge of
conservation and ecological systems. Environmental education
is and important avenue to acquaint the unfamiliar with
natural resources issues and solutions.
The Corps Member has been assisting three soil Conservation
Districts increase its 1,331,386 residents awareness and
appreciation for the Environment. Activities consisted of
the following:
* Worked on the Cooper River Water Quality and Erosion
Control Demonstration Project in Collingswood
* Began work on an informational and educational pamphlet
about the Cooper River Water Quality and Erosion Control
Demonstration Project
*
Finished work on a Camden Environmental Educational
Directory which lists various groups and businesses with
the different environmental services that they provide
(i.e., tours, audio/visual materials, speakers, etc.)
* Assisted in Envirothon events (planning to actual event)
* Staffed Earth Fair and Ocean County Fair events
*
Staffed New Jersey and Philadelphia Flower Show exhibits
* Assisted in staffing exhibit and ANJEE Conference
* Wrote 5 informational articles for Volunteer Voice and
NRCS this week
B. Key elements of the FY-96 program focus on:
*
Stabilizing eroding streambanks on Cooper River and
Barnegat Bay shoreline
* Macroinvertebrate sampling of sediment control basins
after installation to determine effectiveness of Best
Management Practices installed at Barnegat Bay
* Developing a Conservation Education Program for school
children
1006
3.
objectives
Objective #1: Streambank and Shoreline Stabilization Using
Bioengineering
1.
What is the work to be done?
* Assist in the stabilization of a half-mile stretch of
Cooper River's eroding streambank
* Establish bioengineering trial plantings on Barnegat Bay's
brackish water shorelines
* Develop Cooper River and Barnegat Bay shoreline
stabilization plan based on past year's successes and
failures
2.
What is the desired result?
Control erosion on the shorelines of Cooper River and
Barnegat Bay through the intensified use of bioengineering
techniques
3.
How will you measure the quality of your work?
On-site inspections of the bioengineering techniques in
accordance with plans, standards and specifications
4.
By what standard will you gauge your success?
Stabilization and survival of 60% of the work after one
year. One-half mile of streambank stabilized.
5.
How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work?
Work will improve the recreational activities in both the
Cooper River and Barnegat Bay watersheds. The estimated
effect to the public is I million persons.
6.
How many members will work on this project?
One
7.
What is the charter site for this work?
Mt. Holly, New Jersey
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service SITE: New Jersey
SITE SUPERVISOR: Kenneth Taaffe
NO OF MEMBERS: 3
CLUSTER: Mt. Holly
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Assist Ocean County Soil Conservation District with
Water Quality Practices in Barnegat Bay
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
*Monitor nutrient and sediment control basins after installation (macroinvertebrate
sampling)
*Inspect and monitor BMP's, such as grassed waterways used on road shoulders. Take water
samples below BMP's to determine effectiveness.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Reduced sediment, nutrients, and pollutants in Barnegat Bay (a water bofy used by an
estimated 1 million people a year) and improved water quality.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Comparison of water samples before and after installation of BMP's
Report on the effects of basin and road shoulder BMP's
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Show reduction in 4 pollutants identified by EPA.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Directly work with 10-15 individuals. Work will indirectly benefit close to 1 million
people who use the Barnegat Bay.
1007
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service SITE: New Jersey
SITE SUPERVISOR: Kenneth Taaffe
COUNTY:
NO OF MEMBERS: 3
CLUSTER: Mt. Holly
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Assist Ocean County Soil Conservation District with
Water Quality Practices in Barnegat Bay
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
*Monitor nutrient and sediment control basins after installation (macroinvertebrate
sampling)
*Inspect and monitor BMP's, such as grassed waterways used on road shoulders. Take water
samples below BMP's to determine effectiveness.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Reduced sediment, nutrients, and pollutants in Barnegat Bay (a water bofy used by an
estimated 1 million people a year) and improved water quality.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Comparison of water samples before and after installation of BMP's
Report on the effects of basin and road shoulder BMP's
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Show reduction in 4 poll identified by EPA.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Directly work with 10-15 individuals. Work will indirectly benefit close to 1 million
people who use the Barnegat Bay.
6. How many members will work on this objective?
One
1008
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service SITE: New Jersey
SITE SUPERVISOR: Kenneth Taaffe
COUNTY:
NO OF MEMBERS: 3
CLUSTER: Mt. Holly
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Conservation Education
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Develop an educational program for children
Write informational and educational materials for publication in newsletters, pamphlets,
and newspaper
Coordinate the planning of the New Jersey Envirothon in Burlington County
Staff events that provide conseration information to the public (i.e. flower show, fairs,
etc.)
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Increased awareness of the importance of conserving natural resources among adults and
school children.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Quality and impact will be measured by pre and post test.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Increase the level of conservation education and conservation awareness by 60%.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Approximately 1,331,386 persons (residents in Ocean, Burlington, and Camden counties)
6. How many members will work on this objective?
One
1009
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service SITE: New Jersey
SITE SUPERVISOR: Kenneth Taaffe
COUNTY:
NO OF MEMBERS: 3
CLUSTER: Somerset and Middlesex
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Demonstrate New Technologies in Stabilizing
Streambanks and Shoreline Using Bioengineering Techniques.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Establish bio-engineering practices on streams and the shoreline through ocal agreements
as demonstration projects.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Teach local public works personnel "how-to" implement low cost stabilization techniques;
stabilize eroding sections of stream banks, shorelines, and critical areas.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Inspect restored areas according to specific site plans
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
An increase in local communities, groups and organizations using bioengineering practices
to stabilize eroding areas (streambanks, shorelines, etc.) according to guidelines and
standards provided
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Approximately 30,000 people (residents of Somerville) will requirements for the selected
sites
6. How many members will work on this objective?
Three
1010
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service SITE: New Jersey
SITE SUPERVISOR: Kenneth Taaffe
COUNTY:
NO OF MEMBERS: 3
CLUSTER: Somerset and Middlesex
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Increase Public Awareness of Natural Resources
Management
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Work with Bunker Hill Environmental Center, Somerset County Parks Commission and other
groups to establish gardens, displays, trails and other needed practices on eroding areas
that highlight local natural resources.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Increase the awareness of local residents about the importance of conserving natural
resources and the impact of individual actions.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Inspection by NRCS technical experts according to specific project plans
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Ten projects will be planned with 50% implementation
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Approximately 980,000 people (residents of Somerset and Middlesex counties)
6. How many members will work on this objective?
Three
/011
1012
NEW YORK
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
GIS Supported Community Planning &
Resource Protection
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
New York
E. County of Duty Station:
Erie
F. Names of counties served
Erie, Niagra, Seneca Nations of
Indians
G.
Congressional District:
30
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
John Whitney
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
50 Commerce Way
East Aurora, NY 14052
Ph: (716) 652-8480
FAX: (716) 652-8506
J: Name of St Project Director:
John Whitney
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
50 Commerce Way
East Aurora, NY 14052
Ph: (716) 652-8480
FAX: (716) 652-8506
L.
Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M. Number of Members in RDT:
5
1013
NEW YORK - GIS Supported Community Planning and Resource Protection
SUMMARY PAGE:
A. Exactly what specific accomplishments were achieved in the first half year of the
project in meeting the community service objectives and boosting the personal
development of the Members?
First half year accomplishments of the five member AmeriCorps team based
in East Aurora, New York include acquisition of existing maps and data
from various sources including Census Bureau TIGER files, New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation Freshwater Wetlands and
Ecozones, U.S. Geological Survey topographic data, National Heritage
Registry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory, and
others. Efforts are under way to create a series of county-wide special
district maps including Agricultural Districts, Water Districts, Sewer
Districts, Fire Protection Districts, etc. Locations of surviving
American Chestnut trees in Western New York are being mapped using global
positioning satellite technologies in partnership with the NY Chapter of
the American Chestnut Foundation. AmeriCorps members are working with
local researchers to prepare locations and management maps for mature and
remnant "old growth forests" in WNY. Members are collecting other tax
parcel information to support a number of greenway and greenspace
protection and community development projects. Members digitized
national Wetlands Inventory maps for 100% of Erie County (approx. 670,000
ac.), NWI maps for 80% of Niagara Co. (approx. 360,000 ac.), and 130,000
acres of tax parcels data. Resource maps have been developed or acquired
to support soil map digitizing and aerial photography interpretation for
a 200,000 acre area of northern Erie and southern Niagara Counties as
part of the Niagara Frontier Wetlands Initiative. Many simpler data
layers and maps were produced with Seneca Nation of Indians, Bureau of
Indian affairs, and U.S. Forest Service input to support cultural
resource protection and forest management on the sovereign lands of the
Seneca Nation. Procedures were developed and refined to distribute paper
and electronic data and to support and demonstrate GIS technologies for
community planning and resource protection. Members assisted with three
wetland restoration projects, two runoff management projects, three
manure management projects, and with inventory activities associated with
summer floods and highly erodible land evaluations. Members cartography,
GIS, geography, conservation, and civic skills have been greatly
developed and enhanced.
B. The key elements of the program design for next year. Specifically describe each
new service project performed by the members. Describe any major changes in management
structure or partner organizations.
1014
Current community service, community building, and visibility efforts
will be strengthened under FY 96 program year design through the further
sharing of data, standard operating procedures, project ideas,
techniques, and experiences with other GIS work sites in Erie County and
throughout New York State and the U.S. via Internet, conventional
correspondence, and presentations. Each member will recruit at least two
(2) Earth Team volunteers to assist with project activities. Members
will each perform at least two (2) public presentations/demonstrations
per month in their role as GIS "ambassadors." Members will continue to
report directly to and be supervised by staff at the East Aurora Field
Office though smaller teams of AmeriCorps members and volunteers may
rotate between three to five other GIS work sites with daily reports =
the Field Office. Additional input will be solicited from community
leaders on data and resource protection and community development needs.
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: East Aurora, New York
GIS
(5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: John Whitney
PHONE: (716) 652-8480
COUNTY: Erie
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To acquire, produce, distribute and use digital
(computerized) natural resource, land use, and demographic
data to improve resource planning, conservation and economic
development activities at the community level through the
use of Geographic Information System technologies.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Collect additional existing digitized natural resource & demographic data for the 700,000 acre
project; digitize a minimum of two additional high priority data layers of moderate complexity for
the entire project area; digitize a minimum of 3 complex layers like soils, farm parcels, or tax
parcels for a minimum of 150,000 acres; produce at least 3 additional simple data layers like
locations of new conservation measures, conservation reserve program fields, bluebird box locations,
remnant American Chestnut tree locations, new American Chestnut planting locations, barn owl nest
site locations, etc. for the entire project area and nearby counties; distribute data collected to a
minimum of 2 municipalities and 2 public agencies; continue to develop & demonstrate applications of
GIS.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Improved local resource planning & protection, soil & water conservation, & community and economic
development through the use of Geographic Information System technologies. Significantly reduced
implementation costs for communities setting up GIS operations. Reduced land use conflicts through
a better understanding of natural resources and demographics allowing community officials and are
residents to make land use decisions that are more compatible with community needs for farmland
protection, open space and environmental protection, sustainable development, and short & long term
planning.
1015
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Scale & line quality of digitized products will be measured by comparing output of digitized
products with original source material. Community impact will be measured through records of data
use for specific project evaluations & general community planning efforts. Discussions, informal
surveys, & direct interaction with municipal officials & staff will be the primary measuring tools.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Digitizing efforts will incorporate NRCS quality control/quality assurance standards along with the
Content Standards for Digitizing Geospatial metadata of the Federal Geographic Data Committee
(1994). A minimum of two QA/QC reviews will be required for each data layer developed or acquired
prior to distribution or public release. Soil data will include QA/QC reviews by the Soil
Information Services Laboratory at Cornell University. Surveys of project partners will ask
specifically how useful AmeriCorps developed data is or is expected to be for local resource
protection and planning activities. Discussions will continue to include evaluation of impacts on
efficiency & effectiveness compared with procedures used prior to incorporation to GIS data.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Nearly one million people live in the project area. Approximately 1500 people will be directly
impacted. Indirect impacts will extend throughout the project area. Impacts will increase as data
is used by additional local communities and agencies. Approximately 15 municipal & partner staff
will be directly involved with and impacted by project activity.
1016
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 2
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: East Aurora, New York
GIS
(5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: John Whitney
PHONE: (716) 652-8480
COUNTY: Erie
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To assist with stream corridor protection projects
throughout Erie County.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
AmeriCorps members will assist NRCS Field Office & Soil & Water Conservation District staff, Earth
Team Volunteers, and partner organizations with the planning, design, and application of soil &
water conservation measures along stream corridors in each of the major of the major watersheds
within Erie County targeting their efforts on promotion & installation of fencing, streambank
plantings, buffer strips, and other non-structural measures. Assistance will be directed toward
critical erosion areas and areas of degraded riparian habitat.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Erosion will be reduced and habitat will be improved along a minimum of two miles of riparian
corridor with at least 200 feet of treatment in each "11 hydrologic unit" watershed in Erie County.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Risk of further erosion reduced by 80%, thermal stress and negative impacts of sediment or non-point
source pollutants reduced to natural levels.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
All planning and application will follow the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service standards
and specifications as contained in the Field Office Technical Guide and will be in compliance with
all federal, state, and local rules and regulations.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
The entire Erie County population (nearly 1,000,000 people) will receive indirect benefits.
Approximately 2,000 individuals will be directly impacted by project activities on their property or
on nearby properties.
1018
!EW YORK
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
New York Urban Project
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
Both
D. State of Duty Station:
New York
E. County of Duty Station:
New York
F. Names of counties served
Queens, Kings, Richmond
G. Congressional District:
12, 6, 13
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
John Bricker
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
290 Broadway - 25th Fl
New York, NY 1007
Ph: (212) 637-3710
FAX: (212) 637-3772
J: Name of St Project Director:
John Whitney
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
50 Commerce Way
East Aurora, NY 14052
Ph: (716) 652-8480
FAX: (716) 652-8506
L.
Number of Members in PL&E:
10
M. Number of Members in RDT:
2
1019
SUMMARY PAGE
The Urban Resources Partnership is a new federal initiative
designed to make government more effective and responsive to
the environmental needs of urban communities. The
Partnership combines the resources of six key federal
natural resource agencies: USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service, the Forest Service, and Extension
Service; USDOI Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park
Service; and the Environmental Protection Agency. These six
agencies are working collaboratively with local and state
government agencies, private, non-profit and community
organizations, and local citizens to develop programs and
plans to protect, enhance, and rehabilitate critical urban
environments.
The projects in this proposal respond to the need for
improvement in the quality of, and access to, open spaces
and natural areas in New York City, particularly for lower-
income communities of color. Historical development
patterns in New York, and the recent and ongoing reductions
in the budgets for park restoration and maintenance have
resulted in the steady deterioration of New York's already
overburdened Park system. Although New York has several
large wilderness-type ecosystems that could provide some
relief, these areas have been subject to pollution from
inappropriate uses, overdevelopment, and nonpoint source
pollution, as well as from certain specific environmental
catastrophes (e.g., an oil pipeline spill). Projects have
been designed to work with local community groups to reclaim
and restore public lands and natural habitats, and to work
within underserved communities to enhance the local
environment.
We are requesting ten NRCS Environmental Team numbers and
two Rural Development team members in or ler to create one
team dedicated to conducting environmental restoration and
management projects, in two geographic areas of the City.
The team will stay together for the year of service, and as
a group, will rotate through a series of up to ten projects,
ranging from a few days up to three months per project.
This model serves to maximize the Corps members' exposure to
a variety of high impact restoration projects, while
ensuring broad based impact throughout the area of service.
1020
We have defined the area of service to include two diverse
and sensitive ecosystems: Jamaica Bay and Staten Island.
In order to accomplish the goals of this program, we have
developed a collaboration of entities that represent varied
area of expertise that support the leadership role of NRCS:
the Urban Resources Partnership (URP), Gateway National
Recreation Area (National Parks Service), and many
Community-based organizations. NRCS will be responsible for
managing the AmeriCorps program. The direct supervision of
the Rural Development Corps members, and the overall
supervision of the Environmental Corps members' activities.
URP will play an active role in soliciting and selecting
appropriate projects, will be actively involved as technical
consultants to the projects, and will provide environmental
training and education for participating Corps members.
Gateway, a local Federal partner in the Urban Resources
Partnership, will play a key role in developing and
overseeing projects at their locations, and will help to
provide the necessary context for the community based
projects by serving as a destination for field trips for
community residents organized by the Corps members.
Community-based organizations will be actively involved in
developing. overseeing, and evaluating the impact of their
sponsored projects and will help to involve community
residents in the Corps members' work. The Urban Resources
Partnership will contract with a local youth serving
organization to assist in the recruitment and training of
Corps members, and to assist in the logistical coordination
of the project rotations.
3. MISSION AND OBJECTIVES
A) Mission Statement:
TO FOSTER COMMUNITY BASED AND ECOSYSTEM APPROACHES TO
ENHANCE THE NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENT THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP
BETWEEN FEDERAL NATURAL RESOURCE AGENCIES, AMERICORPS
MEMBERS, AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS.
B) Objectives:
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(1) To revitalize 8-10 community neighborhoods by enhancing
the quality of, and improving access to open space and
natural resources through projects such as vacant lot
improvement, tree planting and care, and greenway and
bicycle trail development and improvement.
(2) To protect 30 Miles of natural shoreline ecosystem
habitats surrounding significant coastal wetlands.
(3) To enhance the capacity of AmeriCorps members working in
collaboration with community-based organizations to
understand, effect change, and evaluate the impact of their
actions on the environment in two New York City ecosystems.
4
4. NARRATIVE
A) NEEDS TO BE MET AND APPROPRIATENESS FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
Needs:
Natural vegetation and open spaces in urban areas have
several well documented benefits: they reduce human stress
levels; enhance the attractiveness of urban environments;
improve air and water quality and moderate urban climate;
and provide opportunities for urban residents to experience
nature in the City. Well maintained urban open spaces have
been shown to be correlated with reduced crime levels,
increased property values and community stability. and an
increase in the overall quality of life of residents.
Nevertheless, two independent factors have combined to limit
the potential beneficial impact of urban open spaces to
residents of our nation's largest City -- New York (NYC)
First, it has been documented that, due largely to
historical patterns, NYC residents with the lowest per
capita incomes (a group which is disproportionately
comprised of people of color) are more likely to live in
community districts with the lowest amount of parkland per
capita. These residents have the greatest need for urban
open space, since they often lack the resources to visit
natural areas outside their neighborhoods and City. Second,
the ongoing fiscal crisis in NYC has resulted in continuing
reductions in the budget for park restoration and
1022
maintenance. Since lower income communities tend to have
the lowest amount of parkland per capita, the facilities
they do have tend to be among the most highly utilized and
over-utilized in the City. Such facilities suffer the most
from reductions in the budgets for maintenance, security,
and recreational programs, which have made these places
unattractive, inaccessible, and unsafe.
Yet by virtue of its geography, New York has several large
wilderness-type ecosystems that could provide relief to the
communities most in need of access to open space, some of
which are directly adjacent to the natural areas. For
example, the Gateway National Recreation Area, located in
three of NYC's five boroughs, "ranks among the National Park
Service's most popular recreation spots" NY Times, 1992).
Gateway includes the 16,000 acre Jamaica Bay, which is one
of the most urbanized waterways in the world, but which also
is home to a wildlife refuge, wetlands, and a great
diversity of plant and animal life. Substantial portions of
Gateway and Jamaica Bay also border on some of the
communities most in need of increased urban open space.
However, most visitors exclusively visit Jacob Riis Beach in
the summer, without ever visiting these other natural areas.
The Urban Resources Partnership (URP) is a coalition of six
Federal Agencies. USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS), Forest Service, and Extension Service; USDOI
Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service; and the
Environmental Protection Agency. URP was designed to
mobilize Federal resources to respond to the unmet
environmental needs of local communities. URP strives to
work in partnership with Federal, State, and local
government agencies, non-profit and community-based
organizations, and local citizens to develop sustainable
programs to protect, enhance and rehabilitate critical urban
environments and distressed communities. In response to the
open space and natural resource needs in NYC, URP/NYC
proposes to design and implement a unique community-based
program to engage young adults, supported by NRCS and
AmeriCorps, in hands-on urban environmental restoration
efforts in two of New York's most significant, yet
endangered ecosystems: Jamaica Bay, and the Staten Island
shore and salt marshes.
1023
Our proposed program provides a unique model for
capitalizing on the potential synergy's from several Federal
programs working together with local partners. The national
service team would collaborate with local community-based
organizations, City agencies, and the Federal partners of
URP on projects that would conserve and restore public lands
and natural resources/habitats, revitalize neighborhoods by
creating and maintaining recreation areas, green spaces, and
community gardens, and reduce environmental risks through
education and cleanup. Critical to the program's design and
execution is URP's ecosystem approach, under which the
wilderness area and surrounding communities will be viewed
holistically. While many other environmental programs
generally focus on a single area/issue (e.g., street trees,
wetlands, greenways, vacant lots, etc.) the URP national
service project aims to consolidate efforts to attack
multiple interrelated problems within one ecosystem area.
For example, Jamaica Bay is plagued by nonpoint source
pollution (NPSP), particularly urban runoff from human
activity. The URP AmeriCorps team will engage in
restoration efforts along Jamaica Bay, but will also be
well-positioned to educate local community residents of the
impact of NPSP on Jamaica Bay, and to help them design
programs in their communities to mitigate this problem.
The proposed program would take place both within several
historically underserved communities and a larger natural
habitat within close proximity. In this way, the AmeriCorps
team may: (1) gain appreciation of the natural environment
through active environmental restoration efforts and
management activities; (2) gain an understanding, by
utilizing an ecosystem approach, of the interrelationship
between human activity in their neighborhoods and its impact
on the environment at large; and (3) become involved in
community revitalization efforts and education projects with
peers and local resident to promote active environmental
stewardship and "sustainable communities'.
For these reasons, we believe the program is particularly
well-suited to the AmeriCorps national service concept. In
addition, by utilizing young adults supported by AmeriCorps,
the program will enable us to reach a diverse group of NYC
youth, including those having the greatest socioeconomic
needs: poverty. unemployment, inadequate education, crime,
and drug abuse. The youth unemployment rate in NYC stands
1024
at 36.4%, nearly twice the national average (19.9%).
According to the Census, of dropouts aged 16-19. only 28%
have jobs while only 17% more are looking for work but are
still unemployed. Young people confronted with employment
barriers and violence experience a sense. or powerlessness,
have low self-esteem, and often lack contact with adults who
can guide them during this critical phase of their
development. National service in general can marshal the
resources and talents that benefit the young, the old, and
society at large, as well as provide an opportunity for
youth from different socioeconomic and educational
backgrounds to interact. The URP program in particular will
provide all participants with the opportunity to engage in
environmental education. gain practical work experience, and
introduce them in possible environmental careers that will
begin the longer term process of achieving environmental
justice in their communities
Process:
Since its inception one year ago, the Urban Resources
Partnership has been working to identify critical
environmental needs throughout the City. URP's strategy has
been and will continue to be to consult with local
government officials, non-profit and community-based
organizations, and local residents to learn about current
activities and to determine the niche to be filled by this
collaboration of federal government natural resource
agencies. At a series of meetings with local government
officials held in Spring 1994, Jamaica Bay was named by many
as one of the most significant local natural resources for
URP to focus on. Similarly, the fragile ecosystem of Staten
Island has been the focus of much of the restoration work by
the Natural Resources Group of the New York City Parks
Dept., which has requested assistance from the Partnership.
Concern for these two ecosystems is further supported by the
Water Quality Coordinating Committee of the New York City
Soil and Water Conservation District. The Committee has
designated nonpoint source pollution of New York City's
wetlands and water bodies as priority issues, and has
requested program support from URP. In addition, the need
for jobs and job training for young people has been
expressed as a priority by residents at community
roundtables conducted recently by Cornell Cooperative
1025
Extension-NYC in both Far Rockaway (which borders on the
Jamaica Bay), and Staten Island.
NYC has a formal annual process, called the "Community
District Needs" statements, by which community concerns and
program priorities are presented by each of the City's 59
community districts to the City administration. We have
reviewed these reports and learned that each year, many
community districts express dissatisfaction about the lack
of open space and recreational opportunities, and the
condition of neighborhood parks and street trees. In
addition, low income communities site the overabundance of
vacant lots as a priority problem to be addressed. In a
recent report, one Brooklyn community district bordering on
Jamaica Bay wrote: "the water pollution of Jamaica Bay must
be given close attention" in that it is a local recreational
and natural resource." Similarly, Staten Island community
districts repeatedly express concern over the petrochemical
pollution of their water and shoreline. They also place a
high priority on the development of access to the waterfront
for pedestrians and bicyclists, and the completion of a
planned greenway.
All of these sources have helped us to define the macro
level needs to be addressed by this program. Our local
Federal partners, Gateway National Recreation Area, has
assisted in identifying more localized needs by suggesting
community-based organizations (CBOs) as sponsors of projects
that reflect their respective community's concerns. Since
these organizations generally evolve from the communities in
which they are based and therefore reflect local residents'
concerns and needs, each CBO has its own particular process
of assessing need. We have begun to tap into this vast
resource of CBOs in order to develop the specific service
activities for this application. If we are designated as an
AmeriCorps program, we will continue to work with Gateway's
community outreach office, as well as the Water Quality
Coordinating Committee (WQCC) and the Citizens Committee of
New York City to identify additional local groups in the
target communities to further refine our scope of work and
project definitions. The WQCC will help to identify
appropriate nonpoint source pollution prevention projects
and project sponsors. In addition, the Citizens Committee
has a data base of over 20,000 grass roots organizations
1026
city wide, and has offered to assist us in outreach to
targeted communities in these ecosystems.
B) DESIGN
Concept:
For the delivery of this AmeriCorps program, the NRCS NYC
Urban Programs Manager (and URP/NYC Steering Committee
member), Jack Bricker, will be responsible for the overall
management of the program and supervision of the Corps
members activities. He will be supported by the members of
the Urban Resources Partnership, as well as a contracted
local partner who will provide additional support.
We are requesting ten NRCS Environmental Team members and
two Rural Development Corps members (one to service as a
team leader, and one to serve as a project planner) in order
to create one team dedicated to conducting environmental
restoration and management projects in two geographic areas
of the City. The team will stay together for the year of
service, and as a group, will rotate through a series of up
to ten projects, ranging from a few days up to three months
per project. This model serves to maximize the Corps
members' exposure to a variety of high impact restoration
projects, while ensuring broad based impact throughout the
area of service.
We have defined the area of service as two diverse and
sensitive ecosystems: Jamaica Bay and Staten Island. By
defining the area of service as an ecosystem, rather than
restricting their activities to one community, Corps members
will gain an appreciation for the interrelationship between
human activity in their communities and its impact on
proximate natural areas. For example, for the Jamaica Bay
Ecosystem, Corps members will work on projects both at the
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, and in the half dozen
communities that ring the Bay.
In order to accomplish the goals of this program, we have
developed a collaboration of entities that represent varied
areas of expertise that will support the leadership role of
NRCS: the Urban Resources Partnership (URP), Gateway
National Recreation Area (National Park Service), and many
community-based organizations.
1021
NRCS will be responsible for managing the AmeriCorps program
and supervising Corps members' activities. This includes
supervising the two Rural Development Corps members,
establishing project rotations, conducting weekly site
visits, and participating in in-service training programs.
URP will play an active role in soliciting and selecting
appropriate field projects within the two targeted
ecosystems. During the implementation phase, staff from the
six federal agencies that comprise the Urban Resources
Partnership will be actively involved as technical
consultants to the projects and will provide environmental
training and education for participating Corps members.
Gateway is comprised of numerous sites in and around the
Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn and Queens, and along the eastern
shore of Staten Island. As a local Federal partner in the
Urban Resources Partnership, Gateway will play a key role in
developing and overseeing projects at their locations, and
will help to provide the necessary context for the community
based projects by serving as a destination for field trips
for community residents organized by the Corps members.
Gateway will also be the site for the initial team training
and subsequent team-building exercises.
Community-based organizations will help to assess community
needs, be actively involved in developing, overseeing, and
evaluating the impact of their sponsored projects, and will
help to involve community residents in the Corps members'
work.
In addition to the above partners, URP will contract with a
local youth-serving organization to assist the NRCS project
manager with Corps member recruitment/applicant screening,
team-building/in-service training, and project planning. In
addition, they will assist in the recruitment, training and
daily supervision of the two Rural Development Corps
members.
Service Activities
Corps mèmbers will perform service full-time, four days each
week, and on the fifth day will participate in in-service
training. During nine months out of the year, Corps members
1028
will work outdoors on high impact restoration projects.
During the winter months, members will conduct environmental
education sessions at schools located in the target
communities within the two ecosystems. URP program criteria
will be used to select appropriate service projects, which
include the following: 1) projects must meet a locally
stated priority and have a long term impact on the
community's quality of life and natural environment; 2)
projects taken together must represent geographic, ethno-
cultural, and natural resource diversity; and 3) projects
must build local capacity and engender community commitment
to insuring sustainability beyond the term of the specific
URP sponsored projects.
What follows is a partial listing of the kinds of
environmental restoration projects and sponsoring
organizations that will host the AmeriCorps members. These
projects are representative of the types of service
activities the Corps members will be involved in over the
course of the year.
Jamaica Bay
Service activities will take place both at the Gateway
National Recreation Area sites in Brooklyn and Queens, and
in the communities in the watershed. The following
organizations have agreed to host the AmeriCorps team and to
oversee the restoration projects described.
Gateway National Recreation Area at Jamaica Bay is comprised
of 1,454 acres, including 800 acres of natural areas made up
of grasslands, fishing areas, public campgrounds, and
community gardens. The park sites include many locations in
both Brooklyn and Queens, including Floyd Bennett Field,
Plumb Beach, Shore Parkway/Canarsic Pier. Jamaica Bay
Wildlife Refuge, Fort Tilden/Breezy Point, and the most
popular destination in the summer, Jacob Riis (beach) Park.
While these areas are incredibly diverse and present a
multitude of natural habitats and recreational
opportunities, fiscal and staffing constraints have resulted
in the need for extensive management and restoration work
throughout the park. AmeriCorps members will work under the
supervision of park supervisors on trail maintenance
projects such as cutting back overgrown brush, and placing
woodchips and sign posts along the trails. Corps members
1029
will also blaze new trails. in some cases to steer visitors
away from some sensitive ecological areas, and in others, to
provide access to wildlife viewing areas. Corps members
will also work to remove the blighted black pines and engage
in revegetation programs utilizing native trees and shrubs.
Participation in the annual beach cleanups will help members
to understand the connection between nonpoint source
pollution from the communities and its impact on beaches.
New Perspectives Development Corp. is a nonprofit local
development corporation that works with community youth
centers and senior centers on neighborhood enhancement
projects. Corps members will work on a variety of projects
designed to engender a stronger sense of community
stewardship through local park and trail maintenance
projects and beach cleanups. They will also work on some
inter-generational projects including grounds enhancement
projects at senior centers. Corps members will assist in
community-wide vacant lot reclamation projects by planting
shrubs, trees and vegetables. and assisting in the
development of community gardens.
NYC Audubon Society (NYCAS), an independently incorporated
chapter of the National Audubon Society, plays a critical
role in protecting habitats and promoting awareness of
wildlife in NYC. AmeriCorps members will supplement the
ongoing efforts of the NYCAS' primarily volunteer-run
Jamaica Bay Coastal Habitat Restoration Project, which seeks
to reverse the negative impact past industrial and
residential uses have had on the Bay's ecosystem. Corps
members will be assigned to work at two public wildlife
sanctuaries managed by NYCAS: Dubos Point Wetlands
Sanctuary, and Bayswater Point State Park. Corps members
will participate in restoration work, which includes debris
removal, selected enhancement of natural restoration
process, and monitoring through scientific study. In
addition, they will learn and utilize natural resource
inventory techniques in order to assist researchers in
collecting scientific data. Corps members will also play a
key role in conducting outreach efforts to local communities
and school children to promote public awareness of the
restoration project and access to the sites.
Metro Greenways Council (MGC) developed the original plan
for a 350 mile citywide greenway, most of which has yet to
1030
be implemented. In addition to advocating for the
completion of the Metropolitan Greenway System, Council
members monitor greenway conditions, and promote greenway
activities through leading walks and rides. Under the
guidance of MGC, Corps members will work on improving the
condition of existing segments of the Rockaway/Gateway
Greenway, and will develop and build interim segments,
including links to the adjacent communities, Service
activities include marking existing trails, clearing brush
and trash, laying woodchips or crushed stone to inhibit re-
growth of tall grass. The completion of this project will
permit residents in the communities surrounding Jamaica Bay
easier access to the Gateway sites (Jamaica Bay Wildlife
Refuge, Floyd Bennett Field, Riis Park. and Fort Tilden).
Staten Island
Service activities will take place both at the Gateway
National Recreation Area sites along the Atlantic shore of
the island, in the salt marshes on the northern shore, in
the communities surrounding these sites, and in the
communities through which the greenways pass. The following
organizations have agreed to host the AmeriCorps team and to
oversee the restoration projects described.
Gateway National Recreation Area in Staten Island is
comprised of 1,104 acres of land and water including Miller
Field, Great Kills Park, Hoffman Island, Swinburne Island,
and Historic Fort Wadsworth, which was recently added to the
Gateway portfolio in 1994 after the base was closed by the
federal government. Corps members will focus their work at
Fort Wadsworth, where they will be involved in a variety of
service activities designed to restore the historic quality
of the facility, and to develop the site into a local
cultural and environmental resource. Service activities
include developing a trail network, and planting trees and
shrubs to attract the public to the site.
Neighborhood Open Space Coalition (NOSC) is a non-profit
working partnership of member organizations dedicated to
community participation in preserving and enhancing New York
City's open spaces. NOSC is the lead organization promoting
the development of the North Shore Railroad Corridor
project, which will transform an abandoned railroad right-
of-way into a greenway with foot trails and bicycle paths.
1031
Corps members will work to develop an interim trail corridor
within the main right-of-way, and will develop new trails
connecting segments of the rail corridor. Service
activities will include clearing brush and trimming back
overgrowth on the trail. as well as planting trees and
shrubs along side the trail where necessary. Corps members
will be trained to lead walks through this natural area,
introducing residents and visitors to this unique adaptive
use of an abandoned railroad right-of-way.
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (PPOW) is a community-based
environmental organization working to preserve the remaining
natural areas of Staten Island through a variety of
conservation activities. Corps members will work to develop
the planned Staten Island Greenbelt through trail
restoration and maintenance projects. Service activities
will include clearing brush, and trimming back overgrowth on
the trails. Corps members will also assist to place signs
to clearly mark the trail. Maintenance and restoration work
will be included along this overutilized hiking trail area.
Salt Marsh Restoration Group (SMRG) was formed after a 1990
spill from in oil refinery pipeline destroyed 12 acres of
marsh and damaged the ecosystem of the 10 other acres Of
marsh on the west shore of Staten Island. SMRG works to
restore and prevent future damage through labor-intensive
clean-up and planting, research and evaluation of salt marsh
ecosystems, and advocacy. Corps members will assist in
SMRG's Old Place Creek Marsh Site project, where SMRG is
developing data baselines and monitoring the growth of grass
and the recruitment of marsh organisms back into the
grasses. After completing a series of educational workshops
conducted by SMRG staff, Corps members will compile data to
supplement the study and engage in actual restoration
projects. Other service activities will include planting
Spartina, a salt marsh cordgrass, to stabilize the fragile
sediment in the marsh and replace vegetation that was lost
in the spill. With the help of Corps members, SMRG aims to
plant 60,000 cords covering 100,000 square feet during the
Spring planting season, in order to insure stable growth by
the start of the following cold season.
Relation to Need
1032
Through the proposed service projects, AmeriCorps members
will address critical environmental needs through natural
resource management and restoration, and community
enhancement projects. Trail restoration projects will
facilitate access to existing natural areas. Wetlands
restoration projects will help to stem, or reverse, recent
trends of wetlands degradation and help to restore critical
wetlands. Community education projects will help to make
residents aware of the impact of their actions on the larger
ecosystems of which they are part, and community greening
projects will improve local environment and quality of life
in these neighborhoods. In addition, through exposure to
environmental issues and natural area and interaction with
experts the AmeriCorps youth may become more interested in
pursuing environmental careers but will in any event return
to their communities with an increased awareness of
environmental stewardship that they will share with friends
and family.
Participant Training and Support
There are various components to the Corps members' training,
support, education, and service learning. These components
will take place both formally and informally before, during
and after the service activities. The first element of
member training will occur at the very start of the year of
service, when all of the URP team members will participate
in a six day residential training program at Gateway
National Park. The Urban Resources Partnership will
contract with a local youth-serving organization experienced
in preparing youth for community service work. At Gateway,
they will learn communication and team building skills, in
addition to learning wilderness survival and outdoor skills
that will prepare them for their year of service.
Orientation week is just the first component of the overall
training program which will continue throughout the year.
Once service activities begin, Fridays will be dedicated to
in-service training activities and work-shops, lead by the
team leader. Service learning workshops will enable Corps
members to explore issues relating to their field service.
These. workshops may include reading and writing assignments
related to the prior week's service activity, giving Corps
members a broader perspective on their field work. Fridays
may also include environmental field trips, or presentations
1033
13
urban ecological topics Corps members are engaged in, as well as include environmental
career sessions to encourage urban youth to pursue careers in environmental disciplines. The
environmental education facilities at Gateway will also be available throughout the year to
provide mid-year training focused on natural resource issues.
Participant Recruitment, Placement, and Supervision
To recruit Corps members, we will utilize a variety of strategies, including placing ads in
community newspapers, obtaining referrals by individuals and organizations, and conducting
outreach to several of the specialized high schools in NYC, including the High School of
Environmental Science. For the two Rural Development Corps members, we will target our
recruitment efforts at area colleges with programs in environmental science in order to recruit
individuals with a background and interest in environmental issues.
We will seek to form a team comprised of people from diverse backgrounds and education
levels. Criteria used in selection will include: interest and/or experience in environmental
issues, dedication to the concept of national service, willingness and ability to work on a team,
and ability to confront challenges. During the recruitment process, priority will also be placed
on collaborating with community-based organizations to recruit candidates from
neighborhoods surrounding Jamaica Bay and Staten Island.
As described in the "Concept" section, the ten Environmental Team members will form one
team who will remain together for the year, and as a team, will rotate through a series of
projects. A Rural Development Corps member, reporting to the NRCS project manager, will
serve as the field supervisor/crew leader for the Environmental Team. The crew leader will
work with the team on a daily basis throughout the year to provide direct supervision and
overall support to the team members. The crew leader will work alongside the team
beginning at orientation week, and then at each project site over the course of the year. The
crew leader will also monitor attendance, work performance and team related issues, and
plays a key role as the link between the team and the project sponsor. Staff from the
sponsoring organizations will provide additional on-site training, supervision and support.
Project assignments will be scheduled by the second Rural Development Corps member who
will work as an environmental planner under the supervision of the NRCS project manager,
and in consultation with URP staff and partners. In addition, the Urban Resources
Partnership will contract with a local youth-serving organization to assist in the logistical
coordination of scheduling project rotations. The Rural Development Corps member, the
consultant, NRCS, and URP will work in partnership with sponsors to coordinate all service
projects. Advance planning will ensure that the team has sufficient project-related training,
tools and equipment to deliver service safely and effectively. Although many of the sponsors
have worked with youth before, staff will ensure that sponsors are oriented with AmeriCorps
mission and goals.
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14
5) OBJECTIVES:
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVE #1:
GRANTEE: NRCS SITE: New York, New York
SITE SUPERVISOR: John A. Bricker
PHONE NO.: 212/637-3710
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: To revitalize open space in 8-10 communities.
1. WHAT WORK WILL BE DONE?
vacant lot improvement, tree planting and care, greenway and bicycle trail
development and improvement
2. WHAT IS THE HOPED FOR RESULT OF THE WORK/ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED ABOVE?
enhancing the quality of, and improving access to open space and natural resources in
the targeted communities
3. HOW WILL YOU MEASURE THE QUALITY OF YOUR WORK?
Successful creation of gardens or landscaped sitting areas for community residents;
establishment of street trees; establishment/improvement of greenways and bicycle trails.
4. BY WHAT STANDARD WILL YOU GAUGE SUCCESS?
If community residents utilize these sites, and participate in the creation and
maintenance of the sites.
5. HOW MANY INDIVIDUALS WILL RECEIVE THE BENEFIT IF THE WORK OF YOUR
MEMBERS?
All of the residents of the targeted community. [There are approximately 50,000
residents on average in a community district * 10 districts = 500,000 residents]
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: New York, New York
(15 Members - 13 PL&E/3RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: John A. Bricker
PHONE: 212/637-3710
COUNTY: New York
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To revitalize open space in 8-10 communities.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Improve 3-5 vacant lots by removing debris and landscaping.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Enhancing the quality of and improving access to open space and natural resources in the targeted
communities.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Inspections from state agencies and meeting specifications of NRCS, FS, NPS
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
3-5 lots improved, cleaned, and landscaped.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All of the residents of the targeted community. (There are approximately 50,000 residents on
average in a community district * 10 districts = 500,000 residents.)
SEOl
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 2
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: New York, New York
(15 Members - 12 PL&E/3RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: John A. Bricker
PHONE: 212/637-3710
COUNTY: New York
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Street tree inventory.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Determine the number of trees, type and health of trees in three neighborhoods, maintain trees and
disseminate information.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Help improve the communities' decisions about tree maintenance and planting.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Inspections from state agencies and meeting specifications of NRCS, FS, NPS
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Three neighborhoods each 10 blocks square. 10% included in 1st year survival of trees.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All of the residents of the targeted community. (There are approximately 50,000 residents on
average in a community district * 10 districts = 500,000 residents.)
1036
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 3
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: New York, New York
(15 Members - 12 PL&E/3 RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: John A. Bricker
PHONE: 212/637-3710
COUNTY: New York
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Establish bike trails.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Establish and improve greenways and bicycle trails by removing debris and clearing trails.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Improve access to open space and natural resources in the targeted communities.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Inspections from state agencies and meeting specifications of NRCS, FS, NPS
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
5 miles in Jamaica Bay and 2 miles in Staten Island.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All of the residents of the targeted community. (There are approximately 50,000 residents on
average in a community district * 10 districts = 500,000 residents.)
1037
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 4
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: New York, New York
(15 Members - 12 PL&E/3 RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: John A. Bricker
PHONE: 212/637-3710
COUNTY: New York
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To protect 30 miles of natural shoreline ecosystem habitats
surrounding significant coastal wetlands.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Removal of debris along the shoreline of Jamaica Bay and Staten Island coasts.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Reduction of debris and habitat improvement.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By the amount of debris removed.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
2 tons of debris from 800 acres of natural area.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Residents in communities surrounding Jamaica Bay in Queens and Brooklyn as well as communities along
the coast of Staten Island. (over 2 million people live in Queens, over 2 million people live in
Brooklyn; approximately 5 million people live on Staten Island.)
RE01
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 5
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: New York, New York
(15 Members - 12 PL&E/3 RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: John A. Bricker
PHONE: 212/637-3710
COUNTY: New York
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To plant vegetative cover
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Establish vegetative cover to the shoreline along Jamaica Bay in Queens and Brooklyn and along the
Staten Island coasts.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Increase in diversity of nesting birds and reduction in erosion and sedimentation.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Before and after measurements of erosion. Plantings inspected according to USDA and USDOI standards
and specifications. FWS habitat evaluation procedures.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
4,000 linear feet of shoreline, 90% survival of vegetation within first year, 50% increase in
nesting birds.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Residents in communities surrounding Jamaica Bay in Queens and Brooklyn as well as communities along
the coast of Staten Island. (over 2 million people live in Queens, over 2 million people live in
Brooklyn; approximately 5 million people live on Staten Island.)
1039
1040
NORTH DAKOTA
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Groundwater Protection
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
North Dakota
E. County of Duty Station:
Grand Forks, Ramsey, Richland, and
Stutsman
F. Names of counties served
Barnes, Benson, Cass, Eddy, Foster,
Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Ramsey,
Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele,
Stutsman, and Traill
G. Congressional District:
North Dakota
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Jeffrey L. Printz
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
USDA/NRCS
208 2nd Ave. SW
Jamestown, ND 58402-2096
Ph: (701) 252-1460
FAX: (701) 252-9068
J: Name of State Project Director: Richard L. Bentaas
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
USDA/NRCS
220 E. Rosser Ave., Rm. 278
P. O. Box 1458
Bismarck, ND 58502-1458
Ph: (701) 250-4761
FAX: (701) 250-4420
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M. Number of Members in RDT:
5
1041
1.
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Trout Stream Renovation
in the Mountains
B. Name of Organization:
NC RC&D Association
C. Team Type:
combined
D. State of Duty Station:
North Carolina
E. County of Duty station:
Buncombe
F.
Names of counties served:
Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Swain,
Jackson, Macon, Haywood,
Buncombe, Henderson,
Transylvania, Madison, Avery,
Mitchell, Yancy, and Watauga.
G. Congressional District:
11th
H. Name of site supervisor:
Sally Stokes
I. Address, ph/fax number:
22 South Pack Sq, Suite 310
South Market Street
Asheville, NC 28801.
Ph: (704) 252-1675
FAX (704) 252-1675
J. Name of st Project Dir:
Cecil Settle
K. Address, ph/fax number:
4405 Bland Road, Suite 205
Raleigh, NC 27609.
Ph: (919) 790-2909
FAX (919) 790-2881
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
5 members
M. Number of Members in RDT:
combined (see L above)
16
1042
2.
SUMMARY PAGE
A. The specific needs to be met, particularly as they relate to the
Environment and Community Service.
Statewide, we are experiencing industrial and residential growth. This
growth is perceived by some as positive while others view it as detrimental
to our statewide ecosystems. Unfortunately, most citizens lack the knowledge
to develop opinions supported by scientific facts. When problems or
opportunities are cited in our state; such as, timber cutting in the national
forest; or the construction of a superhighway; or the sitting of a nuclear
waste storage facility; most citizens react out of fear, unable to understand
that there are balances between environment and progress. The first two
objectives of the overall plan are designed to achieve an informed citizenry.
North Carolina is a state composed of 85% rural counties. In 1994, more than
100 citizens lost their lives to fire, while property losses exceeded 50
million dollars. One of the leading causes of this loss of life and property
is the lack of an adequate supply of water to fight fires, since less than
20% of rural North Carolina counties have county-wide water systems. The NC
Resource Conservation and Development Association plans to implement a
statewide dry hydrant program to supply water resources for this public
safety program. AmeriCorps participants are needed to achieve this goal.
B. The key elements of the program design. A description of the
administering organization and identification of primary program partners.
Southwestern NC RC&D
Blue Ridge RC&D
Mountain Valleys RC&D
NC Department of Transportation
Trout Unlimited
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
17
1043
3. Mission and objectives.
A. Mission statement
The mission of the North Carolina RC&D Association is to promote
environmental protection and conservation with a concern and effort to insure
sustainable economic growth in the state of North Carolina.
B. Annual objectives
1. Assist with the development and improvement of tourism and recreation in
the area.
2. Provide assistance in protection of the resource base.
3. Assist with programs for improvement in fishing and wildlife habitat.
18
1044
4. Narrative:
A. Needs to be met and appropriateness for national service.
Needs: There is a need for renovation of these streams in order for the fish
habitat to be restored. This will increase the carrying capacity of the
streams and make more recreational fishing available to the general public.
These streams not only serve the citizens of North Carolina but also the
citizens of the adjoining states and beyond.
Process: The streams that need improvement will be identified by members of
the Trout Unlimited Chapters in Western North Carolina in consultation with
local Wildlife and Fishing Clubs, local citizen groups as well as the local
Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Southwestern NC, Blue Ridge,
and Mountain Valley RC&D Councils.
B) DESIGN.
The Trout Unlimited Chapter will be primarily responsible for identifying the
streams needing improvement and provide some supervision of the daily cleanup
activities. The local Soil and Water Conservation District will provide some
needed office space and some supervision of the daily cleanup activities in
their respective districts. The RC&D Council will supervise the overall
cleanup and restorative activities, schedule and organize the cleanup
activities in order that the work can progress in a timely and orderly
manner. Fish enhancement structures will be installed at points identified
by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Concept: To restore mountain streams to their original character.
Service Activities: The participant or personnel involved in the actual
cleanup will be carrying out the following activities:
Pickup and removal from stream site all debris, trash, and materials that
would lead to deterioration of the fish habitat.
Also, they would be involved in making stream improvements in some instances
such as constructing small rock dams to create pools and installing fish
enhancement structures with outside assistance.
Participants will work with the NC Department of Transportation to improve
access areas at points designated for restocking trout.
Relation to Need: The program success will be determined by the improvement
of the fish habitat in the streams. This will be determined by monitoring by
the Community Colleges and Trout Unlimited. Additional information as to the
success of the cleanup project will be determined by members of Trout
Unlimited in relation to the increased fish population and increase in the
number of people fishing the streams.
19
1045
Participant Training and Support: Training will be provided to the
participants by the RC&D Councils in association with the members of the
Trout Unlimited Chapter.
Training will include the proper method of traversing the stream in a safe
manner and removal of debris and other material. They will be instructed in
the value of fish habitat improvement in relation to the environmental
concerns as well as the economic benefits of the project.
Participant Placement and Supervision: Supervision will be provided to the
participants by a competent person, one of the participants or other person.
At least 50% of the participants that are assigned to trout stream
improvement projects will be Native Americans recruited from the Eastern Band
of Cherokee Indians.
20
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 10
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: North Carolina
Trout Stream
(5 Members - Combined)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Sally Stokes PHONE: (704) 252-1675 COUNTY: Buncombe
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Assist with the development and improvement of tourism and
recreation in the mountains.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Stream cleanup to reduce pollution to native trout streams. Organic and inorganic pollutants such as
paper, animal mortality, cans, bottles, tires, appliances, etc. will be removed from streams.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Improved water quality and improved wildlife habitat will improve travel and tourism to the area.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By the number of miles of streams that can be restocked with trout once the cleanup work is complete.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
An effort will be made the first year to improve no less than 200 miles of streams. We realize this
will not impact tourism by fisherman and recreational uses initially.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All landowners adjacent to streams as well as all who visit the area and use these public waters for
recreation. Off site benefits will be recognized downstream by all who take water for residential,
municipal, industrial and other use.
30
1046
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 12
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: North Carolina
Trout Stream
(5 Members - Combined)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Sally Stokes PHONE: (704) 252-1675 COUNTY: Buncombe
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Improve fishing and wildlife habitat
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Identify streams needing improvement (cleanup). Perform cleanup measures including the removal of
trash, debris, and other pollutants. Build fish enhancement structures at locations identified by
Trout Unlimited. It is estimated that a1/2 ton of debris will be removed from each mile of streams.
Five fish enhancements structures are planned for FY 96. The removal of organic waste, heavy metals,
and old tires (petroleum base) will improve water quality enough such that these streams will support
trout which is very sensitive to pollution.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
To restore mountain streams to their original character.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
The program success will be determined by the improvement of the fish habitat in the streams. This
will be determined by monitoring by the Community Colleges and Trout Unlimited. Additional information
as to the cleanup project will be determined by members of Trout Unlimited in relation to the increased
fish population and increase in the number of people fishing the streams.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Water quality standards established by North Carolina Water Resources Division for trout waters of
North Carolina.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All landowners with property adjoining streams and visitors who use the public waters of North
Carolina. All streams are public waters in North Carolina.
32
1047
1048
1.
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Dry Fire Hydrants
B Name of Organization:
NC Resource Conservation and
Development Association
C Team Type:
combined
D. StAte of Duty Station:
North Carolina
E County of Duty station:
Alamance
F Names of counties served:
Randolph, Alamance, Guilford,
Orange, Durham, Caswell,
Rockingham, Davie, Forsyth,
Stokes, Yadkin, and Surry.
G Congressional District:
6th
H Name of site supervisor:
Calvin Evans
I Address, ph/FAX number:
201 South Main Street
Graham, NC 27253
Ph: (910) 227-5829
FAX (910) 227-6890
J Name of st Project Dir:
Cecil Settle
K Address, ph/FAX number:
4405 Bland Road, Suite 205
Raleigh, NC 27609
Ph: (919) 790-2909
FAX (919) 790-2881
L Number of Members In PL&E:
5 members
M Number of Members in RDT:
combined (see L above)
6
1049
SUMMARY PAGE
A. The specific needs to be met, particularly as they relate to the
Environment and Community Service.
This program will provide an essential tool which is needed to encourage
economic development and sustain rural growth. This statewide system will
provide water needed for road maintenance and construction, fire protection,
and water intakes for agriculture and other uses.
B. The key elements of the program design. A description of the
administering organization and identification of primary program partners.
Nine Regional RC&D's
North Carolina Fire Fighters
Association
Fire Departments
North Carolina Farm Bureau
Federation
AmeriCorps Members
Natural Resources Conservation
Service
North Carolina Division of Energy
3. Mission and objectives.
Mission statement
Building support and leaders in our communities in the natural resource and
human resource areas in order to address public environmental and economic
concerns.
Annual objectives:
1. Improve public safety on state-wide basis in rural areas.
2. Provide alternative sources of water for rural areas of the state.
3. Inventory sites for intake points for rural water supply.
7
1050
4. Narrative:
Needs:
A state-wide survey was conducted, by the North Carolina Resource
Conservation and Development Association , to determine the need for rural
fire protection. These dry hydrants will serve small towns and rural
volunteer fire departments that lack staff to process applications, perform
needed accounting requirements for materials and placement of dry hydrants.
AmeriCorps participants can provide this service to rural communities and
fire departments.
Process:
The process of determining needs involved input from local and county
government, fire departments, the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, the
North Carolina Fire Fighters Association, and local soil and water
conservation districts. Questionnaires were sent to every county in North
Carolina.
DESIGN.
Concept:
This program will be the responsibility of the North Carolina Resource
Conservation and Development Association with administration assigned to the
nine RC&D areas that serve the state. AmeriCorps participants assigned to
the mini teams in the mountains, piedmont, and coastal plains will be pooled
together to work on this project during late fall, winter and early spring.
8
1051
Service Activities:
Participants will work with landowners and fire departments with identifying
and documenting both private and public water sources for the dry hydrants.
They will review applications for dry hydrants submitted to RC&D by fire
departments and set priorities on installation based on criteria to be
developed by RC&D and other partners. They will schedule shipping of
materials and installation of dry hydrants. AmeriCorps participants will be
responsible for inventorying and accounting for materials shipped and
received from vendors to fire departments. They will monitor and document
installation of works, and the solicitation of volunteers to assist with the
installation.
9
1052
Relation to Need:
Provide a statewide rural fire protection program which will save lives and
property. It will reduce fire insurance premiums for all citizens and
businesses served by the system. It will be an added dimension which could
be a major factor in bringing new businesses and light industry into a rural
area.
Participant Training and Support:
Training will include a three day seminar conducted by the North Carolina
Fire Fighters Association. Two days will include application processing,
identification of water sources, and dry hydrant equipment design. One day
will be spent installing and inspecting a dry hydrant.
Participant Placement and Supervision:
Each of the three mini groups requested in Objectives 1, 2, and 3 will be
assigned a reasonable driving distance from their homebase which is as
follows:
Mini Team Location
No. Participants
Western North Carolina
5
Northern Piedmont North Carolina
5
Eastern North Carolina
5
15
Participants will be supervised by regional fire marshals.
10
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 4
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: North Carolina
Dry Fire Hydrant
(5 Members - Combined)
SITE SUPERVISOR: County Fire Marshals PHONE : (910) 944-4787 COUNTY: State-wide
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Improve public safety on a state-wide basis in rural areas.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
The long-term goal is to install 3,411 fire hydrants (non-pressurized) across the state. Of this
number (3,411), twenty-five percent or 852 hydrants will be installed by the end of FY 96.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Saving human lives and property from fire and fire-related accidents.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By the number and quality of the hydrants installed.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
By an overall reduction in insurance premiums due to availability of water for fire fighting purposes.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All citizens of rural areas in North Carolina.
24
1053
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 5
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: North Carolina
Dry Fire Hydrant
(5 Members - Combined)
SITE SUPERVISOR: County Fire Marshals PHONE: (910) 944-4787 COUNTY: State-wide
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Provide alternative sources of water for rural areas of the
state.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
The long-term plan is to install 3,411 fire hydrants (non-pressurized) across the state. Install 852
hydrants by the end of FY 96.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
To provide users with access to a dependable, safe, and adequate supply of water that is within close
proximity to the user.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By a 5 percent status review of intake points where hydrants have been installed.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
By the installation of 25 percent of the hydrants in FY96.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All citizens of rural areas in North Carolina.
25
1054
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 6
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: North Carolina
Dry Fire Hydrant
(5 Members - Combined)
SITE SUPERVISOR: County Fire Marshals PHONE: (910) 944-4787 COUNTY: State-wide
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Inventory sites for intake points for rural water supply.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Coordinate a review of a minimum of 3,800 intake points in the statewide inventory. Not all points
identified initially will be available for use due to ownership, proximity to community needs, etc.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
To insure that points identified in the state-wide inventory are accessible and that the supply and
quality of water is acceptable.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By a 5 percent status review of intake points approved for hydrant installation.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
By reviews and approval ratings by rural fire departments on a site-by-site evaluation.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All citizens of rural areas in North Carolina.
26
1055
1056
1.
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Learning Centers on Public
Properties
B. Name of Organization:
NC RC&D Association
C. Team Type:
combined
D. State of Duty Station:
North Carolina
E. County of Duty station:
Chowan
F. Names of counties served:
Currituck, Camden, Hyde,
Pasquotank, Hertford,
Perquimans, Chowan,
Washington, Terrell, Dare,
Pitt, Bertie, Martin,
Beaufort, and Gates.
G. Congressional District:
1st
H. Name of site supervisor:
Rodney Johnson
I. Address, ph/fax number:
412 West Queen Street
Edenton, NC 27932.
Ph: (919) 482-7437
FAX (919) 482-3428
J. Name of st Project Dir:
Cecil Settle
K. Address, ph/fax number:
4405 Bland Road, Suite 205
Raleigh, NC 27609.
Ph: (919) 790-2909
FAX (919) 790-2904
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
5 members
M. Number of Members in RDT:
combined
11
1057
2.
SUMMARY PAGE - on one page provide an overview of:
A. The specific needs to be met, particularly as they relate to the
Environment and Community Service.
This program will include adding new trails and facilities as well as
utilizing and improving existing facilities that promote environmental
education. The installation of conservation measures to solve existing
problems and complement the ecosystem educational efforts in the park will be
completed by participants.
B. The key elements of the program design. A description of the
administering organization and identification of primary program partners.
Pasquotank Recreation Area
Englehard Creek Boardwalk
Goose Creek State Park
Hope Heritage Forest
Albemarle RC&D
Mid East RC&D
State Park Service
Local Recreation
Commissions
NC Forest Service
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
3. Mission and objectives.
Mission statement
The mission of the North Carolina RC&D Association is to promote
environmental protection and conservation with a concern and effort to insure
sustainable economic growth in the state of North Carolina.
B. Annual objectives
1. Pilot Test Ecosystem Management and Education Activities in North
Carolina parks.
2. Promote resource conservation and development using state parks and
public lands.
3. Encourage travel and tourism to rural areas through improved recreational
facilities and services.
4. Narrative:
Needs
Needs: Introducing ecosystem management and educational tools will add a new
dimension to the experience (s) of users of North Carolina parks. AmeriCorps
participants working in these ten parks will serve as a catalyst to
demonstrate the value and need for implementing a statewide ecosystem program
in all parks.
12
1058
Process: Needs were identified by public meetings and by public mailings
during the process of updating RC&D area plans. Each RC&D area in North
Carolina has recently (last two years) gone through a thorough process to
identify community and regional needs. Questionnaires were sent to homes and
businesses in the state. Out of these questionnaires came the ideas of
developing rural areas of the state for industry and recreation.
Environmental education projects are planned for Hanging Rock State Park,
Pasquotank Multi-purpose Recreation Area, Englehard Far Creek cleanup and
boardwalk, Goose Creek State Park environmental education trails, and Hope
Heritage Forest nature trails.
B) DESIGN.
Concept: The ecosystem program at each park will be structured such that it
can be used by individual (s), families, school groups, and others.
Activities and learning experiences will be designed for independent study as
well as institutional study. The improvement of trails and the installation
of conservation measures will provide a pleasing and safe environment for
users. The concept for the design of the program is to provide installation
labor for projects where partners cannot afford the expense of contracting
this work to a private company.
13
1059
Service Activities: Participants will be involved in laying out the planned
facilities which will include trails, amphitheaters, exhibit stations,
constructing and/or installing exhibits, organizing environmental field days,
manning exhibit stations and giving educational programs. Program
participants will be assigned a project location for a given week. They will
report to that site each day using a vehicle provided by the NRCS, which will
be kept centrally located within the project area. Daily supervision will be
provided by the local project sponsor for work to be accomplished each day.
These activities will serve to foster an informed citizenry on the
environment.
14
1060
Relation to Need: Goals for construction and implementation will be
established for the short term and monitored by the state park staff. A
questionnaire will be developed by the project team(s) to evaluate user
satisfaction once the ecosystem plan and facilities are in place.
Participant Training and Support: Training will include a two day overview
of the program. Fifty percent of this training orientation will be on site.
This will be followed by three days of service learning curriculum. Each
participant should complete their tour of service well informed in ecosystem
based management. Beyond that accomplishment, each participant will better
understand the needs and value of community and public service. This method
of training will be used on all three objectives.
Participant Placement and Supervision: Participants will work in teams of
five, one-of-which will serve as a team leader. Participants will be
supervised by state park staff.
15
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 7
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: North Carolina
Ecosystem Mgmt & Education
(5 Members - Combined)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Rodney Johnson PHONE : (919) 482-7437 COUNTY: Pasquotank
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Pilot test ecosystem management and educational activities in
North Carolina parks.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
This program will include adding four new trails with each trail being approximately one mile in length
as well as utilizing and improving existing facilities that promote environmental education. The
installation of conservation measures to solve existing problems and complement the ecosystem
educational efforts in the park will be completed by participants.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
An informed public that will promote development of similar ecosystem projects in all state parks.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By public comments on ecosystem educational development within the parks and public lands.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
By the reaction of those state officials responsible for establishing programs and improvements in
state parks relative to pilot testing ecosystem management (no standard has been set for this program
in North Carolina).
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All uses of the parks and public lands identified in the objective.
27
1061
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: North Carolina
SITE SUPERVISOR: Rodney Johnson
COUNTY: Pasquotank
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Promote resource conservation and development using state parks and
public lands.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
The ecosystem program at each park will be structured such that it can be used by
individuals, families, schools and others. Design activities for independent study and
institutional study; improve trails and install conservation measures to provide a
pleasing and safe environment. Construct water bars, short diversions, small waterways,
and other BMPs.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
To provide technical assistance where partners cannot afford the expense of contracting
with a private company. To develop an environment for demonstrations and education
purposes to show students and adults the ecological and environmental value of practicing
good land and water conservation management.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Site inspections and evaluations will be conducted for improvements made to trails, signs
and exhibit stations.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Improvements will be made at five parks.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Estimated 32,000 users per year.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: North Carolina
SITE SUPERVISOR: Rodney Johnson
COUNTY: Pasquotank
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Encourage travel and tourism to rural areas through improved
recreational facilities and
services.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Members will complete a list of activities available to children, adults, and groups at
the parks where improvements will be made. This information will be provided to local
Bureaus of Travel and Tourism. This information will help support travel bureaus' efforts
to promote tourism.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Encourage travel and tourism to rural areas by improving recreational facilities and
services.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
The number of average users will be compared in the past three years to the number of
users in 1996, 1997 and 1998.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
A list of activities will be compiled for five parks. Average use will increase by 15% or
4800 people.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Estimated at 32,000 users per year.
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1064
NORTH DAKOTA
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Groundwater Protection
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
North Dakota
E. County of Duty Station:
Grand Forks, Ramsey, Richland, and
Stutsman
F. Names of counties served
Barnes, Benson, Cass, Eddy, Foster,
Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Ramsey,
Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele,
Stutsman, and Traill
G. Congressional District:
North Dakota
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Jeffrey L. Printz
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
USDA/NRCS
208 2nd Ave. SW
Jamestown, ND 58402-2096
Ph: (701) 252-1460
FAX: (701) 252-9068
J: Name of State Project Director: Richard L. Bentaas
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
USDA/NRCS
220 E. Rosser Ave., Rm. 278
P. O. Box 1458
Bismarck, ND 58502-1458
Ph: (701) 250-4761
FAX: (701) 250-4420
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M. Number of Members in RDT:
5
APR-25-95 12:42 FROM: SCS ADS
ID: 701 250 4420
page 2
1065
NORTH DAKOTA
2. SUMMARY PAGE
A) AmeriCorps members have completed scope and effect on
57 of the 160 targeted areas having the greatest
potential to reduce downstream flooding of rural and
urban communities.
AmeriCorps members promotional efforts, which included
well sealing demonstrations, has succeeded in
generating renewed interest by rural and urban
residents to seal abandoned wells.
AmeriCorps members assisted Ramsey County Emergency
Management personnel by surveying current and projected
water levels in Devils Lake. This information will be
used by community residents and businesses to implement
protective measures as Devils Lake continues it's rise
to record levels.
AmeriCorps members assisted the community of Harwood,
ND clean up a trailer court that was abandoned because
of severe flood damage.
AmeriCorps members have received training on Civil
Rights, AIDS awareness, first aid, CPR, hazardous
materials, defensive driving and basic survey
techniques. Perhaps most noticeable has been their
improved interpersonal skills attained through "on-the-
job" training, working with the general public.
B) The FY 96 AmeriCorps project objective will be more
focused on the flood prone area of southeastern North
Dakota. This area is undergoing considerable economic
and urban development in an area that is sensitive to
ground water contamination as well as being
environmentally sensitive.
AmeriCorps members will be working directly with
communities in this area to promote ground water
protection. Members will also be providing outreach to
urban and rural communities, including informational
meetings, to increase awareness of environmentally
sensitive issues.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: North Dakota
SITE SUPERVISOR: Steve Fischer
COUNTY:
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Promote increased community awareness of the needs for ground water
protection measures and the development and or implementation of well head protection
plans for urban and rural water systems.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Members will work with leaders of local government, community groups, and one-on-one in an
effort to educated and provide information on the Best Management Practices (BMP) to
protect ground water from chemical pollutants.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Increased awareness to the dangers of ground water pollution and an increase in the
application of "Best Management Practices", especially in well head areas.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Progress will be measured by the number of BMPs applied and the number of well head plans
developed for new areas. Site supervisors will review accomplishments to ensure policies
are followed.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
20 group presentations will be made; 22 well head plans developed and 30 BMPs installed.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Estimated 3,000 rural residents who depend upon rural water systems for household water
use will benefit.
9901
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: North Dakota
SITE SUPERVISOR: Steve Fischer
COUNTY:
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: To provide information to communities and residents on the negative
impacts to ground water quality from intensified agricultural uses within the Sheyenne
Delta area.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Members will conduct community meetings and make one-on-one contact with rural and urban
residents to provide information on the impact of pesticides and herbicides being used in
ever increasing amounts on specialty crops in the targeted area. They will emphasize
impacts on potential for ground water contamination, threatened and endangered species,
and soil health concerns.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Awareness of the dangers of ground water contamination by chemicals and voluntary
protection of threatened and endangered species habitat. Overall improvement in soil
health, and an increased awareness of resource concerns associated with production of
specialty crops.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Members will develop periodic progress reports on number of meetings conducted and the
number of groups contacted.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
50 groups contacted, 25 presentations made.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
3,000 rural residents who depend upon rural water systems for household use.
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