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USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY95 2nd Quarter Progress Reports to CNS [Corporation for National Service] (1)
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USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY95 2nd Quarter Progress Reports to CNS [Corporation for National Service] (1)
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FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F
(3)
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:
24224
FolderID:
Folder Title:
USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps, - Clinton Library Copies - FY95 2nd Quarter
Progress Reports to CNS [Corporation for National Service] (1)
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
66
1
3
3
03/08/95 13:29
913 823 4540
SCS KANSAS
001
United States
KS-IRM-5
Dept. of Agriculture
Rev. 12/94
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Facsimile Transmittal Sheet
Date: 3/8/95
NRCS
Transmittal +
pages
KANSAS
To: Joel Berg
USDA/OFFICE of Communications
Natl' Service Division
14th & Independence SW
Room 540-A
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720 6350
FAX: 202 720 4614
From: Jim Meisenheimer Kansas MaeriCorps Regional Facilitator
Natural Resources Conservation Service
760 South Broadway
Salina, KS 67401-4642
Phone:
FAX: (913) 823-4540
Transmittal Problem - Call (913) 823-4515
Message: Attached is the item referred to in my Feb. 13 report
Looking at the copy again makes me wonder if I misrepresented
the statement to you. The producer may have been
only refering to the wetland program, not AmeriCorps.
When I first saw the note, I thought he was refering to
AmeriCorps
Hope that I did not mislead you!
to
03/08/95
13:30
913 823 4540
SCS KANSAS
002
03-08-95 01:10PM FROM FmHA DD HAYS
P01
OPTIONAL FORM ⑉ (7-20)
FAX TRANSMITTAL
, of pages
Tw Jim Mersenbeumer
From
Lance Hockett
Phone .
Γa3 # 913-823-4540
Fax #
913-628-3654
NON 7540-01-317-7268
ROBB-101
SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
(913) 425-6316
Patricia R
Wendling
Rt 1 Box 51
Zurich,, KS
67676
Please return to:
Natural Resources Conservation Service
506 Main
Stockton, KS 67668
Please check the appropriate box:
x
1
I grant permission lu conduct a riparian transect on
my land.
[ ] Y de not grant permission to conduct a riparian transact
on MY land.
Per Windlig Owner/Operator Signature
2-8-95
NEY 35-10.20
I their Programs like the is great
in our County
Pat
2/14/95
This has
been
To: Joel Berg
AmeriCorps/USDA
Date: April 6, 1995
faxed.
V: 202-720-6358, FX: 202-720-4614
From: Rick Block
OPTIONAL FORM 99 (7-90)
Regional Facilitator
V: 503-465-6442, FX: 503-465-6483
FAX TRANSMITTAL
To
From
# of pages 13
RE: Reports and Updates
Dept/Agency
Phone #
Fax #
Fax #
WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT:
NSN 7540-01-317-7388
5088-101
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Week of April 3 . ?, 1995
I was invited and attended a cluster meeting of the Western Oregon RECD cluster in
Eugene, OR on March 31, 1995. It was announced and led by Kimberly O'Brien,
AmeriCorps member located in Oakridge, OR. In attendance was one other RECD member
and a RARE member stationed in Sweet Home. The week the members spent in Memphis,
TN was reviewed. All in all, the training received a good evaluation. However,
they felt this should have been done sooner, which would have allowed some of the
ideas for certain extensive projects to be pursued. It was also mentioned that some
of the training lacked the substance needed for on-site economic development
strategies, public involvement and community outreach. I relayed some of the agenda
from the State Program Director's meeting held on March 30th.
The State Commission for National and Community Service has committed the training
funds necessary to conduct the April 19-20 seminar in Eugene, OR I have mentioned in
past reports. The lodging will be at no cost due to finding Returned Peace Corps
Volunteer homes for the participants. 8 AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers and their
director will also be attending the seminar along with 17 USDA AmeriCorps members
from the RECD, NRCS'S RC&D, EnviroCorps and Northwest Service Academy. David Povey
and his staff form the University of Oregon {AmeriCorps' RARE) will be conducting
training modules including public involvement, land use planning, strategic
planning, project management and economic development. There will also be break-out
crossover group discussions during the seminar to discuss member projects. On April
21st, most of the participants will be attending a RARE cluster meeting in Oakridge,
OR. This seminar and cluster meeting will further the objectives you stated iв your
co-memorandum with Meg Maguire dated February 24, 1995.
I visited EnviroCorps and Northwest Service Academy projects on April 5, 1995 in
Portland, OR. Accompanying at was Larry Frey, District Director, who is assisting
with facilitator duties for these two AmeriCorps groups. Larry was a great help in
explaining the CFSA and gave an agriculture background of the surrounding area,
specifically the Tualatin Valley. The following is a brief description of the tour:
EnviroCorps' full time program director, Jennifer Thompson of Metro Parks and
Greenspace, accompanied us on a visit to three sites. The first site included
all of the full time AmeriCorps members working on trails in a natural area
park near Beaverton, OR. Two members gave Larry, Jennifer and I a walking tour
of the type of work already done including closing off trails, re-routing
trails and converting brushy areas to wildlife habitat. We ended our tour of
the park at the work site of the other members. The next two sites were along
the Columbia River's estuaries where brushy and inaccessible areas are being
converted back to wildlife habitat. These sites will be used as interpretive
centers for schools and the general public. All sites toured had visible
improvements with a great deal of work accomplished. The last site viewed will
CE
Hrs
volume # 1
A SLOUGH OF ACTIVITY
March 1995
N
V
R
C
R
S
An environmentally focused group participating in President Clinton's AmeriCorps program
This is our first Newsletter. Quite a bit
is happening on both the full and part-
time crews, so here is a brief description
RECEIVED
ENVIROCORPS
of a few major projects we are working
AMERICORES
on during our year of service in the
MAR 27 1995
POR
*
AmeriCorps program.
LANE COUNTY CFSA
Part-time crew.
AND
PR
Team leader Tamra Cochran is involved in all the
activities which the part-time crews participate in.
Roosevelt team
There is a possibility that building an 'urban tree
house' can be incorporated into the plans as well. The
Beth Polidoro, Jonathan Mugglestone, Cassondra
tree house will serve as an outdoor classroom where
Rutherford, and Katherine Demsky, the part-timers
community residents can participate in educational
involved with Ms. Dunster's class at Roosevelt High
and cultural workshops on a wide variety of topics,
School, drafted a proposal to include her students in
geared towards experential learning.
an upcoming event at Smith and Bybee Lakes on
April 29th.
The EnviroCorps team is coordinating efforts with
The Rooseyelt students and EnviroCorps members
Mr. Yamashida from the Parks Department to discuss
have gathered cuttings from plant species found in
and refine plans for theproposed project. In early
the wetlands around the lakes and are rooting them in
March a public forum was held at Vernon Elementary
a greenhouse ajoining Ms. Dunster's classroom. On
School giving people interested in the park an
April 29th, at the Smith and Bybee Lakes Day, the
opportunity to voice ideas and concerns they held
students will demonstrate how to transplant the
about any proposed changes in, or additions to, their
newly rooted cuttings and then assist anyone who
neighborhood greenspace.
wishes to join in and help plant them.
As the project progresses Ms. Dunster and the
People living nearby definitely want more lights
EnviroCorps crew will teach the students something
installed. We will provide the Parks Department with
about the ecology of the Columbia Slough watershed
information about the expressed needs of the
system in which the cuttings they have rooted are to
community in the hopes of gaining the city's support
be planted. It should be a rewarding experience for all
to make necessary improvements in the park a reality.
concerned.
Alberta Park team
When we arrive at a mutually agreed upon course of
The other group of part-time members; Alexandria
action students from Jefferson High School will join
Le, Grayson Hashida, Robert Smith Jr., Richard Melo,
EnviroCorps team members for a six week summer
and Avis Dunas have drafted a proposal for a multi-
session in the park. Team members,
faceted project in Alberta Park, located in the Vernon
serving as mentor/ laborers, and
neighborhood of Northeast Portland.
the Jefferson student 'youth
partners', will
The park is an ideal spot to design naturescaped areas
provide the
in which native plants are grown to attract birds and
brains and
ther species of small animals. It is also a good
the brawn
location to develop a community garden, which will
needed to
afford students from nearby Vernon Elementary
get the
School a safe place to grow flowers and vegetables.
job done.
88:01
CF
a
have a major clean-up party of garbage and debris on Earth Day, April 22nd.
April 8th, Arbor Day, will involve re-vegetation of a 17-acre wetland in
Bresham, OR, National Service Day, April 25th, will entail demonstrations to
several high-rist youths of basic agricultural and environmental lessons on an
educational farm near Portland. Please note the newsletter enclosed with this
report.
We were met by Jon Stewart, NWSA director, Joe Parvankin, NWSA Metro director,
and Tricia Long, NWSA Education Coordinator at Seorge Middle School in
Portland. John Jackson, NWSA crew leader, and other AmeriCorps members were
working with students inside and outside the classroom. Environmental and
wildlife habitat topics were being discussed in the classroom. The members
were facilitating the students in planning the development of re-enactments and
construction of an ecosystem using native vegetation, a re-cycling stream and
other improvements within the courtyards and other areas. The team was
actively inter-reacting and supervising the students, as other curious students
not involved in the project caught glimpses of the activity. The students
appeared to be genuinely interested and Knew "what's" and "why's" of the
project. They had already been working on the project for three hours before
we arrived. Jon, Joe and Tricia then led Larry and I to Markam Park Natural
Interpretive Center, another site in southern Portland where another NWSA
AmeriCorps crew were working. This crew, led by Sherry Jackson, was
establishing a 1-mile trail in the park to allow the existing trail to have a
loop. "Friends of Markam Park", a local group, were very and grateful and
highly supportive of the NWSA's efforts. There are 4 other NWSA crews
actively involved in projects which could not be visited that day.
Upcoming NWSA events are varied and plentiful. One involves the NWSA's
partnership with the Oregon Forestry Education Program, the eigth grade
students and teachers of Binnsmead Middle School. In this project, students
will have a rare chance to develop and apply professional skills and knowledge
involving forestry management. Tools such as a Biltmore stick, a Merritt
Hypsometer and a diameter-breast-height tape will be constructed and used on
field trips to the Hopkins Memorial Tree Farm near Portland. Vegetation maps,
tree growth rate and plant identification are among the research stations at
the farm. On June 1st, the students will present their findings and
recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Hopkins Farm. Please see the
enclosed information for more NWSA events and budget updates.
TRAVEL ITINERARY:
None for the week of April 10th,
MONTHLY EXPENSE REPORT:
$114.90 spent in April so far. Total so far in FY '95: $1495.98.
Full-time crew.
are slated for removal. Permission was granted for
the EnviroCorps teams to dig up and transplant as
The full-dingerey Brian-Ellog Gha Joshita
many of the ferns as possible before they are
Burke, Joshua Borgin Kethry
Shay,
destroyed. The full-time crew worked out at Oxbor
Terri Tufts, and team Michael
been
over a period of two of three weeks and the part-time
busy too.
team joined them on a number of Saturdays. The
Halton Tradio
salvaged ferns are being divided and trans-planted
Their main focussecently
where they will thrive at other restoration sites that
on
of a plan for a restoral
we are working on.
ied
by Halton Tractor Com
Fairview Creek Headwaters
bia
Slough in North Portla
Another planting project that has been underway for
a few months is out at the headwaters of Fairview
They dia milpped
fistics
Creek. The full-timers, and occasionaly the part-
of the includ
and
timers, have been planting native species in an area
shrib
ther
which was recently re-contoured to more closely
a
a
resemble the natural meanderings of an entact
fliture
the
waterway. There are more scheduled work days
propert
along the creek in the next few months.
any
BES -Airport Way Ponds*
with
These are a series of ponds constructed to contain
8
onal
toxic run-off. from a future industrial park. Water
hed
levels in the ponds can be controlled as water
the
up
slowly released back into the Columbia Slough
for the
Watershed System. Some of the toxins can be
recovered before release of the water and any
The
Dennis
remaining waste will filter through the containment
O'Col
foredby
ponds before entering the natural wetlands. Both
the Bio
learn the
crews have been involved in planting native trees and
steps
this scale.
shrubs around the ponds. (continued on next page oolumn 2)
The
through
the various
fore
final appro
work OR the site
can begin.
next year may
inherit-this
work is well under
way.
Full and part-time crews
Everyone usually works together on Saturdays when
it's possible. Often the part-time crew joins in on a
project which the full-timers have been working on
for several days or more.
Oxbow Park*
Removing giant sword ferns from Oxbow Park along
the Sandy River was such a project. Plans to create an
Elk meadow within the park requires the clearing of
several acrès. Trees, shrubs, and numerous old ferns
PHOTO~RYANBOND
FACILITATOR'S TIME INVOLVEMENT IN AMERICORPS:
23 hours so far in March. Total so far in FY '95: 282 hours.
OTHER CONCERNS:
I am continually asked about the news media package kit which you said would be
provided. Also, I have not received the guidelines requested for AmeriCorps
interviews with the media.
CC: Charles Sims, OIA
Jack Sainsbury, SED, 08 STO
Barbara Roberts, AO, OR STO
JOHN
HOW- 20:01 CE Q NH
ENVIROCORPS'
internship program com-
menced after the New Year,
providing team members the
opportunity to work individu-
ally with various Portland
environmental and educational
agencies.
Though designed primarily to
enhance the diversity of the
team members' education,
which they in turn later apply
to future EnviroCorps projects,
the internship program also
establishes working relation-
ships with the Portland-area
environmental community.
PHOTO - RYANBOND
Internships include working with such groups as;
The Nature Conservancy, The Wetlands Conservancy,
Whitaker Ponds- is a large project that the
The Audubon Society, and The Oregon Natural Re-
EnviroCorps teams are working on in stages. The
sources Council. Other internships include taking
entire plan for the area will take years to fully
environmentally minded classes and working with
implement, but our crews have worked steadily to
'oung students in the classroom.
plant indegenious grasses, trees, and shrubs around
sections of the ponds. We plan to organize more work
True to the design of many of the EnviroCorps
parties and a summer project which will focus on
projects during the team's first year, the internship
restoration efforts in the area.
program provides team members ample educational
opportunities while performing service activities.
Video Project.
The internship program continues through June.
Several of the EnviroCorps members are involved in
documenting the myriad projects that other
RICHARD MELO
AmeriCorps teams around Oregon are working on.
We are interested in meeting the people from
the diverse programs throughout the state and
recording their stories. The experiences which they
share with us about their year of service will be added
to an ever growing testemonial that we hope will
show the value of these national service projects all
around the country.
The list of projects in which we are involved goes on
and on. We have worked in cooperation with many
other groups and each of us fortunate enough to have
been here at the beginning of this 'new' idea for
service will come away with something worthwhile
to ponder.
Thanks to our management team for their often
behind the scenes support. You know who you are.
There are many events coming up in the next few months. To find out additional information
about these events, the AmeriCorps program, or other questions you may have please write or
give us a call. Thanks for your interest.
ENVIROCORPS
ENVIROCORPS
URBAN 11 PROJECT YOU A
East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District
2115 SE Morrison Street
Portland, OR 97214
503/725-5582 FAX 503/231-2277
East Mult. Soil & Water Con. Dist.
MAR23'55
2115 SE Morrison Street
Portland, OR 97214
Rick Block
USDA Rural Development Team
55-C Oakway Center
Eugene OR 97401
NorthWest Service
Academy
An Americorps Program
Teaming civic responsibility by providing service to the community and the environment.
First quarter report for the Northwest Service Academy
An AmeriCorps program targeting communities in the Pacific Northwest,
Sponsored by the Western Rural Development Center at Oregon State University
90 AmeriCorps members, 18 years and older, from all incomes, races and education levels
use the Northwest Service Academy to target community projects along the Columbia
River in Oregon and Washington. Thirty members from rural communities are based at a
residential site in Trout Lake, Washington while another 60 members meet daily in the
Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area.
Emphasis is placed on-hands on stream restoration projects, but AmeriCorps members
meet other critical local needs as well, Almost 50,000 hours of AmeriCorps service
supported 35 different community and natural resource initiatives since September 1994.
A few of the community based projects in Oregon include:
-Imagination Station Play Structure: Sixty AmeriCorps members teamed up with,
hundreds of Troutdale community vohmteers by leading in the construction of the largest
children's play structure in the State of Oregon
-Metro Greenspace Eco Curriculum Guide: A four way partnership with Metro
Greenspace, 'OMSI, the John Inskeep Environmental Learning Center and AmeriCorps
identified and habitat mapped over 5,000 acres of metropolitan greenspaces This
information is the basis for a site specific curriculum guide developed by AmeriCorps
members for K-12 teachers to use for school based environmental education. It will save
local schools thousands of dollars in transportation costs by bringing teachers and
students to their local greenspaces for science based learning activities.
-ADA Accessible Community Gardens: Members constructed three waist high
handicapped accessible beds plus nine additional raised beds for a community garden in
NE Portland This restored a community park serving 3,000 low income residents by
short circuiting the drug trade that dominated the park.
-Women's Shelter Rehabilitation at Bradley-Angle House: Members completely
rehabilitated an existing home as a shelter for battered women in the metro area that
opened in January 1995. Over $20,000 worth of work in landscaping, painting,
carpentry and plastering plus creating a colorful mural in the basement was
accomplished working with community volunteers.
Metro Center:
Mt. Adams Center:
31520 SE Woodard Road
Trout Lake, Washington 98650
Troutdale, Oregon 97060
(509) 395-2501
(503) 695-2276
FAX (509) 395-2260
FAX 15031 695-7296
--Kelly Creek Restoration: AmeriCorps members completely restored a 16 acres.
suburban park in Gresham, Oregon by involving local school children in the restoration,
created a brochure that was distributed to 1,200 homes and helped build a neighborhood
association to support the park Gresham Parks Planner Laura Price remarked in an
Oregonian feature story "we are really happy to see this kind of partnership in our
backyards. the restoration project will be a model for the city. the school kids and the
Academy have shown how the community can be effective stewards of this area. »
-Cascade Streamwatch. Education: Members maintained three miles of interpretive
salmon trails and hardened six riverside sites, while, as the project sponsor Bill Adler of
Wolf Tree, Inc. said: "Probably the important fruits of their labor' are 500 well-
informed, inspired and motivated Portland Middle School and High School students for
whom they instructed on the Salmon River banks."
-Community Energy Project: Teams are helping reconstruct 12 energy-efficient homes
for low income families in SE Portland
-Restoration of Human Solutions Urban Shelter: Members helped keep shelters for
the abused in good livable condition which included completely painting 6 apartments.
-Floyd Light Middle School; AmeriCorps members eradicated graffiti, removed 4 pick
up loads of garbage, planted 200 shrubs, constructed 1/4 mile of interpretive trail and
put up wildlife baxes while founding a school based ecology club to manage and oversee
the four acre community park
-AmeriCorps People; Community based projects create special opportunities for
members to use their skills in very creative ways. One example is Kristi Merganthaler, a
28 year old single mother who worked her way through college. With a degree in natural
resources she is finding a creative niche developing Kindergarten through 12th grade field
based curriculum for the Oregon Museum Science and Industry. She hopes to expand her
experiences into a graduate thesis when she uses her post service award next year.
-Funding: The federal government is investing $2.4 million in the Northwest Service
Academy. The economic impact in the Pacific Northwest is expected to exceed
$6,000,000 with $250,000 coming from local communities to support the AmeriCorps
members through local fee-for-service projects and community donations.
INCOME TO DATE FOR THE NWSA
3/29/95
Fee for Service Projects for the Forest Service
Name of Project
Center
Completed
Billed
Amount
Paid
White Pine Blister Rust
Mt. Adams
X
X
$ 3,510
X
Sawtooth Berryfields
Mt. Adams
X
$ 3,744
Whistle Punk Trail
Mt. Adams
X
X
$ 3,510
Access Travel Mngt.
Mt Adams
$ 38,800 ?
Rho Ridge Trail
Mt. Adams
X
X
$ 3,984
X
Weils Island Wildlife
Mt. Adams
X
X
$ 3,404
Multnomah Falls
Mt. Adams
X
$ 2,505
Seed/Fertilizer- Clackamas
Metro
X
$ 3,276
Snag Survey - Clackamas
Metro
$ 9,360
EP Fence Removal - Estacada
Metro
X
$ 1,412
Chevy/Geo Tree Planting
Metro
$ 3,000
Zig Zag Special Products
Metro
$ 12,500 ?
EP Brushing - Clackamas
Metro
$ 2,000
Little White Salmon Fish Viewing Platform
Mt. Adams
$ 3,744
Wyeth Bench Wildlife Restoration
Mt. Adams
X
X
$ 1,872
Klickitat River Information Signs
Mt. Adams
X
X
$ 1,872
Tree Planting at Mt. Pleasant
Mt. Adams
X
X
$ 702
Johnson Ridge Tree Planting
Mt. Adams
$ 2,656
$ 1,872
Hemlock Lake Restoration
Mt. Adams
X
$103,723
Subtotal
Rural Fee for Service Projects
Completed
Billed
Amount
Paid
Name of Project
15 Mile Creek Riparian Fence - Oregon Fish & Wildlife
X
X
$ 3,180
X
X
$ 1,056
X
Wasco County - Buck Hollow
$ 4,236
Subtotal
Urban Fee for Service Projects
Completed
Billed
Amount
Paid
Name of Project
X
$ 6,700
City of Gresham/Kelly Park
$ 2,500 ?
Markum Park Community Assoc.
X
$ 4,000
Forest Park, Portland Parks
$ 4,000
Springwater Corridor
X
$ 2,500
City of Troutdale Parks/Tree Planting
X
$ 14,000
City of Troutdale Parks/Park Restoration
$ 1,500
WA State University/Shumway Middle School
$ 1,500
City of Troutdale/Watershed Restoration
$ 1,500
City of Tualatin/Nature Park
$ 38,200
Subtotal
Private Donations
Completed
Billed
Amount
Paid
Name of Project
X
$ 25,000
X
Bill Blount/Oregon Community Foundation
X
$ 2,000
X
Forschner Group
X
$
50
X
Bank of Tokyo
X
$
38
X
The Human Race
X
$ 100
X
I
Joel Berg
$ 27,188
Subtotal
Northwest Service Academy
1. The NWSA may receive as much as $2,908,320 from the Commission and now the
Corporation of National Service from August 1, 1993 through July 31, 1994. $336,000 was for
the planning year and $2,572,320 is tentatively slated for the present operational year.
2. Required match:
$173,347 estimated to this time against approximately $215,000 required for 1/2 the post
service award under the Commission for National and Community Service Guidelines
Leveraged match:
$468,700 is the required match requirements of which approximately $370,000 has been
raised.
3. A short list of our community partners:
Agency partners
USDA Forest Service
ESD 112
Oregon Department of Fish and
Direct school partnerships
Wildlife
Multnomah County ESD
Bonneville Power Administration
Mt. Hood Community College
Western Rural Development Center
George Middle School
OSU Extension
Shumway Middle School
Floyd Light Middle School
County partners
Trout Lake School
Wasco County
Columbia Gorge Community
Klickitat County
College
Non profit partners
Floyd Light Middle School
OMSI
Urban League of Portland
Municipal partners
City of Gresham
Wolf Tree Inc.
Community Foundation of SW Washington
City of Troutdale
Portland Parks Bureau
Hope's Place
City of White Salmon
Holly House
Trout Lake Water
Bradley Angle House
District
Mid Columbia Medical Centers
Dalles Civic Auditorium
Marquam Parks Association
Government partners
Forests Forever
METRO
Friends of Trees
Yakima Tribal Nation
Habitat for Humanity
WA State Parks and Recreation
Cascade Streamwatch Foundation
Hood River County Farmers
National Forest Foundation
John Inskeep Environmental Learning Center
Irrigation District
Human Solutions
4. AmeriCorps Members; Full Time; Metro 54, Mt. Adams 22 6
Part Time; Metro 6, Mt. Adams
Metro 60, Mt. Adams 28 for a total of 88 on Mar. 1995 30,
Totals
ENVIROCORPS MEMBERS AT
ENVIROCORPS MEMBERS IN AREA
PARK SITE NEAR PORTLAND
BRUSHED OUT AND RE-PLANTED
JENNIFER THOMPSON IS AT FAR RIGHT
MEMOCRS AT WORK ON
eta
NWSA MEMBERS SUPERVISING AND
NWSA MEMBER INSTRUCTING STUDENTS
INSTRUCTING STUDENTS IN
ON ECOSYSTEM TOPICS AT MIDDLE
PREPARATION OF SITE FOR
HABITAT PROJECT
SCHOOL IN PORTLAND
AMERICORPS
RURAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM
&
LEARN AND SERVE AMERICA
CASE STUDY
CLINCH-POWELL
RESOURCE CONSERVATION &
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Prepared for Congressman Van Hilleary
February 6, 1995
Clinch-Powell RC&D Council
Rt. 2, Box 423
Rutledge, Tennessee 37861
Phone: 615/828-5927 FAX: 615/828-5212
CONTENTS
AmeriCorps Case Study - Clinch-Powell RC&D Council
AmeriCorps Member Highlights
AmeriCorps Job Descriptions - Clinch-Powell RC&D Council
AmeriCorps Work Sample
Tennessee AmeriCorps Program Synopsis
Learn and Serve Youth Leadership Council - Clinch-Powell RC&D Council
AMERICORPS
RURAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM
CASE STUDY
CLINCH-POWELL RC&D COUNCIL
AMERICORPS
RURAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM
CASE STUDY
CLINCH-POWELL RC&D COUNCIL
BACKGROUND
The Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D) is an authorized USDA program that is
initiated and directed at the local level by volunteers representing local governments, multiple communities,
grassroots organizations and citizens at large. The Secretary of Agriculture provides a full-time RC&D
Coordinator to help individual RC&D Councils find various resources needed to carry out plans of action which
have been locally directed and developed. This combination of local leadership and coordination of state,
federal, local and private resources is an efficient and effective way for communities to cooperatively support
and achieve local goals.
The Clinch-Powell RC&D Council was authorized in February 1990 with the mission of working together in
bold leadership for rural development through natural and human resource management in Claiborne,
Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins and Union Counties, Tennessee, emphasizing self-help, self-direction and
harmony in community development and utilization of the environment. The RC&D operates an aggressive
program working toward these goals identified through an extensive public input process:
Improve solid waste management to provide for a growing population.
Expand public utilities to serve all citizens and industries.
Protect and restore natural resources for long-term benefits to the environment.
Improve the social well-being of the area with increased community services.
Create economic development by braodening the economic base of the area.
Since authorization in February 1990, this RC&D has been directly responsible for attracting more than $1.4
million for projects critical to reaching these goals. In 1994, about $31 was brought into the area for every $1
of local investment in RC&D. Perhaps, more importantly, these projects represent activities initiated and
carried out by local citizens. The impacts and implications can be better understood when you consider some
key statistics of this RC&D region.
CATEGORY
STATISTIC
NOTES
Total Regional Population
111, 526
Largest City
4,500
Avg. Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Housing
25% in mobile homes
Education
49% of population below 12th
grade education
Per Capita Income
Average - $10,500
41% below nat'l avg
Low - $8,160
Persistent Poverty Counties
4 of 5 in region
Population Living in Poverty
26%
One county high of 40%
Agriculture Based Employment
Average 40%
One county high of 77%
Resources for the Clinch-Powell RC&D Council come from a healthy and diversified mix of federal, state, local
and private sources.
AMERICORPS RURAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM
The AmeriCorps Rural Development Team has launched the RC&D into a new dimension in terms of our
ability to provide crucial assistance to our rural, economically disadvantaged communities. Five very talented
AmeriCorps Members sponsored by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Forest Service
have made it possible for the RC&D to:
Supply essential technical assistance in solid waste management to communities that cannot
afford to pay private sector rates for comparable services.
Conduct and manage a comprehensive specialty recreation and nature based tourism initiative to
include an assessment, analysis of opportunities and a set of recommendations for a regional
advisory committee organized for economic development in the region.
Enhance and enrich environmental education reaching 4,000 students and teachers per year in
the 45 rural schools of our region. Ours is the only environmental education program working to
arm students with the facts needed to make them fair, responsible and action-oriented adults.
AmeriCorps Members were recruited specifically for skills and talents key to each of the programs
described above. Each has a Bachelors Degree and three have graduate work just short of a Masters Degree.
Members work independently and as a team to carry out responsibilities outlined in their Plans of Work and in
their Job Descriptions.
Members, most of who are from an urban/suburban background, are gaining invaluable experience,
understanding and appreciation for the rural situation, condition and way of life. Our AmeriCorps
Members battle daily with the complexities, the realities and the dilemmas of building sustainable rural
communities.
Our communities are being rejuvenated with the assistance of these energetic and creative AmeriCorps
Members. Small groups and individuals in our communities, guided and aided by AmeriCorps Members, are
making REAL progress toward their goals.
IMMEDIATE VALUE OF AMERICORPS TO COMMUNITY
A quick study of the AmeriCorps program accomplishments in the Clinch-Powell RC&D area reveals an
AMAZING cost/benefit analysis. The table below compares the cost of AmeriCorps to the cost of the services
provided if they were purchased on the open market. The value and cost savings of AmeriCorps is real,
significant and obvious. Most importantly though, many of the services which are IMPORTANT to making
our communities sustainable would not be provided WITHOUT AmeriCorps. Our communities simply would
go without because they cannot afford to pay the market price for similar services.
AMERICORPS SOLID WASTE SPECIALIST (One member sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service)
Accomplishments (4 months)
Cost to Community if
Cost as Provided
Savings to
Service Purchased on
Through
Community Through
Open Market*
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps
Assist Hancock County with
$3,400
Convenience Center Design,
Permitting and Funding Grant
Assist Hancock County with
$8,500
completion of 10 year Solid
Waste Management Plan as
required by state law.
Preparation of Bid Specs and
$1,700
package for Recycling
Equipment for the City of
Harrogate.
Preparation of Bid Specs and
$2,550
Package for Transfer Station for
Claiborne County.
Preparation of Bid Specs and
$2,125
Package for Grainger County
Recycling Center
Design and Layout of Solid
$1,400
Waste Education Brochure
Preparation, development and
$4,000
writing of four grant proposals
for outside funding of important
solid waste projects.
TOTAL
$23,975 (estimate)
approx. $7,272
$16,703
* Estimated costs based on the known 'going price' in the RC&D region.
SPECIALTY RECREATION AND TOURISM INITIATIVE (three members sponsored by the Natural
Resources Conservation Service)
Accomplishments (4 months)
Cost to Community if
Cost as Provided
Savings to
Service Purchased on
Through
Community Through
Open Market*
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps
Inventory, Development of
$50,400 (estimate)
approx. $20,000
$30,400
Regional Committee, Setup of
Tourism Network, Preliminary
Funding Search, Eco-Tourism
Feasibility Study, Wilderness
Road Draft and Design of
Regional Tourism Database
* Estimated costs based on the known 'going price' in the RC&D region.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Following are highlights of the Clinch-Powell RC&D AmeriCorps program as prepared by AmeriCorps
Members and a sample of work (Eco-Tourism Study) for your review. WE INVITE YOU TO VISIT THE
CLINCH-POWELL RC&D COUNCIL TO SEE THE AMERICORPS RURAL DEVELOPMENT
TEAM IN ACTION.
AMERICORPS
RURAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM
CLINCH-POWELL RC&D COUNCIL
MEMBER PREPARED HIGHLIGHTS
SERVICE
Clinch-Powell Specialty Recreation and Tourism Initiative
Fact Sheet- Progress Evaluation Through January 31, 1995
The first four (4) months of this Americorps project have produced a myriad of
accomplishments. From the partnerships established to develop the Wilderness Road to
the redesign of the Hancock County Jail towards a Melungeon Cultural Heritage Museum,
Americorps has been working hard in ensure a better quality of life for rural areas.
Although there is a great deal of work is still left to do, Americorps is quickly moving
towards the community-based goals of this region by pledging simply to "get things
done." The major accomplishments of this program through January 31, 1995 are listed
below.
HIGHLIGHTS THROUGH JANUARY 31, 1995
Established the first regional tourism advisory body in the Clinch-Powell Region for the
purpose of directing strategic planning and tourist development in the area. The committee has
met twice since its inception. It has been attended by the heads of tourism development for the
Tennessee Community Development Assistance Program, East Tennessee Development
District, First Tennessee Development District, Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association and
the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Association.
Established a partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the
Tennessee 200 Bicentennial Committee to forge the Daniel Boone Wilderness Road. This
project was began in 1983 by the National Park Service and will be expanded by Americorps
and its two partners as part of the 1996 Tennessee Bicentennial Celebration.
Established a partnership with the Hancock County Historical Committee, Hancock Chamber
of Commerce, and the Tennessee Historical Commission to renovate the Hancock County Jail
and redesign the space for a Mclungeon Cultural Heritage Museum. This project has been in
the pre-planning stages since 1991. but with the technical and hands-on assistance provided by
Americorps the architectural redesign and preservation of this historic building is quickly
becoming a reality.
Established a partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Tennessee Wildlife
Resources Agency to develop canoe and camping access sites along the Powell River. This
project is the beginning of an effort to increase recreational facilities in the region for the
development of an ecotourism industry.
Providing technical marketing and promotional assistance to the Grainger County Tomato
Festival Committee. This festival is dedicated as the main fundraising opportunity for
community groups. non-profits, and schools of Grainger County.
Constructed a historical and natural resources inventory for the five-county area. This
inventory is currently being designed into a larger tourism-related database. This database will
be located at the Clinch-Powell RC & D and be available to all community groups.
government organizations. and private citizens. This up-to-date regional database is vital for
future planning efforts and the development of small business entrepreneurship in the area.
Partnerships with the Tennessee Valley Authority. University of Tennessee, and Walter State
Community College may allow for an on-line accessibility to the database.
Americorps - Rural Development Team
Clinch-Powell Specialty Recreation and Tourism Initiative
Clinch-Powell Resource, Conservation, and Development Council
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Team Members:
Mikhail DeLong - BA. - Geography
University of Tennessee-Knoxville, June 1991
Undergraduate work in archeology
Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan, 1/86 to 5/86
Graduate work in applied physical geography & hydrology -
University of Victoria, British Columbia, 9/91 to 5/92
Mary Russell - BA. - Economics
University of Tennessee-Knoxville, December 1990
Jeremy Williams - BA. - Geography
University of Tennessee-Knoxville, August 1991
Graduate work in geography
University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 8/91 to present
Congressional Report - Background
1
Congressional Report
The purpose of our Americorps project is to stimulate regional economic
development in the 5-county Clinch-Powell area while preserving the rural culture and
values of the small town. It covers the period from October 3, 1994, to July 31, 1995.
Our 3-member team is developing a nature-based tourism strategy that includes
environmentally-sensitive outdoor recreation activities. It aims at attracting more visitors
to the area by building an appreciation of the area's natural beauty and unique biodiversity.
Several driving tours are being created, based on the crafts, history, festivals, nature areas
and cultural heritage of the region. Our skills in technical assistance are also being applied
to the renovation of a historical site, design of a heritage museum, and construction of a
canoe access site to the Powell River. We are working on these projects in cooperation
with county governments, small businesses, local craft persons, historical/heritage
societies, and local as well as state-level tourism advocates. Each of these projects are
helping to build a foundation for "locally-owned" tourism that is based on slow but steady
growth. In this way the human and natural resources of the area can be put to their best
use.
Our Objectives:
1: To initiate a forum for the interchange of ideas and attitudes on
the development of regional tourism. This is to be done by building
networks and coalitions with existing recreation and tourism groups, and
by the formation of a talented regional advisory committee.
2: To conduct a comprehensive regional recreational and tourism
assessment to identify the status of existing opportunities. This is to
include an inventory and evaluation of current conditions, attitudes,
abilities and resources.
3: To stimulate community awareness and participation in the
development process.
4: To prepare a final report to include a set of recommendations
for future tourism initiatives and infrastructure development. This will be
based on the regional inventories compiled, and on input from local and
regional tourism advocates.
Accomplishments:
We built the first grassroots advisory committee in the Clinch-Powell region
by gaining the participation and support of 30 regional tourism advocates and
local community leaders, including the heads of the East Tennessee
Development District, First Tennessee Development, and Northeast Tennessee
Tourism Association.
We coordinated our first Tourism Advisory Committee meeting, with speaker
Diane Hayes presenting information on the Tennessee Community
2
Development Assistance Program, and with facilitator Larry Blick from NRCS
assisting the group in establishing and prioritizing goals. Our second meeting
included presentations of our reports on the potential for regional ecotourism,
and related funding possibilities. These reports included: (1) A natural and
recreational resource inventory for each county; (2) An outline for
development of the Wilderness Road; (3) Opportunities and constraints for
ecotourism development in the Clinch-Powell region; (4) Inventories for area
lodging, restaurants, food stores, craft and art studios, and retail stores
featuring local artists and craft people.
We began work on integration of the Americorps ecotourism project with the
two existing state tourism councils in our area, the United States Forest
Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Tennessee Department of
Environment and Conservation, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
We forged partnerships with the Tennessee Department of Tourism
Development and with TVA for provision of future technical and financial
assistance.
We conducted about 120 interviews with representatives from government
agencies, historical societies, business associations, academic institutions, and
the community to assess current levels of participation, awareness, and support
for tourism development in the region.
We are currently building a coalition for the development of a visible regional
tourism project based on the historic Wilderness Road. This coalition
coordinated the newly-formed Tennessee Bicentennial Committees for the five
county area, the existing Cumberland Gap wilderness road effort, and state
technical assistance from the Community Development Assistance Program.
We are compiling a regional tourism newsletter to encourage networking and
to supply information on ecotourism and area projects to local tourism
advocates.
We are providing technical assistance and "hands-on" service to the
community-based initiatives in both Hancock and Grainger Counties for the
establishment and renovation of county museums. We met with historical
renovation experts to assess the Hancock County site (listed on the historic
register), and established specific funding sources.
We are attending county commissioner meetings to explain the role of
Americorps and encourage community input into the planning process.
We are meeting with each county historical society to determine their needs on
community projects, and to plan a regional historical society meeting to be held
in conjunction with the East Tennessee Historical Society and the Clinch-
Powell RC&D, to encourage regional partnerships among individual county
historical organizations, and will provide the opportunity to exchange
information and new ideas, to coordinate project plans for the Tennessee
Bicentennial, and to build a stronger regional coalition of tourism advocates.
AmeriCorps
Rural Development Team
U.S. Forest Service
Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation and
Development Council
Americorps Member:
Liz Upchurch, Solid Waste Specialist
Background
BA Geography, Univ. of Tennessee, 1994
AmeriCorps Start Date
September 12, 1994
As an AmeriCorps Solid Waste Specialist, I have provided many critical services for Claiborne,
Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins, and Union counties, TN and the Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation
and Development Council. Since the beginning of my term in September of 1994, the necessity of my
service has gained more and more clarity. I provide services and assistance that quite simply would not
get done if I didn't provide them. The communities that I serve are classified as 100% rural, have
significant populations below the poverty level, are financially strapped and lack the resources to
provide many services for themselves. During my 4 1/2 months of service, I have accomplished the
following:
Accomplishments To Date
Written 3 grant proposals totaling over $100,000 to help bring in both public and private sources of
funding to provide critical aid to my financially strapped communities. These communities lack the
resources to write these grant proposals themselves. To date, we have received one grant from the
East Tennessee Foundation.
Planning of the first ever Earth Day Festival in Grainger County, made possible by my submission
of a grant proposal to the East Tennessee Foundation. This festival will serve as a community
enlightening and centering activity to celebrate the beautiful and unique environment here in East
Tennessee.
Organized 5 Household Hazardous Waste collections (1 in each of our counties), to collect
household hazardous wastes, thereby providing a safer way to dispose of possibly hazardous wastes.
Facilitated donation and delivery of 2 Wal-Mart roll-off recycling containers (1 to Hancock County,
1 to Claiborne County) to provide recycling capabilities where there previously were none.
Aided citizens of Hancock County in completion of the Hancock County 10 Year Municipal Solid
Waste Plan, mandated by the State of Tennessee.
Provide on-going technical assistance in registration and finishing of the Hancock County solid
waste collection center (convenience center) to provide a facility to handle the counties' residential
solid wastes, as mandated by the State of Tennessee. (This county previously had no solid waste
collection)
Provide critical solid waste education through the creation of a brochure on solid waste, to be
distributed to county citizens, businesses, and government.
AmeriCorps
Rural Development Team
U.S. Forest Service
Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation and Development Council
Americorps Member:
Sarah Buchanan, Environmental Educator
Background: BS Agriculture, Austin Peay State University, 1994
I joined the Rural Development AmeriCorps Team because it enabled me to do what I enjoy, work
with the youth of rural areas. I have always enjoyed working and teaching youth, I chose to pursue
a career which would give me the opportunity to work with young people teaching them about the
environment and the importance of protecting and preserving it. My work in the AmeriCorps
program has been a continuation of work I have done since high school. It has given me the ability
to reach a wide range of students both in age and interests. I know I have done my job when a
student begs me to come back to his class and tell him more about how he can clean up the earth or
a little girl draws a picture of us cleaning up the park together.
Since beginning my service on September 12, 1994 I have worked to fulfill the education goal of
the Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation and Development Council Environmental Education
Program which is to give youth the knowledge, skills. and abilities in natural resource conservation
to become well informed, action oriented adults.
Accomplishments
developed a second grade solid waste curriculum for five counties in East Tennessee that have
an average per capita income of $11,000 (compared to the national average of $18,000). This
education is mandated by the state but counties cannot afford to implement without help. To
date 500 students have participated in the program with 300 more to participate by the end of
the school year.
The Clinch and Powell Rivers have been identified in the top ten threatened rivers by American
Rivers. They are globally important for the richness in the number and variety of species. The
environmental education program focuses on this importance in the programs I work with.
- Water quality curriculum was revised and distributed to 800 third grade students. These nine
lessons focus on issues critical to the Clinch and Powell Rivers.
- Enviro2000 a teacher inservice on incorporating environmental issues into the classroom
available to 400 teachers.
- Environmental Resource Center to provide environmental education tools not readily
available to teachers otherwise. These materials have reached 300 students in the region.
- Envirothon, a high school team competition on environmental issues provides students the
opportunity to use knowledge learned in the classroom firsthand. Each team is comprised of 3
to 5 students with two teams allowed from each high school (10 schools eligible) and one
county 4-H team.
- Conservation Camp for 1500 sixth graders in the five county region. Students spend a day
on the Clinch River learning first hand the importance of conserving their environment.
Two presentations on the council's education program to Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and
the Facilitator Conference hosted by the office of Conservation Education.
Represent these rural counties on the Tennessee Environmental Stewardship Task Force which
is focusing on the development of a state environmental education program.
4-H program on endangered species to 30 Bean Station Elementary students.
AMERICORPS
RURAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
CLINCH-POWELL RC&D COUNCIL
Position Description
SCS AmeriCorps Enrollee
Specialty Recreation and Tourism Team
A. Introduction
This position is located in the Clinch-Powell RC&D Office in Rutledge, TN. The employee will be
primarily working in the five county RC&D area including Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins and
Union Counties. The purpose of the position is to provide assistance to the RC&D economic development
agenda. Three AmeriCorps enrollees will work as a team on this project.
B. Objective
The objective of this team effort is to conduct a comprehensive regional tourism assessment resulting in a
Regional Specialty Recreation and Tourism Feasibility Study, measured by addressing accessibility,
anchors, accommodations, attractions, activities, appreciation and advertising, presented to and approved
by a regional advisory committee established for Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins and Union
Counties, Tennessee.
C. Major Accompllshments
The major accomplishments will be any and all appropriate for the successful completion of the feasibility
study, including but not limited to:
Recruitment and formation of a talented regional advisory committee for the project.
Crafting a project mission statement and the strategic and creative planning necessary for project
success.
Building networks and coalitions with existing recreation and tourism related groups and
organizations.
Inventory and evaluation of current conditions, attitudes, abilities and resources.
Implementation, revision and refocusing of plans as project develops and unfolds.
Innovation in resources, research and development of possibilities, and recruitment and involvement
of publics.
Specifics in terms of actions, publics, timeframes, marketing and finances.
Clear direction for future actions.
D. Supervision
Overall performance and general day to day and administrative activities of this position are supervised by
the RC&D Coordinator. This position is an intricate part of the Clinch-Powell RC&D program. The
RC&D office is primarily supported by the USDA Soil Conservation Service. AmeriCorps team members
are responsible for and restricted by all applicable rules and regulations.
Performance Activities
Performance and project progress will be reviewed monthly.
Dress and Appearance
The employee is the representative of the organization. As such, public presentation of self is a critical
element and directly affects the public image of the organization. Therefore, dress and appearance will be
appropriate for the image of a company representative. Adherence to the norm of the area is key to
success. Casual business will be the standard but dress will be appropriate for the occasion at all times.
No shorts will be appropriate. If there are any questions, ask your supervisor. Jeans may be worn if the
work schedule warrants and there are no scheduled visits or meetings.
Vehicle Use
GOV - The employee is approved to use an SCS vehicle if one is available. Employee must adhere to all
rules and regulations for official use. Under NO circumstances can personal business be conducted on
official time. Employee must maintain standards and conduct in a manner appropriate for a government
employee. There is no reimbursement for travel in a GOV.
POV - Use of your personal vehicle for official business will be reimbursed at a mileage rate of 25 cents
per mile when necessary for official business.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in any SCS occupied building. This ban applies to all areas in the workplace and
includes space which is owned or leased by SCS. The workplace includes: general office space, storage,
closets, breakrooms, auditoriums, classrooms, conference rooms, elevators, medical facilities, restrooms,
lobbies, and Government vehicles.
Phones
Phones are for official business. Brief personal calls may be made or accepted if needed but should be
business. kept short and limited. Long distance calls should be kept as brief as possible but should cover necessary
D. Equal Employment Opportunity
The RC&D programs are offered to all persons on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race,
religion, sex, national origin, marital status or disability. Every effort will be made to conduct the RC&D
program in such a way as to be representative of the community and offer all the opportunity to participate
and share in leadership.
Employee
Date
Clinch-Powell RC&D Council, Inc.
Date
Coordinator, Clinch-Powell RC&D Council, Inc.
Date
Position Description
USFS AmeriCorps Enrollee
Solid Waste and Recycling Specialist
A. Introduction
This position is located in the Clinch-Powell RC&D Office in Rutledge, TN. The employee will be
primarily working in the five county RC&D area including Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins and
Union Counties. The purpose of the position is to provide staff assistance in solid waste management and
recycling in the Clinch-Powell RC&D Council area.
B. Objective
The primary objective of this position is to provide technical assistance in solid waste management and
recycling to communities in Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins and Union Counties, Tennessee,
resulting in a 10 percent increased recycling rate and improved solid waste management through three
grant proposals and two recycling program start ups as outlined in the Ten Year Regional Solid Waste
Management Plans approved by the State of Tennessee.
C. Major Accomplishments
The major accomplishments will be any and all appropriate for the successful completion of an effective
solid waste assistance program. Including but not limited to:
Developing recycling/waste diversion programs.
Biweekly Trashy Talk for news papers and radio.
Assist county solid waste boards as needed.
Drafting materials specifications and bid packages.
Research and draft position descriptions for solid waste workers as needed.
Develop and draft training program for convenience center attendants.
Work with business and industries to monitor recycling/diversion and promote and increase
participation.
Develop exhibits and displays.
Carry out education and promotion campaign designed to increase recycling and source reduction.
Craft grant proposals for services, equipment, etc.
Develop a Buy Recycled campaign.
Organize workshops/seminars quarterly.
Organize/develop office solid reference files.
Integrate and coordinate with KAB and environmental education programs.
Produce an RC&D newsletter/Annual Report
D. Supervision
Overall performance and general day to day and administrative activities of this position are supervised by
the RC&D Coordinator. This position is an intricate part of the Clinch-Powell RC&D program but is
primarily supported by the USDA Forest Service. The RC&D office is primarily supported by the USDA
Soil Conservation Service. AmeriCorps team members are responsible for and restricted by all applicable
rules and regulations.
Performance Activities
Performance and project progress will be reviewed monthly.
Dress and Appearance
The employee is the representative of the organization. As such, public presentation of self is a critical
element and directly affects the public image of the organization. Therefore, dress and appearance will be
appropriate for the image of a company representative. Adherence to the norm of the area is key to
success. Casual business will be the standard but dress will be appropriate for the occasion at all times.
No shorts will be appropriate. If there are any questions, ask your supervisor. Jeans may be worn if the
work schedule warrants and there are no scheduled visits or meetings.
Vehicle Use
GOV - The employee is approved to use a GOV vehicle if one is available. Employee must adhere to all
rules and regulations for official use. Under NO circumstances can personal business be conducted on
official time. Employee must maintain standards and conduct in a manner appropriate for a government
employee. There is no reimbursement for travel in a GOV.
POV - Use of your personal vehicle for official business will be reimbursed at a mileage rate of 25 cents
per mile when necessary for official business.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in any SCS supported building. This ban applies to all areas in the workplace and
includes space which is owned or leased by SCS. The workplace includes: general office space, storage,
closets, breakrooms, auditoriums, classrooms, conference rooms, elevators, medical facilities, restrooms,
lobbies, and Government vehicles.
Phones
Phones are for official business. Brief personal calls may be made or accepted if needed but should be
kept short and limited. Long distance calls should be kept as brief as possible but should cover necessary
business.
D. Equal Employment Opportunity
The RC&D programs are offered to all persons on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race,
religion, sex, national origin, marital status or disability. Every effort will be made to conduct the RC&D
program in such a way as to be representative of the community and offer all the opportunity to participate
and share in leadership.
AmeriCorps Enrollee
Date
Clinch-Powell RC&D Council, Inc.
Date
Coordinator, Clinch-Powell RC&D Council, Inc.
Date
Position Description
USFS AmeriCorps Enrollee
Environmental Educator
A. Introduction
This position is located in the Clinch-Powell RC&D Office in Rutledge, TN. The employee will be
primarily working in the five county RC&D area including Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins and
Union Counties. The purpose of the position is to provide leadership in implementation of existing
environmental education programs and development of new programs in the Clinch-Powell RC&D
Council area.
B. Objective
The primary objective of this position is to conduct or arrange 150 environmental education presentations
(written and verbal) resulting in increased knowledge of citizens as measured by pre and post program
quizzes and interviews, with program quality judged by teachers and increased participation in
environmental education programs of 15 percent in the region of Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins
and Union Counties, Tennessee.
C. Major Accomplishments
The major accomplishments will be any and all appropriate for the successful completion of an effective
environmental education program. Including but not limited to:
Networking and approval of Boards of Education, Superintendents, Principals and Teachers for
program success.
Development, promotion, arrangements and instruction of solid waste program targeted to second
graders but incorporating seventh and eight graders in instruction if possible.
Revision, promotion, arrangements and follow up of Water Wizards program for third graders.
Arrangements, contacts, organization and instruction for Healthy Water, Wealthy World
Conservation Camp for sixth graders in conjunction with other staff.
Revision, arrangements, recruitment, training for regional Envirothon.
Development, arrangements, design, recruitment for Enviro2000 In-Service Workshop.
Expansion, promotion, monitoring of Environmental Education Resource Center in conjunction with
other staff.
Development, design, fund raising, promotion, distribution of an environmental calendar done by
students (target 4th graders) in conjunction with other staff.
Produce schools newsletter to be distributed monthly or every six weeks.
Produce a flyer/brochure promoting RC&D environmental education programs.
D. Supervision
Overall performance and general day to day and administrative activities of this position are supervised by
the RC&D Coordinator. This position is an intricate part of the Clinch-Powell RC&D program but is
primarily supported by the USDA Forest Service. The RC&D office is primarily supported by the USDA
Soil Conservation Service. AmeriCorps team members are responsible for and restricted by all applicable
rules and regulations.
Performance Activities
Performance and project progress will be reviewed monthly.
Dress and Appearance
The employee is the representative of the organization. As such, public presentation of self is a critical
element and directly affects the public image of the organization. Therefore, dress and appearance will be
appropriate for the image of a company representative. Adherence to the norm of the area is key to
success. Casual business will be the standard but dress will be appropriate for the occasion at all times.
No shorts will be appropriate. If there are any questions, ask your supervisor. Jeans may be worn if the
work schedule warrants and there are no scheduled visits or meetings.
Vehicle Use
GOV - The employee is approved to use a GOV vehicle if one is available. Employee must adhere to all
rules and regulations for official use. Under NO circumstances can personal business be conducted on
official time. Employee must maintain standards and conduct in a manner appropriate for a government
employee. There is no reimbursement for travel in a GOV.
POV - Use of your personal vehicle for official business will be reimbursed at a mileage rate of 25 cents
per mile when necessary for official business.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in any SCS supported building. This ban applies to all areas in the workplace and
includes space which is owned or leased by SCS. The workplace includes: general office space, storage,
closets, breakrooms, auditoriums, classrooms, conference rooms, elevators, medical facilities, restrooms,
lobbies, and Government vehicles.
Phones
Phones are for official business. Brief personal calls may be made or accepted if needed but should be
kept short and limited. Long distance calls should be kept as brief as possible but should cover necessary
business.
D. Equal Employment Opportunity
The RC&D programs are offered to all persons on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race,
religion, sex, national origin, marital status or disability. Every effort will be made to conduct the RC&D
program in such a way as to be representative of the community and offer all the opportunity to participate
and share in leadership.
AmeriCorps Enrollee
Date
Clinch-Powell RC&D Council, Inc.
Date
Coordinator, Clinch-Powell RC&D Council, Inc.
Date
AMERICORPS
RURAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM
CLINCH-POWELL RC&D COUNCIL
ECOTOURISM STUDY
WORK SAMPLE
Ecotourism in the Clinch-Powell Region:
Opportunities and Constraints
Definition of ecotourism and its application in the Clinch-Powell Region as a means
of stimulating economic development
Although numerous definitions abound, nature-based or ecotourism can primarily
be defined as a form of responsible travel where the focus of activity is on the natural
resources, ecology and cultural history of a region.
Outdoor recreation and historical-based tourism play significant roles in revenue
generation for Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins, and Union counties, Tennessee.
The vast majority of visitor activities currently center around Cherokee Lake, Norris Lake,
Historic Rogersville and Cumberland Gap. However, with an overwhelming abundance of
unique natural and cultural resources, unrealized potential exists for the development and
packaging of the Clinch-Powell region as a competitive ecotourism destination. While
ecotourism is not a "miracle cure" for the region's economic woes, it can become a healthy
component of the regional economic base. For the Clinch-Powell region ecotourism
should include relatively small groups of people visiting on a year-round basis to enjoy and
learn about the natural and cultural resources of the area through a variety of recreational
and educational activities. In order to ensure that both community values and the
environmental integrity of the region are safeguarded, development should be carefully
managed by local governments, existing development organizations and community
groups.
Trends Toward Ecotourism
There are three primary factors influencing the demand for nature-based or
ecotourism: overall growth within the tourism industry, growth in specialty recreation and
travel, and an increasing awareness and concern for the natural environment. Tourism is
expected to experience growth rates on the average of 4% annually over the course of the
next decade due to such factors as population increases and rising incomes. Increasing
emphasis on outdoor recreation, health and physical fitness is fueling the demand for
specialty recreation and recreational-based travel. A growing public awareness of
environmental issues and the perceived need for education and protection are the key
factors driving the interest in ecotourism. The following figures emphasize the importance
of the nature-based segment within the travel industry:
Between 4-6 million Americans travel overseas for nature-oriented tourism
annually.
A survey by the U.S. Travel Data Center determined that nearly 7% of U.S.
travelers, or 8 million Americans, report having taken an eco-trip.
Nature tourists take longer trips and spend more money. A survey conducted by
Discover America for a "Tourism and Environment" report estimated an
average expenditure of $264.00 per day.
A survey by McKinsley & Company indicates that there are 275 nature tour
operators in the U.S. who serve 108,000 travelers each year. Total revenues for
1991 were $95 million. Their study further reported that 7 million American
tourists are willing to pay $2,000 to $3,000 for a nature related tour.
More than 76 million adults enjoyed non-consumptive wildlife recreation in
1991, such as feeding, observing and photographing wildlife.
The Anderson Group, a Minneapolis tourism consulting firm reports that
"ecotourism is the travel industry's most explosive growth area."
Attendance is down 9-17% within national parks. "People are tired of going to
overcrowded parks" and are seeking nature-based opportunities in less crowded,
less developed areas.
Traditional Vs Ecotourism
Traditional tourism support facilities are contrasted below with those that are more
resource oriented and heritage sensitive, and thus appealing to nature-based tourism
markets.
Traditional
Ecotourism
Hotel
Bed and Breakfast
RV Campground
Primitive Tent Sites
Chain Fast Food
Family Style Restaurants
Shopping Malls
Artisan Craft Fairs
Supermarket
Farmer's Market
Highways
Rural Roads
Recreational Parks
Nature Trails
Water Parks
Rivers, Lakes and Streams
Man-made Attractions
Natural Features (caves etc.)
Profile of the Ecotourist
Recent studies have identified ecotourists in terms of their demographic, economic,
sociological, psychological and geographical characteristics ( Source: Partnership for the
Sounds).
Affluent - averaging over 58,000 per household
Educated - most have graduate school
Experienced - - most took more than 7 airline trips last year
Mature - over 30 with a mean of 37
Environmental - nearly all voluntarily recycle
Physical vigorous outdoor activity oriented
Inquisitive - interested in intellectual and cultural discovery
Focused - travels more frequently and longer distances, visitations longer
Opportunities for Ecotourism in the Clinch-Powell Region
The Clinch-Powell region in northeast Tennessee is strategically located and blessed with
an abundance of natural, aesthetic and cultural resources which reflect its unique position
in the history of our nation and offers numerous opportunities for ecotourism and specialty
recreation Located within an hours drive of two of the nation's busiest travel corridors
(I-75 and I-40) and with millions of tourists visiting east Tennessee annually, the area is
prime for promotion. Proposed ecotourism activities will center around, but not be
limited to, the following resources (see inventory for specifics):
Appalachian cultural history and human ecology
Berry Island State Natural Area
Blackwater E & W Spring
Buffalo Springs Wildlife Management Area
Cumberland Gap National Historic Park
Cumberland Mountain
The town of Cumberland Gap
Cherokee and Norris Lakes
The Clinch, Powell and Holston Rivers
Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area
Comby Ridge State Natural Area
Numerous caves throughout the region (including Indian Cave)
Clinch Mountain
Ebbing and Flowing Spring
Elrod Falls
Fall foliage
Unique geologic features and geologic history of the region
Hemlock Bluff Small Wild Area
History of mining and quarrying activities (coal, marble etc.)
John Sevier Wildlife Management Area
Local artisans, musicians, crafts and home products
Monks Corner Small Wild Area
The Melungeon Cultural Heritage
Phipps Bend Waterfowl Refuge
Historic Rogersville
Rural lifeways and pastoral scenery, including working farms
Stiner's Woods State Natural Area
Unique plant and Animal species
While this list is not exhaustive it does provide an overview of some of the region's
assets that could form the infrastructure for a thriving ecotourism industry. Through a
cooperative and coordinated planning effort a number of educational and recreational
activities could be developed that would maximize the economic value of these
resources to the regional economy, while at the same time increasing both the quality
and quantity of recreational opportunities available to local residents.
Potential Ecotourism Activities in the Clinch-Powell Region
A tentative list of ecotourism activities focusing on the natural and cultural
resources of the Clinch-Powell region that could be developed include the following:
1. Driving tours
A. Small tour buses and vans with local guides focusing on individual or a combination of
themes (historical, geological, caves, plant and animal life, rivers, rural lifeways etc.)
B. The proposed Wilderness Road (see handout).
C. Heritage shopping tours focusing on local artisans, crafts and home products (self-
guided or group tour with maps).
D. Regional historical tours focusing on the history of human settlement in the region
(self-guided or group tour with maps).
E. Fall foliage tours (self guided or group tours with maps).
F. Individual or combination natural resource tours focusing on the region's rivers, lakes,
geology, caves and wildlife (self guided or group tours with individual maps).
H. Photography tours concentrating on natural and cultural resources (self-guiding or
group with individual maps).
2. Walking on backroads and hiking trails to enjoy and learn about:
A. Nature and wildlife habitat
B. History and cultural heritage
C. Archeology, caves and bluff shelters
D. Genealogy, including gravestone rubbings
E. Geological formations
3. Educational/Interpretive programs
A. Special seminars on natural sciences, river and forest ecology
B. Interpretive programs on the history of human settlement in the region and interactions
with the natural environment
C. Interpretive programs on the history of mining and quarrying activities in the region,
including visits to abandoned mines/quarries and TN. Luttrell
D. Botanical and wildlife habitat excursions
E. Tours of working farms
F. Tours focusing on the region's tobacco industry including visits to a tobacco auction
4. Outdoor recreational
A. Camping/backpacking
B. Horseback riding and group campouts
C. Canoeing on the Clinch, Powell and Holston Rivers (self-guided or with guide)
D. Spelunking
E. Hunting (self-guided or guided)
F. Rock climbing/rappelling
G. Fishing
H. Mountain biking/bike touring
5. Special events
A. Regional music festival showcasing local talent
B. River festivals focusing on the ecology of the Clinch and Powell
C. Fishing contests on Cherokee and Norris lakes
D. Arts and crafts festivals focusing on traditional Appalachian products
E. Farm festivals focusing on the agricultural heritage of the region
F. Photography workshops and contests
This list provides specifics in terms of the types of activities that can be developed
or expanded upon to both increase visitation to the region, and improve the quality of
visitor experience. Many of the above mentioned activities already exist in some form and
currently provide the focal point of experience for a number of visitors to the region. For
the majority of these activities the necessary infrastructure is already in place, and it is
merely a matter of coordinating and packaging existing resources to meet consumer
demand. Where development is necessary, the required investment capital is relatively
modest when compared with traditional tourism facilities development.
Current Needs/Constraints
While the basic components of a successful ecotourism industry in the Clinch-
Powell region are already in place, there are certain needs/constraints that should be
addressed prior to its implementation and/or promotional/marketing efforts. They include
the following:
A. The lack of a cohesive regional identity to lure visitors. The development of a
thematic concept for the Clinch-Powell region would greatly increase its attractiveness and
visibility to potential visitors and would make marketing/promotional efforts more
successful. The theme for the Clinch-Powell region should build upon its natural, cultural
and historical character.
B. A lack of facilities to accommodate visitors for overnight or multiple day stays.
The quantity of current accommodations is inadequate to support overnight and multiple
stays for visitors to the region. This results in the loss of much needed revenues to the
local economies and prevents visitors from experiencing all that the region has to offer.
Development in this area should concentrate on less capital intensive operations such as
bed and breakfasts and rental cabins which are more in line with the character of the
region.
C. A lack of designated hiking trails. Although the region has excellent potential as a
hiking destination, there are very few designated public access hiking trails. With the
exception of Union and Claiborne counties, no public access hiking trails exist.
D. A lack of primitive camping facilities. Backpacking, river and lakeside camping all
have great potential in the Clinch-Powell region but the availability of primitive facilities is
almost non-existent with the exception of Cumberland Gap National Historic Park.
Although there are numerous RV campsites along Cherokee and Norris Lakes, they have
limited appeal to those individuals seeking a "wilderness" experience. The Clinch and
Powell Rivers have excellent potential for multiple day floating and fishing trips but the
lack of primitive camping facilities precludes such activities.
E. A lack of public canoe access sites on the Clinch and Powell Rivers. As mentioned
above, the Clinch and Powell Rivers offer excellent opportunities for fishing and floating
but a lack of public access sites currently inhibits such activities. Although two access
sites have been developed in Hancock county at Kyles Ford and Sneedville, no facilities
exist between the latter and 25E. No public canoe access sites exist on the free flowing
sections of the Powell River within Tennessee.
F. The need for a long term strategic ecotourism plan for the region. Proper
planning is essential to the success of a unified regional ecotourism endeavor. A blueprint
for action should be developed prior to any capital dependent ventures and/or marketing
efforts. Such a plan should include: resource identification and a map of regional assets,
the identification of both short term tasks and long term actions, economic development
strategies, an examination of potential environmental and social impacts, including
carrying capacity analysis, and a comprehensive marketing plan.
Potential Economic Impacts
While ecotourism will not serve as a "panacea" for economic growth in the region,
it has the potential to become a healthy component of a diversified economic base and
to distribute tourism revenues more evenly throughout the region. Many of the areas
within the Clinch-Powell watersheds have poverty levels which exceed national
averages, and through the proper utilization and development of local resources these
numbers could be markedly reduced. Some of the potential economic benefits of an
ecotourism industry would include:
Increased jobs and career opportunities within the local communities
Incremental improvements in per capita income
Increased educational opportunities for the region
A more diversified tax base less susceptible to national recessionary downturns
Increased entrepreneurial opportunities for local citizens
Spin off business development and multiplier effect
Potential Environmental Impacts
Increased visitation and utilization of the region's natural resources has the
potential to adversely affect sensitive and biologically critical wildlife habitats. A number
of currently endangered and threatened animal species inhabit the biomes of the Clinch and
Powell Watersheds. Certain stretches of the Clinch River within Hancock county have
been designated as either globally outstanding or significant with respect to their aquatic
biodiversity, and together the Clinch and Powell rivers remain as the greatest freshwater
mussel sanctuary on the planet in terms of their species diversity. A number of rare and
endangered cave species are also found throughout the watersheds and protection remains
a critical issue. In order to ensure that ecotourism activities do not have a negative effect
on the ecology of the region, and that visitors do not "love" these precious resources out
of existence, an environmental impact analysis (EIA) should be conducted to determine
the potential effects of each recreational or nature-based activity to be developed in critical
wildlife habitat areas. Once carrying capacity analysis of specific eco-systems has been
identified, development can proceed according to established guidelines. As a result,
certain areas may in turn be designated as "off limits" due to their inability to absorb
sustained human activity.
Ecotourism may also have the result of positively affecting the region's natural
resources. The realization of economic benefits, as a direct result of increased visitation
and use by tourists, may in turn serve to instill a conservation ethic in local citizens. An
increased awareness of the economic value of the region's natural resources will only help
to improve and protect both the quality and quantity of these environmental assets.
Potential Sources of Technical and Financial Assistance
The development of a successful ecotourism industry in the Clinch-Powell region
will necessarily require technical assistance and cooperation from various federal, state and
local agencies. The following is a list of potential sources of both technical and financial
assistance that are available
Federal Agencies
A. The Clinch-Powell Resource, Conservation and Development Council. The RC &
D could potentially serve as the administrative body and planning agency for the
development of ecotourism activities. Such duties would fall under the auspices of the
Americorps sponsored Specialty Recreation and Tourism Initiative. The RC & D also
provides assistance in the areas of community development, environmental management,
solid waste assistance, and environmental education and might be able to provide
assistance and guidance in specific project development.
B. Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS). Could provide both
technical and financial assistance for specific project development and supply trained
consultants for environmental risk studies as they relate to project development.
C. The National Park Service (NPS). Could develop additional ecotourism activities
(educational programs etc.) at the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park to help
increase regional offerings.
D. United States Forest Service (USFS). The USFS could provide finical and technical
assistance for forest-based recreational activities in the region such as the development of
hiking trails and primitive campsites.
E. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The NEA could provide funding for the
documentation of folklife traditions and funding rural arts initiatives for various pioneer
and heritage-based museums.
F. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Could provide land grants and technical
assistance for the development of various recreational activities such as increasing canoe
access sites on the Clinch and Powell Rivers and the development of hiking trails.
State Agencies
A. The Northeast Tourism Council (NETA). NETA will serve as the primary
marketing agency for the promotion of ecotourism and specialty recreation activities in
Hancock and Hawkins counties. NETA will play a key role in both the planning and
development of any such activities.
B. Middle East Tourism Council (METC). METC will serve as the primary marketing
agency for the promotion of ecotourism and specialty recreation in Claiborne, Grainger
and Union counties. METC will play a key role in both the planning and development of
any such activities.
C. First Tennessee Development District (FTDD). FTDD will play an integral role in
coordinating the planning and development of an ecotourism industry in the Clinch-Powell
region within the context of existing roles.
D. East Tennessee Development District (ETDD). ETDD will play an integral role in
coordinating the planning and development of an ecotourism industry in the Clinch-Powell
region within the context of existing roles.
E. Tennessee Department of Tourism Development. Could offer technical assistance
to aid in the development of specific ecotourism projects as defined by the roles and
objectives of The Community Development Assistance Program. Will serve as a primary
sponsor of the Wilderness Road driving tour.
F. Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). TDEC could
aid in the development and administration of regional ecotourism activities. TDEC could
provide technical assistance in preparing EIA's and monitor ecotourism activities to
ensure compatibility between human use and conservation.
G. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). TWRA could provide both finical
and technical assistance for specific project development such as public access site
acquisition and development as well as monitor activities impacts, aid in EIA preparation
and provide qualified biologists for educational programs.
H. Tennessee Historical Commission. The Tennessee Historical Commission could
provide funding and technical assistance to aid in the preservation of state identified
historical structures that would serve as focal points for the historical components of an
ecotourism industry.
Local agencies
A. Individual County Governments. Individual county governments within the Clinch-
Powell Region will help to garner support for the development of ecotourism activities.
Will assist in the upkeep and preservation of nature-based recreational sites.
B. Individual County Chambers of Commerce. Local chambers will serve in a
consultation capacity and act as a liaison for individuals/organizations interested in
investing in local ecotourism projects.
C. Individual County Service Organizations. County service organizations such as the
Lion's Club, Rotary Club etc. could provide a community support base for activities such
as beautification projects and community fundraising heritage festivals, which are an
integral part of an ecotourism industry.
D. Friends of the Clinch and Powell Rivers. This group could provide assistance in
preparing EIA's and developing recreational and educational activities in the Clinch-
Powell Watersheds.
Private businesses
Private business groups and organizations could assist in financing and developing nature-
based tourism opportunities within the Clinch-Powell Region.
Private Foundations.
A. The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy could provide technical
assistance in the preparation of EIA's and serve in a consultation capacity for the
development of ecotourism activities. The Nature Conservancy could also assist in the
development of educational programs and provide qualified individuals to serve as
instructors.
B. The Conservation Fund. The Conservation Fund has expressed an interest in
sponsoring an ecotourism pilot project within our region and could provide much needed
assistance in the areas of strategic planning and specific project development.
AMERICORPS
RURAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM
TENNESSEE NATURAL RESOURCES
CONSERVATION SERVICE
PROGRAM SYNOPSIS
AMERICORPS
RURAL DEVELOPMENT TEAM
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
TENNESSEE
The AmeriCorps Rural Development Team in Tennessee is a professional corps consisting of
members working from upper east to west Tennessee. In all, 21 members are assisting
communities in sustainable economic development, resource protection, solid waste
management and environmental education.
Clinch-Powell RC&D Cluster, Rutledge, TN
Three members are conducting a comprehensive regional assessment that will result in a
Regional Specialty Recreation and Tourism Plan for Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins
and Union Counties. This will enable these communities to develop a much needed
sustainable, alternative economic development base.
Hull-York Lakeland RC&D Cluster, Cookeville, TN
Five members are providing planning and technical assistance to 14 units of county
government to implement a solid waste and recycling program. They are also attempting to
improve environmental awareness through development of an environmental awareness
curriculum that will be used at 28 schools and civic clubs in the Upper Cumberland area.
Humphreys Soil Conservation District, Waverly, TN
Two members are developing, organizing and promoting county wide workshops,
demonstration tours and nature tours of the Environmental Education Center in Humphreys
County. This will also include development of environmental education materials and teacher
in service programs on a variety of environmental and natural resource issues.
Chickasaw-Shiloh RC&D Cluster, Jackson, TN
Two members will be working with landowners in training them to use animal waste effluent
discharge equipment through a traveling irrigation gun to promote safe discharge of waste on
their land and to protect water quality. They will also be working in environmental awareness
in the public schools system within an eight county region by developing environmental
education training curriculum that will be made available to 49 elementary schools in the area.
Morristown Natural Resources Conservation Service Office, Morristown, TN
One member will assist the field office in collecting data in the Bent Creek watershed to assist
them in assisting approximately 600 landowners in the watershed with natural resources issues.
They will assist in the development of alternatives for land owners to protect, restore and
prevent further degradation of the natural resources in the watershed by providing technical
assistance, and training programs and materials to those land owners.
Whitley County Small Farms Project, Whitley City, KY
One member will be providing assistance to small farm families in the county to assess the
needs and interest in beginning or expanding livestock production, in exploring alternative
crops, intensive grazing methods, composting and other sustainable agricultural endeavors.
Woodland Community Land Trust, Campbell County, TN
Two members will address the need of sustainable economic development in rural Appalachia
by assisting them to create viable economic opportunities from forest and forest related
products and services. At the same time they will engage the rural communities and
landowners in protecting and managing forest lands.
Henderson Settlement, KY
One member will identify available resources and provide sufficient information, counseling
and support services to enable interested persons to utilize agriculture as a means of economic
development for these families. They will provide assessment of county families resources and
cultural practice and business management training for interested individuals to start up
agricultural enterprises in the county.
Southeast Tennessee RC&D Cluster, Cleveland, TN
Three members will assist in programs to reduce non-point pollution in selected watersheds,
implement dry hydrant program, develop opportunities for local craftsmen to market products
made from TN forest products, assist in the development of conservation education material
and develop recycling plans for counties in the area.
Tennessee Overhill Heritage Tourism Association, Etowah, TN
One AmeriCorps member will develop a children's guide to be used in environmental education
activities, and work with planning and providing technical assistance to community based
conservation groups.
LEARN & SERVE AMERICA
YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
CLINCH-POWELL RC&D COUNCIL
LEARN AND SERVE AMERICA
YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
CLINCH-POWELL RC&D COUNCIL
BACKGROUND
The Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation and Development Council carries out numerous
projects and programs aimed at building sustainable communities in our five county region.
Activity direction and policy is guided by a board of directors composed of County Executives,
Soil Conservation District representatives and citizens at-large appointed for the special skills
and interests they bring to the Council board. The Council directs a collaborative effort among
levels of government, driven by local interests, led by local initiative and leadership, and
supported by a range of institutional structures. RC&D builds community, trust and respect
among all players.
Leadership development is a critical identified need in the region. While rural communities
are well known for people helping people in times of trouble, they lack the shear numbers of
people willing and able to assume leadership roles. The results are a small core of people who
are spread too thin to be effective in many cases. Additionally, lack of opportunities for our
youth to be involved in meaningful community activities is an identified need. Our region is
experiencing a "brain drain" where the best and brightest students leave for college and never
return because jobs are primarily low-skilled, low-tech and low-pay. This downward cycle can
only be combated with an aggressive program of leadership development within our
community.
CLINCH- POWELL LEARN & SERVE YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Our Learn & Serve Youth Leadership Council tackles both of these problems in a systematic
and targeted manner. The RC&D has pulled together a diverse team for project oversight
including school officials, community leaders, youth and staff to be involved. Up to 30 high
school students (9th though 11th grade) are being selected for the initial Youth Leadership
Council program from two high schools in pilot Grainger County. Students will develop and
implement an aggressive program of leadership development through community service
learning and the two locally critical environmental issues of solid waste management and
water quality. Highlights of the program are:
Youth Leadership Conference, February 13, 1995 to build skills in Problem Solving,
Communications and Leadership Styles and Personalities.
Individual and group Leadership Plans focused on service learning in-school and in-
community.
Activities built on the locally identified critical environmental needs of solid waste
management and water quality.
Youth and advisors will 'negotiate' a leadership contract to carry out two leadership
activities per month.
Youth will meet monthly to share and discuss successful and not so successful
activities and build on their experiences.
Youth will expand experiences through a series of field trips designed to build on their
leadership abilities.
Youth will teach youth as the initial group of high schoolers go to middle schools in
year two to establish Youth Leadership Academies in grades 7 and 8.
Two youth will be selected to meet and fully participate with the Clinch-Powell
RC&D Council as Youth Directors representing this important segment of our
population.
CONCLUSION
Learn & Serve America is making this exciting and very worthwhile project possible in the
Clinch-Powell RC&D Council area. WE INVITE YOU TO VISIT OUR LEARN AND
SERVE PROGRAM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO AMERICORPS EFFORTS:
"I am writing to express my appreciation for the work performed by the AmeriCorps Greenwood No. Two Volunteer team. I
had submitted a proposal for the AmeriCorps volunteers to code SCDHEC's water classifications on hardcopy maps of the
state's stream system for a nine county area. I had anticipated this work effort would take approximately three to four weeks.
Work was to begin October 17, 1994, with a completion date of November 17th. The team finished the initial task within a
weck'stime and continued to complete the water classification coding for the entire state. The process Incorporated a rigorous
quality assurance/quality control program that the volunteers adhered to düligently. In addition, the team labeled and sleeved
2,000 photographs associated with our National Aerial Photography Program, indexed and Inventoried hundreds of topographic
maps, keyed in historic data on our state's water classifications and accompanied staff blologists on sampling expeditions.
Each volunteer was a Joy to work with and I cannot overstate how appreciative SCDHEC Is of being the recipient of the work
produced from the volunteer's effort. I believe the AmerICorps program has established a wonderful beginning with this Initial
effort from the Greenwood Office and I wish the program continued success with future endeavors. You can be proud of the
work the Greenwood No. Two Team has accomplished."
-Jeannie Pickett Eldson
Environmental Quality Manager
S.C. DHEC
" On behalf of the Saluda County Chamber of Commerce, I wish to express my thanks to the NRCS for their assistance in
allowing us the opportunity to witness firsthand the services of AmeriCorps volunteers In our community from January 3
through January 25th.
The Newberry One team: Diggs HOI, Abby Gage, Karen Kinard, Madeline Clslo, and John Morgan III, exhibited sunny
attitudes, abundant energy, and a willingness to work that will be hard to match by anyone else. Their work was so extremely
significant to our project here for the implementation of the "911" program.
The information will now be assembled into revised maps of the county which will be distributed to the emergency and law
enforcement personnel. The AmeriCorps Newberry One Team touched the lives of every resident of Saluda County with their
work in a very short time, and we truly appreciate having met and known them all."
-Carol S.Williams
Executive Secretary
Saluda County Chamber of Commerce
"I would like to thank you and your staff, especially Jim Wilson, for the assistance provided to Wildlife Management Region II,
S.C. Department of Natural Resources, by the Greenwood I AmeriCorps team. The team was eager and enthuslastic and,
other than initial instructions, went about their tasks with little need for supervision by my staff. They posted about 100 miles of
Wildlife Management Area boundary with about 900 signs, coded over 3,000 deer data cards, and used GPS technology to
obtain location and size information on 30 of out permanent wildlife openings. Along with our personnel they helped in control
burning about 300 acres to improve wildlife habitat and erected 24 new wood duck nest boxes.
The members of the team, Chris Bever, Angl Paulus, Susan Miller, Sherell Stevens, and Chad Weston showed considerable
Interest in and appreciation for the wildlife resources of the area, even though their career cholces lay in other fields. Hopefully
their brief exposure will help them be more aware of the need for natural resource conservation as they pursue their careers.
-Robert W. Gooding
Regional Wildlife Biologist
S.C. Department of Natural Resources
"This letter is to express the appreciation for the work performed by the AmeriCorps team In Edgefleld county. The
AmeriCorps volunteers for our county consisted of Chad Weston, Angi Paulus, Chris Bever, Sherell Stevens, and Susan Miller.
They did a road Inventory to help us in the implementation of the 911 system here. There had been no accurate records updated
as to all roads and road names in our county in a long time. Due to their efforts, we now are able to continue with the naming of
the roads."
-Linda Prlest and Mike Casey
E911 Coordinators for Edgefield County
"The Greenwood Team II performed beyond my expectations and I was very Impressed with their professionalism."
-Farrell Saunders
Superintendent
Ninety-Six Historic Park
National Park Service
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
RURAL
DEVELOPMENT
TEAM
USDA
NATURAL RESOURCES
CONSERVATION
SERVICE
USDA/NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
EST. Dec., 1994
APR. 95, VOL. 5
AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE USDA/NRCS AMERICORPS TEAM.
..hometown, education, & why AmeriCorps?
"I joined AmeriCorps
"Sacrifice- AmeriCorps is
to do my part for the
a year like no other in a
environment. so in the
person's life. Truly a life
future I can tell my
lasting experience."
children that I tried."
Sherell Stevens. Saluda
BS Environmental Health
Greg Maxwell. Columbia
Landscaping
"I joined AmeriCorps for the
"I became an AmeriCorps
benifit of mankind and the
volunteer in order to earn
environment I also joined
an education award while
AmeriCorps for the intellectual
working on resource con-
benifits."
servation projects."
David E Holcombe. Columbia
Richard Eaton. Laurens
BS Natural Science Education
BS Elementary Education
"AmeriCorps is an adventure of
opportunities in community service.
"Sweat, enthusiasm, patience and hope.
For it's members. it has been an exciting
AmeriCorps is applying these toward
trip into towns and communities in
"AmeriCorps has given me the oppor-
making our state a cleaner, safer place
rural SC to make a positive impact by
tunity to grow as an individual while
to live."
helping those in need. For those
working in a team atmosphere geared
Chad Weston. Taylors
affected by AmeriCorps' accomplish-
toward improving our environment and
BS Biology / PreMed
ments. it represents a sign of hope that
our rural communities."
someone cares."
Karen Kinard. Columbia
Susan Miller, Lexington
BS Biology
"I am interested in the concept of a
BS Biology
national service program as it relates to
higher education through financial
"AmeriCorps has offered me the chance to
incentives and the experimental
"I believe that through our efforts we
experience a diversity of projects and the
development process of students It is
can establish a new precedence of life in
America ^ life where people care
chance to experiment with volunteerism
also a step-out from graduate school to
enough about each other to volunteer
and community outreach. It's rewarding to
receive financial/educational/group
their services to make a difference in the
help youths grow and learn about themselves
health incentives and to develop
lives of others. 1 believe in what we are
and help them become responsible, caring.
interrelationship and problem-solving
skills."
doing and what AmeriCorps stands
adults."
for."
Madeline Cislo. Hopkins
Mary Roe. Anderson
Angi Paulus, Abbeville
Civil Eng. Bus. Adm.
BS Sociology
BA English
"I have always beleived in the concept
of national service. I think it is the
"I saw AmeriCorps as a way for mc to
give back to the community so my
patriotic thing to do and the right thing
kids in the future will have a place to
"As the only Native American chosen
to do I feel that all citizens should be
live It was also a way for me to put
to serve with our AmeriCorps team.
afforded an opportunity to serve their
back what my grandparents and their
I volunteered to serve my country with
country and community in some
parents put into the community. I love
expectations to improve rural life in
manner. AmeriCorps has offered me
doing community service."
South Carolina."
that opportunity, and I have accepted
Angela Brinkley. Columbia
Dan Johnson. N. Augusta
the responsibility and the challenge."
English Mathmatics
BS Biology/Photography
James H. Holland, Aiken
BS Biology/Business Mgt.
"I joined AmeriCorps because I am
interested in conservation and the
"AmeriCorps is a unique opportunity that has
"Being a volunteer for a year has
environment. I felt that this was a good
allowed me to use my talents to assist others. 11
allowed me to see the variety of things
chance for me to do my part in helping
has shown me what an exceptional group of people
that South Carolina has to offer and
the environment and wildlife in my
can accomplish when they all are focused on the
where improvement is needed.
home state."
goal- helping other people."
AmeriCorps has made me a concerned,
Jav Henderson. Columbia
Chris Bever. Taylors
educated. and proud citizen and I will
Secondary Education
always carry with me a strong belief in
"I joined AmeriCorps to better
the value of community service."
my state and myself at the same
time."
"AmeriCorps allows dedicated individuals
AmyOverstreet,Columbia
Dawn Kendall. Easley
unique opportunities found nowhere else
BA English
Ad Design & Child Develop.
in the workforce. The chance to aquire
educational awards while experiencing
"AmeriCorps is my chance to help
"To help people in need to make a
satisfaction through enhancing the quality
our most valuable asset children.
difference to get things done."
of life of rural South Carolinians. is more
I joined AmeriCorps now to help
Abby Gage. Cleveland
than I hoped for."
them grow strong for tomorrow."
BS Political Science
John E. Morgan III. Society Hill
Diggs Hill Jr., Greenville
Masters Environmental Mgt.
BS Aquacultures. Fisheries, Wildlife Biology
Marketing
What have they been up to?
What's coming up next?
May 1995
E-911 Road Inventory (Edgefield, Abbeville, McCormick, Saluda)
Grassland Surveys (Abbeville)
Grassland Evaluation Surveys (Abbeville)
Water Quality Testing (Newberry)
Outdoor Education Classroom (Lexington)
Stream Coding for DHEC (State-wide)
Community Outreach (Greenville)
Joe E. Adair Outdoor Ed. Center (Laurens)
Wetlands Study
Camp Long KATE program (Aiken)
AmeriCorps Recruitment
Environmental Education Survey (Richland)
Grasslands Evaluation Survey (Abbeville)
Teacher/Farmer Curriculum (Newberry)
Watershed Database Modeling (Newberry)
Lynches Woods Educational Project (Newberry)
IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS FOR AMERICORPS
Dams Safety Inventory (Lexington, Aiken)
Dry Fire Hydrants (Richland)
PROJECTS OR WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMA-
Outdoor Education Center (Batesburg-Leesville, Aiken)
TION ABOUT THE AMERICORPS PROGRAM
Wildlife Assessment & Enhancement (McCormick)
CONTACT US AT:
Urban Conservation Display (Greenville)
Environmental Conservation Survey (Richland)
(803) 942-9743 OR
E-911 Addressing Phase (Saluda)
Ninety-Six Historical Park (Greenwood)
(803) 321-6226
John De la Howe School Construction (McCormick)
Greenwood State Park (Greenwood)
Lynches Woods/Park Campaign (Newberry)
"Getting Things
Done"
AMERICORPS IS A NEW NATIONAL SERVICE ORGANIZATION DESIGNED TO AD-
DRESS THE NATION'S CRITICAL NEEDS IN THE AREAS OF EDUCATION, PUBLIC SAFETY,
HUMAN SERVICE, AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS. THE PROGAM PROVIDES OPPOR-
TUNITIES FOR A DIVERSE GROUP OF MEMBERS FROM VARIOUS AGES AND BACK-
GROUNDS TO SERVE THEIR COUNTRY WHILE RECEIVING ECUCATIONAL AWARDS AND
VOCATIONAL TRAINING. SOUTH CAROLINA HOSTS TRHEE OF THE FORTY-SIX UNITED
STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) TEAMS. THEY ARE SPONSORED BY THE
RURAL ECONOMIC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (RECD), THE FORESTRY SERVICE (FS),
AND THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS). THE USDA PROHIBITS
DISCRIMINATION IN ITS PROGRAM ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORGIN,
SEX, RELIGION, AGE, DISABILITY, POLITICAL BELIEFS, AND MARITAL OR FAMILIY STATUS.
USDA/NRCS AMERICORPS
120 MAIN ST., RM 135
GREENWOOD, SC 29646
6019692118
GRTJXNYOUTH
PAGE 02
USDA/ Anti-Hunger Corps
202 N. Hayden Street
Belzoni, MS 39038
Quarterly Report
period covering December 1, 1994 to March 31, 1995
Submitted by Ms. Sarah Hood, Project Coordinator
to
Mr. Alfred Martin, Director
Greater Jackson Youth Service Corps
Jackson, MS
March 31, 1995
GRTJXNYOUTH
PAGE 03
USDA/AMERICORPS
ANTI-HUNGER CORPS
202 N. HAYDEN ST.
BELZONI, MS 39038
Serving Humphreys And Sunflower Counties
QUARTERLY REPORT
Period Covering December 1, 1995 through March 31,1995
(A.) Number of Members enrolled at end of quarter VS number who
enrolled at the time of launch:
10/14
B.)
Total number of hours of direct service performed by Members and
total number of hours Members were in training:
9,456/254 (cumulative hours for all Corps members)
C.)
Any major staff or structural changes you have made:
No major staff or structural changes were made this quarter.
D.) Progress towards meeting community service objectives:
Objective #1 Food Stamp Outreach:
One-hundred and twenty (121) residents contacted the Anti-hunger Corps office
about food related needs. Upon request, Corps members and staff accompanied
clients to the food stamp office. Seventy clients (70) were referred to the food stamp
office. Corps members distributed 2,530 food stamp flyers throughout the target
communities to encourage low-Income residents to apply for food stamps and other
services. Listed below are statistics from the Mississippi Department of Human
Services regarding the number of food stamp participants in the target counties from
August, 1994 to January, 1994.
November '94
December '94
January '94
Humphreys
3,997
4,024
4,038
Sunflower
10,788
11,243
11,277
GRTXNYOUTH
PAGE 04
August '94
September '94
October '94
Humphreys
4,187
4,021
4,076
Sunflower
11,214
11,086
11,228
To encourage clients to become self-sufficient, efforts are being made to develop
strategies for assisting a selected number of low-income residents in Sunflower and
Humphreys County to raise their gardens.
Objective #2 Senior Citizen Outreach:
AmeriCorps members and staff surveyed the directors of the elderly feeding sites to
determine strategies to encourage elderly participation in the elderly feeding
programs. Our findings revealed that twenty (20) additional elderty persons are
needed before the grantee of the elderty feeding site can request additional funds
through their Planning and Development District (PPD). PPD is the primary
funding source for the grantee agency. Staff and Corps members are planning and
developing strategies to identify and recruit the required number of additional elderly
participants.
Objective #3 Summer Feeding Site Increase:
Corps members and staff members interviewed school officials regarding the
procedures and regulations for increasing the number of summer feeding sites.
School officials in both Sunflower and Humphreys County expressed an interest in
increasing the number of summer feeding sites, but maintained that issues regarding
school liabilities have hindered efforts to expand feeding sites. Staff and
AmeriCorps members are planning and coordinating activities to meet with high
school students to increase their support and participation in the school breakfast and
school lunch programs. High school students will be encouraged to develop focus
groups designed to increase overall student participation in the school feeding
programs.
Objective #4 Nutrition Outreach:
During this period, Corps members have conducted in-school nutrition activities with
a total of one-hundred and sixty-five (165) children attending daycare, headstart,
and elementary schools in the target communities. Corps members developed and
PAGE
so
implemented creative activities designed to teach the children about the four basis
food groups. Corps members provided the children with creative nutrition activities
which Involved mathematics, creative arts, and language arts. Also, Corps members
distributed five hundred and ninety-six (596) nutrition related pamphlets in the
target communities.
Objective #5 Food Safety Outreach:
Corps members distributed three hundred and thirteen (313) pamphlets on food
safety. Corps members and stafff are planning activities to conduct a workshop on
food safety in each of the target counties.
Objective #6 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Outreach:
A volunteer tax consultant conducted a workshop with Corps members regarding
EITC. Each Corps member was offered assistance in applying for EITC. Also,
Corps members canvassed the community and distributed seven hundred and thirty-
two (732) flyers to encourage residents to apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
As a service to the Anti-hunger Corps, WELZ radio station in Humphreys County
provided public service announcements which began January, 1995 through April,
1995 regarding EITC.
E.)
Primary Accomplishments:
During this quarter, AmeriCorps members and staff assisted and referred one
hundred and twenty one (121) clients to the food stamp office and other food related
programs. Upon request, Corps members and staff accompanied clients to the food
stamp office. We believe that the increase in the number of food stamp recipients
(see statement D) during November 1994 to December, 1994, and January, 1995 was
in large part a result of AmeriCorps members and staff efforts locating and
encouraging eligible clients to participate in the food stamp program. During a site
visit of the Anti-Hunger Corps on March 27, 1995, Mr. Joel Berg, Director, USDA
National Community Service, heard testimonies from clients of the Anti-hunger
Corps. Six (6) clients told Mr. Berg about their appreciation of the work Corps
members and staff our providing in the communities. Clients asked Mr. Berg for his
continue assistance in ensuring that the Anti-hunger Corps remain in the community.
Also, the owner and announcer of WELZ radio station in Belzoni came by the Anti-
hunger Corps office and interviewed Mr. Berg and clients. Immediately following
the interview, the announcer played the interview on the air, and has agreed to
provide Mr. Berg with a copy of the interview.
After the live-broadcast, a pregnant, Caucasian female client told Mr. Berg that she
feels the Anti-hunger Corps helped saved the life of her unborn child by assiting her
in obtaining food stamps. Client stated that she was afraid to visit the food stamp
office by herself because previously a food stamp worker tore up her food stamp
PAGE 06
application, and tried to intimidate her. Ms. Hood accompanied client to the food
stamp office. With the assistance of the Corps members and staff, the client received
emergency food stamps, and receives food stamps on a monthly basis. Regarding the
clients statement, Mr. Berg commented that Anti-hunger Corps and staff efforts
certainly played a vital role in this case by helping this client to gain access to the
food stamp program.
(F.) Primary challenges:
Our Primary challenge during this quarter involved our efforts to contact potential
funders. However, we are planning and developing activities to obtain the
required amount of matching funds. However, we are presently planning and
coordinating our fundraising activities with Greater Jackson Youth Service Corps.
(G.) Primary training and technical assistance need:
The Corps members would benefit from specialized training fundraising, career
planning, nutrition and related entrepreneurship training. Staff could also benefit
from attending various workshops that are primarily conducted in Jackson,
Mississippi and other neighboring cities. Staff will contact grantee agency to request
more information about additional staff training.
(H.) Media coverage:
WELZ Radio station in Humphreys County and the Belzoni Banner newspaper (see
attachments) of Humphreys County are our primary sources for broadcasting
project activies. These two entities have been very supportive in advertising our
project activities each time we requested their services. WELZ serves several of the
neighboring counties which includes Sunflower County. During prime time, the
project coordinator on numerous occasions annouces project activities on WELZ
"live" broadcast program.
Attachments
MARCH 1995
THE BEI 70111 BANNER
PAGE SEVEN
ANNOUNCEMENT EMENT
Your local American Program.
the USDA Anti Hunger Corp,
would like in temind everyone that
March is National Nutrition Month
The Anti Hunger Corps salutes
everybne serving in federally
(mited nuttition programs like
school breakfast. lunch, and sum
met feeding. WIC. commodities
and food stamps Thanks to every
one pton irling nutrition services in
Humpbreys County.
Parents, temember that It is im
portain for you and your children
1.1 cat well. balanced meals which
include the proper amounts of fruit.
vegetAbles, theats, brend. and milk
dairy products Call your doctor.
home economist, dictition. or ⑉
tritionist If you have questions
about your health and notition.
AMERICORTS TAKES
DRAMA AND
The Belzoni Banna
STORYTELLING TO CLASS
the local Americarps prograin.
Fobruding 1,1995
USDA Anti-llunget Corpt,
sponsored 1 nutrition setsion on
Wednesday, January 25. 1993 it
the Ida Ureen Lower Elementary
School In Belzonl. A cartive
audience of 37 students in Miss
Rosie Smith's third grade class
watched six corps members present
"The Lonely Pennut Buttet
Satulwich skit. In the skit, 1 small
boy learns to ndd variety and there
hutrition to his regular Junch, &
resent buttet andwich and milk.
Licensed distition Stephanie 011-
lite. from Mid-Delus Home
Health, talked to the class About
good eating habits and the food
pyramid. Ollitions nists told a
delightrul and Informative flory of
the "Nutta Binth. A hero, the Nutra
Bird onty liculthy fonds and
encountges bthers to be like hird In
bidet to live better and longer in
his kingdom.
This session was the second of the
Ahti-Hunget nutrition Workshop's
being held In Humphreys and
Sunflower counties to prohiols
good Hulddon and heAlth.
For more Information about
And the Anti-llunget
tenm. come to 202 N. Haydeh St.
Belzoni. MS of call (601) 247-
1305.
TO:
THE BELZONI BANNER
FROM: USDA Allii HUNGER CORPS
202 N. HAYDEN ST.
BELZONE MS 39038
(601) 247-1305
CONTACT: Sarah Hood. Project Coordinator
AMERICORPS TAKES
DRAMA AND STORYTELLING TO CLASS
THE LOCAL AMERICORPS PROGRAM. USDA ANTI-HUNGER
CORPS, SPONSORED ^ NUTRITION SESSION ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY
25, 1995 AT THE IDA GREEN LOWER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN BELZONI.
^ CAPTIVE AUDIENCE OF 37 STUDENTS IN MISS ROSIE SMITH'S THIRD
GRADE CLASS WATCHED SIX CORPSMEMBERS PRESENT "THE LONELY
PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH" SKIT. IN THE SKIT, ^ SMALL BOY
LEARNS TO ADD VARIETY AND MORE NUTRITION TO IIIS REGULAR
LUNCH, ^ PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH AND MILK.
LICENSED DIETICIAN STEPHANIE GILMORE, FROM MID-DELTA
HOME HEALTH. TALKED TO THE CLASS ABOUT GOOD EATING HABITS
AND THE FOOD PYRAMID. CHAMORE ALSO TOLD ^ DELIGHTFUL AND
INFORMATIVE STORY OF THE "NUTRA BIRD". A HERO, THE NUTRA
BIRD EATS HEALTHY FOODS AND ENCOURAGES OTHERS TO BE LIKE
HIM IN ORDER 10 LIVE BETTER AND LONGER IN HIS KINGDOM.
THIS SESSION WAS THE SECOND OF THE ANTI HUNGER
NUTRITION WORKSHOPS BFING HELD IN HUMPUREYS AND
SUNFLOWER COUNTIES TO PROMOTE GOOD NUTRITION AND HEALTH
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AMERICORES AND THE ANTI
HUNGER TEAM. COME TO 202 N. HAYDEN ST., BELZONI, MS OR CALL
(601) 247 1305.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
DATE
REFERENCE SLIP
4-10-95
TO
Denise Bounett
ACTION
NOTE AND RETURN
APPROVAL
PER PHONE CALL
AS REQUESTED
RECOMMENDATION
FOR COMMENT
REPLY FOR SIGNATURE OF
FOR INFORMATION
RETURNED
INITIALS
SEE ME
NOTE AND FILE
YOUR SIGNATURE
REMARKS
Here is a copy
if Joel did not
get the FAX.
FROM Frank
Haywood Co CFS.A
Waynesville, NC 28786
USGPO 1985-526-216
FORM AD-514 (8-64)
Regina Lynn
My Journey Home
I'm glad to have this opportunity to share my story with you
and how I was able to face many of my fears and turn my back
on feelings of helplessness. It's wonderful to know that I
have a voice in the story of my life. After years of believing
there was nothing I could do to change my life, I found hope
on the road to family self-sufficiency. More importantly,
my children, Michael, Misty, Megan, and RL are on this road
with me.
When I was two weeks old, my parents moved from Libby, Montana
to the mountains of Madison County, NC. Mother was anxious
to return to her native home. I was a quiet child; some thought
I lived in "a dream world" and was not too bright. Sometime
around my sixth birthday, my parents divorced and I spent the
next ten years living with one parent awhile then the other.
Daddy was in the National Guard so we moved often. Adventures
with Daddy are among the happiest memories of my childhood.
When I was fifteen, I was placed in the custody of the department
of social services. A few months later I went to live with
my father in Kingsport, TN.
I was happy to be there because I was a daddy's girl. Still,
I was behind in school and I was afraid that I would never be
able to do pass. In addition, I felt different from the other
kids in school and thought there was something wrong with me.
Each day the challenge to walk into the building grew until,
halfway through my junior year, I dropped out. Many childhood
dreams shared in late night talks with my dad lay shattered
before me as I left school one day believing that I would never
return. I felt shame at my failure. My father, though loving
and kind had no idea what to do with a troubled teen.
In one way I did live in a "dream world." Sometime early in
my life, I created a fairy tale in which someone very kind and
loving would come and get me, care for and protect me. He would
reach out, touch my cheek and never would another tear flow
there. I imagined him to be tall, strong, and brave. Finally,
ad if he was made to order, he walked into my life with all
the attributes I thought I needed to survive. That is, all
the ones I lacked. He was bigger, stronger, braver than anyone
I had ever known. I felt safe with him. I never had to be
afraid anymore. I thought.
He began filling in all the empty spaces in my life. He believed
I was a good person, a lovable person. "There is no one like
you in all of the world," he would say. Moreover he needed
me. "What more is there," I reasoned, "than being needed and
never being afraid anymore. He had a problem with alcohol,
but I could fix that. I thought.
R. Lynn
<
I wanted to be worthy of this answer to my dreams, so I became
just what he needed - an all-loving, all-forgiving, good person.
I would do anything for love and protection. When I first
encountered the rage within him, I thought it was a small
price to pay for love and protection. I clung to my burdensome
dream through ten years of physical and emotional abuse and
despair. I played my role well always believing that I had
said or done something that caused him to lose control. As
time passed, I became more afraid of leaving than of staying.
"I'll find you no matter where you go. You will wake up and
find me at your bedside." he told me. I believed him.
Then in the spring of 1988 I stumbled head on into reality.
I remember the despair I felt when I looked in my children's
faces and knew they depended on me. Daydreams and fairy tales
would not protect them and provide for their needs. I wanted
to offer them strength and courage and protect them from the
hopelessness I felt. I lifted my head and began looking for
a way out of the horrible world I had created for my children
and myself.
Fortunately, I learned that their was no waiting list for public
housing in Madison County. I was reluctant to return to the
county that was the keeper of so many unpleasant memories for
me. Nevertheless, we moved into an apartment a couple of weeks
before school started. Michael - 10, Misty - 7, Megan - 5,
and RL - 3, ran through the apartment exploring their new home
as I took my first step toward independence.
A few weeks later I came home one day and found a pamphlet in
my door that read, "Are you a parent, grandparent, or guardian
of a three or four year old and do you want to learn to read
or get your GED?" I wondered what having a three or four year
old had to do with getting my GED, but I read on. The pamphlet
mentioned "family," "parenting skills," and "self-esteem." I
remembered signing up for GED programs before. I always found
plenty of excuses not to go. Once again I was about to say
"maybe someday" when I read that meals and transportation were
provided.
I imagined myself going back to school, and taking RL, my three
year old son, with me. Michael, Misty, and Megan were in school
so I didn't need a baby sitter. I remember how excited I was
when I went to a neighbor's house and called Mildred Shelton,
the director of the Madison County Kenan Family Literacy Project.
When I hung up the phone, I sat for a minute and thought, "Maybe
no one will find out that I am not very bright, I will just
go and do my best and maybe it will help me get a job."
I didn't know that the phone call I just made was to mark the
beginning of a new life for my children and myself. Someday
was emerging from behind the clouds and hope was in view. I
walked home a bit taller and more confident. I stopped and
sat on the steps leading up the hill to our apartment and asked
RL, "Would you like to ride the big bus to school with your
brother and sisters?" He grinned. I took a deep breath and
bus." thought, "All I have to do is get on the bus, just get on the
By evening my confidence was gone. I leafed through the many
pages of excuses I had for not going back to school. "There
is no way I can go back to school, not after all these years,"
I thought. After thirteen years it was too late for me. What
would I wear? What will people think of me riding the bus with
children and going back to school? I was too old to do that.
Most of all, I was afraid that I would fail again.
Once again fear was closing the door on my second chance, but
on this unique occasion, I guess you could say opportunity not
only knocked, it took me by the hand when I got a visit from
the teachers of the family literacy program. I learned that
RL would attend preschool class in the morning while I attended
GED class. After we had lunch together, we would participate
in PACT - parent and child interaction. The program would
prepare RL for kindergarten. When they left I looked around
our apartment furnished with only one chair and a foam mattress
on which to sleep and thought, "It's up to me. I have to try."
I remember how nervous I was getting ready to go back to school
that September morning in 1988. It was no small endeavor to
get everybody ready. We were all excited. Though I was scared,
really scared, I don't think I could have backed out if I had
wanted. The children expected me to go. I heard Michael and
Misty talking. "Mama and RL are going to ride the bus," they
giggled. "We'll all be in school. Mama Too!" Finally we were
ready to go. My hands trembled as I fumbled with the lock.
Trying to calm myself I decided to pretend that I was just
walking my children to the bus stop. They were beaming and
I felt almost as if I had no control over what was happening.
Four pair of hopeful eyes were leading me toward a better life.
It wasn't easy to stand there and wait for the bus with Michael,
Misty, Megan, and RL. I wanted to leave, to walk away, turn
my back on the feelings that arose in me, but I felt as if our
lives depended on my being brave for once in my life. I could
barely breath as I stared down the road and watched for the
bus. Finally it came. I took a deep breath and held RL very
close as I got on the bus. "Besides," I thought, "I don't have
to go back if I don't want to."
Lynn 4
During the next nine months I made plans to quit several times.
As I encountered personal problems, new ones as well as those
from the past, I saw no solutions. Each time I told Mildred
that I would not be able to continue in the program, she said,
"What do you mean you are not coming back!" As I tried to
explain I realized that I did not have to quit. There was a
way. With Mildred there was always a way. Slowly I grew to
believe in myself. With baby steps I continued toward "someday"
and the hope of a better life.
So with Mildred's strength and the encouragement of my
friend and teacher, Alegra Alyward, I completed the year and
earned my GED. More importantly, I learned that I am my
children's first and most important teacher. Prior to this
program, I believed that we were low achievers because we were
not as "smart" as others. What a relief to learn that
individuals learn differently and everyone has potential. My
praise and example would encourage my children to do well in
school. Perhaps they would stay in school and not go the long
way around as I did. Together we embarked on a new life of
learning. Michael - 10 and Misty 8, received their first awards
for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Reading that year.
Megan, after a struggling beginning in first grade, went on
to make, as her teacher phrased it, "remarkable progress" and
was ready for second grade. And my shy little RL, who once
hid behind his mother's skirt, began exploring his surroundings
and learned that he can have an effect on his environment.
Later he completed kindergarten with perfect attendance and
a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. RL's attitude toward
learning is illustrated by a comment he made one evening when
I told him how well he was coloring. He looked up at me with
eyes aglow and said, "I'm good at everything, ain't I Mama!"
It was then, looking at his bright face I knew that believing
in oneself is half the battle.
I remember the day I considered the possibility of going to
college. As a young girl I would not walk across the campus
at Mars Hill College. I thought college was a place where other
people go who were either really smart or came from wealthy
families. When Mildred suggested that I apply to Mars Hill
College I looked at her in disbelief. I felt as if someone
else was talking when I replied, "I would give anything to go
to Mars Hill College."
College was much different than the family literacy program.
No longer was I able to work at my own pace. Determined to
do my best, I worked very hard my first year. You can imagine
my surprise when I. letter from the dean inviting me to attend
Honor's Day. I walked across campus reading that letter over
and over. Shortly after that, I earned an academic scholarship.
Lynn
5
Some semesters were more difficult than others. My endurance
was tested by many personal problems. Thankfully I found the
resources I needed to deal with those problems and continue
on this road toward family self-sufficiency. When the child
support enforcement agency located my children's father, he
decided that it would be less expensive if the children lived
with him. So we went to court. I borrowed &1000.00 to pay an
attorney; he continued to pay no child support; I appeared for
court; he did not. Finally I was granted full custody. When
my children were sick, my car quit, my two year old niece
destroyed my only copy of a major research paper, and the hamster
died, it required great effort to stay in school. Much of the
strength to continue came from the joy of learning that I can
care for and protect my children and myself. Another motivating
force was the many rewards and accomplishments that my family
enjoyed.
In the spring of 1992 I was selected to serve as a college
marshal as I was in the top eight of the junior and senior
classes. In the fall of that year, I was invited and joined
Alpha Chi National College Honors Scholarship Society. Although
I didn't know what it was, it sounded good. I was invited to
speak at the graduation ceremony for those who earned their
GED in 1989. In addition, I visited area schools and talked
to students about the importance of staying in school. I spoke
at the first and third National Conferences on Family Literacy
in Chapel Hill, NC and Louisville, KY respectively. I shared
my experiences in family literacy and the JOBS program at the
Third Annual JOBS Conference in NC. In 1989, I spoke at the
Barbara Bush Symposium on Family Literacy where I met Barbara
Bush. In addition to other educational groups and volunteer
organizations, I addressed the Mars Hill College Board of
directors and Mars Hill College Alumni and Friends. I was
fortunate to speak at the commendation ceremony for the parents
and children in the Kenan Family Literacy Project, of which
I am a former student. On May 15, 1994, I graduated summa
cum laude from Mars Hill College with a degree in Social Work.
I think about these accomplishments and compare that to the
days when I curled my toes in my shoes, stared at the ground
and wished I could disappear. I was not looking down on November
22, 1992. I was looking up at President Bush as he said, "Regina
Lynn, you have always wanted to thank your father for his faith
and support. What better way than by earning your college degree
and using it to teach others the joys and rewards of learning.
For overcoming shyness, fear, and the challenges of single
parenthood, we salute your courage and strength by presenting
you with this symbol of achievement." President Bush placed
a gold medallion around my neck and kissed me on the cheek.
The program, entitled "To Be Free: The National Literacy Honors"
aired on national TV on December 26, 1992.
Lynn
6
Michael is 17 now. These tumultuous teen years have taken their
toil, but thankfully we have reached calmer waters. Michael
is no longer in school. Words can't describe the anguish I
felt when he dropped out of school. However, in time I began
to understand that nothing I could say or do would change his
mind. I had to allow him to experience it for himself. Instead
of concentrating on his decision to drop out of school, I affirm
him for being diligent, trustworthy, and considerate of our
financial needs. I believe he will recognize the importance
of a formal education and his story will include a chapter
on going back to school.
Misty is now a freshman in high school. She enjoys writing
poetry and drawing. Megan, in the 7th grade, has established
a baby sitting business in our neighborhood. She does well
in school. She plays clarinet in the band and is learning to
play the piano. RL is in the 4th grade. He likes math and
enjoys reading. His hobbies include collecting rocks and playing
ball. He reminds me daily of the promise in all of us as he
looks at me with big brown eyes convinced that there is nothing
he can't do.
Graduation from college with a degree in social work brought
much joy and a sense of accomplishment. However, I was anxious
about about going to work. I wondered if employment would
bring challenges for which I was not ready and again I feared
failure. After I considered a budget based on the earnings
I would receive from a few employment opportunities, I wasn't
sure if I could afford to get off the AFDC roles. If an
emergency arose that required spending beyond my budget, what
would I do? At the same time, I was eager to find employment.
I wanted to show, that given the opportunity, I could succeed.
Moreover, if I did not become self-sufficient, then others like
myself may not receive a second chance as I did. So with mixed
feelings, I prepared for the next step of this journey.
Then I heard about AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps would allow me to
pursue my goal of family self-sufficiency - one step at a time.
Rather than entering the work world unprepared for the
responsibilities involved in full-time employment, I would
volunteer in return for a stipend. This would allow me
to give back to my community and support others in their efforts
to meet their needs and pursue their dreams. In addition, I
would gain invaluable work experience. I was supported by public
assistance much of my life and had virtually no work experience.
AmeriCorps lessened the fear of letting go of a way of life
and setting out on an unfamiliar path.
Since I began in early October 1994, I have received much
training in the social work field. I worked with the
In-Home-Services in which I provided case management for
clients/families of Madison County. Through this program,
individuals/families receive assist with home management tasks
to enable them to avoid out of home placement.
Lynn
7
When I began 13 families were being served. Seven additional
families are being served through this program. Case management
includes assessing client's functional abilities in the following
areas: physical health, mental health, social support, activities
of daily living, environmental conditions and financial
situation. The goal includes coordinating delivery of needed
services.
In addition to the above, I assessed 15 families and prioritized
those according to need and placed on a waiting list or referred
them to other agencies. I developed a letter to inform
applicants of their position on the waiting list and when
services may be provided. I worked with community members and
agencies to build a ramp for an elderly man, locate a wheelchair
for an elderly man, and identified resources to make improvements
to an elderly couple's home. To further enhance services to
those being served by the program as well as provide some
services to those on the waiting list, I visited Mars Hill
College and presented students with information about volunteer
opportunities. I received some interest, and will continue trying
to establish an ongoing volunteer network with the college.
In early January, 1995, I began working with agency heads, county
schools, businesses, and community members to establish a family
resource center for the families of Madison County. A family
resource center provides a comprehensive array of family support
programs, services, and activities uniquely designed to meet
the needs of each community.
Our center, entitled LISTENING TO FAMILIES, will open in
February. I developed and pretested a survey to determine the
needs and interests of county residents. A professor at Mars
Hill college is volunteering his time to advise me
and will identify students to help enter the data into the
computer. These surveys will be sent home with students from
all county schools. Likewise, many county businesses will
present surveys to their employees. I established agreements
with 7 community businesses to place drop boxes in their
businesses. Hopefully this will increase input from families
in more remote areas of the county. A newspaper ad invited
community support and involvement. Students in the family
literacy program made survey drop boxes and posters to distribute
throughout the county. Further, our local paper is providing
a charitable subscription for a newspaper. I am currently
working with parents, community agency employees, and a graphic
artist at Mars Hill College to develop a logo. All are
volunteering their time.
I left Madison County some years ago, in search of someone
to make my life better. I found only broken dreams and despair.
Hope emerged when I enrolled in Madison County's Kenan Family
Literacy Project. Though it was difficult, I'm thankful for
my journey home, for home is where I found hope.
April 10, 1995
TO:
Steve
From: Joel
8 pages, including this cover
Attached is a long-winded, yet compelling story, of one of our
Members who personally received an award from President Bush
in 1992 for her efforts to combat illiteracy. She details how she
can accomplish ever more through AmeriCorps.
You may want to share this with your public affirs shop.
APR-10-95 MON 11:16
USDA/SCS WAYNESVILLE AO
FAX
NO.
7044527031
P.02
Regina Lynn
My Journey Home
I'm glad to have this opportunity to share my story with you
and how I was able to face many of my fears and turn my back
on feelings of helplessness. It's wonderful to know that I
have a voice in the story of my life. After years of believing
there was nothing I could do to change my life, I found hope
on the road to family self-sufficiency. More importantly,
my children, Michael, Misty, Megan, and RL are on this road
with me.
When I was two weeks old, my parents moved from Libby, Montana
to the mountains of Madison County, NC. Mother was anxious
to return to her native home. I was a quiet child; some thought
I lived in "a dream world" and was not too bright. Sometime
around my sixth birthday, my parents divorced and I spent the
next ten years living with one parent awhile then the other.
Daddy was in the National Guard so we moved often. Adventures
with Daddy are among the happiest memories of my childhood.
When I was fifteen, I was placed in the custody of the department
of social services. A few months later I went to live with
my father in Kingsport, TN.
I was happy to be there because I was a daddy's girl. Still,
I was behind in school and I was afraid that I would never be
able to do pass. In addition, I felt different from the other
kids in school and thought there was something wrong with me.
Each day the challenge to walk into the building grew until,
halfway through my junior year, I dropped out. Many childhood
dreams shared in late night talks with my dad lay shattered
before me as I left school one day believing that I would never
return. I felt shame at my failure. My father, though loving
and kind had no idea what to do with a troubled teen.
In one way I did live in a "dream world." Sometime early in
my life, I created a fairy tale in which someone very kind and
loving would come and get me, care for and protect me. He would
reach out, touch my cheek and never would another tear flow
there. I imagined him to be tall, strong, and brave. Finally,
ad if he was made to order, he walked into my life with all
the attributes I thought I needed to survive. That is, all
the ones I lacked. He was bigger, stronger, braver than anyone
I had ever known. I felt safe with him. I never had to be
afraid anymore. I thought.
He began filling in all the empty spaces in my life. He believed
I was a good person, a lovable person. "There is no one like
you in all of the world," he would say. Moreover he needed
me. "what more is there," I reasoned, "than being needed and
never being afraid anymore." He had a problem with alcohol,
but I could fix that. I thought.
APR-10-95 MON 11:17
USDA/SCS WAYNESVILLE AO
FAX
NO.
7044527031
P.03
RI Lynn
2
I wanted to be worthy of this answer to my dreams, so I became
just what he needed - an all-loving, all-forgiving, good person.
I would do anything for love and protection. When I first
encountered the rage within him, I thought it was a small
price to pay for love and protection. I clung to my burdensome
dream through ten years of physical and emotional abuse and
despair. I played my role well always believing that I had
said or done something that caused him to lose control. As
time passed, I became more afraid of leaving than of staying.
"I'll find you no matter where you go. You will wake up and
find me at your bedside." he told me. I believed him.
Then in the spring of 1988 I stumbled head on into reality.
I remember the despair I felt when I looked in my children's
faces and knew they depended on me. Daydreams and fairy tales
would not protect them and provide for their needs. I wanted
to offer them strength and courage and protect them from the
hopelessness I felt. I lifted my head and began looking for
a way out of the horrible world I had created for my children
and myself.
Fortunately, I learned that their was no waiting list for public
housing in Madison County. I was reluctant to return to the
county that was the keeper of so many unpleasant memories for
me. Nevertheless, we moved into an apartment a couple of weeks
before school started. Michael - 10, Misty - 7, Megan - 5,
and RL - 3, ran through the apartment exploring their new home
as I took my first step toward independence.
A few weeks later I came home one day and found a pamphlet in
my door that read, "Are you a parent, grandparent, or guardian
of a three or four year old and do you want to learn to read
or get your GED?" I wondered what having a three or four year
old had to do with getting my GED, but I read on. The pamphlet
mentioned "family," "parenting skills," and "self-esteem." I
remembered signing up for GED programs before. I always found
plenty of excuses not to go. Once again I was about to say
"maybe someday" when I read that meals and transportation were
provided.
I imagined myself going back to school, and taking RL, my three
year old son, with me. Michael, Misty, and Megan were in school
so I didn't need a baby sitter. I remember how excited I was
when I went to a neighbor's house and called Mildred Shelton,
the director of the Madison County Kenan Family Literacy Project.
When I hung up the phone, I sat for a minute and thought, "Maybe
no one will find out that I am not very bright, I will just
go and do my best and maybe it will help me get a job."
APR-10-95 MON 11:18
USDA/SCS WAYNESVILLE AO
FAX NO. 7044527031
P.04
Lynn
3
I didn't know that the phone call I just made was to mark the
beginning of a new life for my children and myself. Someday
was emerging from behind the clouds and hope was in view. I
walked home a bit taller and more confident. I stopped and
sat on the steps leading up the hill to our apartment and asked
RL, "Would you like to ride the big bus to school with your
brother and sisters?" He grinned. I took a deep breath and
thought, "All I have to do is get on the bus, just get on the
bus."
By evening my confidence was gone. I leafed through the many
pages of excuses I had for not going back to school. "There
is no way I can go back to school, not after all these years,
I thought. After thirteen years it was too late for me. What
would I wear? What will people think of me riding the bus with
children and going back to school? I was too old to do that.
Most of all, I was afraid that I would fail again.
Once again fear was closing the door on my second chance, but
on this unique occasion, I guess you could say opportunity not
only knocked, it took me by the hand when I got a visit from
the teachers of the family literacy program. I learned that
RL would attend preschool class in the morning while I attended
GED class. After we had lunch together, we would participate
in PACT - parent and child interaction. The program would
prepare RL for kindergarten. When they left I looked around
our apartment furnished with only one chair and a foam mattress
on which to sleep and thought, "It's up to me. I have to try."
I remember how nervous I was getting ready to go back to school
that September morning in 1988. It was no small endeavor to
get everybody ready. We were all excited. Though I was scared,
really scared, I don't think I could have backed out if I had
wanted. The children expected me to go. I heard Michael and
Misty talking. "Mama and RL are going to ride the bus," they
giggled. "We'll all be in school. Mama Too!" Finally we were
ready to go. My hands trembled as I fumbled with the lock.
Trying to calm myself I decided to pretend that I was just
walking my children to the bus stop. They were beaming and
I felt almost as if I had no control over what was happening.
Four pair of hopeful eyes were leading me toward a better life.
It wasn't easy to stand there and wait for the bus with Michael,
Misty, Megan, and RL. I wanted to leave, to walk away, turn
my back on the feelings that arose in me, but I felt as if our
lives depended on my being brave - for once in my life. I could
barely breath as I stared down the road and watched for the
bus. Finally it came. I took a deep breath and held RL very
close as I got on the bus. "Besides," I thought, "I don't have
to go back if I don't want to."
APR-10-95 MON 11:19
USDA/SCS WAYNESVILLE AO
FAX NO. 7044527031
P.05
4
Lynn
During the next nine months I made plans to quit several times.
As I encountered personal problems, new ones as well as those
from the past, I saw no solutions. Each time I told Mildred
that I would not be able to continue in the program, she said,
"What do you mean you are not coming back!" As I tried to
explain I realized that I did not have to quit. There was a
way. With Mildred there was always a way. Slowly I grew to
believe in myself. With baby steps I continued toward "someday"
and the hope of a better life.
So with Mildred's strength and the encouragement of my
friend and teacher, Alegra Alyward, I completed the year and
earned my GED. More importantly, I learned that I am my
children's first and most important teacher. Prior to this
program, I believed that we were low achievers because we were
not as "smart" as others. What a relief to learn that
individuals learn differently and everyone has potential. My
praise and example would encourage my children to do well in
school. Perhaps they would stay in school and not go the long
way around as I did. Together we embarked on a new life of
learning. Michael - 10 and Misty 8, received their first awards
for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Reading that year.
Megan, after a struggling beginning in first grade, went on
to make, as her teacher phrased it, "remarkable progress" and
was ready for second grade. And my shy little RL, who once
hid behind his mother's skirt, began exploring his surroundings
and learned that he can have an effect on his environment.
Later he completed kindergarten with perfect attendance and
a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. RL's attitude toward
learning is illustrated by a comment he made one evening when
I told him how well he was coloring. He looked up at me with
eyes aglow and said, "I'm good at everything, ain't I Mama!"
It was then, looking at his bright face I knew that believing
in oneself is half the battle.
I remember the day I considered the possibility of going to
college. As a young girl I would not walk across the campus
at Mars Hill College. I thought college was a place where other
people go who were either really smart or came from wealthy
families. When Mildred suggested that I apply to Mars Hill
College I looked at her in disbelief. I felt as if someone
else was talking when I replied, "I would give anything to go
to Mars Hill College."
College was much different than the family literacy program.
No longer was I able to work at my own pace. Determined to
do my best, I worked very hard my first year. You can imagine
my surprise when letter from the dean inviting me to attend
Honor's Day. I walked across campus reading that letter over
and over. Shortly after that, I earned an academic scholarship.
APR-10-95 MON 11:19
USDA/SCS WAYNESVILLE AO
FAX NO. 7044527031
P.06
Lynn
5
Some semesters were more difficult than others. My endurance
was tested by many personal problems. Thankfully I found the
resources I needed to deal with those problems and continue
on this road toward family self-sufficiency. When the child
support enforcement agency located my children's father, he
decided that it would be less expensive if the children lived
with him. So we went to court. I borrowed &1000.00 to pay an
attorney; he continued to pay no child support; I appeared for
court; he did not. Finally I was granted full custody. When
my children were sick, my car quit, my two year old niece
destroyed my only copy of a major research paper, and the hamster
died, it required great effort to stay in school. Much of the
strength to continue came from the joy of learning that I can
care for and protect my children and myself. Another motivating
force was the many rewards and accomplishments that my family
enjoyed.
In the spring of 1992 I was selected to serve as a college
marshal as I was in the top eight of the junior and senior
classes. In the fall of that year, I was invited and joined
Alpha Chi National College Honors Scholarship Society. Although
I didn't know what it was, it sounded good. I was invited to
speak at the graduation ceremony for those who earned their
GED in 1989. In addition, I visited area schools and talked
to students about the importance of staying in school. I spoke
at the first and third National Conferences on Family Literacy
in Chapel Hill, NC and Louisville, KY respectively. I shared
my experiences in family literacy and the JOBS program at the
Third Annual JOBS Conference in NC. In 1989, I spoke at the
Barbara Bush Symposium on Family Literacy where I met Barbara
Bush. In addition to other educational groups and volunteer
organizations, I addressed the Mars Hill College Board of
directors and Mars Hill College Alumni and Friends. I was
fortunate to speak at the commendation ceremony for the parents
and children in the Kenan Family Literacy Project, of which
I am a former student. On May 15, 1994, I graduated summa
cum laude from Mars Hill College with a degree in Social Work.
I think about these accomplishments and compare that to the
days when I curled my toes in my shoes, stared at the ground
and wished I could disappear. I was not looking down on November
22, 1992. I was looking up at President Bush as he said, "Regina
Lynn, you have always wanted to thank your father for his faith
and support. What better way than by earning your college degree
and using it to teach others the joys and rewards of learning.
For overcoming shyness, fear, and the challenges of single
parenthood, we salute your courage and strength by presenting
you with this symbol of achievement." President Bush placed
a gold medallion around my neck and kissed me on the cheek.
The program, entitled "To Be Free: The National Literacy Honors"
aired on national TV on December 26, 1992.
APR-10-95 MON 11:20 USDA/SCS WAYNESVILLE AO FAX NO. 7044527031
P.07
Lynn
6
Michael is 17 now. These tumultuous teen years have taken their
toil, but thankfully we have reached calmer waters. Michael
is no longer in school. Words can't describe the anguish I
felt when he dropped out of school. However, in time I began
to understand that nothing I could say or do would change his
mind. I had to allow him to experience it for himself. Instead
of concentrating on his decision to drop out of school, I affirm
him for being diligent, trustworthy, and considerate of our
financial needs. I believe he will recognize the importance
of a formal education and his story will include a chapter
on going back to school.
Misty is now a freshman in high school. She enjoys writing
poetry and drawing. Megan, in the 7th grade, has established
a baby sitting business in our neighborhood. She does well
in school. She plays clarinet in the band and is learning to
play the piano. RL is in the 4th grade. He likes math and
enjoys reading. His hobbies include collecting rocks and playing
ball. He reminds me daily of the promise in all of us as he
looks at me with big brown eyes convinced that there is nothing
he can't do.
Graduation from college with a degree in social work brought
much joy and a sense of accomplishment. However, I was anxious
about about going to work. I wondered if employment would
bring challenges for which I was not ready and again I feared
failure. After I considered a budget based on the earnings
I would receive from a few employment opportunities, I wasn't
sure if I could afford to get off the AFDC roles. If an
emergency arose that required spending beyond my budget, what
would I do? At the same time, I was eager to find employment.
I wanted to show, that given the opportunity, I could succeed.
Moreover, if I did not become self-sufficient, then others like
myself may not receive a second chance as I did. So with mixed
feelings, I prepared for the next step of this journey.
Then I heard about AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps would allow me to
pursue my goal of family self-sufficiency - one step at a time.
Rather than entering the work world unprepared for the
responsibilities involved in full-time employment, I would
volunteer in return for a stipend. This would allow me
to give back to my community and support others in their efforts
to meet their needs and pursue their dreams. In addition, I
would gain invaluable work experience. I was supported by public
assistance much of my life and had virtually no work experience.
AmeriCorps lessened the fear of letting go of a way of life
and setting out on an unfamiliar path.
Since I began in early October 1994, I have received much
training in the social work field. I worked with the
In-Home-Services in which I provided case management for
clients/families of Madison County. Through this program,
individuals/families receive assist with home management tasks
to enable them to avoid out of home placement.
APR-10-95 MON 11:21
USDA/SCS WAYNESVILLE AO
FAX NO. 7044527031
P.08
Lynn
7
When I began 13 families were being served. Seven additional
families are being served through this program. Case management
includes assessing client's functional abilities in the following
areas: physical health, mental health, social support, activities
of daily living, environmental conditions and financial
situation. The goal includes coordinating delivery of needed
services.
In addition to the above, I assessed 15 families and prioritized
those according to need and placed on a waiting list or referred
them to other agencies. I developed a letter to inform
applicants of their position on the waiting list and when
services may be provided. I worked with community members and
agencies to build a ramp for an elderly man, locate a wheelchair
for an elderly man, and identified resources to make improvements
to an elderly couple's home. To further enhance services to
those being served by the program as well as provide some
services to those on the waiting list, I visited Mars Hill
College and presented students with information about volunteer
opportunities. I received some interest, and will continue trying
to establish an ongoing volunteer network with the college.
In early January, 1995, I began working with agency heads, county
schools, businesses, and community members to establish a family
resource center for the families of Madison County. A family
resource center provides a comprehensive array of family support
programs, services, and activities uniquely designed to meet
the needs of each community.
Our center, entitled LISTENING TO FAMILIES, will open in
February. I developed and pretested a survey to determine the
needs and interests of county residents. A professor at Mars
Hill college is volunteering his time to advise me
and will identify students to help enter the data into the
computer. These surveys will be sent home with students from
all county schools. Likewise, many county businesses will
present surveys to their employees. I established agreements
with 7 community businesses to place drop boxes in their
businesses. Hopefully this will increase input from families
in more remote areas of the county. A newspaper ad invited
community support and involvement. Students in the family
literacy program made survey drop boxes and posters to distribute
throughout the county. Further, our local paper is providing
a charitable subscription for a newspaper. I am currently
working with parents, community agency employees, and a graphic
artist at Mars Hill College to develop a logo. All are
volunteering their time.
I left Madison County some years ago, in search of someone
to make my life better. I found only broken dreams and despair.
Hope emerged when I enrolled in Madison County's Kenan Family
Literacy Project. Though it was difficult, I'm thankful for
my journey home, for home is where I found hope.
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
[copy of Thank You Card
from Malesus Elementary
5th Graders]
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INeed
office
to eat
PaiNI
of 45H
CLea
is
W
Dear Chris and Charessa,
We really appreciate
school. your
you coming to our
excellent! We
program was
learned alot.
Thank you,
Malesus Elementary
5th graders
MAR ? '95 15:35 FROM FHA AZTEC N M
PAGE. 002
200 PAGE
12:33 56, 2 MAR
Americorp Work Report
January - March 1995
Carla M. Garrison
San Juan National Forest
My Americorp position with the San Juan is affording some very interesting and exciting work. I
took the ycar off from my graduate studies in natural resource management at Colorado State
University to be in the program. It has alrcady proven to be a wise decision.
T am working on the forest plan revision with the San Juan and the Office of Community Services
through Fort Lewis College. A partnership has been created to try a new approach to community
participation in the plan. The work being done in preparation for this plan revision is forging new
ground for the agency. My work is encompassing a number of areas. The main focus is on a
concept developed by the CO state demographer called liconomic Design (I have written a
concept paper on this which is attached). An additional partnership has been developed with the
demographer's office which will allow me to work closely with him in the near future.
The important thing to note is that the Economic Design concept is allowing me to do a great deal
of outreach for the agency into the communities of southwestern Colorado (this includes five
counties) via on-site surveys. I am designing surveys to gather significant data on three major
forest dependent industries: timber, agriculture, and tourism. I am currently working on the
timber industry which is not in good shape in our region. Having 3 Forest Service representative
take the time to come out and talk to these folks has immeasurable benefits. Recently, I meet
with three generations of a family who has run a small logging and mill operation for 30 years. As
I was leaving the patriarch, who had been & bit gruff at first, called me back and said "We really
appreciate your taking the time to just come out here and listen to what we think" We must learn
to account for this type of benefit (Lou, ask Susan Odell in the wo).
This is especially true when this industry, which is predominately made up of small family run
businesses,is dying at a rapid rate mainly due to a our polices. [ could go into great detail about
this issue and others related to our working with communities as an agency. I will spare you here.
[ have been working with the agency through contracts for the past two years and have developed
some personal insights There are somo incredible individuals working for the Forest Service. but
unfortunately a few create public opinion in some cases.
At any rate, the industry reports I generate will be used in study groups we are forming to educate
and involve the public in forest planning. The information is also being used in various local
outlets. I will be making a number of presentations as we go along. These reports will give the
community a realistic view of the economic impacts each industry has in the region. This
information will help them decide for themselves what community and economic development
strategies are appropriate. I am also involved on a weekly basis in the planning for the formation
of our study groups (see attached fact sheets).
In addition, I have teamed up with a local rancher who is a very progressive thinker to form 8
MAR 2 '95 15:36 FROM FHA AZTEC NM
PAGE. 003
12:33 S6. 2 RAW
local Holistic Resource Management group. If you aren't aware of HRM, you should be.
Contact me for details if needed. We have had two meetings to date which included reps from the
FS. BLM, ranching, real estate, and general community. I am involved with the planning for a
Sustainable Forestry Products conference. There are other Americorp members involved as well.
I have been present at a number of community meetings, a national conference, and the CO Rural
Development Councils regional meetings twice.
I am very busy and very visible not just in one, but a number of communities. 1 can say this for
my Americorp colleagues in the four corners as well. There is a dynamic and intelligent group of
people down here. The program is fortunate. And, yes we are "getting things done." We need
acknowledgement that rural community development is slow process requiring patience. It does
not happen over night, and if it docs something is wrong.
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
3/06/95 12:34 9 9655384
RECD
-->82026901131
ECM Pg. 03/06
YAZOO COMMUNITY ACTION, INC.
P. O. BOX 290
YAZOO CITY. MISSISSIPPI 39194
March 1,1995
Press Release: USDA AmeriCorps Program to Aid Local Microenterprise
Yazoo Community Action, Inc. and the Yazoo County Chamber of Commerce will hold
a press conference Wednesday, March 1, 1995 at 10:00 a.m. to kick-off the Yazoo
Microenterprise Program at the Yazoo County Chamber of Commerce, 212 E. Broadway,
Yazoo City, MS.
As part of the application process for recognition as an Empowerment
Zone/Enterprise Community, a broad based segment of the Yazoo community met to
devise a plan of action. In October 1994, USDA appointed an AmeriCorps member
to assist in developing and implementing programs which were created as a direct
result of the strategic plan.
AmeriCorps is a program that engages diverse groups of Americans in performing
critical service to meet human, environment, public safety, and educational needs
in return for vouchers for education, vocational training or loan repayment.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is running three types of Amer: Corps teams,
composed of approximately 1,200 members, at 42 urban and rural sites Rationwide:
Team. an Anti-Hunger Team, a Public Lands and Environment Team, and a Rural Development
According to Arthur James, Executive Director of Yazoo Community Action, Inc.
the AmeriCorps USDA member has been essential in getting this program off the
ground, "LaDonna initially worked closely with Diane Meyerhoff who served as our
consultant for the Microenterprise Program," he said. "She has coordinated the
program, held several meetings with partners, went to training workshops around
the State, designed the Yazoo Microenterprise brochure and numerous other things
in preparation for the program,' he said. "She will continue her role in the
Program as a counselor and instructor," said James.
The Yazoo Microenterprise Program is one of the first programs established from
the strategic plan. Designed to heighten the awareness of small businesses in
the overall economic development plan, the Yazoo Microenterprise Program appeals
to existing and potential new businesses. Individuals will learn business
management techniques and participate in hands-on activities which will enable
them to become more self-sufficient.
A partner in the program is the Mississippi Department of Community and Economic
Development. The DECD will assist with workshops and offer one-on-one
counseling. The workshops offer the basics for small business management and
include topics such as recordkeeping, cash-flow concepts, writing a business
plan, etc.
Other partners include: AmeriCorps*USDA (Rural Economic and Community
Development), Bank Plus of Yazoo City, Bank of Yazoo City, Deposit Guaranty
National Bank of Yazoo City, Mississippi Department of Human Services Division
of community Services, Yazoo City Public Housing Authority, and the Yazoo Housing
Resident Council.
For more information, call LaDonna Gulley, Yazoo Community Action, Inc.
AmeriCorps*USDA Volunteer at 746-5742 or Glo Baker, Yazoo County Chamber of
Commerce, 746-1273.
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
2/17 18:46 page
3
I would like to take a few minutes to report to you some observations from last
Thursday's visit by Ann Warner (Sen. Mark Hatfield), Shari Hildreth (Sen. Slade
Gorton), and Scott Patterson (Rep. Linda Smith), accompanied by Ken Stampler,
the coordinator of USDA's AmeriCorps programs in Washington State.
The visit began with a "Sponsor's Forum" meeting at the Forest Service office
in Hood River. Representatives of 8 sponsors came to support us. Joan Frey,
Klickitat County Commisioner, introduced herself to the staffers as "a
budget-cutting Republican rancher who doesn't support these types of programs
generally. But this is a program with winners for all." She went to tell the
staffers that NWSA was a program too important to Klickitat County to cut.
Terry Feleppa (Hope's Place) said "there is no way Hope's could get done
without this incredible group" from NWSA.
Jim Tindall (Columbia Gorge CC) said that the retaining wall we built saved a
great deal of damage being done in the big rains of late Jan/early Feb.
Pete Kingsley (Kid's Kamp) pointed out that NWSA members put their program
together on their own time after only one day's training, and "comments from
students and administrators showed they did their job very well." He asserted
that Kid's Kamp could not have had its self-image enhancement component this
year without NWSA.
Mike Ferris (CRGNSA) said NWSA was a "perfect program for the Forest Service."
Chris Tyndall (BIA) said NWSA "did 2 things: something to make young Indian
kids equal to others in school, and restored the faith of those at Cook's
Landing" that government would actually do something to help them, rather than
something to hurt them. He continued "if it wasn't for AmeriCorps, this
project simply would not have gotten done."
Reading over this partial list of comments, I regret that all of you were not
able to be there, or that it wasn't video-taped, because there was a strong
emotional component to these sponsors' endorsements that I am not able to
behalf. capture adequately. In short, these people spoke out very forcefully on our
Before lunch, we toured the Cooks Landing project with Chris, who continued to
laud our program, and the Spring Creek Hatchery project. Rebecca and Dan did a
great job explaining the work there, and the staffers seemed to enjoy it, I'm
sorry about the confusion in meeting place that kept the staffers from meeting
the rest of you. I would have liked for them to be able to get other
perspectives on the Academy from you, but the visit went well.
After lunch, the staffers visited our compound, looked over the displays from
the summit, and finished the day at TL School with Silas' and Brent's Project
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
2/17 18:46 page
4
Wild class. They enjoyed that, and Ann (a former teacher) was quite vocal in
praising the success she observed in that class. I saw several of you talking
with the staffers after the class I hope they shared with you some of the
positive comments they made later to me.
2.
There are many pressures on the political process, and we can not know for sure
how NWSA or AmeriCorps will fare a year or two down the road in Congress. But
we have done our part, and did it well, to display the strengths of national
service serving real people on a personal level. Ken, the Dep't of Agriculture
AmeriCorps Coordinator, summed that up as he was leaving (a few minutes early,
as he had gotten up at 4:00 a.m. to get down to us from the Seattle area). He
told me, "I came down here trying to figure what I need to do to make your
project work. I can see now that the best thing I can do is get out of your
way. You are doing great things. If you ever need any help dealing with the
folks at Headquarters, let me know. I'd be glad to run interference for you
any time.'
I got the pleasure of hearing all those compliments last Thursday, but you are
the folks who earned them. My compliments to you all. And have a great
Valentine's Day!
2-9-95
2-9-9
Gunner Family's "sweat equity"
Gunner Family's "sweat equit to
on their house
on the in house
B.
8
2-9-95
2/13/
Gunner Family's "sweatequity"
on their house
Northeast
Delta
RC&D
Inc.
Development
Northeast Delta
Resource Conservation and Development
Area, Inc.
Annual Report
1994
NORTHEAST DELTA RC&D AREA, INC.
P.O. BOX 848
WINNSBORO, LA 71295
Development
Words From The RC&D President
Nineteen Ninety-four (1994) ended with an up-beat note at Northeast Delta Resources Conservation and
Development (RC&D). Our board of directors have worked faithfully on several projects. With continued
support from our Full Council and citizens of our RC&D Area, we can only look forward to even greater
accomplishments in Nineteen Ninety-five (1995). The Full Council for the year 1994 were as follows:
CALDWELL PARISH: Edward Malcomb*
LaSALLE PARISH: Bobby Francis*
Reggie Smith
Virgil Terral
Chifton Burns
Charles Williams
Bobby Joe Ganey
CATAHOULA PARISH: Glendon Hutchins*
MADISON PARISH: Irving Hopkins*
H.C. Peck. Jr.
Thomas Joe Williams
Cecil McGuffee, Sr.
Bobby Joe Lee
Charlotte Aarons
W.A. Windham
Barbara Wilkins (alternate)
CONCORDIA PARISH: Melvin Ferrington*
MOREHOUSE PARISH
Clarence Singleton
John Shackleford, III
Andy Anders
Harry Reese, Sr.
Hersey Goodwin
EAST CARROLL PARISH: W.L. Payne*
OUACHITA PARISH: Glenn Edwards*
Verdia Mae Loyd
Thad Spurlock
Danny Crawford
L. Whitlock
FRANKLIN PARISH: Glen Williams*
RICHLAND PARISH: J.W. McGlothlin, Jr.*
Leroy Scott
Morgan Moss
John Stapp
Billy Joe Watkins
Ricky Campbell
O. G. Morris
TENSAS PARISH: R.H. "Bud Acker*
WEST CARROLL PARISH: Dianne Sistrunk*
Richard Netterville
Willie Boyd
James Davis
Leonard Harper
Harry Henderson
Officers for 1994 are as follows:
President
Irving Hopkins
Vice-President
Edward Malcomb
Secretary-Treasurer
R.H. "Bud" Acker
Our RC&D Coordinator, Donna Remides, working with Tensas River Basin Coordinator Mike Adcock and
Secretary Donna Roberts really has Northeast Delta RC&D on the move. Working successfully in areas such as
tourism, forestry, water resources, community development and fire protection has given us confidence that there
is little that can not be accomplished in the RC&D Area. I consider it an honor to have served as your president
in 1994 and wish only the best for our Area. Enclosed you will find a list of the projects worked on in the
Northeast Delta RC&D Area for the year of 1994.
Irving trungs Hopkins
Hopkins
* Board of Directors
RC&D PROJECTS FOR 1994
Tensas River Basin Study
In November of this year, the project was considered completed. The
purpose of this project was to identify the problems and needs in the
Tensas River Basin Area that contain parts of East Carroll, Madison
Tensas and Franklin Parishes. This study started in the Fall of 1992
by the initiation of Northeast Delta RC&D, National Resources
Conservation Service formerly SCS, U.S. Environmental Protection
A Plan of Work
Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Louisiana Department of Quality.
With these concerned agencies plus concerned citizens in mind, the
RC&D Council felt the need to adopt this type project. Out of this
project many things have been accomplished. They are as follows:
1. Hiring a Tensas River Basin Coordinator, W.M. "Mike" Adcock.
2. 18 Different agencies working together for the same cause.
3. Local farmers and concerned citizens had the opportunity to voice
their opinion.
The
Tensas
River
Basin
Technical
Steering
Committee
4. The involved group has continued to develop more and more
interest in their River Basin.
This project's current budget is $208,730.22. This includes all the volunteer time that has been put into this
project which is over 6,923 volunteer hours. In the year of 1993, the budget was $45,807.85 with over 1,228
volunteer hours. The year of 1994, the budget was $135,926.39 with over 4,928 volunteer hours. In 1995 to
date the budget is $26,996.22 with over 767 volunteer hours involved.
Museum grant
A CHECK for $8,000 was presented to the
Schepis Museum in Columbia after a grant was
obtained by Northeast Delta Resource Conserva-
tionand Development RC&D). Edward Malcoim
At Caldwell Parish, vice president of the North-
east RC&D is pictured presenting the check to
Kay LaFrance. director of the museum. Also
pictured are. back row. from left. board members
Glendon Hutchins of Catahoula. President Irv-
ing Hopkins of Madison. Bobby Francis of LaSalle.
Bud Acker. secretary-treasurer. of Tensas. and
W.L. Payne of East Carroll. The Northeast RC&D
is a non-profit. grassroots organization which
includes a 12-parish area and is headquartered in
Winnsboro. The RC&D seeks to improve the qual-
ity of life in the area by offering technical and
financial assistance to community groups and
governmental agencies. It is supported by parish
police juries and the Soil and Water Conservation
Districts. Sun photo by Monica Huff)
Assisting the Schepis Museum in Caldwell Parish
The RC&D Council was able to assist in the completion of the renovation of the Schepis Museum in Caldwell
Parish in Columbia. Working with the Schepis Museum Executive Director Mrs. Kay La France, the RC&D
Council applied for a grant from the U.S. Forest Service in the amount of $17,500.00 This amount was not
approved but the council was awarded a grant in the amount of $8500.00. The RC&D Council awarded
$8,000.00 to the Caldwell Parish Museum and $500.00 was used for administration cost.
Rural Community Giving Program (RCG)
sm/JN
In the year of 1993, the response to this project was
tremendous, so the RC&D Council felt the need to continue
this project. These program is set up to assist the needy,
Vanuel
Windows
youth, elderly, handicap and non-profit organizations.
VISIOSS
VSDOS6
The RC&D Council joined an organization by the name of
BEXCEL
VARNE
irlinins
Naeir that give grant products instead of grant money.
These products ranges from office supplies to building
supplies, toys, clothes, computers, kitchen supplies and
many other things. The council joined this group and
allowed the needy groups in the RC&D Area to place order
under their account. Only thing the needy groups had to pay was the shipping and handling and warehouse fee.
Example: A group out of LaSalle received an order with the dollar value of $19,043.00 and it cost them
$1021.00 for shipping and handing and warehouse fees. Over 35 different groups have taken advantage of this
RC&D Program.
Northeast Louisiana Firefighters Association Festivity Day
The RC&D Council along with the Firefighter Association hosted a festivity day in conjunction with the Franklin
Parish Catfish Festival. Over 10 different fire equipment vendors brought equipment and supplies to display to
the public. All twelve parishes in the RC&D Area had firefighters present. Also, with the donation of the
vendors and local stores, we were able to give away prizes (that related to fire protection) on every half hour
throughout the day. Between the different fire departments, we hosted a tug-a-war contest, the firemen from
Ward I out of Epps, LA were the champions.
Area-Wide Festival Brochure
Sm/JN
This project is a continuation from the year of 1993. The RC&D Council
felt the need to develop a brochure that listed all the festivals that are held
throughout the year in the RC&D Area. The council applied for a grant
form the U.S. Forest Service for $5000.00 for this project and was
awarded it. We have had some complication, due to a number of festivals
having been canceled due to lack of local support. Therefore, the council
decided to make this brochure an annual event brochure which list rodeos,
arts and crafts shows as well as festivals. All the parishes are in full
support of this project.
sm
Tensas Parish Tourism Brochure
This project is also a continuation from 1993, of which the status is of near completion. Working very closely
with Council member Acker and the Tensas Parish Police Jury, the council felt the need to assist Tensas Parish in
promoting their parish. They applied for grant from the U.S. Forest Service for $4,000.00 and was awarded it.
The proposed date for completion is the first of April, 1995.
Madison Parish Tourism Workshop
This is a continuation project. Working with Madison Parish Historical Society, Madison Parish Police Jury, and
Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and the U.S. Forest Service, the RC&D council is nearing the
completion of the project.
Several concerned
citizens from Madison
It's for You!
Parish approached
the council about how to
Tourism
educate the public
in Madison Parish on
Awareness
"What is Tourism?"
With this need in mind the
Workshop
council applied for
a grant from the U.S.
Tallulah Community Center
Forest Service for
and Community
$5000.00
and
was
April 19, 1994
Leaders Meeting
awarded it. Out of
this grant, the council was
Part
able to host 3
Sponsored by:
Madison Parish Historical Society, Inc.
workshops on tourism.
One on "What is
Madison Parish Police Jury
Northeast Delta RC&D
Tourism?", another one
for the Merchants
and Community Leaders
on the Importance
of Hospitality and another one for the employees of the merchants on Hospitality Training. Not all the money
from the grant was used, so the remaining amount will be used to develop a parish brochure.
Tensas Parish Highway Signs Project
Sm
This project is to continue to promote tourism in Tensas Parish by the designing, purchasing and installing a
number of highway signs to be placed along the highways as you enter into the parish and its three towns. These
signs will be designed and placed for the solely purpose of inviting tourist and visitors to Tensas Parish. The
Council applied for a grant from the U.S. Forest Service and was award $5000.00. The money is being funneled
through the Louisiana Office of Forestry. At the present time, the contract is waiting to be reveiwed.
Richland Parish Tourism Development Project
sm
The Original Richland Library Restoration Society, Inc. requested
assistance for the Northeast Delta RC&D Council to promote
tourism is Richland Parish. Once again, the council applied for a
grant from the U.S. Forest Service and was awarded a grant in the
amount of $9,500.00. The grant will be used for the development
of 3 brochures, one video and bus tour. The current status of this
grant is the same as the Highway Sign Project.
Madison Parish Museum Renovation Project
This project is working with the different groups in Madison
Parish who are concerned with the promotion of tourism. The
main purpose is to renovate the Coca Cola Building in Tallulah
and use it for a tourism museum. The current status of this
project is the same as the last two project.
JN
Lake Providence Outreach Community Service
The purpose of this project is to meet the needs of deprived children and adults in the parish by providing an
opportunity to build their self-esteem by successfully completing their education. This project is targeted for
persons who are of the greatest risk of dropping out of school, for whatever the reasons are. The council applied
for a grant from the U.S. Forest Service and it was awarded, but is also in the same status as the previous 3
projectsawarded it but also in the same status of the previous three projects.
JN
Shiitake Mushroom Research Project
The Northeast Delta RC&D Council in 1993, introduced an new industry into the RC&D
Area, raising Shiitake Mushrooms. This new industry is on the grow, a state wide
association has been set up. The council felt the importance of the need to conduct a
research on which wood species would be best suitable in the northeast Louisiana area. The
RC&D Coordinator volunteered the use of her land to conduct this project. Five types of
wood was useds. The wood used was sweetgum, hackberry, white oak, box elder and pecan.
Of the five, the most productive species was sweetgum and the second was white oak. Three
species of wood did not even produce any mushrooms.
Shiitake Mushroom Demonstration Project
sm/JN
Because of the great interest
in raising the Shiitake Mushroom, the council applied
for a grant from the U.S.
Forest Service to promote the use of using different
purposes for wood products.
The council was awarded this grant for $5,500.00.
The project will be conducted
in all twelve parishes in the RC&D Area. One to two
different individuals from each
parish will be given 50 to 75 logs inoculated with the
mushroom strain to see if the
person is really interested in raising mushrooms. This
project will be starting up in
January of 1995.
Dry Hydrant Project
sm/JN
This project is in conjunction with all the RC&D Area in
the State of Louisiana. Northeast Delta RC&D is
promoting the installation of 35 dry hydrants in each parish.
Trailblazer RC&D applied for a grant from La. DNR to
cover the entire state with dry hydrants The grant was
awarded, but the status of the contract is it is waiting for
approval. All the police juries in the RC&D Area, have
been approached and are interested in this project. Ten out
of the twelve parishes have sent letters to the RC&D
Council agreeing to participate in this program.
NORTHEAST CELTARC+US MILANTRIP
Form
14th Annual
Milan No-Till
Crop Production
Field Day
and
Plansing Equipment
Milan No-Till Crop Production Field Day
Demonsurations
and licentennial Celebration
Tennessee
UNIVERSITY
Since the RC&D Area is predominately agricultural related income, the Council felt the need to
200
further the education of interested farmers. The RC&D Council sponsored a trip to Milan TN, to
TTATE
1.79481994
send 40 farmers and agri-related company representatives on this trip. The project turn out to be
a total success. The RC&D Council along with 14 other co-sponsors was able to rent a tour bus
and sent 40 individuals to the field day in Milan, TN. Twenty-five farmers and 15 agricultural
related companies or agencies benefited from this project
WRITING
SUCCESSFUL
GRANTS &
Sm/JN
PROPOSALS
Grant Writing Workshop
WORKSHOP
The need to sponsor a grant writing workshop has been brought to the council
November 15 -16, 1994
City Court Building
attention several time in the last two years. In November of this year, the RC&D
Winnsboro, LA
Council hosted a workshop of this kind. The council hired Jane Rutter from
Grant, Inc. out of Missouri to conduct the workshop. This was a two day
workshop. The total of 22 individuals took advantage of this workshop. One of
Sponsored By:
the individual wrote the council a nice letter stating that this workshop was
Northeast Delta RC&D
excellent and the time and money was well spent.
Grants
Attending the National RC&D Convention in Memphis, TN.
Resource
More than 250 RC&D Councils from around the country shared their projects and
Conservation
&
accomplished in Memphis, Tn, June 26-29, 1994. Northeast Delta was fortunate
Development
enough to have had 4 council members to attended this National RC&D
Convention. This was the first national convention ever held in the country for the
National
RC&D Councils. Over 1,500 individuals par took of this affair. Attending from
Conference
the Northeast Delta RC&D Area were J.W. and Audrea McGlothlin from Richland
This
RC&D
Parish, W.L. and Billye Payne from East Carroll Parish, Irving and Shirley Hopkins
from Madison Parish, Bud Acker for Tensas Parish, with RC&D Coordinator,
June 26-29. 1994
Donna Remides. All five RC&D Areas in Louisiana had members to attend this
Memphis. Tennessee
convention. This was an excellent convention.
AmeriCorp Members to the Northeast Delta RC &D Area
What is AmeriCorps?
Americorp is the President's national service initiative to achieve direct results in addressing the nation's critical
education, human service, public, and environmental needs at the community level. AmeriCorp provides
opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their country in organized efforts, fostering
citizen responsibility and building their communities. Americans age 17 or older can make a substantial
commitment to their country and earn education awards for college or vocational training in return. USDA will
pay a key role in the overall AmeriCorps program.
The Northeast Delta RC&D Members are as follow:
Susan Mullins
Dominic Beggan
Tourism Specialist
Dry Hydrant Coordinator
Judith Ned
Hope Beggan
Community Planner
Community Planner
TENSAS RIVER BASIN COORDINATOR'S PROJECTS
Mike Adcock
Wetland Demonstration Project
RC&D working with the East Carroll, Madison and Tensas-
Concordia Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Louisiana.
Department of Agriculture and Forestry, USEPA VI and private
landowners provided demonstration projects addressing the
management, restoration and enhancement of wetlands in the
Tensas River Basin of Louisiana.
Agricultural Conservation Field Day
On June 27, 1994, RC&D hosted an agricultural conservation field day for stakeholders in the Tensas River
Basin. The tour began at the St. Joseph Agriculture Research Station where Dr. Larry Rogers and his staff
discussed past, present
and
future
agricultural
conservation research
projects. The tour included stops
at 3 private farms where
the
landowners
discussed
conservation practices
they
were
successfully
implementing such as;
crop
rotation,
winter cover
crops, integrated pest
and nutrient management,
conservation
tillage
methods and buffer/filter strips.
This field day brought
together not only representatives
from the "traditional"
agricultural communities
(landowners, landusers,
agriculture equipment dealers,
agricultural chemical reps., Extension Service Agents, NRCS, ASCS, Farm bureau, and LA. Dept. Of Ag. and
For.) but also representatives from "non-traditional" agricultural state and federal agencies ( USACOE, USFWS,
USFS, USGS, and LDEQ).
2ND Annual Environmental Education Summer Camp
"Wild Wood Wandering"
WILD WOODS WANDERINGS
Using the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge as a classroom, 16
local 4-H students experienced first-hand the diverse dynamics of a
forested wetland ecosystem. The students were exposed to the
cumulative impact on the forested wetland resources, flora, fauna, soil,
water and wildlife of past, present and future utilization by man.
Environmental, agricultural and socioeconomic issues, management of
the resources, and natural processes of the biological communities were
also "taught" to the students.
Co-sponsors: RC&D, LCES, LDWF and TRNWR.
7
Tensas River Site Reconnaissance Trip
During the Spring of 1994, RC&D, along with assistance from USDA-NRCS, performed a site reconnaissance
trip on the Tensas River. The trip began at the rivers mouth at Lake Providence and ended at Highway 4 in
Tensas parish and covered over 100 miles. RC&D and NRCS located and documented:
1. Silt and sediment accumulation (bars) in the river channel and tributary mouths that are causing water
conveyance loss.
2. Vegetation growth in the channel and along channel banks that may contribute to water flow resistance.
Vegetation species, percentage and dbh were also reported.
3. Bank slope and channel depth.
4. Areas with minimal or no riparian zones.
5. Adverse landuse practices along the river and tributaries that are contributing to silt and sediment
depositional accumulations from nonpoint pollution sources.
6. Potential sites for sediment reduction and water control structures.
7. Potential riparian restoration sites.
Watershed Agricultural Council
In 1994 RC&D continued to host and facilitate the local Watershed
Agricultural Council activities. The holistic approach to natural
resource management requires the involvement of all stakeholders in
the planning and implementation process. This council ( made up of
local farmers, Farm Bureau presidents and local SWCD board
members ) serves as one method of fostering active participation
from the local agricultural community. The council provides
essential local perceptions, opinions and direction.
Tensas River Basin Technical Steering Committee
National directives in resource management are creating "histolic" approaches to integrating environmental,
ecological, agricultural and economic issues into comprehensive landuse and management planning. The
assertion was made that equal emphasis when placed on these issues, will provide a planning methodology that
will benefit the public domain. The Tensas River Basin is serving as a
"demonstration" for applying holistic resource management assertions.
For the past 2 years, local, state and federal agencies, organizations and
landowners have participated in an effort to address problems in the
basin. This steering committee has identified the problems and
formulated recommended solutions that should be addressed if the
environmental health of the basin is to be maintained and improved.
Presently the steering committee has completed the Tensas River Basin
30
study and it is being circulated for public review.
Presentations, Committee Invitations, Etc.
A. Invited to serve on the Lower Mississippi River Valley Technical Steering
Committee (LMV). LMV is a multi-agency (local, state and federal ), organization and
landowner committee comprised of 17 individuals who will plan and jointly sponsor a unified
conservation strategy for the Delta region.
B. Invited to serve on the LA. Soil and Water Conservation Alliance.
C. Invited to serve on the Black Bear Technical Sub-Committee.
D. Invited to serve on the News-Star panel discussion on agriculture and environmental issues.
E. Invited to appear on "This Week In LA. Agriculture", LA. Farm Bureau television program.
F. Invited to attend and make a presentation at the EPA VI, 1994 State Wetlands Protection
Workshop in Sante Fe, New Mexico.
G. Invited to participate and make a presentation on Ecosystem Management at the EPA VI 1994
Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas.
H. Invited to attend the LA. Farm Bureau's Annual Environmental Committee Meeting.
I. Invited by the State Basin Planning Practitioners to discuss "Integration of Agriculture
Nonpoint Source Pollution Issues With Basin Planning" with participants from 9 states.
J. Invited to attend and make a presentation to the American Water Resources Association.
K. Invited to attend and make a presentation to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in
Washington, D.C.
L. Invited to attend the La. Dept. of Environmental Quality nonpoint source quarterly committee
meetings.
M. Invited to serve on LCES nonpoint source pollution panel at Camp Grant Walker
Environmental Camp.
N. Attended RC&D's Grant Writing Workshop.
O. Attended "Farm Smart" conservation tillage conference.
P. Attended Milan, Tennessee No-Till Field Day.
Q. Invited to serve on the Tensas River Basin's sub-committee on hydrology.
Joel
Minnesotas monthly
media coverage which
I've received to date.
Janice
Agassiz Recreational Trail:
AmeriCorps General
Description:
The Agassiz Recreational Trail (ART)
will be a 32 mile multi-use trail built on
the abandoned Burlington Northern
AmeriCorps is the President's
railbed. The trail will have two levels.
National Service initiative to address
The upper pathway will be for
environmental needs at a community
snowmobiling, hiking, biking, and bird
level. Nationally, AmeriCorps is
watching. The lower pathway will be
providing opportunities for 20,000
used for snowshoeing, skiing, dog
individuals to serve their country
sledding, and horseback riding.
through organized community
building efforts. The USDA Natural
Three NRCS AmeriCorps members
Resources Conservation Service
Conservation Outreach:
are coordinating the promotional and
(NRCS), formerly the Soil
the public relations aspects of the trail
Conservation Service, has selected
development. The members located
Efforts to enhance community
19 AmeriCorps members to serve in
in Twin Valley and Mahnomen are
awareness of conservation practices
Minnesota.
designing ART and tourism brochures
and opportunities are being
for the surrounding area.
coordinated by six NRCS AmeriCorps
There are 12 NRCS AmeriCorps
members, located in five NRCS field
members in Northwest Minnesota
offices
In addition to the promotional and
serving on three different projects.
public relations activities, the
The members are focusing
The NRCS Team Northwest
members are involved in obtaining
their efforts on promoting the
AmeriCorps projects include:
funding for the construction of bridges
following:
Development of the Agassiz
and trail markers.
Recreational Trail, Conservation
*
Living snowfences along local
Outreach, and Ag-Waste / Nutrient
Management.
One AmeriCorps member stationed in
and state highways.
Thief River Falls is assisting the
Northwest Regional Development
*Residue management through
As a part of the projects NRCS
Commission with the promotion of a
tillage
AmeriCorps members plan and
regional trails system.
demonstrations.
implement related community service
project monthly.
*
County soil survey information.
*Environmental education for youth
and the general public.
Ag-Waste Nutrient
United States Department of
Management:
Community Service:
Agriculture
Natural Resources
Two AmeriCorps members are
NRCS AmeriCorps members' duties
Conservation Service
helping agency clientele in
include working with local, state, and
planning and managing ag-waste
federal agencies and the media to
storage facilities and prepare
implement and carry out project
nutrient management plans. The
plans. Members are also involved in
mission of this particular project is
team building activities; working with
AmeriCorps
to increase public awareness of
individual landowners; and
agriculture practices that are more
identifying potential partners who can
cost effective for the producer.
provide resources to NRCS
AmeriCorps projects.
To help achieve the mission two
goals have been incorporated into
Monthly community service projects
the work plan. One of these goals
performed by Northwest Minnesota
is to carry out a marketing
NRCS AmeriCorps members
campaign targeted at livestock
include:
producers to explain the benefits of
ag-waste utilization planning. The
* Agassiz Recreational Trail ground
second goal is to develop waste
breaking in Twin Valley
utilization
and
nutrient
*
management plans for livestock
Street clean-up in Crookston
*
producers.
'Cabins for Critters" at Agassiz
Wildlife Refuge
MERICORP A SPENICE
* Help SnoDrifters Snowmobile cluc
set up IronMan 250 race in Thief
River Falls.
*
Assist with the Red River Valley
Winter Shows.
For more information about AmeriCorps contact your
local NRCS office, or call 1-800-94-ACORPS
Team
The U.S. department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its
programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion,age,
disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. Persons with
disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program
Northwest
information should contact the USDA office of communications at (202)
720-5881 (vioce) or (202)720-7807 (TDD). To file a complaint write the
Secretary of Agriculture, USDA, Washington DC,20250, or call (202)720-
7327 (voice) or (202)720-1127(TDD). USDA is a equal employmeny
opportunity employer.
THE
AGASSIZ
HIKING. BICYCLING.
RECREATIONAL
A.R.T.
SNOWMOBILING. JOGGING.
HORSEBACK RIDING.
TRAIL
HABITATS
SNOWSHOEING. DOGSLEDDING.
BIRDWATCHING. WILDLIFE
PHOTOGRAPHING. X-SKIING.
Fertile
Agassiz RECREATIONAL TRAIL
The Agassiz Recreational Trail
(A.R.T.)
(A.R.T.)
will be located in the glacial Lake
Agassiz Basin, through the counties of
Clay, Norman and Polk. Types of
Gary
habitat along the trail include sedges,
The Agassiz Recreational Trail will
shortgrass and tallgrass prairie. Each
be a 32-mile multiple use trail consisting
200
region of the trail also has its own
of two 10 foot wide treadways. The
environment of deciduous and
upper treadway will be for
29
coniferous forests comprised mainly of
snowmobiling, hiking, biking and
Twin Valley
oak, elm, ash, pine and poplar, as well
birdwatching. The lower treadway will
31
as a few species of fruit trees.
be for horseback riding, snowshoeing,
cross-country skiing and dog sledding.
These habitats are home to many
39
Syre
species of wildlife. An avid wildlife
The Legislative Commission on
VIIA
32
watcher will likely see white-tail deer,
Minnesota Resources (LCMR)
raccoon, fox, moose and coyote. Lucky
appropriated funds from Minnesota State
Rice
trail users may see an occassional bear
Ulen
Lottery sales for the purchase and
or even timberwolf. Wild Rice River, a
construction of the trail.
main river resultant of the glacial lake,
is home to many aquatic mammals such
A.R.T. will be constructed on the
as beaver, muskrat and mink. Bird
32
old Burlington Northern railroad bed
watchers along the trail will commonly
and located in Clay, Norman and Polk
MILES
see various songbirds; sharptail and
counties. The 32 mile trail will run from
OF
ruffed grouse. There have been
Ulen MN through Syre, Twin Valley,
EXCITEMENT
reported sightings of a bald eagle in the
and Gary to Fertile MN.
area.
A.R.T. BENEFITS
YOU'RE INVITED
COMING SOON
A.R.T. will help improve
THE AGASSIZ RECREATIONAL TRAIL
educational, recreational and economical
In order to maintain and improve,
(A.R.T.)
development opportunities for the three
A.R.T. needs you! Efforts have already
county area and the surrounding
begun to obtain grants and private
HORSEBACK
SNOWMOBILING
donations to cover development costs.
counties.
Donations from individuals and
Twin Valley
Fertile
businesses will be combined with grants
Ulen
Gary
and other funding sources to underwrite
Syre
trail development. Please join the Friends
of the Agassiz Recreational Trail.
DEVELOPMENT
Donations will be handled by the Norman
County Soil and Water Conservation
District. Make checks payable to
PLANS
FRIENDS OF A.R.T. To assist, mail your
tax-deductible contribution to:
Agaeetz Recreational Trail
Friends of A.R.T.
P.O. Box 60, 100 Main Ave E
The construction of the Agassiz
Twin Valley, MN 56584
Recreational Trail began in October 1994, and
Funded by
is scheduled to be completed by July 1995.
NAME
LCMR
A.R.T. is being directed by the A.R.T.
Joint Powers Board, A.R.T. Citizens Advisory
ADDRESS
Legislative
Commission on
Committee, Norman County SWCD, USDA
PHONE
Minnesota
NRCS and the AmeriCorps/National Service.
Resources
Rails, ties, bridges, and signal structures
SIGNATURE
have been removed by Burlington Northern.
Signs and detour routes will be arranged and
DONATION $
marked where crossings are inadequate. Bridges
will be constructed when funds become
Some of the illustrationa in this brochure are copyrighted by, and
available. The original railbed will be removed
used with the permission of, the Minnesota Extension Service,
and replaced with class five gravel for the upper
University of Minnesota. POLARIS riders must be 16 years of age
treadway and grass for the lower treadway.
or older.
AmeriCorps
AMERICORPS
The Ulen city park/campground is at the
Agassiz Recreational Trail
Equal opportunity to participate in: and benefit from the programs described herein in
*
available to all individuals without regard to raco, color, national origin, sex, sexual
Coordinators
A
southern end of the Agassiz Recreational Trail.
preference, religion, ago or handicap.
P.O. Box 60, 100 Main Ave E
More parks, campgrounds and rest stops will be
put along the trail when funds become
Twin Valley, MN 56584
available.
(218) 584-8205
(File)
USDA/AmeriCorps
Natural Resources Conservation Service
760 South Broadway
Salina, KS 67401-4642
(913) 823-4500
FAX (913) 823-4540
Contact: Jim Meisenheimer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 15, 1995
AMERICORPS MEMBERS AT KANOPOLIS WILDLIFE AND PARKS RESERVOIR
ARE "GETTING THINGS DONE"
BY
AMERICORPS MEMBER CHRIS NEWTON
"Getting things done" is the slogan of the national service program, according to
Jim Meisenheimer Kansas AmeriCorps/USDA Regional Facilitator. During February
the four members of the AmeriCorps/USDA Kanopolis Reservoir, State Park and
Wildlife area team, Chris Newton, Kurt Grimm, Troy Hurlburt, and Scott Morris,
developed fish habitat, built and installed waterfowl nesting structures, fixed water
crossings on trails, constructed public information shelters, and maintained park
buildings and picnic tables.
Little fish need habitat that supplies food and escape cover to survive. The
members placed Eastern Cedar trees eliminated from rangeland, recycled
Christmas trees, and old tires wired together, into the lake supplying habitat. The
benefits to fishermen are greater survival of little fish which attract larger predator
fish to the habitat. The habitat will allow more fish to reach a catchable size.
AmeriCorps Members have created six new brush piles in Kanopolis Reservoir.
Members have also built sixteen wood duck nesting boxes. Seven have been
installed at the Kanopolis State Park Wildlife Viewing Area and the others will be
placed at wildlife areas. The construction and placement of nests will enhance the
reproduction of waterfowl in the area.
An increase of beavers at the lake has caused the water level to rise at crossings
on the Kanopolis trail system causing hikers to get wet and horses to spook,
increasing the chance of injury to riders. AmeriCorps Members have installed
drain pipes through the beaver dams in order to lower the water level.
Two information shelters have been constructed by Members in order to provide
the public with information about the Park and user rules. Facility maintenance is
an ongoing service for people to use and enjoy our State Park. As our tour of
service continues we look forward to completing other tasks that benefit the
community and to demonstrate what AmeriCorps is about, GETTING THINGS
DONE.
Questions concerning the AmeriCorps Members' work at Kanopolis State Park can
be answered by calling Chris Newton at 913 546 2565.
For additional information about AmeriCorps/USDA contact the Natural Resource
Conservation Service (NRCS) at 760 South Broadway, Salina, Kansas 67401.
-END-
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability,
political beliefs and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication
of program information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA Office of Communications at (202) 720-5881 (voice) or (202) 720-7808 (TDD).
To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250, or call (202) 720-7327 (voice) or (202) 720-1127 (TDD).
USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer.
USDA/AmeriCorps
MERICORP A SEPTIOE
Natural Resources Conservation Service
760 South Broadway
Salina, KS 67401-4642
(913) 823-4500
FAX (913) 823-4540
March 15, 1995
Salina Journal
P.O. Box 740
Salina, Kansas 67402
Dear Editor:
AmeriCorps/USDA has members at five Kansas State Reservoirs working under
the supervision of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. AmeriCorps
Members at Kanopolis, Glen Elder, Webster, Milford, and Perry are helping
restore damage caused by the 1993 floods. In addition they are providing other
community service as indicated by the accompanying news article written by
AmeriCorps Member Chris Newton of the Kanopolis team.
Kansas AmeriCorps/USDA has other members working under the auspices of the
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at Hutchinson, Dodge City,
Hays, Salina, Abilene, Emporia, Manhattan, and Topeka.
Additional information about AmeriCorps/USDA may be obtained from the
respective NRCS county field offices or the Kansas State NRCS Office, 760 S.
Broadway, Salina, Kansas 67401.
Sincerely,
12l Jim Meisenheimer
Kansas AmeriCorps/USDA Regional Facilitator
The Natural Resources Conservation Service
formerly the Soil Conservation Service
is an agency of the
United States Department of Agriculture
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
CONFLICT and RESOLUTION
No Problem at GLEN ELDER
A
X
A
550
Judy
TRACEY
TReNT
Any more grief and we'll attach you to
the TARgeT RAnge backstop!
FOUR CORNERS
PO BOX 904
RE-THINK
RE-USE
REDUCE
RECYCLE
RECYCLING
FARMINGTON, NM 87499
To:
All 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade teachers
From:
Four Corners Recycling
Re:
Recycling coloring book
& Recycling lesson ideas
1st, 2nd and 3rd grade teachers in San Juan County are being given enough
coloring books for each student. Please pass them out and explain the T-shirt
offer. Earth Week is April 17 to 23. This is the 25th anniversary of Earth Day.
TOURS
Both the recycling center in Farmington (325-8230) and the Crouch Mesa landfill
(334-1121) offer tours for students. Call them to make arrangements. Both are
interesting and educational.
HOW TO RECYCLE
Explain codes on plastic bottles.
Explain how to tell the difference between aluminum and steel. Use a magnet as
a tool to tell them apart. Magnets stick to steel and not aluminum.
Show the different kinds of paper that can be recycled in San Juan County.
Have students bring things to recycle and sort them in class.
Call the recycling center (325-8230) if you have any questions.
REDUCE/REUSE BRAINSTORM
Brainstorm on how to reduce getting things at the store that you have to throw
away. Cloth shopping bags and buying in bulk are two ways to reduce. There
are lots of other ways.
Brainstorm how to reuse. Many plastic containers can be used for storage. Old
clothes can go to second hand stores or be given to family and friends. Paper
can be used on both sides.
BURY TRASH
Bury items of trash & materials that can be recycled to see what happens to them.
Have a funeral. Ham it up. Give that trash a proper burial. Then every year, dig
up the trash to see how it has or hasn't decomposed. Talk about what happened
to the different materials.
EPA RECYCLING INFORMATION
The following materials can be ordered free from EPA, call 1-800-424-9364 to
order these teaching aids.
Let's Reduce and Recycle: Curriculum for Solid Waste Awareness. A great
collection of lessons, includes blackline masters, clip art, skits and lots of hands
on projects. Order #: EPA / 530-SW-90-005.
School Recycling Programs: a Handbook for Educators. A step-by-step
guide to setting up a school recycling program. Order # EPA / 530-SW-90-023.
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
RONNIE
RECYCLEASAURS
SAYS
Don't become extinct.
Recycle
your garbage!
"""
FOOD
SODA
?
LIR095
o
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER