Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
348833799
label
USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY96 Service Objective 3 [2]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
348833799
contentType
document
title
USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY96 Service Objective 3 [2]
citationUrl
collections
Records of the Office of National Service (Clinton Administration)
AmeriCorps Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
348833799
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
otherTitles
311842741-20130661F-Seg3-071-006-2023
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
7c8b9079df6e3ab2
ocrText
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:
24225
FolderID:
Folder Title:
USDA [Department of Agriculture]/Americorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY 96 Service Objectives
3 [2]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
66
1
6
3
North Curolina
North Carolina Protecting our Environment
and Citizens through an Educational
and Public Safety Program
AmeriCorps Application for Fiscal Year 1996
submitted by:
North Carolina Resource Conservation
and Development Association
Developed with assistance from the Natural
Resources Conservation Service, USDA
January 20, 1995
2
AmeriCorps Application for FY-96
Project Summary
The North Carolina Resource Conservation and Development Association realizes the
statewide need to provide environmental activities/education and fire protection for the
citizens of North Carolina. This statewide nonprofit organization has plans to develop a
series of environmental programs on a regional basis and a fire safety program on a
statewide basis to achieve these two goals. The plan includes mini-teams working on a
regional basis, as well as, a statewide effort in which these same mini-teams will be pulled
together to achieve a statewide objective.
Objectives in the plan include the following priority needs across the state:
1. Trout stream renovation in the mountains
2. Pilot testing ecosystems management and learning centers in ten state parks
3. Statewide community development project--Dry Hydrant installation for fire
protection
Needs to be Met:
Statewide, we are experiencing industrial and residential growth. This growth is perceived
by some as positive while others view it as detrimental to our statewide ecosystems.
Unfortunately, most citizens lack the knowledge to develop opinions supported by
scientific facts. When problems or opportunities are cited in our state; such as, timber
cutting in the national forest; or the construction of a superhighway; or the siting of a
nuclear waste storage facility; most citizens react out of fear, unable to understand that
there are balances between environment and progress. The first two objectives of this plan
are designed to achieve an informed citizenry.
North Carolina is a state composed of 85% rural counties. In 1994, more than 100
citizens lost their lives to fire, while property losses exceeded 50 million dollars. One of
the leading causes of this loss of life and property is the lack of an adequate supply of
water to fight fires, since less than 20% of rural North Carolina counties have county-wide
water systems. The NC Resource Conservation and Development Association plans to
implement a statewide dry hydrant program to supply water resources for this public
safety program. AmeriCorp participants are needed to achieve this goal.
Number of Participants: Thirty full-time equivalent participants are needed for the three
objectives identified.
Administering Organization: NC Resource Conservation and Development
Association.
3
Primary Program Partners: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Objective 1: Southwestern NC RC&D
Blue Ridge RC&D
Mountain Valleys RC&D
NC Department of Transportation
Trout Unlimited
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Objective 2:
Environmental Impact RC&D
US Forest Service
Weymouth Woods State Park
Pasquotank County
Albemarle RC&D
Town of Engelhard
Mid East RC&D
Goose Creek State Park
Carolina Power and Light Co.
Hope Plantation
Wal Mart Foundation
Cape Fear RC&D
New Hanover County
Pilot View RC&D
Stokes County
Hanging Rock State Park
Objective 3:
Albemarle RC&D
Mountain Valleys RC&D
Blue Ridge RC&D
North Central Piedmont RC&D
Cape Fear RC&D
Southwestern NC RC&D
Environmental Impact RC&D
North Carolina Fire Fighters Asso.
Pilot View RC&D
North Carolina Farm Bureau Fed.
Mid East RC&D
North Carolina Division of Energy
Fire Departments
Natural Resources Conservation
Service
MISSION AND OBJECTIVES:
Mission:
Building support and leaders in our communities in the natural resource
and human resource areas in order to address public environmental and
economic concerns.
Objectives in the Issue Area
1.
To restore and enhance public waters in the mountains of the state of North
Carolina.
2.
Introduce ecosystem management and educational facilities including: Weymouth
Woods Natural Preserve, Hanging Rock State Park, Pasquotank Recreation Area,
Englehard Creek Boardwalk, Goose Creek State Park, Hope Heritage Forest, and
four new parks in New Hanover County.
3.
Implement a statewide rural public safety program supported by dry fire hydrants.
4
NARRATIVE:
OBJECTIVE #1 -- To restore and enhance public waters in the mountains of the state
of North Carolina.
(a.) Needs to be met and appropriateness for National Service. Assist with the
development and improvement of tourism and recreation in the area. Provide assistance in
protection of the resource base. Assist with programs for improvement in fishing and
wildlife habitat.
Needs.
There is a need for renovation of these streams in order for the fish habitat to be restored.
This will increase the carrying capacity of the stream and make more recreational fishing
available to the general public. These streams not only serve the citizens of North
Carolina but also the citizens of the adjoining states and beyond.
Process.
The streams that need improvement will be identified by members of the Trout Unlimited
Chapters in Western North Carolina in consultation with local Wildlife and Fishing Clubs,
local citizen groups as well as the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the
Southwestern NC, Blue Ridge, and Mountain Valley RC&D Councils
Partners Participation.
Partners
Role
Blue Ridge RC&D
Coordination and Administration
Mountain Valleys RC&D
Southwestern RC&D
Trout Unlimited
Supervision and Monitoring
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Supervision and Facilities
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Planning and Monitoring
Local Community Colleges
AmeriCorp Recruiting and Monitoring
(b.) Design. The Trout Unlimited Chapter will be primarily responsible for identifying the
streams needing improvement and provide some supervision of the daily cleanup activities.
The local Soil and Water Conservation District will provide some needed office space and
some supervision of the daily cleanup activities in their respective districts. The RC&D
Council will supervise the overall cleanup and restorative activities, schedule and organize
the cleanup activities in order that the work can progress in a timely and orderly manner.
6
stream improvement projects will be Native Americans recruited from the Eastern Band of
Cherokee Indians.
OBJECTIVE #2 -- Pilot Test Ecosystem Management and Education Activities in
North Carolina parks.
(a.) Needs to be met and appropriateness for National Service. Introducing ecosystem
management and educational tools will add a new dimension to the experience(s) of users
of North Carolina parks. AmeriCorp participants working in these ten parks will serve as
a catalyst to demonstrate the value and need for implementing a statewide ecosystem
program in all parks.
Needs.
This program will include adding new trails and facilities as well as utilizing and improving
existing facilities that promote environmental education. The installation of conservation
measures to solve existing problems and complement the ecosystem educational efforts in
the park will be completed by participants.
Process
Needs were identified by public meetings and by public mailings during the process of
updating RC&D area plans. Each RC&D area in N.C. has recently (last 2 years) gone
through a thorough process to identify community and regional needs. See exhibit A, the
process used by Environmental Impact (RC&D). This questionnaire was sent to over 750
homes and businesses in the region. Out of this questionnaire came the idea to develop a
Regional Environmental Learning Center within the confines of Weymouth Woods State
Park and Natural Area. Similar environmental education projects are planned for Hanging
Rock State Park, Pasquotank Multi-purpose Recreation Area, Englehard Far Creek
cleanup and boardwalk, Goose Creek State Park environmental education trails, Hope
Heritage Forest nature trails, and four new parks planned for New Hanover County.
Partners Participation
State Park
Partners
Role
Weymouth Woods
Environmental Impact RC&D
Coordination
Hanging Rock
Albemarle RC&D
Pasquotank Recreation
Mid East RC&D
Area
Pilot View RC&D
Englehard Creek
Cape Fear RC&D
Boardwalk
Goose Creek State Park
State Park Service
Land and Service
Hope Heritage Forest
Local Recreation Commissions
Supervision
4 new parks (New
NC Forest Service
Hanover County)
7
State Park(continued)
Partners(continued)
Role(continued)
US Forest Service
Funding for Materials
Carolina Power and Light Co.
Funding for Materials
Wal Mart Foundation
Funding for Materials
Moore Soil and Water
Technical Support
Conservation District
Stokes Soil and Water
Conservation District
Natural Resources Conservation
Service
(b.) Design.
State Park
AmeriCorp Participant Activities
Weymouth Woods
Planning and identifying ecosystems in park.
Hanging Rock
Installing educational facilities including trails, signs,
Pasquotank Recreational Area
amphitheaters, etc.
Englehard Creek Boardwalk
Planning and conducting environmental field days.
Goose Creek State Park
Hope Heritage Forest
4 new parks (New Hanover County)
Evaluation and Monitoring
Goals for construction and implementation will be established for the short term and
monitored by the state park staff. A questionnaire will be developed by the project
team(s) to evaluate user satisfaction once the ecosystem plan and facilities are in place.
Concept.
The ecosystem program at each park will be structured such that it can be used by
individual(s), families, school groups, and others. Activities and learning experiences will
be designed for independent study as well as institutional study. The improvement of trails
and the installation of conservation measures will provide a pleasing and safe environment
for users. The concept for the design of the program is to provide installation labor for
projects were partners cannot afford the expense of contracting this work to a private
company.
Service Activities.
Participants will be involved in laying out the planned facilities which will include trails,
amphitheaters, exhibit stations, constructing and/or installing exhibits, organizing
8
environmental field days, manning exhibit stations and giving educational programs.
Program participants will be assigned a project location for a given week. They will
report to that site each day using a vehicle provided by the NRCS, which will be kept
centrally located within the project area. Daily supervision will be provided by the local
project sponsor for work to be accomplished each day. These activities will serve to
foster an informed citizenry on the environment.
Participant Training and Support.
Training will include a two day overview of the program. Fifty percent of this training
orientation will be on site. This will be followed by three days of service learning
curriculum. Each participant should complete their tour of service well informed on
ecosystem based management. Beyond that accomplishment, each participant will better
understand the needs and value of community and public service. This method of training
will be used on all three objectives.
Participant Placement and Supervision
Participants will work in teams of five, one-of-which will serve as a team leader.
Participants will be supervised by state park staff. Placement: See Objective 3.
OBJECTIVE #3 -- Plan and install 3411 dry hydrants in rural areas in North Carolina.
(a.) Needs to be met and appropriateness for National Service A statewide survey
was conducted, by the North Carolina Resource Conservation and Development
Association, to determine the need for rural fire protection. (Results attached). These dry
hydrants will serve small towns and rural volunteer fire departments that lack staff to
process applications, perform needed accounting requirements for materials and placement
of dry hydrants. AmeriCorp participants can provide this service to rural communities and
fire departments.
Needs.
This program will provide an essential tool which is needed to encourage economic
development and sustain rural growth. This statewide system will provide water needed
for road maintenance and construction, fire protection, and water intakes for agriculture
and other uses.
Process.
The process of determining needs involved input from local and county government, fire
departments, the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, the North Carolina Fire
Fighters Association, and local soil and water conservation districts.
Questionnaires were sent to every county in North Carolina.
9
Partners Participation.
Partner
Role
Nine Regional RC&D's
Administration
North Carolina Fire Fighters Association
Public Information
North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation
Assess Insurance Reductions
North Carolina Division of Energy
Funding for Materials
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Technical Assistance
Fire Departments
Installation
AmeriCorp Service (Participants)
Coordination/Planning
(b.) Design.
Service Activities
Participants will work with landowners and fire departments with identifying and
documenting both private and public water sources for the dry hydrants. They will review
applications for dry hydrants submitted to RC&D by fire departments and set priorities on
installation based on criteria to be developed by RC&D and other partners. They will
schedule shipping of materials and installation of dry hydrants. AmeriCorp participants
will be responsible for inventorying and accounting for materials shipped and received
from vendors to fire departments. They will monitor and document installation of works.
and the solicitation of volunteers to assist with the installation.
Benefits.
Provide a statewide rural fire protection program which will save lives and property. It
will reduce fire insurance premiums for all citizens and businesses served by the system. It
will be an added dimension which could be a major factor in bringing new businesses and
light industry into a rural area.
Evaluation and Monitoring
This program will result in the installation of 3,411 dry hydrants. Each hydrant will be
inspected and certified. Success will be determined by the overall improvement statewide
in fire department ISO Classifications which measures the ability of a fire department to
maintain a minimum water supply for two hours at a fire scene. Success will be gauged by
an overall average upgrade in classification of two rating points of fifty percent of the
departments served by dry hydrants. This has the potential of saving numerous lives that
might otherwise be lost to fire and a savings of millions of dollars in insurance premiums
and property lost annually.
10
Concept.
This program will be the responsibility of the NC Resource Conservation and
Development Association with administration assigned to the nine RC&D areas that serve
the state. AmeriCorp participants assigned to Objectives 1 and 2 will be pooled together
to work on this project during late fall, winter and early spring.
Participant Training and Support.
Training will include a three day seminar conducted by the NC Fire Fighters Association.
Two days will include application processing, identification of water sources, and dry
hydrant equipment design. One day will be spent installing and inspecting a dry hydrant.
Participant Placement and Supervision.
Each of the five mini groups requested in Objectives 1 and 2 will be assigned a region of
the state that is within a reasonable driving distance from their homebase which is as
follows:
Mini Team Location
No. Participants
Objective
Western North Carolina
5
1 and 3
North West North Carolina
5
1 and 3
Northern Piedmont North Carolina
5
2 and 3
Sandhills North Carolina
5
2 and 3
Eastern North Carolina
10
2 and 3
Participants will be supervised by regional fire marshals.
Recruiting AmeriCorp Participants: The participants will be selected in a manner that
represents the population of the area. All local high schools, community colleges, and
universities will be contacted during the recruitment. To encourage participation by
minorities and Native Americans we will use the following:
Objective/Project
Institution
Recruitment
#1
Eastern Band Cherokee Indians
50% minority/natives
#2
A&T University
40%
Pembroke, Fayetteville State, and
Elizabeth City State Universities
#3
Composite of objectives 1 and 2
45%
11
Budget.
25 Participants
@ $ 7,600.00
$190,000.00
5 Participants (Supervisor)
@ $12,000.00
60,000.00
30 Training and Perdiem
@ $ 3,000.00
90,000.00
30 Vouchers
@ $ 4,725.00
141,750.00
TOTAL $481,750.00
5 Van Transportation
$ 75,000.00
Mileage (75,000 miles @ $0.25/mile)
18,750.00
Supplies and Equipment
4,500.00
TOTAL $ 98,250.00
GRAND TOTAL $580,000.00
NORTH CAROLINA
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
North Carolina Protecting our
Environment and Citizens through an
Educational and Public Safety Program
-- Plan and Install
3,411 Dry
Hydrants in Rural Areas in North
Carolina
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
North Carolina
E. County of Duty Station:
Buncombe, Alamance, and Pasquotank.
F. Names of counties served
Statewide
G. Congressional District:
All
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Lynn McCaskill
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
100 East Main Street, P.O. Box 653
Aberdeen, NC 28315
Ph: (910) 944-4787
FAX (910) 944-4796
A. Title of Project:
Trout Stream Renovation in the
Mountains
J: Name of St Project Director:
Cecil Settle
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
4405 Bland Road, Suite 205
Raleigh, NC 27609
Ph: (919) 790-2909
FAX (919) 790-2881
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M. Number of Members in RDT:
15
The three mini teams assigned to the mountains, piedmont, and coastal
plains will be used to implement this program. No additional
participants beyond these fifteen individuals will be required.
C) Team Type (PL&E or RDT, or combined) :
combined
D) State of Duty Station of AmeriCorps Members: North Carolina
E) County of Duty station of AmeriCorps Members: Buncombe
F) Names of counties served by Members (up to 15 counties) : Cherokee,
Clay, Graham, Swain, Jackson, Macon, Haywood, Buncombe, Henderson,
Transylvania, Madison, Avery, Mitchell, Yancy, and Watauga.
G) Congressional District of duty station of the Members: 11th
H) Name of site supervisor (at the local or county level): Sally
Stokes
I) Address, phone number, and fax number of site supervisor: 22 South
Pack Square, Suite 310, South Market Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
Telephone: (704) 252-1675 FAX (704) 252-1675
J) Name of state Project Directors: Cecil Settle
K) Address, phone number, and fax number of State Project Director:
4405 Bland Road, Suite 205, Raleigh, NC 27609. Telephone (919) 790-
2909 FAX (919) 790-2881
L) Number of Members in Environmental Teams: 5 members
M) Number of Members in Rural Development Teams: combined (see L
above)
OBJ3. DOC
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: New York, New York
( Members - )
SITE SUPERVISOR: John A. Bricker
PHONE: 212/637-3710
COUNTY: New York
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To revitalize open space in 8-10 communities.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Vacant lot improvement, tree planting and care, greenway and bicycle trail development and
improvement.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Enhancing the quality of and improving access to open space and natural resources in the targeted
communities.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Successful creation of gardens or landscaped sitting areas for community residents; establishment of
street trees; establishment/improvement of greenways and bicycle trails.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
If community residents utilize these sites and participate in the creation and maintenance of the
sites.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All of the residents of the targeted community. (There are approximately 50,000 residents on
average in a community district * 10 districts = 500,000 residents.)
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 2
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: New York, New York
( Members - )
SITE SUPERVISOR: John A. Bricker
PHONE: 212/637-3710
COUNTY: New York
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To protect 30 miles of natural shoreline ecosystem habitats
surrounding significant coastal wetlands.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Remove debris and establish vegetative cover to the shoreline along Jamaica Bay in Queens and
Brooklyn and along the Staten Island coasts.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Reduction of deterioration of coastline and improved water quality.
3. How will you neasure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Successful cooperation of community-based organizations who impact on the shoreline.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Reduction of shoreline erosion rate; improved water quality.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Residents in communities surrounding Jamaica Bay in Queens and Brooklyn as well as communities along
the coast of Staten Island. (over 2 million people live in Queens, over 2 million people live in
Brooklyn; approximately 5 million people live on Staten Island.)
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 3
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: New York, New York
( Members - )
SITE SUPERVISOR: John A. Bricker
PHONE: 212/637-3710
COUNTY: New York
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To enhance the capacity of AmeriCorps members working in
collaboration with community-based organizations to
understand, effect change, and evaluate the impact of their
actions on the environment in two New York ecosystems.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
AmeriCorps members will work under the guidance of local community-based organizations in two major
ecosystems in New York City.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Better underwranding of how an individual can effect change in his/her community. Knowledge of
basic environmental principles; appreciation for the work done by community-based organizations.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
level of environmental awareness and degree of commitment to the work being completed; mutual
respect between Corps members and local sponsoring organizations.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of Corps members over the course of the year of
service.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
The residents in communities surrounding Jamaica Bay in Queens and Brooklyn, as well as communities
along the Staten Island shore; all members of the ten sponsoring organizations and community
residents who participate in restoration projects.
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: East Aurora, New York
GIS
(5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: John Whitney
PHONE: (716) 652-8480
COUNTY: Erie
COMPONENTS
OF
OBJECTIVE
STATEMENTS:
To
acquire, produce, distribute and use digital
(computerized) natural resource, land use, and demographic
data to improve resource planning, conservation and economic
development activities at the community level through the
use of Geographic Information System technologies.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Collect militional existing dieftized natural resource & demographic data for the 700, 000 acre
project; of dditional high priority data layers of moderate complexity for
the
ininum of 3 Tex layers like soils, farm parcels, or tax
parcels of at a aditional simple data laws like
locations of conservation conservation reserve program fields, bluebird box locations,
remnant American Chestnut tree locations, new American Chestnut planting locations, barn owl nest
site locations, etc. for the entire project area and nearby counties; distribute data collected to a
minimum of 2 municipalities and 2 public agencies; continue to develop & demonstrate applications of
GIS.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Improved local resource planning & protection, soil & water conservation, & community and economic
development through the use of Geographic Information System technologies. Significantly reduced
implementation costs for communities setting up GIS operations. Reduced land use conflicts through
a better understanding of natural resources and demographics allowing community officials and are
residents to make land use decisions that are more compatible with community needs for farmland
protection, open space and environmental protection, sustainable development, and short & long term
planning.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Scale & line quality of digitized products will be measured by comparing output of digitized
products with original source material. Community impact will be measured through records of data
use for specific project evaluations & general community planning efforts. Discussions, informal
surveys, & direct interaction with municipal officials & staff will be the primary measuring tools.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Digitizing efforts will incorporate NRCS quality control/quality assurance standards along with the
Content Standards for Digitizing Geospatial metadata of the Federal Geographic Data Committee
(1994). A minimum of two QA/QC reviews will be required for each data layer developed or acquired
prior to distribution or public release. Soil data will include QA/QC reviews by the Soil
Information Services Laboratory at Cornell University. Surveys of project partners will ask
specifically how useful AmeriCorps developed data is or is expected to be for local resource
protection and planning activities. Discussions will continue to include evaluation of impacts on
efficiency & effectiveness compared with procedures used prior to incorporation to GIS data.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Nearly one million people live in the project area. Approximately 1500 people will be directly
impacted. Indirect impacts will extend throughout the project area. Impacts will increase as data
is used by additional local communities and agencies. Approximately 15 municipal & partner staff
will be directly involved with and impacted by project activity.
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 2
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: East Aurora, New York
GIS
(5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: John Whitney
PHONE: (716) 652-8480
COUNTY: Erie
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To assist with stream corridor protection projects
throughout Erie County.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
AmeriCorps members will assist NRCS Field Office & Soil & Water Conservation District staff, Earth
Team Volunteers, and partner organizations with the planning, design, and application of soil &
stream corridues in each of the major of the major watersheds
& of fencing, streembank
measures. Assistance will be directed toward
areas of degraded riparian habitat.
2. is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Erosion 7111 be reduced and habitat will be improved along a minimum of two miles of riparian
corridor with at least 200 feet of treatment in each "11 hydrologic unit" watershed in Erie County.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Risk of further erosion reduced by 80%, thermal stress and negative impacts of sediment or non-point
source pollutants reduced to natural levels.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
All planning and application will follow the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service standards
and specifications as contained in the Field Office Technical Guide and will be in compliance with
all federal, state, and local rules and regulations.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
The entire Erie County population (nearly 1,000,000 people) will receive indirect benefits.
Approximately 2,000 individuals will be directly impacted by project activities on their property or
on nearby properties.
NEW YORK - GIS Supported Community Planning and Resource Protection
SUMMARY PAGE:
A. Exactly what specific accomplishments were achieved in the first half year of the
project in meeting the community service objectives and boosting the personal
development of the Members?
First half year accomplishments of the five member AmeriCorps team based
in East Aurora, New York include acquisition of existing maps and data
from various sources including Census Bureau TIGER files, New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation Freshwater Wetlands and
Ecozones, U.S. Geological Survey topographic data, National Heritage
Registry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory, and
others. Efforts are under way to create a series of county-wide special
district maps including Agricultural Districts, Water Districts, Sewer
Districts, Fire Protection Districts, etc. Locations of surviving
American Chestnut trees in Western New York are being mapped using global
positioning satellite technologies in partnership with the NY Chapter of
the American Chestnut Foundation. AmeriCorps members are working with
local researchers to prepare locations and management maps for mature and
remnant "old growth forests" in WNY. Members are collecting other tax
parcel information to support a number of greenway and greenspace
protection and community development projects. Members digitized
national Wetlands Inventory maps for 100% of Erie County (approx. 670,000
ac.), NWI maps for 80% of Niagara Co. (approx. 360,000 ac.), and 130,000
acres of tax parcels data. Resource maps have been developed or acquired
to support soil map digitizing and aerial photography interpretation for
a 200,000 acre area of northern Erie and southern Niagara Counties as
part of the Niagara Frontier Wetlands Initiative. Many simpler data
layers and maps were produced with Seneca Nation of Indians, Bureau of
Indian affairs, and U.S. Forest Service input to support cultural
resource protection and forest management on the sovereign lands of the
Seneca Nation. Procedures were developed and refined to distribute paper
and electronic data and to support and demonstrate GIS technologies for
community planning and resource protection. Members assisted with three
wetland restoration projects, two runoff management projects, three
manure management projects, and with inventory activities associated with
summer floods and highly erodible land evaluations. Members cartography,
GIS, geography, conservation, and civic skills have been greatly
developed and enhanced.
B. The key elements of the program design for next year. Specifically describe each
new service project performed by the members. Describe any major changes in management
structure or partner organizations.
Current community service, community building, and visibility efforts
will be strengthened under FY 96 program year design through the further
sharing of data, standard operating procedures, project ideas,
techniques, and experiences with other GIS work sites in Erie County and
throughout New York State and the U.S. via Internet, conventional
correspondence, and presentations. Each member will recruit at least two
(2) Earth Team volunteers to assist with project activities. Members
will each perform at least two (2) public presentations/demonstrations
per month in their role as GIS "ambassadors." Members will continue to
report directly to and be supervised by staff at the East Aurora Field
Office though smaller teams of AmeriCorps members and volunteers may
rotate between three to five other GIS work sites with daily reports to
the Field Office. Additional input will be solicited from community
leaders on data and resource protection and community development needs.
Missouri
APPZ, Do (
Title:
Mid-Missouri Farm-A-Syst and Water Quality Project
Organization
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service - Missouri
Team Type:
Rural Development Team (RDT)
State of Duty Station:
Missouri
County of Duty Station:
Boone
Counties served:
Boone, Callaway, Audrain, Howard & Cooper
Site Supervisor:
Robert Broz (4 members)
Site Supervisor address:
205 Ag. Eng Bldg, University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
Ph: (314) 882-0085 FAX: (314) 884-5650
Site Supervisor:
Ross Braun (1 member)
Site Supervisor address:
USDA - NRCS, Parkade Center #250
601 Bux. Loop 70 West
Columbia, MO 65203
Ph: (314) 876-0912 FAX: (314) 876-091
Project Director:
Ross Braun
Project Director Address:
USDA - NRCS, Parkade Center #250
601 Bus. Loop 70 West
Columbia, MO 65203
Ph: (314) 876-0912 FAX: (314) 876-0913
Number in Team
5
1
SUMMARY
Needs:
Water quality, both surface and subsurface, is a
major concern of the public. The Missouri Department of Natural
Resources has identified several potential sources of surface and
ground water pollution from farmsteads. Potential pollutants
include pesticides, fertilizer, petroleum products, human and
animal waste and other household and farm materials that pose a
risk to water quality. Potential sources of pollution include
storage facilities in homes and outbuildings, handling
procedures, actual use of materials and disposal procedures and
locations. Pollution risk is high at abandoned and working wells
and surface conditions such as waterways, drainage ditches and
road ditches. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and
public water supply agencies and companies have expressed an
interest to identify well sites within their jurisdiction.
Design:
AmeriCorps members will conduct a water quality
information campaign, conduct Farm-A-Syst short courses, give
presentations to student and adult organizations and assist
individual rural residents to evaluate water quality concerns on
farmsteads and provide guidance to reduce water pollution risks
through protection measures and emergency plans. They will work
in five counties in Mid-Missouri.
Participants: 5 AmeriCorps members with natural resource
management backgrounds who are willing and able to work full-
time.
Partners:
USDA - NRCS: Administering agency, office space, vehicles,
and technical support and training.
University of Missouri Extension Service: Lead agency for
technical oversight and training, office space.
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Pollution
Control Program: Funding for materials and training
Consolidated Farm Service Agency: Training and
administrative support.
Mission:
To increase awareness of water quality protection
needs and measures and assist rural residents to evaluate water
quality concerns on their farms in order to implement protection
practices.
Objectives:
1) Perform Farm-A-Syst evaluations on 500 farmsteads.
2) Reduce potential water quality pollution on 250
farmsteads.
3) Increase public awareness of water quality concerns
through at least 2 public presentations in each of 5
counties.
4) Initiate a system to inventory wells and identify 500
well sites.
USDA-NRCS AmeriCorps Project Proposal
January 20, 1995
NARRATIVE
Needs:
This project is a response to concerns about protecting
surface and ground water. The Farm-A-Syst program has been
developed by the Cooperative Extension System, Natural Resources
Conservation Service and the Environmental Protection Agency in
order to assess the risks of water pollution from farmsteads and
develop individual action plans to reduce risks. Use of the
program in Missouri has been limited since other mandates have
taken priority. The Extension Service is the lead agency for
this program. Farm*A*Syst campaigns have been implemented in two
Missouri projects, the Upper Niangua Hydrologic Unit Area and the
Mark Twain "319" Water Quality project.
Needs have been identified through monthly state water quality
committee meetings that include the University Extension Service,
Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), NRCS, CFSA and
the Missouri Department of Conservation. In addition, the
Extension Service, DNR, CFSA and NRCS worked together to
determine priority areas for an AmeriCorps Farm-A-Syst project.
Additional funding and personnel is needed in order to
successfully implement the Farm-A-Syst program in Missouri. The
Farm-A-Syst program is well suited to the AmeriCorps national
service program since implementation asserts direct assistance to
communities through presentations and short-courses and
individuals through one-on-one guidance to perform farmstead
evaluations and determine methods to reduce the risk of water
pollution. AmeriCorps members will complete program worksheets
with local residents in order to accurately record information,
increase understanding and explain risks and solutions to reduce
risks. Short courses and formal public presentations complement
the program. The direct benefits to communities and residents
are an increased understanding of water pollution risks and
methods to reduce risks.
Design:
The five AmeriCorps members will be housed at Extension Service
and NRCS offices in the Columbia, Missouri area. They will
receive training from University Extension Service and NRCS
staff. County office staff from both agencies will provide the
support to implement an information campaign that includes
mailing announcements and developing relationships with community
leaders, organizations and local news media. County offices will
also provide clerical and technical support.
Members will primarily work one-on-one with residents to complete
Farm-A-Syst worksheets and determine implementation of water
protection practices. Well locations will be mapped during the
on-farm inventory. They will give presentations to local
organizations such as FFA, 4-H, service organizations. Members
will also assist Extension Service staff to conduct Farm-A-Syst
short courses.
A memorandum of understanding between the NRCS and University of
Missouri will be established.
Training:
Farm*A*Syst training and quality oversight will be provided by
the Extension Service. Both the Extension Service and NRCS will
teach members about natural resource management concepts and
water quality principles. Initial Farm*A*Syst training will be
provided through a 2 - 3 day session and subsequently will be
provided through one-day sessions and on-the-job training. The
Extension Service will conduct the Farm*A*Syst training with
assistance from NRCS. The Extension Service will assist the NRCS
Project Director to complete individual performance evaluations.
CFSA will coordinate training on communication skills, first aid
and defensive driving.
USDA-NRCS AmeriCorps Project Proposal
Placement:
Members will be placed individually since an office large enough
to house an additional five people is not available. We will
utilize space at the University of Missouri, Columbia, the NRCS
State Office and local NRCS and Extension Service offices.
Members will have office space in order to have access to agency
electronic mail, phones, copiers, fax machines and both clerical
and technical support.
Supervision:
Robert Broz, University Extension Service, will provide technical
supervision
Ross Braun, NRCS AmeriCorps Project Director will serve as
administrative supervisor for the five members.
BUDGET
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) :
Living Allowances:
5 @ $12,000 =
$
60,000
FICA, Unemployment,
Workmen's Comp:
5 @ 1,878
9,390
Health Benefits:
5 @ 1,200
6,000
Support:
5 @ 1,510 =
7,550
TOTAL:
$ 82,940
In-kind costs: 5 Vehicles
Project Director & Administrative support
University of Missouri Extension Service:
In-kind costs: Office space, supplies, phone, fax & computer
Secretarial support
Instructional & Supervisory support
Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) - Water Pollution
Program (319 Funds)
Farm-A-Syst Notebooks 500 @ $10 each
$ 5,000
Postage: 5 counties X 2,000 letters X .32
3,200
TOTAL:
$ 8,200
In-kind costs: Grant administration
Consolidated Farm Service Agency (CFSA)
In-kind costs: Training and administrative support
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS:
$ 91,140 plus in-kind costs to NRCS, Extension Service, MDNR and
CFSA.
06J2, DOC
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
missouri
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Columbia, Missouri
Farm*A*Syst (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Robert Broz (4 members)
PHONE: (314) 882-0085
COUNTY: Boone
Ross Braun (1 member)
(314) 876-0912
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Improve water quality
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Do Farm*A*Syst evaluations, provide one-on-one assistance, develop and implement a marketing effort
to create interest in the evaluation process, direct Farm*A*Syst participants to technical &
financial assistance.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
500 farms completed evaluation; 50% of farmers in watershed will have received information; requests
for evaluations, farm families have a better understanding of Groundwater Protection Practices
around the farm. Each member will make 2 presentations; at least 500 well sites will be clearly
identified using a USGS topographic map or a global positioning system (GPS).
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
500 farms have altered at least one practice to reduce pollution, 90% of work sheets properly
completed; 90% of recipients have indicated satisfaction with the service.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Residents will request Farm*A*Syst assistance & 500 evaluations will be completed. 50% are
intending to apply a practice the next year, a service evaluation form will be completed by each
family. Well site maps will be used by public water supply organizations.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
500 farm families will receive direct assistance, Community members from at least 10 organizations
will have an improved understanding of water quality concerns.
APPI, DOC
New Hampshine
A Proposal
for an
AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps Project
N.H. Resource Revitalization Team
January 24, 1995
Submitted by:
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service in New Hampshire
in cooperation with the
North Country Resource Conservation and Development Council
and
Southern N.H. Resource Conservation and Development Council
Project Summary
Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils in New
Hampshire (N.H.) are volunteer organizations established to
assist communities and non-profit organizations address needs and
create opportunities that will improve the social, economic and
environmental fabric of rural areas. RC&Ds respond to requests
for assistance and assertive, pro-active actions in specific
topic areas that are directed at developing or conserving
critical natural resources. The RC&D no-turf, can do project
oriented philosophy brings a diverse mixture of agencies,
organizations and individuals together to get things done. In
N.H. RC&D's partner list is greater than sixty agencies and
organizations.
At the heart of the RC&D process in N.H. are the resource
committees. These committees take responsibility for conducting
a public participation process which assesses the conditions,
trends, needs and opportunities concerning forest, water,
agriculture and human/community resources. Through this process,
RC&Ds are able to interact with hundreds of individuals to gain
their insights and comments on the validity of any proposed
action. The result of this assessment and public participation
process is a plan of action. Actions are carried out by teams of
volunteers recruited from the public and private sector that are
interested in the success of that project. The U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA) through the Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) is currently able to provide limited
administrative and technical assistance to RC&D Councils to help
conduct this process. The USDA created the RC&D program in the
mid-sixties to be a locally directed, self-motivated rural
development delivery system.
The purpose of this project is to create a Resource
Revitalization Team to work with communities and non-profits
through each of the RC&D councils in N.H. The Team will help the
resource assessment and action teams and serve as project
managers on specific action items. Americorps participants in
these functions will provide a degree of continuity not currently
available to the RC&D Councils. It will allow RC&D Councils help
N.H. communities revitalize their rural economies and maintain
their desired rural character while protecting and developing
their valuable natural and human resources.
Project Mission and Objectives
Mission
The mission of the N.H. Resource Revitalization Team is to
enable the RC&D Councils in N.H. to interact with and respond to
requests for assistance from communities, organize resource
assessments and help organize and implement projects by providing
technical support to project teams.
Objectives
Community service
1. To initiate contact with, establish and manage
communication networks of community and
organizational representatives in each of four
resource categories. including forest, water,
agricultural and human/community.
2. To organize and provide coordination and
organizational support to 30 project teams working
on identified resource concerns and opportunities.
Community Building
1. Develop organizational skills at the team level.
2. Develop a collaborative approach to resource issues
between communities and organizations.
3. Facilitate the sharing of resources between
communities and organizations.
Participant Development
1. Training in team approached problem assessment and
problem solving.
2. Training in organizational effectiveness.
3. Training in project organization and management.
Project Narrative
A. Needs to be addressed by this Project
This proposal is appropriate for consideration under
the AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps Program because it
addresses specifically identified community revitalization,
resource conservation and development needs. It is also an
appropriate proposal because it will place and direct assistance
at the grass roots level and on project specific activities.
RC&D Councils conduct regular needs assessments to insure
that projects which are adopted are wanted and will have area
wide benefit. All projects adopted by RC&D Councils in N.H. are
driven by one of the following needs:
To develop and promote creative approaches to use and manage land
for agriculture, forestry, water, wildlife, recreation and
community needs.
To protect the quality of natural resources thorough education,
training, technical and financial assistance.
-
To better utilize locally available resources.
-
To expand natural resources based opportunities that
contribute to economic and social vitality.
-
To improve and develop new technologies for agriculture and
forestry.
-
To achieve balanced development combining natural resource
utilization, tourism, industry and commerce.
-
To increase citizen awareness, involvement and effectiveness
as the foundation to natural, technical, financial and human
resource development.
To help communities find ways to provide needed facilities,
resource recovery and recycling opportunities.
B. Project Design
Service Activities to be Performed
The objectives of this project will be achieved by the
Resource Revitalization Team. Americorps participants of the Team
will be recruited to insure appropriate experience, education and
diversity. The Team will be composed of five participants
assigned to work with both RC&D Councils. Team participants will
include a communications coordinator, a forester, a marketing
specialist, a soil and water conservationist and an
organizational consultant. The Team will receive administrative
support from the RC&D Councils. Technical support and training
will be provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service,
U.S. Forest Service and other RC&D partner organizations.
Supervision of the Team will be provided by the RC&D Project
Coordinators.
The Team will help project teams organize and stay on track.
The specific disciplines provided by individual Team participants
will be directed to appropriated situations.
Duties of the Resource Revitalization Team include:
Communications Coordinator: Responsible for organizing the public
outreach and the resource assessment process. Once projects are
selected, the communications coordinator utilizes the resource
network to contact potential project team members and organize
the project team. Once projects are underway, the communications
coordinator will assist the project teams with external
communications, education and marketing of ideas.
Forester: This position will focus on forest product
utilization. Being 87% forested, rural areas in N.H. rely on a
strong wood-based economy. This position will work with
communities, agencies and organizations wishing to improve or
develop value-added technology and business operations.
Business Management/Marketing Specialist: Work closely with
the utilization forester and other natural resource based product
and market development partners on technology, improvements and
feasibility analyses. This position will also help communities
assist existing businesses investigate improvement and expansion
opportunities.
Soil and Water Conservationist: Responsible for analyzing
natural resource capabilities and limitations. Leads all
resource protection and conservation projects. Provides
consultation advice to other teams to insure that environmental
integrity and ecological balance are maintained.
Organizational Specialist: Responsible for providing
organizational support to individual project teams. Will provide
training and support services to insure maximum effectiveness of
the project team as a functional unit. Will conduct evaluations
and assessments on the success of each component of the process.
AmeriCorps participants will receive technical training and
support that enables them to excel in their positions. The
training will be valuable to the AmeriCorps participants in their
future employment.
Each AmeriCorps participant will be assigned as project
manager to at least six projects. As manager, they will be the
principal coordinator/liaison between the project team and
outside resources. However, the Resource Revitalization Team
will also function as a complete unit in order to provide a
project team with the full spectrum of services as warranted.
Anticipated Results of this Project include:
1.
Assistance to a Chamber of Commerce to complete a
resource inventory and develop an overall economic
development plan.
2.
Help to communities to conduct townwide Forest Land
Evaluation Site Assessments (FLESA) to identify
critical forest lands.
3.
Working with individual farmers and farming
organizations will develop the fee for hunting business
and other farm diversification enterprises.
4.
A leadership training program for municipal and non-
profit board members will be organized.
5.
Communities and watershed organizations will conduct
environmental clean-up projects, public education and
watershed management activities.
6.
Local conservation commissions will conduct wetland
inventories and functional assessments.
7.
communities will develop eco-tourism marketing
programs.
8.
Communities will initiate recycling programs.
9.
A flexible marketing network of secondary wood product
manufacturers will be organized.
Additional project activities where AmeriCorps participants
would be involved would be determined by the results of the
public outreach resource assessment and requests from individual
communities and non-profit organizations that have been endorsed
by the RC&D Council.
C. Evaluation
The success of this project will be evaluated in several
ways. The first is associated with the public outreach resource
assessment. The extent of the outreach network and the degree of
responses from the network will indicated how successful the
process has been.
The second opportunity for evaluation is at the formation of
individual project or action teams. The degree of success of the
Team to get project teams organized, functioning and on task will
be assessed using individual and group effectiveness evaluation
surveys.
In addition, the Resource Revitalization Team will be asked
to assess how effective they feel the project teams have been in
reaching their specific goals.
All residents of N.H. will receive benefit from this
project, but particularly those involved in community government
and natural resources based industry.
D. Sustainability, Innovation and Replicability
RC&D Councils are ideal organizations in which to place
AmeriCorps participants. The RC&D approach is a bottoms up,
grass roots initiative. The expertise and energy of the
AmeriCorps participants will be put to use in a myriad of ways
all aimed at community revitalization, resource conservation and
development. This project will serve as a model that can
certainly be replicated in other states.
Annual Budget
Funds
Grantee
Requested
Contributions
Total
1. Personnel
A. Stipends
$12,000 X 5
$60,000
- 0 -
$60,000
B. Benefits
$3,500 X 5
17,500
- 0 -
17,500
C. Contract Services
$ 100/month
$ 1,200
1,200
D. Training
$1,000 X 5
5,000
5,000
2. Non-Personnel
A. Office
- 0 -
6,000
6,000
B. Telephone
- 0 -
800
800
C. Utilities
- 0 -
600
600
D. Equipment
Computer
- 0 -
4,000
4,000
Desk, chairs, etc.
1,000
1,000
Photo copier
2,000
2,000
Fax
1,200
1,200
E. Office Supplies
600
600
F. Educational materials - - 0 -
1,400
1,400
G. Printing
1,200
1,200
H. Travel
Mileage 30,00 @.25/mile
7,500
7,500
Vehicles 3 @ $10,000 each
30,000
30,000
Vehicle Maintenance - - 0 - -
2,000
2,000
I. Other
Publications
200
200
$77,500
$64,700
$142,200
A Proposal
for an
AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps Project
N.H. Rural Fire Protection
Technical Team
January 24, 1995
Submitted by:
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service in New Hampshire
in cooperation with the
North Country Resource Conservation and Development Area Council
Southern N.H. Resource Conservation and Development Council
and the
N.H. Rural Fire Protection Task Force and
its cooperating agencies and organizations including:
N.H. Fire Marshalls Office N.H. Division of
Forests & Lands USDA - Natural Resources
Conservation service UNH Cooperative Extension
N.H. Association of Conservation Districts N.H.
Bureau of Fire Standards & Training N.H.
Association of Fire Chiefs N.H. Fire Prevention
Society N.H. Insurance Department New Boston Fire
Department Strafford County Conservation District
N.H. Technical College
Federal Emergency Management Agency N.H. Office of
Emergency Management
Project Summary
Rural communities in New Hampshire (N.H.) face a unique set
of obstacles and challenges in their attempts to provide
protection from loss of life and property caused by fire. The
rural character in N.H. inherently contributes to large acreage's
of poorly accessible land; narrow, winding and often, dirt roads;
increasingly intermixed wildland and suburban type development;
lack of year-round developed water withdrawal sites; volunteer
fire departments and small town budget constraints.
As rural communities in N.H. strive to provide basic
services to their residents as well as strengthen their position
in our developing state, many communities have a major concern
about the difficulty of providing adequate fire protection. The
purpose of this project is to provide educational, organizational
and technical services not normally available to rural
communities in N.H. These services will be provided through the
creation of the N.H. Rural Fire Protection Technical Team.
The N.H. Rural Fire Protection Technical Team will consist
of a coordinator/director, an information and education
coordinator, a community planner and two engineers. Fire
protection and fire prevention plans will be produced by the Team
in concert with local organizations and agencies. The project
will be administered by the North Country and Southern New
Hampshire Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area
Councils for the N.H. Rural Fire Protection Task Force. Agency
partners of the Task Force include: N.H. Fire Marshall's Office,
N.H. Division of Forests & Lands, USDA - Natural Resources
Conservation Service, UNH Cooperative Extension, N.H. Association
of Conservation Districts, N.H. Bureau of Fire Standards &
Training, N.H. Association of Fire Chiefs, N.H. Fire Prevention
Society, N.H. Insurance Department, New Boston Fire Department,
Strafford County Conservation District, N.H. Technical College,
Federal Emergency Management Agency, N.H. Office of Emergency
Management.
Project Mission and Objectives
Mission
The mission of the N.H. Rural Fire Protection Technical Team
is to help communities reduce risk and loss of life and property
due to fire through a comprehensive problem solving approach
including local education, organization and technical
improvements.
Objectives
Community Service
1.
To provide the skills and technical information to help
60 rural fire departments in N.H. develop innovative
fire protection plans for their communities.
2.
To have 60 rural fire departments in N.H. fully
understand water supply needs and management
principles.
3.
To assist 40 rural N.H. communities find innovative
ways to carry out planned improvements.
4.
To have 20 fire departments in N.H. create and
implement a comprehensive educational fire prevention
plan with their citizens.
Community Building
1. Development of organizational skills at the community
level.
2. Facilitation of a collaborative effort involving diverse
community interests.
3. Sharing resources among neighboring communities.
Participant Development
1. Training in team approached problem assessment and
problem solving.
2. Training in organizational effectiveness.
3. Training in project organization and management.
Project Narrative
A. Needs to be addressed by this project
This proposal is appropriate for consideration within
the AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps Program because it
specifically addresses needs of rural N.H. communities that could
not be addressed otherwise. Improving a community's ability to
prevent and suppress the threat of fire will have direct benefits
for community revitalization as well as protecting the natural
resources so critical to rural lifestyle and economies in our
state. Because 80% of rural businesses that are destroyed by
fire are not rebuilt, it is critical to the economic stability of
rural communities to be able to provide adequate service.
In preparation for this project, a detailed survey was
sent to all 244 fire departments in N.H. The results of the
survey established the basis for the needs assessment used in the
preparation of this project proposal as well as other activities
currently underway onto which this project, if funded, will
build.
The N.H. Rural Fire Protection Task Force is already
involved in writing and publishing a compendium of information on
issues critical to rural communities wishing to improve their
fire prevention and suppression capabilities. This compendium of
information will be initially introduced in the Spring of 1995 at
two regional seminars. In addition, a pilot cost sharing program
will be instituted this year to provide modest financial
incentives to communities wishing to undertake prevention and
protection actions. The Rural Fire Protection Technical Team
will help provide a degree of contact with communities not
currently possible. The existence of the Team will allow timely
and direct interaction with communities most interested in
improving their fire protection services.
B. Project Design
Service Activities to be Performed
The objectives of this project will be reached by a New
Hampshire Rural Fire Protection Technical Team. Team members
will be recruited locally to insure appropriate experience,
education and diversity. This Team will be comprised of a team
coordinator/director, an information and education coordinator, a
community planner and two civil engineers. The Team will receive
administrative support from the RC&D Councils in N.H. These
councils are working in partnership with the New Hampshire Rural
Fire Protection Task Force who will provide technical support,
project guidance and priorities. Supervision of the Team will be
provided by the North Country RC&D Projects Coordinator.
The duties of the team members are:
Coordinator/Director: Responsible for overall team
administration, including developing a plan of work, scheduling,
compiling comprehensive community plans, supervision of other
specialists, etc.
Information and Education Coordinator: Overall marketing of
the project through media, organizations and other appropriate
opportunities. Develop training program and tools. Assist
individual fire departments identify their fire prevention
educational needs and implement an innovative strategy to meet
them.
Community Planner: Interaction of community fire protection
planning with other aspects of local government; specifically
planning, zoning and economic development. Helps community
collect and interpret natural resources and community resource
information as related to developing fire protection strategies.
Civil Engineers (2) To insure adherence to Natural
Resources Conservation Service standards and specifications. To
evaluate and design water withdrawal facilities as a part of
comprehensive fire protection community plans. Provide technical
assistance in installing planned improvements.
Team members will receive technical training that
enables them to excel in their positions. The training will also
be valuable in their future employment.
Individual fire departments and communities will be
contacted on behalf of the Team by the New Hampshire Rural fire
Protection Task Force. Team services will be offered to help
them prepare comprehensive rural fire protection and prevention
plans. Every community has its unique features and its plan will
be carefully tailored to meet the locally identified needs. At
the same time we will encourage the development of mutual aid
strategies to enhance regional fire protection capabilities.
Anticipated Results of this Project Include:
-
60 communities will have a comprehensive fire
protection plan to improve the capability of the fire
department.
-
60 communities will have a comprehensive fire
prevention plan.
-
40 communities will have on-site technical assistance
and properly installed non-pressure hydrants, cisterns
and other water drafting facilities.
-
60 communities will have developed a plan and implement
to obtain resources for improvements.
-
60 communities will have received training and
developed strategies to identify what water is needed,
what is available and how to move it to accomplish fire
control.
Every community in New Hampshire would have the opportunity
to request this assistance. They would be required to establish
a local task force that works with the Technical Team to develop
their plans and strategies.
This approach will be successful because local decision-
makers are leading their own improvement initiatives. They are
supported by a partnership that is recognized in New Hampshire as
an authority in rural fire protection and community development.
C. Evaluation
The New Hampshire Rural Fire Protection Task Force will be
responsible for overall evaluation of this project. Since this is
reinventing how assistance is being provided to communities for
fire protection, the Task Force will constantly monitor and improve
the delivery of services and evaluate success.
The long-term evaluation will be reduction in loss of lives
and property, improved personal security and reduced costs for
fire insurance. Short-term progress will be measured against the
ten objectives outlined in this proposal.
The impact or benefit of this project will be measured by
the numbers of communities involved, the numbers of fire
prevention and protection plans developed and the number of water
drafting sites installed.
Assistance will be directed towards communities with
populations of less than 3,000 people. With 60 communities
participating, we expect a minimum of 180,000 people will benefit
from this program per year.
D. Sustainability, Innovation and Replicability
The Rural Fire Protection Technical Team will utilize grass
roots participation to identify needs and develop rural fire
protection plans for communities. This innovative approach will
be a bottoms up initiative rather than the traditional top down
method. Ownership on the part of local people will ensure
maximum effectiveness of the program because it belongs to the
community. We will also be encouraging communities and fire
departments to think regionally to work together with surrounding
fire departments to create well informed and smooth working
partnerships.
In New Hampshire there is a constant effort by the fire
fighters to improve. Training courses are sponsored by the New
Hampshire Fire Chiefs Association on a regional basis; local
mutual aid systems develop training programs and individual fire
departments have their own training plans. This Rural Fire
Protection Initiative will be incorporated into these existing
programs. All fire departments in New Hampshire will be reached
at the end of the three (3) year initiative.
This project will serve as a model that can be replicated in
other states.
Annual Budget
Funds
Grantee
Requested
Contributions
Total
1. Personnel
A. Stipends
$12,000 X 5
$60,000
- 0 -
$60,000
B. Benefits
$3,500 X 5
17,500
- 0 -
17,500
C. Contract Services
$100/month
1,200
1,200
D. Training
$1,000 X 5
5,000
5,000
2.
Non-Personnel
A. Office
- 0
-
6,000
6,000
B. Telephone
- 0
-
800
800
C. Utilities
- 0 -
600
600
D. Equipment
Computer
- 0 -
4,000
4,000
Survey equipment
- 0 -
3,000
3,000
Desk, chairs, etc.
- 0 -
1,000
1,000
Photo copier
- 0 -
2,000
2,000
Fax
- 0 -
1,200
1,200
E. Office Supplies
- 0 -
600
600
F. Educational materials
- 0 -
1,400
1,400
G. Printing
- 0 -
1,200
1,200
H. Travel
Mileage 30,00 @.25/mile
7,500
7,500
Vehicles 3 @ $10,000 each
30,000
30,000
Vehicle Maintenance
- 0
-
2,000
2,000
I. Other
Publications
200
200
$77,500
$67,700
$145,200
SUMMARY
AmeriCorps Participants will assist with the implementation of
the Idaho Home*A*Syst environmental and drinking water protection
program. Participants from diverse backgrounds will be
important, as will the ability of participants to work with
individuals from diverse background. The National Farm*A*Syst
program and the Idaho Home*A*Syst program provide an organized
process for working directly with local residents and communities
to providing education, pollution-risk assessments, and
recommendations.
Specific needs to be met include: 1) receiving educational
training and associated skills on the Home*A*Syst Program and the
specifics of the pollution-risk assessment as well as providing
educational opportunities for local citizens enabling them to
better understand their impacts on the environment and their
drinking water; 2) increased assistance to citizens within local
communities, especially low-income, elderly or disabled citizens,
and available assistance programs identified to provide financial
or technical support; 3) protection of domestic drinking water
supplies by assessing pollution-risk as they relate to activities
within and around individual home sites and correcting at risk
activities or conditions; 4) eliminating environmental hazards by
educating the public, evaluating pollution-risk, and correcting
at risk activities or conditions.
An Idaho a Home*A*Syst planning committee was formed in 1993 and
is key to the site design as well as the overall success of the
project. The committee includes representatives from the Natural
Resources Conservation Service, Idaho Association of Soil
Conservation Districts, Idaho Department of Agriculture, Idaho
Department of Water Resources, Idaho Department of Health and
Welfare-Division of Environmental Quality, Idaho Health
Districts, University of Idaho Cooperative Extension Service,
Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, Consolidated Farm-n
Services Agency and Idaho Soil Conservation Commission.
An EPA 319 grant proposal was submitted and approved for FY 1995
funding to complete a number of task, but most importantly to
hire a full-time project specialist for two years. This position
is currently being filled and will be housed at the Idaho
Association of Soil Conservation Districts Office. This will
hopefully encourage a better acceptance of the program within
local Soil Conservation Districts and communities than might
otherwise occur if the position were housed under a state or
federal agency.
Participants will be located in local Natural Resources
Conservation Service/Soil Conservation District water quality
project offices and will work with existing information &
education specialist. The participants will be supervised and
administered by project NRCS and District personnel, with overall
supervision coming directly from the Home*A*Syst Project
Refer to the Title Page Instruction on page 26. Please type or print in black ink.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
1.
APPLICATION TITLE: N.H. Resource Revitalization Team
x
Single-Site
Multi-Site
LE-AL APPLICANT: USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service
Contact Person's Name:
Dawn W. Genes, State Conservationist
Address:
Federal Building - 2 Madbury Road
City, State, Zip: Durham, NH 03824-1499
Telephone/Fax:
(603) 868-7581
FAX: (603) 868-5301
Applicant's Congressional District: 1 & 2
3. INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION
X
Federal
National Non-Profit
Professional
Multi-State
Agency
Organization
Corps Prog.
Program
Employer's ID Number:
4.
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Rick DeMark
Organization's Name: North Country Resource Conservation & Development
Address: 103 Main Street - Suite #1
City, State, Zip: Meredith, NH 03253-9266
Telephone/Fax:
(603) 279-6546
FAX: (603) 279-4787
5.
GRANT TYPE:
Planning or
X
Operating or
Educational Awards Only
ISSUE AREA
Educational
X
6.
Environment
AND NATIONAL PRIORITIES:
School Readiness
Neighborhood Environment
School Success
Natural Environment
TITLE PAGE AMERICORPS NATIONAL DIRECT APPLICATION
Human Needs
Public Safety
Independent Living
Violence Prevention
X
Community Revitalization
Crime Control
7.
AREA(S) TO BE SERVED:
Statewide
Urban
K
Rural
Other
Congressional District of primary area served:
1 & 2
Congressional Districts of secondary areas served:
8.
PARTICIPANTS: # of Full-time Participants 5
# of Full-time Participants Needing
# of Part-time Participants
Educational Awards 5
# of Participants Needing Child Care
*
# of Part-time Participants Needing
# of their Children needing
Educational Awards *
Child Care
# of Expected National Recruitment
# of Unfunded Participants
Participants
Not determined as or date of submittal
9.
BUDGET: Corporation Funds Requested YR1 77,500 YR2 77,500 YR3 77,500
Total Budget Amount YR1 142,200 YR2 142,200 YR3 142.200
10.
PROGRAM OPERATES in an area of need as identified by the Corporation?
X
Yes or
No
Which One? Human Needs - Environment
11.
PROJECT DURATION: Start Date 9/95
End Date 8/98
Number of Program Terms 3
12:
CERTIFICATION: The applicant certifies to the best of his/her knowledge and belief that the data in this
application are true and correct and that the filing of the application has been duly
authorized by the governing body of the applicant and that the applicant will comply
with the assurances required of applicants if the assistance is approved.
Date: 1/27/95
Name: Dawn W Genes
Title: State Conservationist
Telephone: (603)868-7581
Signature Damner Geneza
33
A Proposal
for an
AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps Project
N.H. Resource Revitalization Team
January 24, 1995
Submitted by:
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service in New Hampshire
in cooperation with the
North Country Resource Conservation and Development Council
and
Southern N.H. Resource Conservation and Development Council
Project Summary
Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils in New
Hampshire (N.H.) are volunteer organizations established to assist
communities and non-profit organizations address needs and create
opportunities that will improve the social, economic and
environmental fabric of rural areas. RC&Ds respond to requests for
assistance and also take assertive, pro-active actions in specific
topic areas that are directed at developing or conserving critical
natural resources. The RC&D no-turf, can do project oriented
philosophy brings a diverse mixture of agencies, organizations and
individuals together to get things done. In N.H. RC&D's partner
list is greater than sixty agencies and organizations.
At the heart of the RC&D process in N.H. are the resource
committees. These committees take responsibility for conducting a
public participation process which assesses the conditions, trends,
needs and opportunities concerning forest, water, agriculture and
human/community resources. Through this process, RC&Ds are able to
interact with hundreds of individuals to gain their insights and
comments on the validity of any proposed action. The result of
this assessment and public participation process is a plan of
action. Actions are carried out by teams of volunteers recruited
from the public and private sector that are interested in the
success of that project. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is
currently able to provide limited administrative and technical
assistance to RC&D Councils to help conduct this process. The USDA
created the RC&D program in the mid-sixties to be a locally
directed, self-motivated rural development delivery system.
The purpose of this project is to create a Resource
Revitalization Team to work with communities and non-profits
through each of the RC&D Councils in N.H. The Team will help the
RC&D Councils conduct their annual resource assessment and action
planning process, organize project teams and serve as project
managers on specific action items. AmeriCorps participants in
these functions will provide a degree of continuity not currently
available to the RC&D Councils. It will allow RC&D Councils help
N.H. communities revitalize their rural economies and maintain
their desired rural character while protecting and developing their
valuable natural and human resources.
Project Mission and Objectives
Mission
The mission of the N.H. Resource Revitalization Team is to
enable the RC&D Councils in N.H. to interact with and respond to
requests for assistance from communities, organize resource
assessments and help organize and implement projects by providing
technical support to project teams.
Objectives
Community Service
1. To initiate contact with, establish and manage
communication networks of community and organizational
representatives in each of four resource categories
including forest, water, agricultural and human/community.
2. To organize and provide coordination and organizational
support to 30 project teams working on identified resource
concerns and opportunities.
Community Building
1. Develop organizational skills at the team level.
2. Develop a collaborative approach to resource issues between
communities and organizations.
3. Facilitate the sharing of resources between communities and
organizations.
Participant Development
1. Training in team approached problem assessment and problem
solving.
2. Training in organizational effectiveness.
3. Training in project organization and management.
Project Narrative
A. Needs to be addressed by this project
This proposal is appropriate for consideration under the
AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps Program because it addresses
specifically identified community revitalization, resource
conservation and development needs. It is also an appropriate
proposal because it will place and direct assistance at the grass
roots level and on project specific activities.
RC&D Councils conduct regular needs assessments to insure that
projects which are adopted are wanted and will have area wide
benefit. All projects adopted by RC&D Councils in N.H. are driven
by one of the following needs:
- To develop and promote creative approaches to use and manage
land for agriculture, forestry, water, wildlife, recreation
and community needs.
- To protect the quality of natural resources thorough
education, training, technical and financial assistance.
- To better utilize locally available resources.
- To expand natural resources based opportunities that
contribute to economic and social vitality.
- To improve and develop new technologies for agriculture and
forestry.
- To achieve balanced development combining natural resource
utilization, tourism, industry and commerce.
- To increase citizen awareness, involvement and effectiveness
as the foundation to natural, technical, financial and human
resource development.
- To help communities find ways to provide needed facilities,
resource recovery and recycling opportunities.
B. Project Design
Service Activities to be Performed
The objectives of this project will be achieved by the
Resource Revitalization Team. AmeriCorps participants of the Team
will be recruited to insure appropriate experience, education and
diversity. The Team will be composed of five participants assigned
to work with both RC&D Councils. Team participants will include a
communications coordinator, a forester, a marketing specialist, a
soil and water conservationist and an organizational consultant.
The Team will receive administrative support from the RC&D
Councils. Technical support and training will be provided by the
Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service and
other RC&D partner organizations. Supervision of the Team will be
provided by the RC&D Project Coordinators.
The Team will help project teams organize and stay on track.
The specific disciplines provided by individual Team participants
will be directed to appropriated situations.
Duties of the Resource Revitalization Team include:
Communications Coordinator: Responsible for organizing the
public outreach and the resource assessment process. Once projects
are selected, the communications coordinator utilizes the resource
network to contact potential project team members and organize the
project team. Once projects are underway, the communications
coordinator will assist the project teams with external
communications, education and marketing of ideas.
Forester: This position will focus on forest product
utilization. Being 87% forested, rural areas in N.H. rely on a
strong wood-based economy. This position will work with
communities, agencies and organizations wishing to improve or
develop value-added technology and business operations.
Business Management/Marketing Specialist: Work closely with the
utilization forester and other natural resource based product and
market development partners on technology, improvements and
feasibility analyses. This position will also help communities
assist existing businesses investigate improvement and expansion
opportunities.
Soil and Water Conservationist: Responsible for analyzing
natural resource capabilities and limitations. Leads all resource
protection and conservation projects. Provides consultation advice
to other teams to insure that environmental integrity and
ecological balance are maintained.
Organizational Specialist: Responsible for providing
organizational support to individual project teams. Will provide
training and support services to insure maximum effectiveness of
the project team as a functional unit. Will conduct evaluations
and assessments on the success of each component of the process.
AmeriCorps participants will receive technical training and
support that enables them to excel in their positions. The
training will be valuable to the AmeriCorps participants in their
future employment.
Each AmeriCorps participant will be assigned as project
manager to at least six projects. As manager, they will be the
principal coordinator/liaison between the project team and outside
resources. However, the Resource Revitalization Team will also
function as a complete unit in order to provide a project team with
the full spectrum of services as warranted.
Anticipated Results of this Project include:
1. Assistance to a Chamber of Commerce to complete a resource
inventory and develop an overall economic development plan.
2. Help to communities to conduct townwide Forest Land
Evaluation Site Assessments (FLESA) to identify critical
forest lands.
3. Working with individual farmers and farming organizations
will develop the fee for hunting business and other farm
diversification enterprises.
4. A leadership training program for municipal and
non-profit board members will be organized.
5. Communities and watershed organizations will conduct
environmental clean-up projects, public education and
watershed management activities.
6. Local conservation commissions will conduct wetland
inventories and functional assessments.
7. Communities will develop eco-tourism marketing programs.
8. Communities will initiate recycling programs.
9. A flexible marketing network of secondary wood product
manufacturers will be organized.
Additional project activities where AmeriCorps participants
would be involved would be determined by the results of the public
outreach resource assessment and requests from individual
communities and non-profit organizations that have been endorsed by
the RC&D Council.
C. Evaluation
The success of this project will be evaluated in several ways.
The first is associated with the public outreach resource
assessment. The extent of the outreach network and the degree of
responses from the network will indicated how successful the
process has been.
The second opportunity for evaluation is at the formation of
individual project or action teams. The degree of success of the
Team to get project teams organized, functioning and on task will
be assessed using individual and group effectiveness evaluation
surveys.
In addition, the Resource Revitalization Team will be asked
to assess how effective they feel the project teams have been in
reaching their specific goals.
All residents of N.H. will receive benefit from this project,
but particularly those involved in community government and natural
resources based industry.
D. Sustainability, Innovation and Replicability
RC&D Councils are ideal organizations in which to place
AmeriCorps participants. The RC&D approach is a bottoms up, grass
roots initiative. The expertise and energy of the AmeriCorps
participants will be put to use in a myriad of ways all aimed at
community revitalization, resource conservation and development.
This project will serve as a model that can certainly be replicated
in other states.
Annual Budget
Funds
Grantee
Requested
Contributions
Total
1. Personnel
A. Stipends
$12,000 X 5
$60,000
- 0 -
$60,000
B. Benefits
$3,500 X 5
17,500
- 0 -
17,500
C. Contract Services
$100/month
$ 1,200
1,200
D. Training
$1,000 X 5
5,000
5,000
2. Non-Personnel
A. Office
- 0 -
6,000
6,000
B. Telephone
- 0 -
800
800
C. Utilities
- 0 -
600
600
D. Equipment
Computer
- 0 -
4,000
4,000
Desk, chairs, etc.
- 0 -
1,000
1,000
Photo copier
- 0 -
2,000
2,000
Fax
- 0 -
1,200
1,200
E. Office Supplies
- 0 -
600
600
F. Educational materials
- 0 -
1,400
1,400
G. Printing
- 0 -
1,200
1,200
H. Travel
Mileage 30,00 @.25/mile
7,500
7,500
Vehicles 3 @ $10,000 each
30,000
30,000
Vehicle Maintenance
0 I 1
2,000
2,000
I. Other
Publications
200
200
$77,500
$64,700
$142,200
01/27/95 11:52
603 279 4787
RC&D MEREDITH
-++ SCS DURHAM
5.
002/003
Refer to the Title Page Instruction on page 26. Please type or print in black ink.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
APPLICATION TITLE: N.H. Rural Fire Protection Team
x
SingleSite
Multi-Site
2
LEAL APPLICANT: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Contact Person's Name: Dawn W. Genes, State Conservationist
Address: Federal Building - 2 Madbury Road
City, State, Zip: Durham, NH 03824-1499
Telephone/Fax: (603) 868-7581 FAX: (603) 868-5301
Applicant's Congressional District: 1 & 2
3. INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION
x
Federal
National Non-Profit
Professional
Multi-State
Agency
Organization
Corps Prog.
Program
Employer's ID Number:
4.
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Rick DeMark
Organization's Name: North Country Resource Conservation & Development
Address: 103 Main Street - Suite #1
City, State, Zip: Meredith, NH 03253-9266
Telephone/Fax: (603) 279-6546 FAX: (603) 279-4787
5.
GRANT TYPE:
Planning or
X
Operating or
Educational Awards Only
6.
ISSUE AREA
Educational
X
Environment
AND NATIONAL PRIORITIES:
School Readiness
Neighborhood Environment
School Success
X
Natural Environment
Human Needs
X
Public Safety
TITLE PAGE AMERICORPS NATIONAL DIRECT APPLICATION
Independent Living
Violence Prevention
X
Community Revitalization
Crime Control
7.
AREA(S) TO BE SERVED: Statewide
Urban
X
Rural
Other
Congressional District of primary area served:
1 & 2
Congressional Districts of secondary areas served:
&
PARTICIPANTS: # of Full-time Participants
5
# of Full-time Participants Needing
# of Part-time Participants
Educational Awards 5
# of Participants Needing Child Care *
# of Part-tune Participants Needing
# of their Children needing
Educational Awards
*
Child Care
# of Expected National Recruitment
# of Unfunded Participants
*
Not determined as of date OI submittal
Participants
9.
BUDGET: Corporation Funds Requested YR1 77,500 YR277,500 YR3 77,500
Total Budget Amount YR1 145,200 YR2 145,200 YR3 145,200
10.
PROGRAM OPERATES in an area of need as identified by the Corporation?
R
Yes or
No
Which One? Human Needs - Environment - Public Safety
11.
PROJECT DURATION: Start Date 9/95
End Date 8/98
Number of Program Terms 3
CERTIFICATION: The applicant certifies to the best of his/her knowledge and belief that the data in this
application are true and correct and that the filing of the application has been duly
authorized by the governing body of the applicant and that the applicant will comply
with the assurances required of applicants if the assistance is approved.
Date: 1/27/95
Name: Dawn W. Genes
Title: State Conservationist
Telephone: (603)868-7581
Signature: Leas
33
A Proposal
for an
AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps Project
N.H. Rural Fire Protection
Technical Team
January 24, 1995
Submitted by:
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service in New Hampshire
in cooperation with the
North Country Resource Conservation and Development Area Council
Southern N.H. Resource Conservation and Development Council
and the
N.H. Rural Fire Protection Task Force and
its cooperating agencies and organizations including:
N.H. Fire Marshal's Office
N.H. Division of Forests & Lands
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service
UNH Cooperative Extension
N.H. Association of Conservation Districts
N.H. Bureau of Fire Standards & Training
N.H. Association of Fire Chiefs
N.H. Fire Prevention Society
N.H. Insurance Department
New Boston Fire Department
Strafford County Conservation District
N.H. Technical College
Federal Emergency Management Agency
N.H. Office of Emergency Management
Project Summary
Rural communities in New Hampshire (N.H.) face a unique set of
obstacles and challenges in their attempts to provide protection
from loss of life and property caused by fire. The rural character
in N.H. inherently contributes to large acreages of poorly
accessible land; narrow, winding and often, dirt roads;
increasingly intermixed wildland and suburban type development;
lack of year-round developed water withdrawal sites; volunteer fire
departments and small town budget constraints.
As rural communities in N.H. strive to provide basic services
to their residents as well as strengthen their position in our
developing state, many communities have a major concern about the
difficulty of providing adequate fire protection. The purpose of
this project is to provide educational, organizational and
technical services not normally available to rural communities in
N.H. These services will be provided through the creation of the
N.H. Rural Fire Protection Technical Team.
The N.H. Rural Fire Protection Technical Team will consist of
a coordinator/director, an information and education coordinator, a
community planner and two engineers. Fire protection and fire
prevention plans will be produced by the Team in concert with local
organizations and agencies. The project will be administered by
the North Country and Southern New Hampshire Resource Conservation
and Development (RC&D) Area Councils for the N.H. Rural Fire
Protection Task Force. Agency partners of the Task Force include:
N.H. Fire Marshall's Office, N.H. Division of Forests & Lands,
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service, UNH Cooperative
Extension, N.H. Association of Conservation Districts,
N.H. Bureau of Fire Standards & Training, N.H. Association of Fire
Chiefs, N.H. Fire Prevention Society, N.H. Insurance Department,
New Boston Fire Department, Strafford County Conservation District,
N.H. Technical College, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
N.H. Office of Emergency Management.
Project Mission and Objectives
Mission
The mission of the N.H. Rural Fire Protection Technical Team
is to help communities reduce risk and loss of life and property
due to fire through a comprehensive problem solving approach
including local education, organization and technical improvements.
Objectives
Community Service
1. To provide the skills and technical information to help 60
rural fire departments in N.H. develop innovative fire
protection plans for their communities.
2. To have 60 rural fire departments in N.H. fully understand
water supply needs and management principles.
3. To assist 40 rural N.H. communities find innovative ways to
carry out planned improvements.
4. To have 20 fire departments in N.H. create and implement a
comprehensive educational fire prevention plan with their
citizens.
Community Building
1. Development of organizational skills at the community
level.
2. Facilitation of a collaborative effort involving diverse
community interests.
3. Sharing resources among neighboring communities.
Participant Development
1. Training in team approached problem assessment and problem
solving.
2. Training in organizational effectiveness.
3. Training in project organization and management.
Project Narrative
A. Needs to be addressed by this project
This proposal is appropriate for consideration within the
AmeriCorps Rural Development Corps Program because it specifically
addresses needs of rural N.H. communities that could not be
addressed otherwise. Improving a community's ability to prevent
and suppress the threat of fire will have direct benefits for
community revitalization as well as protecting the natural
resources SO critical to rural lifestyle and economies in our
state. Because 80% of rural businesses that are destroyed by fire
are not rebuilt, it is critical to the economic stability of rural
communities to be able to provide adequate service.
In preparation for this project, a detailed survey was sent to
all 244 fire departments in N.H. The results of the survey
established the basis for the needs assessment used in the
preparation of this project proposal as well as other activities
currently underway onto which this project, if funded, will build.
The N.H. Rural Fire Protection Task Force is already involved
in writing and publishing a compendium of information on issues
critical to rural communities wishing to improve their fire
prevention and suppression capabilities. This compendium of
information will be initially introduced in the Spring of 1995 at
two regional seminars. In addition, a pilot cost sharing program
will be instituted this year to provide modest financial incentives
to communities wishing to undertake prevention and protection
actions. The Rural Fire Protection Technical Team will help
provide a degree of contact with communities not currently
possible. The existence of the Team will allow timely and direct
interaction with communities most interested in improving their
fire protection services.
B. Project Design
Service Activities to be Performed
The objectives of this project will be reached by a New
Hampshire Rural Fire Protection Technical Team. Team members
will be recruited locally to insure appropriate experience,
education and diversity. This Team will be comprised of a team
coordinator/director, an information and education coordinator, a
community planner and two civil engineers. The Team will receive
administrative support from the RC&D Councils in N.H. These
Councils are working in partnership with the New Hampshire Rural
Fire Protection Task Force who will provide technical support,
project guidance and priorities. Supervision of the Team will be
provided by the North Country RC&D Projects Coordinator.
The duties of the team members are:
Coordinator/Director: Responsible for overall team
administration, including developing a plan of work, scheduling,
compiling comprehensive community plans, supervision of other
specialists, etc.
Information and Education Coordinator: Overall marketing of the
project through media, organizations and other appropriate
opportunities. Develop training program and tools. Assist
individual fire departments identify their fire prevention
educational needs and implement an innovative strategy to meet
them.
Community Planner: Interaction of community fire protection
planning with other aspects of local government; specifically
planning, zoning and economic development. Helps community collect
and interpret natural resources and community resource information
as related to developing fire protection strategies.
Civil Engineers (2): To insure adherence to Natural Resources
Conservation Service standards and specifications. To evaluate and
design water withdrawal facilities as a part of comprehensive fire
protection community plans. Provide technical assistance in
installing planned improvements.
Team members will receive technical training that enables them
to excel in their positions. The training will also be valuable in
their future employment.
Individual fire departments and communities will be contacted
on behalf of the Team by the New Hampshire Rural fire Protection
Task Force. Team services will be offered to help them prepare
comprehensive rural fire protection and prevention plans. Every
community has its unique features and its plan will be carefully
tailored to meet the locally identified needs. At the same time we
will encourage the development of mutual aid strategies to enhance
regional fire protection capabilities.
Anticipated Results of this Project Include:
- 60 communities will have a comprehensive fire protection
plan to improve the capability of the fire department.
- 60 communities will have a comprehensive fire prevention
plan.
- 40 communities will have on-site technical assistance and
properly installed non-pressure hydrants, cisterns and other
water drafting facilities.
- 60 communities will have developed a plan and implement to
obtain resources for improvements.
- 60 communities will have received training and developed
strategies to identify what water is needed, what is
available and how to move it to accomplish fire control.
Every community in New Hampshire would have the opportunity to
request this assistance. They would be required to establish a
local task force that works with the Technical Team to develop
their plans and strategies.
This approach will be successful because local decision-makers
are leading their own improvement initiatives. They are supported
by a partnership that is recognized in New Hampshire as an
authority in rural fire protection and community development.
C. Evaluation
The New Hampshire Rural Fire Protection Task Force will be
responsible for overall evaluation of this project. Since this is
reinventing how assistance is being provided to communities for
fire protection, the Task Force will constantly monitor and improve
the delivery of services and evaluate success.
The long-term evaluation will be reduction in loss of lives
and property, improved personal security and reduced costs for fire
insurance. Short-term progress will be measured against the ten
objectives outlined in this proposal.
The impact or benefit of this project will be measured by the
numbers of communities involved, the numbers of fire prevention and
protection plans developed and the number of water drafting sites
installed.
Assistance will be directed towards communities with
populations of less than 3,000 people. With 60 communities
participating, we expect a minimum of 180,000 people will benefit
from this program per year.
D. Sustainability, Innovation and Replicability
The Rural Fire Protection Technical Team will utilize grass
roots participation to identify needs and develop rural fire
protection plans for communities. This innovative approach will be
a bottoms up initiative rather than the traditional top down
method. Ownership on the part of local people will ensure maximum
effectiveness of the program because it belongs to the community.
We will also be encouraging communities and fire departments to
think regionally to work together with surrounding fire departments
to create well informed and smooth working partnerships.
In New Hampshire there is a constant effort by the fire
fighters to improve. Training courses are sponsored by the New
Hampshire Fire Chiefs Association on a regional basis; local mutual
aid systems develop training programs and individual fire
departments have their own training plans. This Rural Fire
Protection Initiative will be incorporated into these existing
programs. All fire departments in New Hampshire will be reached at
the end of the three (3) year initiative.
This project will serve as a model that can be replicated in
other states.
Annual Budget
Funds
Grantee
Requested
Contributions
Total
1. Personnel
A. Stipends
$12,000 X 5
$60,000
- 0 -
$60,000
B. Benefits
$3,500 X 5
17,500
- 0 -
17,500
C. Contract Services
$100/month
$ 1,200
1,200
D. Training
$1,000 X 5
5,000
5,000
2. Non-Personnel
A. Office
- 0 -
6,000
6,000
B. Telephone
- 0 -
800
800
C. Utilities
- 0 -
600
600
D. Equipment
Computer
- 0 -
4,000
4,000
Survey equipment
- 0 -
3,000
3,000
Desk, chairs, etc.
- 0 -
1,000
1,000
Photo copier
- 0 -
2,000
2,000
Fax
- 0 -
1,200
1,200
E. Office Supplies
- 0 -
600
600
F. Educational materials
- 0 -
1,400
1,400
G. Printing
- 0 -
1,200
1,200
H. Travel
Mileage 30,00 @.25/mile
7,500
7,500
Vehicles 3@ $10,000 each
30,000
30,000
Vehicle Maintenance
- 0 -
2,000
2,000
I. Other
Publications
200
200
$77,500
$67,700
$145,200
04/04/95
08:47
603 279 4787
RC&D MEREDITH
+++ COMM-ASSISTANCE
003
USDA AMERICORPS PROJECT
New Hampshire Resource Revitalization Team
Natural Resources Conservation Service, NH
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective Components
What work will be done?
Participants will provide technical assistance,
administrative support and coordination services to RC&D
resource committees, cooperating agencies and organizations
and project teams for the identification, implementation and
completion of resource conservation and development actions
such as assisting economic development organizations develop
long range strategies for developing the wood products
industry; helping communities initiate forestland resource
evaluations; develop a "fee for hunting" industry in the
state; help watershed regions conduct environmental
protection/restoration projects; work with the regional
tourism districts in New Hampshire to develop agro/forestry
tourism; develop a flexible marketing network for the
state's secondary wood product manufacturers.
What is the desired result?
Increased awareness, reliance and support for natural
resource based industries; increased markets and jobs;
enhanced rural economies; increased coordination among
resource agencies and organizations; timely completion of
statewide/regionwide resource conservation and development
projects.
How will quality and impact of services be measured?
Numbers of individuals and organizations participating
in a statewide resource revitalization assessment process;
numbers of cooperative projects initiated; numbers and
categories of projects initiated. Direct/indirect benefits
of initiated project; performance evaluations of and by
committees and project teams on their effectiveness as an
organization.
What standards will gauge success?
200 agencies and organizations participating in
assessment process. 30 projects initiated with at least 5
projects in each resource category (agriculture, forestry
water, human/community). Businesses/jobs retained/created.
Level of organization effectiveness.
How many individuals will benefit from the work performed?
200 agencies and organizations participating in the
assessment process. All state residents and businesses that
can benefit from the 30 projects initiated.
04/04/95
08:46
603 279 4787
RC&D MEREDITH
+++ COMM-ASSISTANCE
002
USDA AMERICORPS PROJECT
New Hampshire Rural Fire Protection Team
Natural Resources Conservation Service, NH
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective Components
What work will be done?
Provide technical and financial resources to local fire
departments and community leaders for improved fire
prevention and suppression through direct assistance in
planning, implementation and education.
What is the desired result?
Increased intra and inter community capacity to reduce
fire losses. Lowered community risk assessments.
How will quality and impact of services be measured?
Pre and post service evaluations of fire protection
capabilities. Demand for team services.
What standards will gauge success?
60 rural fire departments will have created innovative
fire prevention and protection plans. 40 communities will
find new ways to carry out improvements. 20 communities
will create and carry out comprehensive educational program.
How many individuals will benefit from the work performed?
60 rural fire departments and the residents of those 60
N.H. communities.
OBJ3,DOC
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: New Hampshire
Revitalization Team (5 Members -- RDT)
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Revitalize New Hampshire economic conditions through
the use of natural resource industries.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Will provide technical assistance, administrative support and coordination services to RC&D resource
committees, cooperating agencies and organizations and project teams for the identification,
implementation and completion of resource conservation and development actions such as assisting
economic development organizations develop long range strategies for developing the wood products
industry; helping communities initiate forestland resource evaluations; develop a "fee for hunting"
industry in the state; help watershed regions conduct environmental protection/restoration projects;
work with the regional tourism districts in New Hampshire to develop agro/forestry tourism; develop
a flexible marketing network for the state's secondary wood product manufacturers.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Increased awareness, reliance & support for natural resource based industries; increased markets &
jobs; enhanced rural economies; increased coordination among resource agencies and organizations;
timely completion of statewide/regionwide resource conservation and development projects.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Numbers of individuals & organizations participating in a statewide resource revitalization
assessment process; numbers of cooperative projects initiated, numbers & categories of projects
initiated. Direct/indirect benefits of initiated project; performance evaluations of and by
committees and project teams on their effectiveness as an organization.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
200 agencies and organizations participating in assessment process. 30 projects initiated with at
least 5 projects in each resource category (agriculture, forestry water, human/community).
Businesses/jobs retained/created. Level of organization effectiveness.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
200 agencies and organizations participating in the assessment process. All state residents and
businesses that can benefit from the 30 projects initiated.
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 2
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: New Hampshire
Dry Fire Hydrant Team (5 Members - RDT)
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Revitalize New Hampshire economic conditions through
the use of natural resource industries.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Provide technical & financial resources to local fire departments and community leaders for improved
fire prevention & suppression through direct assistance in planning, implementation and education.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Increased intra and inter community capacity to reduce fire losses. Lowered community risk
assessments.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Pre and post service evaluations of fire protection capabilities. Demand for team services.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
60 rural fire departments will have created innovative fire prevention and protection, plans. 40
communities will find new ways to carry out improvements. 20 communities will create and carry out
comprehensive educational program.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
60 rural fire departments and the residents of those 60 N.H. communities.
NewYoRK,DOL
New York
SUMMARY PAGE
The Urban Resources Partnership is a new federal initiative
designed to make government more effective and responsive to
the environmental needs of urban communities. The
Partnership combines the resources of six key federal
natural resource agencies: USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service, the Forest Service, and Extension
Service; USDOI Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park
Service; and the Environmental Protection Agency. These six
agencies are working collaboratively with local and state
government agencies, private, non-profit and community
organizations, and local citizens to develop programs and
plans to protect, enhance, and rehabilitate critical urban
environments.
The projects in this proposal respond to the need for
improvement in the quality of, and access to, open spaces
and natural areas in New York City, particularly for lower-
income communities of color. Historical development
patterns in New York, and the recent and ongoing reductions
in the budgets for park restoration and maintenance have
resulted in the steady deterioration of New York's already
overburdened Park system. Although New York has several
large wilderness-type ecosystems that could provide some
relief, these areas have been subject to pollution from
inappropriate uses, overdevelopment, and nonpoint source
pollution, as well as from certain specific environmental
catastrophes (e.g., an oil pipeline spill). Projects have
been designed to work with local community groups to reclaim
and restore public lands and natural habitats, and to work
within underserved communities to enhance the local
environment.
We are requesting ten NRCS Environmental Team numbers and
two Rural Development team members in order to create one
team dedicated to conducting environmental restoration and
management projects, in two geographic areas of the City.
The team will stay together for the year of service, and as
a group, will rotate through a series of up to ten projects,
ranging from a few days up to three months per project.
This model serves to maximize the Corps members' exposure to
a variety of high impact restoration projects, while
ensuring broad based impact throughout the area of service.
We have defined the area of service to include two diverse
and sensitive ecosystems: Jamaica Bay and Staten Island.
In order to accomplish the goals of this program, we have
developed a collaboration of entities that represent varied
area of expertise that support the leadership role of NRCS:
the Urban Resources Partnership (URP), Gateway National
Recreation Area (National Parks Service), and many
Community-based organizations. NRCS will be responsible for
managing the AmeriCorps program. The direct supervision of
the Rural Development Corps members, and the overall
supervision of the Environmental Corps members' activities.
URP will play an active role in soliciting and selecting
appropriate projects, will be actively involved as technical
consultants to the projects, and will provide environmental
training and education for participating Corps members.
Gateway, a local Federal partner in the Urban Resources
Partnership, will play a key role in developing and
overseeing projects at their locations, and will help to
provide the necessary context for the community based
projects by serving as a destination for field trips for
community residents organized by the Corps members.
Community-based organizations will be actively involved in
developing. overseeing, and evaluating the impact of their
sponsored projects and will help to involve community
residents in the Corps members' work. The Urban Resources
Partnership will contract with a local youth serving
organization to assist in the recruitment and training of
Corps members, and to assist in the logistical coordination
of the project rotations.
3. MISSION AND OBJECTIVES
A) Mission Statement:
TO FOSTER COMMUNITY BASED AND ECOSYSTEM APPROACHES TO
ENHANCE THE NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENT THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP
BETWEEN FEDERAL NATURAL RESOURCE AGENCIES, AMERICORPS
MEMBERS, AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS.
B) Objectives:
(1) To revitalize 8-10 community neighborhoods by enhancing
the quality of, and improving access to open space and
natural resources through projects such as vacant lot
improvement, tree planting and care, and greenway and
bicycle trail development and improvement.
(2) To protect 30 Miles of natural shoreline ecosystem
habitats surrounding significant coastal wetlands.
(3) To enhance the capacity of AmeriCorps members working in
collaboration with community-based organizations to
understand, effect change, and evaluate the impact of their
actions on the environment in two New York City ecosystems.
4
4. NARRATIVE
A) NEEDS TO BE MET AND APPROPRIATENESS FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
Needs:
Natural vegetation and open spaces in urban areas have
several well documented benefits: they reduce human stress
levels; enhance the attractiveness of urban environments;
improve air and water quality and moderate urban climate;
and provide opportunities for urban residents to experience
nature in the City. Well maintained urban open spaces have
been shown to be correlated with reduced crime levels,
increased property values and community stability. and an
increase in the overall quality of life of residents.
Nevertheless, two independent factors have combined to limit
the potential beneficial impact of urban open spaces to
residents of our nation's largest City -- New York (NYC).
First, it has been documented that, due largely to
historical patterns, NYC residents with the lowest per
capita incomes (a group which is disproportionately
comprised of people of color) are more likely to live in
community districts with the lowest amount of parkland per
capita. These residents have the greatest need for urban
open space, since they often lack the resources to visit
natural areas outside their neighborhoods and City. Second,
the ongoing fiscal crisis in NYC has resulted in continuing
reductions in the budget for park restoration and
maintenance. Since lower income communities tend to have
the lowest amount of parkland per capita, the facilities
they do have tend to be among the most highly utilized and
over-utilized in the City. Such facilities suffer the most
from reductions in the budgets for maintenance, security,
and recreational programs, which have made these places
unattractive, inaccessible, and unsafe.
Yet by virtue of its geography, New York has several large
wilderness-type ecosystems that could provide relief to the
communities most in need of access to open space, some of
which are directly adjacent to the natural areas. For
example, the Gateway National Recreation Area, located in
three of NYC's five boroughs, "ranks among the National Park
Service's most popular recreation spots" NY Times, 1992).
Gateway includes the 16,000 acre Jamaica Bay, which is one
of the most urbanized waterways in the world, but which also
is home to a wildlife refuge, wetlands, and a great
diversity of plant and animal life. Substantial portions of
Gateway and Jamaica Bay also border on some of the
communities most in need of increased urban open space.
However, most visitors exclusively visit Jacob Riis Beach in
the summer, without ever visiting these other natural areas.
The Urban Resources Partnership (URP) is a coalition of six
Federal Agencies. USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS), Forest Service, and Extension Service; USDOI
Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service; and the
Environmental Protection Agency. URP was designed to
mobilize Federal resources to respond to the unmet
environmental needs of local communities. URP strives to
work in partnership with Federal, State, and local
government agencies, non-profit and community-based
organizations, and local citizens to develop sustainable
programs to protect, enhance and rehabilitate critical urban
environments and distressed communities. In response to the
open space and natural resource needs in NYC, URP/NYC
proposes to design and implement a unique community-based
program to engage young adults, supported by NRCS and
AmeriCorps, in hands-on urban environmental restoration
efforts in two of New York's most significant, yet
endangered ecosystems: Jamaica Bay, and the Staten Island
shore and salt marshes.
Our proposed program provides a unique model for
capitalizing on the potential synergy's from several Federal
programs working together with local partners. The national
service team would collaborate with local community-based
organizations, City agencies, and the Federal partners of
URP on projects that would conserve and restore public lands
and natural resources/habitats, revitalize neighborhoods by
creating and maintaining recreation areas, green spaces, and
community gardens, and reduce environmental risks through
education and cleanup. Critical to the program's design and
execution is URP's ecosystem approach, under which the
wilderness area and surrounding communities will be viewed
holistically. While many other environmental programs
generally focus on a single area/issue (e.g., street trees,
wetlands, greenways, vacant lots, etc.) the URP national
service project aims to consolidate efforts to attack
multiple interrelated problems within one ecosystem area.
For example, Jamaica Bay is plagued by nonpoint source
pollution (NPSP), particularly urban runoff from human
activity. The URP AmeriCorps team will engage in
restoration efforts along Jamaica Bay, but will also be
well-positioned to educate local community residents of the
impact of NPSP on Jamaica Bay, and to help them design
programs in their communities to mitigate this problem.
The proposed program would take place both within several
historically underserved communities and a larger natural
habitat within close proximity. In this way, the AmeriCorps
team may: (1) gain appreciation of the natural environment
through active environmental restoration efforts and
management activities; (2) gain an understanding, by
utilizing an ecosystem approach, of the interrelationship
between human activity in their neighborhoods and its impact
on the environment at large; and (3) become involved in
community revitalization efforts and education projects with
peers and local resident to promote active environmental
stewardship and "sustainable communities'.
For these reasons, we believe the program is particularly
well-suited to the AmeriCorps national service concept. In
addition, by utilizing young adults supported by AmeriCorps,
the program will enable us to reach a diverse group of NYC
youth, including those having the greatest socioeconomic
needs: poverty. unemployment, inadequate education, crime,
and drug abuse. The youth unemployment rate in NYC stands
at 36.4%, nearly twice the national average (19.9%).
According to the Census, of dropouts aged 16-19. only 28%
have jobs while only 17% more are looking for work but are
still unemployed. Young people confronted with employment
barriers and violence experience a sense. or powerlessness,
have low self-esteem, and often lack contact with adults who
can guide them during this critical phase of their
development. National service in general can marshal the
resources and talents that benefit the young, the old, and
society at large, as well as provide an opportunity for
youth from different socioeconomic and educational
backgrounds to interact. The URP program in particular will
provide all participants with the opportunity to engage in
environmental education. gain practical work experience, and
introduce them in possible environmental careers that will
begin the longer term process of achieving environmental
justice in their communities.
Process:
Since its inception one year ago, the Urban Resources
Partnership has been working to identify critical
environmental needs throughout the City. URP's strategy has
been and will continue to be to consult with local
government officials, non-profit and community-based
organizations, and local residents to learn about current
activities and to determine the niche to be filled by this
collaboration of federal government natural resource
agencies. At a series of meetings with local government
officials held in Spring 1994, Jamaica Bay was named by many
as one of the most significant local natural resources for
URP to focus on. Similarly, the fragile ecosystem of Staten
Island has been the focus of much of the restoration work by
the Natural Resources Group of the New York City Parks
Dept., which has requested assistance from the Partnership.
Concern for these two ecosystems is further supported by the
Water Quality Coordinating Committee of the New York City
Soil and Water Conservation District. The Committee has
designated nonpoint source pollution of New York City's
wetlands and water bodies as priority issues, and has
requested program support from URP. In addition, the need
for jobs and job training for young people has been
expressed as a priority by residents at community
roundtables conducted recently by Cornell Cooperative
Extension-NYC in both Far Rockaway (which borders on the
Jamaica Bay), and Staten Island.
NYC has a formal annual process, called the "Community
District Needs" statements, by which community concerns and
program priorities are presented by each of the City's 59
community districts to the City administration. We have
reviewed these reports and learned that each year, many
community districts express dissatisfaction about the lack
of open space and recreational opportunities, and the
condition of neighborhood parks and street trees. In
addition, low income communities site the overabundance of
vacant lots as a priority problem to be addressed. In a
recent report, one Brooklyn community district bordering on
Jamaica Bay wrote: "the water pollution of Jamaica Bay must
be given close attention" in that it is a local recreational
and natural resource." Similarly, Staten Island community
districts repeatedly express concern over the petrochemical
pollution of their water and shoreline. They also place a
high priority on the development of access to the waterfront
for pedestrians and bicyclists, and the completion of a
planned greenway.
All of these sources have helped us to define the macro
level needs to be addressed by this program. Our local
Federal partners, Gateway National Recreation Area, has
assisted in identifying more localized needs by suggesting
community-based organizations (CBOs) as sponsors of projects
that reflect their respective community's concerns. Since
these organizations generally evolve from the communities in
which they are based and therefore reflect local residents'
concerns and needs, each CBO has its own particular process
of assessing need. We have begun to tap into this vast
resource of CBOs in order to develop the specific service
activities for this application. If we are designated as an
AmeriCorps program, we will continue to work with Gateway's
community outreach office, as well as the Water Quality
Coordinating Committee (WQCC) and the Citizens Committee of
New York City to identify additional local groups in the
target communities to further refine our scope of work and
project definitions. The WQCC will help to identify
appropriate nonpoint source pollution prevention projects
and project sponsors. In addition, the Citizens Committee
has a data base of over 20,000 grass roots organizations
city wide, and has offered to assist us in outreach to
targeted communities in these ecosystems.
B) DESIGN
Concept:
For the delivery of this AmeriCorps program, the NRCS NYC
Urban Programs Manager (and URP/NYC Steering Committee
member), Jack Bricker, will be responsible for the overall
management of the program and supervision of the Corps
members activities. He will be supported by the members of
the Urban Resources Partnership, as well as a contracted
local partner who will provide additional support.
We are requesting ten NRCS Environmental Team members and
two Rural Development Corps members (one to service as a
team leader, and one to serve as a project planner) in order
to create one team dedicated to conducting environmental
restoration and management projects in two geographic areas
of the City. The team will stay together for the year of
service, and as a group, will rotate through a series of up
to ten projects, ranging from a few days up to three months
per project. This model serves to maximize the Corps
members' exposure to a variety of high impact restoration
projects, while ensuring broad based impact throughout the
area of service.
We have defined the area of service as two diverse and
sensitive ecosystems: Jamaica Bay and Staten Island. By
defining the area of service as an ecosystem, rather than
restricting their activities to one community, Corps members
will gain an appreciation for the interrelationship between
human activity in their communities and its impact on
proximate natural areas. For example, for the Jamaica Bay
Ecosystem, Corps members will work on projects both at the
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, and in the half dozen
communities that ring the Bay.
In order to accomplish the goals of this program, we have
developed a collaboration of entities that represent varied
areas of expertise that will support the leadership role of
NRCS: the Urban Resources Partnership (URP), Gateway
National Recreation Area (National Park Service), and many
community-based organizations.
NRCS will be responsible for managing the AmeriCorps program
and supervising Corps members' activities. This includes
supervising the two Rural Development Corps members,
establishing project rotations, conducting weekly site
visits, and participating in in-service training programs.
URP will play an active role in soliciting and selecting
appropriate field projects within the two targeted
ecosystems. During the implementation phase, staff from the
six federal agencies that comprise the Urban Resources
Partnership will be actively involved as technical
consultants to the projects and will provide environmental
training and education for participating Corps members.
Gateway is comprised of numerous sites in and around the
Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn and Queens, and along the eastern
shore of Staten Island. As a local Federal partner in the
Urban Resources Partnership, Gateway will play a key role in
developing and overseeing projects at their locations, and
will help to provide the necessary context for the community
based projects by serving as a destination for field trips
for community residents organized by the Corps members.
Gateway will also be the site for the initial team training
and subsequent team-building exercises.
Community-based organizations will help to assess community
needs, be actively involved in developing, overseeing, and
evaluating the impact of their sponsored projects, and will
help to involve community residents in the Corps members'
work.
In addition to the above partners, URP will contract with a
local youth-serving organization to assist the NRCS project
manager with Corps member recruitment/applicant screening,
team-building/in-service training, and project planning. In
addition, they will assist in the recruitment, training and
daily supervision of the two Rural Development Corps
members.
Service Activities
Corps members will perform service full-time, four days each
week, and on the fifth day will participate in in-service
training. During nine months out of the year, Corps members
will work outdoors on high impact restoration projects.
During the winter months, members will conduct environmental
education sessions at schools located in the target
communities within the two ecosystems. URP program criteria
will be used to select appropriate service projects, which
include the following: 1) projects must meet a locally
stated priority and have a long term impact on the
community's quality of life and natural environment; 2)
projects taken together must represent geographic, ethno-
cultural, and natural resource diversity; and 3) projects
must build local capacity and engender community commitment
to insuring sustainability beyond the term of the specific
URP sponsored projects.
What follows is a partial listing of the kinds of
environmental restoration projects and sponsoring
organizations that will host the AmeriCorps members. These
projects are representative of the types of service activities
the Corps members will be involved in over the course of the
year.
Jamaica Bay
Service activities will take place both at the Gateway
National Recreation Area sites in Brooklyn and Queens, and
in the communities in the watershed. The following
organizations have agreed to host the AmeriCorps team and to
oversee the restoration projects described.
Gateway National Recreation Area at Jamaica Bay is comprised
of 1,454 acres, including 800 acres of natural areas made up
of grasslands, fishing areas, public campgrounds, and
community gardens. The park sites include many locations in
both Brooklyn and Queens, including Floyd Bennett Field,
Plumb Beach, Shore Parkway/Canarsic Pier. Jamaica Bay
Wildlife Refuge, Fort Tilden/Breezy Point, and the most
popular destination in the summer, Jacob Riis (beach) Park.
While these areas are incredibly diverse and present a
multitude of natural habitats and recreational
opportunities, fiscal and staffing constraints have resulted
in the need for extensive management and restoration work
throughout the park. AmeriCorps members will work under the
supervision of park supervisors on trail maintenance
projects such as cutting back overgrown brush, and placing
woodchips and sign posts along the trails. Corps members
will also blaze new trails. in some cases to steer visitors
away from some sensitive ecological areas, and in others, to
provide access to wildlife viewing areas. Corps members
will also work to remove the blighted black pines and engage
in revegetation programs utilizing native trees and shrubs.
Participation in the annual beach cleanups will help members
to understand the connection between nonpoint source
pollution from the communities and its impact on beaches.
New Perspectives Development Corp. is a nonprofit local
development corporation that works with community youth
centers and senior centers on neighborhood enhancement
projects. Corps members will work on a variety of projects
designed to engender a stronger sense of community
stewardship through local park and trail maintenance
projects and beach cleanups. They will also work on some
inter-generational projects including grounds enhancement
projects at senior centers. Corps members will assist in
community-wide vacant lot reclamation projects by planting
shrubs, trees and vegetables. and assisting in the
development of community gardens.
NYC Audubon Society (NYCAS), an independently incorporated
chapter of the National Audubon Society, plays a critical
role in protecting habitats and promoting awareness of
wildlife in NYC. AmeriCorps members will supplement the
ongoing efforts of the NYCAS' primarily volunteer-run
Jamaica Bay Coastal Habitat Restoration Project, which seeks
to reverse the negative impact past industrial and
residential uses have had on the Bay's ecosystem. Corps
members will be assigned to work at two public wildlife
sanctuaries managed by NYCAS: Dubos Point Wetlands
Sanctuary, and Bayswater Point State Park. Corps members
will participate in restoration work, which includes debris
removal, selected enhancement of natural restoration
process, and monitoring through scientific study. In
addition, they will learn and utilize natural resource
inventory techniques in order to assist researchers in
collecting scientific data. Corps members will also play a
key role in conducting outreach efforts to local communities
and school children to promote public awareness of the
restoration project and access to the sites.
Metro Greenways Council (MGC) developed the original plan
for a 350 mile citywide greenway, most of which has yet to
be implemented. In addition to advocating for the
completion of the Metropolitan Greenway System, Council
members monitor greenway conditions, and promote greenway
activities through leading walks and rides. Under the
guidance of MGC, Corps members will work on improving the
condition of existing segments of the Rockaway/Gateway
Greenway, and will develop and build interim segments,
including links to the adjacent communities, Service
activities include marking existing trails, clearing brush
and trash, laying woodchips or crushed stone to inhibit re-
growth of tall grass. The completion of this project will
permit residents in the communities surrounding Jamaica Bay
easier access to the Gateway sites (Jamaica Bay Wildlife
Refuge, Floyd Bennett Field, Riis Park. and Fort Tilden).
Staten Island
Service activities will take place both at the Gateway
National Recreation Area sites along the Atlantic shore of
the island, in the salt marshes on the northern shore, in
the communities surrounding these sites, and in the
communities through which the greenways pass. The following
organizations have agreed to host the AmeriCorps team and to
oversee the restoration projects described.
Gateway National Recreation Area in Staten Island is
comprised of 1,104 acres of land and water including Miller
Field, Great Kills Park, Hoffman Island, Swinburne Island,
and Historic Fort Wadsworth, which was recently added to the
Gateway portfolio in 1994 after the base was closed by the
federal government. Corps members will focus their work at
Fort Wadsworth, where they will be involved in a variety of
service activities designed to restore the historic quality
of the facility, and to develop the site into a local
cultural and environmental resource. Service activities
include developing a trail network, and planting trees and
shrubs to attract the public to the site.
Neighborhood Open Space Coalition (NOSC) is a non-profit
working partnership of member organizations dedicated to
community participation in preserving and enhancing New York
City's open spaces. NOSC is the lead organization promoting
the development of the North Shore Railroad Corridor
project, which will transform an abandoned railroad right-
of-way into a greenway with foot trails and bicycle paths.
Corps members will work to develop an interim trail corridor
within the main right-of-way, and will develop new trails
connecting segments of the rail corridor. Service
activities will include clearing brush and trimming back
overgrowth on the trail. as well as planting trees and
shrubs along side the trail where necessary. Corps members
will be trained to lead walks through this natural area,
introducing residents and visitors to this unique adaptive
use of an abandoned railroad right-of-way.
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (PPOW) is a community-based
environmental organization working to preserve the remaining
natural areas of Staten Island through a variety of
conservation activities. Corps members will work to develop
the planned Staten Island Greenbelt through trail
restoration and maintenance projects. Service activities
will include clearing brush, and trimming back overgrowth on
the trails. Corps members will also assist to place signs
to clearly mark the trail. Maintenance and restoration work
will be included along this overutilized hiking trail area.
Salt Marsh Restoration Group (SMRG) was formed after a 1990
spill from in oil refinery pipeline destroyed 12 acres of
marsh and damaged the ecosystem of the 10 other acres Of
marsh on the west shore of Staten Island. SMRG works to
restore and prevent future damage through labor-intensive
clean-up and planting, research and evaluation of salt marsh
ecosystems, and advocacy. Corps members will assist in
SMRG's Old Place Creek Marsh Site project, where SMRG is
developing data baselines and monitoring the growth of grass
and the recruitment of marsh organisms back into the
grasses. After completing a series of educational workshops
conducted by SMRG staff, Corps members will compile data to
supplement the study and engage in actual restoration
projects. Other service activities will include planting
Spartina, a salt marsh cordgrass, to stabilize the fragile
sediment in the marsh and replace vegetation that was lost
in the spill. With the help of Corps members, SMRG aims to
plant 60,000 cords covering 100,000 square feet during the
Spring planting season, in order to insure stable growth by
the start of the following cold season.
Relation to Need
Through the proposed service projects, AmeriCorps members
will address critical environmental needs through natural
resource management and restoration, and community
enhancement projects. Trail restoration projects will
facilitate access to existing natural areas. Wetlands
restoration projects will help to stem, or reverse, recent
trends of wetlands degradation and help to restore critical
wetlands. Community education projects will help to make
residents aware of the impact of their actions on the larger
ecosystems of which they are part, and community greening
projects will improve local environment and quality of life
in these neighborhoods. In addition, through exposure to
environmental issues and natural area and interaction with
experts the AmeriCorps youth may become more interested in
pursuing environmental careers but will in any event return
to their communities with an increased awareness of
environmental stewardship that they will share with friends
and family.
Participant Training and Support
There are various components to the Corps members' training,
support, education, and service learning. These components
will take place both formally and informally before, during
and after the service activities. The first element of
member training will occur at the very start of the year of
service, when all of the URP team members will participate
in a six day residential training program at Gateway
National Park. The Urban Resources Partnership will
contract with a local youth-serving organization experienced
in preparing youth for community service work. At Gateway,
they will learn communication and team building skills, in
addition to learning wilderness survival and outdoor skills
that will prepare them for their year of service.
Orientation week is just the first component of the overall
training program which will continue throughout the year.
Once service activities begin, Fridays will be dedicated to
in-service training activities and work-shops, lead by the
team leader. Service learning workshops will enable Corps
members to explore issues relating to their field service.
These workshops may include reading and writing assignments
related to the prior week's service activity, giving Corps
members a broader perspective on their field work. Fridays
may also include environmental field trips, or presentations
by local area environmental professionals. Throughout the
year, Corps members who have not completed high school will
be encouraged to attend GED courses.
Each project will be sponsored by a community-based
organization that will be responsible for teaching the Corps
members the skills necessary to complete their service
activity. Each CBO will provide an orientation and specific
skills training for the team. In addition, the project work
will provide the Corps members with an extensive amount of
service learning opportunities by exposing them to a wide
variety of environmental issues. This will include both
hands-on work under the guidance of environmental
professionals, as well as exposure to other professionals
working at the sites.
The participation of the URP federal partners will further
enhance the service learning component of this program.
Representatives from the six Federal agencies that comprise
URP will conduct educational workshops throughout the year,
both at the project sites, at Friday in-service workshops,
and on special field trips. Workshops and lectures will
address the urban ecological topics Corps members are
engaged in, as well as include environmental career sessions
to encourage urban youth to pursue careers in environmental
disciplines. The environmental education facilities at
Gateway will also be available throughout the year to
provide mid-year-training focused on natural resource
issues.
Participant Recruitment, Placement, and Supervision
The Urban Resource Partnership will contract with a local
youth-serving organization to assist in recruitment and
applicant screening. To recruit Corps members, we will
utilize a variety of strategies, including placing ads in
community newspapers, obtaining referrals by individuals and
organizations, and conducting outreach to several of the
specialized high schools in NYC, including the High School
of Environmental Science. For the two Rural Development
Corps members, we will target our recruitment efforts at
area colleges with programs in environmental science in
order to recruit individuals with a background and interest
in environmental issues.
We will seek to form a team comprised of young people ages
17-25 from diverse backgrounds and education levels.
Criteria used in selection will include: interest and/or
experience in environmental issues, dedication to the
concept of national service, willingness and ability to work
on a team, and ability to confront challenges. During the
recruitment process, priority will also be placed on
collaborating with community-based organizations to recruit
candidates from neighborhoods surrounding Jamaica Bay and
Staten Island.
As described in the "Concept" section, the ten Environmental
Team members will form one team who will remain together for
the year, and as a team, will rotate through a series of
projects. A Rural Development Corps member, reporting to
the NRCS project manager, will serve as the field
supervisor/crew leader for the Environmental Team. The crew
leader will work with the team on a daily basis throughout
the year to provide direct supervision and overall support
to the team members. The crew leader will work alongside
the team beginning at orientation week, and then at each
project site over the course of the year. The crew leader
will also monitor attendance, work performance and team
related issues, and plays a key role as the link between the
team and the project sponsor. Staff from the sponsoring
organizations will provide additional on-site training,
supervision and support.
Project assignments will be scheduled by the second Rural
Development Corps member who will work as an environmental
planner under the supervision of the NRCS project manager,
and in consultation with URP staff and partners. In
addition, the Urban Resources Partnership will contract with
a local youth-serving organization to assist in the
logistical coordination of scheduling project rotations.
The Rural Development Corps member, the consultant, NRCS,
and URP will work in partnership with sponsors to coordinate
all service projects. Advance planning will ensure that the
team has sufficient project-related training, tools and
equipment to deliver service safely and effectively.
Although many of the sponsors have worked with youth before,
staff will ensure that sponsors are oriented with AmeriCorps
mission and goals.
NEW YORK
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
New York Urban Project
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
Both
D. State of Duty Station:
New York
E. County of Duty Station:
New York
F. Names of counties served
Queens, Kings, Richmond
G. Congressional District:
12, 6, 13
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
John Bricker
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
290 Broadway - 25th Fl
New York, NY 1007
Ph: (212) 637-3710
FAX: (212) 637-3772
J: Name of St Project Director:
John Whitney
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
50 Commerce Way
East Aurora, NY 14052
Ph: (716) 652-8480
FAX: (716) 652-8506
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
10
M. Number of Members in RDT:
2
NEW YORK
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
GIS Supported Community Planning &
Resource Protection
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
New York
E. County of Duty Station:
Erie
F. Names of counties served
Erie, Niagra, Seneca Nations of
Indians
G. Congressional District:
30
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
John Whitney
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
50 Commerce Way
East Aurora, NY 14052
Ph: (716) 652-8480
FAX: (716) 652-8506
J: Name of St Project Director:
John Whitney
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
50 Commerce Way
East Aurora, NY 14052
Ph: (716) 652-8480
FAX: (716) 652-8506
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M. Number of Members in RDT:
5
APPI all DOC
MINNESOTA RIVER BASIN
AMERICORPS PROJECT
Minnes
USDA-NRCS
Ronald G. Hardesty
209 W. Mulberry Street
St. Peter, MN 56082
(507) 931-2530
SUMMARY PAGE
NEEDS TO BE MET:
More trees than normal have fallen into the rivers in
southern Minnesota due to the floods of 1993 and tornadoes,
causing flood damage along all major tributaries in the Blue
Earth River Basin in Waseca County, Martin County, Watonwan
County, Faribault County, and Blue Earth County.
The dead trees float down the rivers eventually developing
into log jams at critical locations in the rivers. These log
jams, (dams), may cause overland flow outside the main channel or
plug culverts and/or bridges. The log jams create public safety
hazards due to flooding and pressures on the bridges over the
rivers.
The overland flow carries high sediment and
nutrient/pesticide loads from the intensively cropped acres into
the Minnesota River adding to the already poor water quality of
the river.
There are many old small depositories for debris located
along the tributaries. These deposits contribute to poor water
quality as well as resulting in poor visual esthetics.
The main objective of the project is to remove dead trees
and debris from the rivers in an effort to prevent some flooding
which in turn would improve water quality, the esthetics of the
river, and improve public safety.
KEY ELEMENTS OF THE SITE DESIGN:
The project team will operate with the five Soil and Water
Conservation Districts (SWCD,s), Blue Earth River Basin
Initiative (BERBI), and Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) to develop a work plan. The daily work site supervision
will be accomplished by a Rural Development Corps Member.
THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS:
A team consisting of five Environmental Corps Members
supervised by one Rural Development corps Member.
DESCRIPTION OF ADMINISTERING ORGANIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF
PRIMARY PROGRAM PARTNERS:
NRCS will be the administering organization and also provide
office supplies, coordinate training/education, and safety
equipment.
The partners are:
1.
Blue Earth River Basin Initiative
2.
Blue Earth County SWCD
3.
Faribault County SWCD
4.
Martin County SWCD
S.
Waseca County SWCD
6.
Watonwan County SWCD
Ill. MISSION
To assist the residents of Blue Earth County, Faribault County,
Martin County, Waseca County, and Watonwan County to rehabilitate
river systems, improve water quality, and insure public safety.
OBJECTIVES
1.
Remove 15 miles of fallen trees from the Blue Earth River
and its tributaries, to prevent flood damage to private land
and public facilities/roads. This removal will improve the
quality of the water entering the Minnesota River.
2.
Remove 15 miles of litter (old tires, debris, etc.), from
the Blue Earth River and its tributaries to improve the
quality and esthetics of the river and of the water entering
the Minnesota River.
3.
Enhance 15 miles of habitat for wildlife by creating
shelters from organic debris removed from the river systems
resulting in enhanced wildlife cover and increased
populations of wildlife,
IV. NARRATIVE
a.
What specific needs will the program address and how will
these needs be met?
Trees killed by the floods of 1993 and tornadoes are now
causing flood damage in southern Minnesota.
The dead trees float down the rivers eventually developing
into log jams at critical locations in the rivers. These log
jams, (dams), may cause overland flow outside the main channel or
plug culverts or bridges. This problem will continue unless
trees are removed.
The overland flow carries high sediment and
nutrient/pesticide loads from intensively cropped acres into the
Minnesota River; thereby, degrading water quality.
The loss of the trees in the river systems also creates a
loss of habitat for our wildlife. It is a goal to utilize these
dead trees to create additional habitat for the areas wildlife,
The Blue Earth SWCD, Faribault SWCD, Martin SWCD, Waseca
SWCD, Watonwan County SWCD, the policy committee of BERBI, and
the NRCS all assisted in identifying this need.
The BERBI Joint Powers Board will take the lead role in this
project. The Board consists Of a representative from each of the
five listed SWCD'S. It will provide project direction.
Waseca SWCD and Martin SWCD will provide office space and
technical assistance.
NRCS will provide office supplies, coordinate training/education,
program administration, and some safety equipment.
b.
DESIGN
Concept
A team consisting of five Environmental Corps Members
supervised by one Rural Development Corps Member headquartered in
Waseca Minnesota. This team will get their direction from NRCS
and the BERBI Board.
Service Activities - (typical day)
Meet at the office at 8 a.m. Go to a selected site
utilizing proper equipment to remove dead trees from the river
channel. Most of the debris removal will be done during the
winter months (November-March). Members will be using chain saws
and hand saws to cut trees and then manually hauling/dragging
this debris to adjacent areas. Mechanized equipment may also be
utilized. During the summer months (April-October) members will
remove debris and create wildlife habitat. They will return back
to their home site around 5 p.m.
Participant Training and Support
The NRCS will take the lead role to identify and schedule
any training (safety, first aid, CPR, defensive driving, AIDS,
cultural awareness) that members will receive. The BERBI and
Corps Members will provide input on prioritizing timing of
training.
Local organizations/agencies/individuals will be utilized to
conduct training whenever possible. Weekly meetings will be held
with members of the team and supervisors.
Participant Placement and Supervision
Members will be placed on one or two teams. The Rural
Development Member will be the work-site supervisor.
Evaluation/Quality
The BERBI Policy Board and team members will jointly
evaluate and monitor work programs for both quantity and quality.
They will work together to set monthly goals and standards.
Civic Activities
A monthly Community service activity will include doing a
project related to environment. Communities will benefit from a
specific, locally determined group activities.
RIVER BEAUTIFICATION AND
FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT
USDA- NRCS
David F. Rose
P.O. Box 74, 105 S. Division St.
Warren, MN 56762
(218) 745-4351
SUMMARY PAGE
NEEDS TO BE MET:
American Elm trees killed by Dutch Elm disease are now
causing flood damage along the Middle River and Tamarac River in
Marshall County, and the Snake River which flows through both
Marshall and Polk County.
The main problem is that the dead trees fall into and then
float down the rivers, creating log jams at certain points along
the way, taking on all the characteristics of a dam. These log
jams plug culverts and bridges causing major damage to the road
systems. It also results in overland flow outside the main
channel and causes erosion problems on public and private
property. These problems will continue to increase for many
years as more dead elms decay and fall into the river channels.
Our main objective is to remove the dead elm trees from the
river channels and also those standing dead trees that have the
potential to fall into the river.
We will plant new trees along this work zone to reforest
those areas devastated by the Dutch Elm disease. Shrubs could
also be considered for river bank stabilization in some sections.
The loss of the elms (floating down stream) in the river
systems also creates a loss of habit for our wildlife.
Therefore, we would like to salvage/utilize these dead trees to
create "Cabins for Critters" to enhance habitat options for the
area's wildlife.
There is approximately 170 miles of river in this project
area. We estimate approximately 50% or 85 miles will be where
most of the work needs to be done.
KEY ELEMENTS OF THE SITE DESIGN:
The project team will cooperate with a strategic Project
Board. The Project Board will consist of representatives from
each of the partners. The daily work site supervision will be
accomplished by a Rural Development Corps Member.
THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS:
A team consisting of eight (8) Environmental Corps Members
supervised by one (1) Rural Development Corps Member.
DESCRIPTION OF ADMINISTERING ORGANIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF
PRIMARY PROGRAM PARTNERS:
The Natural Resources Conservation Service will be the
administering organization. They will also provide office
supplies, equipment (safety/computers), and coordinate
training/education.
The partners are:
1.
The Middle River/Snake River Watershed District will be
providing a minimum of $10,000 in cash for the project.
2.
Marshall County will provide office space, phone, and
transportation.
3.
The Marshall County Soil & Water Conservation District
will provide office supplies, technical assistance for
tree planting phase, and public relations with the
media and landowners.
MISSION:
The mission of this project is to assist the residents of
Marshall and Northwest Polk Counties to rehabilitate riparian
corridors, enhance wildlife habitat, improve water quality and
insure public safety.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES:
1.
Remove debris (dead elm trees) from the 3 major river
systems to prevent flood damage to private land and
public facilities/roads which will help improve water
quality.
Work to be done: Remove debris from the 3 major river
systems with a goal of 25 miles the 1st year.
Result of activities: Reduce potential for flood damage
to both private and public property, thus improving
water quality.
Quality: Improve stream flow and reduction of debris in
channels.
Success: 70% reduction in log jams at bridges and
culverts. 50% less water erosion on private property
located adjacent to river systems.
Benefiting area: All the residents of Marshall and
Northwest Polk Counties.
2.
Enhance habitat for wildlife by creating "Cabins for
Critters" using the debris removed from the river system.
Work to be done: Take debris and make wildlife shelters
(Cabins for Critters) on areas adjacent to the river
systems. Goal the 1st year is to do this along the 25
miles of river system that has had the debris removed.
Result: More shelter for birds/animals.
Quality: Construction will meet wildlife habitat
standards from either the Natural Resources
Conservation Service, the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources or the US Fish/Wildlife Service.
Success: Enhance availability of wildlife cover and
therefore decrease the potential for winter loss in
bird and animal populations by 10%.
Benefiting area: All residents of Marshall and Northwest
Polk Counties.
3.
Plant trees/shrubs in identified areas along the 3 river
systems where Dutch Elm disease has devastate the
American Elm trees.
Work to be done: The goal the first year is to plant
trees/shrubs along 25 miles of the river system.
Result: Reforestation of riparian areas along river
system.
Quality: Successful establishment of trees/shrubs.
Success: 75% survival rate of newly planted trees/shrubs.
Benefiting area: All residents of Marshall and Northwest
Polk Counties; especially those living along these
sections of the river systems.
COMMUNITY BUILDING OBJECTIVE:
1.
Foster an ethic of Community Service.
Activities: Conduct a "Clean-up Day" at each city park
in Marshall County.
Result: 500 additional hours of volunteer service from
other organizations (partners).
Measure Quality: Survey the partners and cities involved
Standard of Success: 500 additional hours of volunteer
service met or exceeded; 100% of cities were satisfied
with the service provided.
PARTICIPANT DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE:
1.
Create an environment for members to have a positive
learning experience.
Activities: Training in team building, safety methods,
1st aid, public speaking and value of diversity.
Result: AmeriCorps members learn and understand the
value of working together as a team; create an
awareness on the importance of safety, no matter what
type of activity; learn to administer basic 1st aid and
CPR methods; members experience the necessity of clear
communication with individuals, groups and
organizations in carrying out their project objectives;
members accept others for what they are and utilize the
strengths to complete their projects.
Measure Quality: Successful completion of training
courses, ability to work together as 1 group.
Standard of Success: Accident-free work sites; favorable
comments from partners on actions of members; retention
of 100% of members in program.
A.
NARRATIVE
Needs
American Elm trees killed by Dutch Elm disease are now
causing flood damage along the Middle River and Tamarac
River in Marshall County, and the Snake River which flows
through both Marshall and Polk County.
The main problem is that the dead trees fall into and
then float down the rivers, creating log jams at certain
points along the way, taking on all the characteristics of a
dam. These log jams plug culverts and bridges causing major
damage to the road systems. It also results in overland flow
outside the main channel and causes erosion problems on
public and private property. These problems will continue
to increase for many years as more dead elms decay and fall
into the river channels.
Our main objective is to remove the dead elm trees from
the river channels and also those standing dead trees that
have the potential to fall into the river.
We will plant new trees along this work zone to
reforest those areas devastated by the Dutch Elm disease.
Shrubs could also be considered for river bank stabilization
in some sections.
The loss of the elms (floating down stream) in the
river systems also creates a loss of habit for our wildlife.
Therefore, we would like to salvage/utilize these dead trees
to create "Cabins for Critters" to enhance habitat options
for the area's wildlife.
There is approximately 170 miles of river in this
project area. We estimate approximately 50% or 85 miles
will be where most of the work needs to be done.
Process
The Marshall County Soil & Water Conservation District,
the Middle River/Snake River Watershed District, Marshall
County and the Natural Resources Conservation Service all
assisted in identifying this need. After the flood in 1993,
local residents requested help from the Watershed District.
An inventory was completed by the above organizations to
identify problems and possible solutions.
A Project Board will be formed that includes a
representative from each of the following organizations to
provide project direction and support:
1.
The Middle River/Snake River Watershed District will
take the lead role in this project by identifying the
location of the project work sites. They will also be
providing a minimum of $10,000 in cash for the project.
2.
Marshall County will provide office space, phone (s), and
transportation.
3.
The Marshall County Soil & Water Conservation District
will provide office supplies, technical assistance for
the tree planting phase, secure funding for cost of
trees to be planted, and public relations with the
media and landowners.
4.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide
program administration, office supplies, equipment
(safety/computers), and coordinate training/education.
B.
DESIGN
Concept
A team consisting of eight Environmental Corps Members
supervised by one Rural Development Corps Member
headquartered in Warren, Minnesota (county seat for Marshall
County). This team will get their direction from the
Project Board.
Service Activities - (typical day)
Meet at the office at 8 a.m..
Go to a selected site
utilizing proper equipment to remove dead trees from the river
channel. Most of the debris removal will be done during the
winter months (November-March). Members will be using chain and
hand saws to cut trees and then manually hauling/dragging this
debris to adjacent areas. Mechanized equipment may also be
utilized. During the summer months (April-October) members will
do some debris removal, along with creating the "Cabins for
Critters" (arranging and stacking debris in different types of
piles) wildlife habitat. The tree planting will be done in may
or October.
Members will be bringing bag lunches and will receive
morning and afternoon breaks. They will return back to their
home site around 5 p.m. A member from the Project Board will
stop by at certain intervals to see if the members require
anything.
Participant Training and Support
The Natural Resources Conservation Service will take the
lead role to identify and schedule any training (safety, first
aid, CPR, defensive driving, AIDS, cultural awareness) that
members will receive. The Project Board will provide input on
prioritizing timing of training, along with member input.
We plan to utilize local organizations, agencies, and
individuals to conduct this training whenever possible. We also
plan to hold weekly meetings with members of the team,
supervisors, and representatives of the Project Board.
Participant Placement and Supervision
Members will be placed on one team. They will all be
working together in the same area. A Rural Development Member
will be the work-site supervisor.
Evaluation/Quality
The Project Board and team members will jointly evaluate and
monitor work programs for both quantity and quality. They will
work together to set monthly goals and standards.
Civic Activities
All towns/communities are located along the 3 major river
systems in Marshall County. The monthly community service activity
will include doing a project (related to environment) so each town
will benefit from a specific group activity by the member sometime
during the year.
Recruitment
We will contact schools, colleges, technical schools, and
universities in our region for applicants. A cover letter, along
with a fact sheet and the application form will be sent to the
above contacts. Follow-ups will be made by phone or personal
visits. We will also use the media (radio and newspapers) for
news releases and ads.
Applicants obtained from the National 1-800 AmeriCorps
Hotline will also be considered.
Every effort will be made to have a diverse group of
AmeriCorps members for this project; including both gender and
ethnic background.
0652, DOC
MiNNESOTA
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Twin Valley, Minnesota
Agassiz Recreation Trail (2 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Continue the promotion of the Aggassiz Recreation Trail (ART)
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Desiging & securing funding for rest areas along te Agassiz Recreatioanal Trail. The rest areas
will include trash receptables, picnic areas, and possibly restrooms.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
To increase usage of the Agassiz Recreational Trail.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Will be reviewed by Agassiz Recreational Trails Joint Powers Board/NRCS information specialist.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
By the completion of the rest areas located along the trail.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
2,000 in a four county area.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 2
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Twin Valley, Minnesota
Agassiz Recreation Trail (2 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Coordinate activities for ART
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
The creation of nature rides for senior citizens, Head Start participants, and other specific groups
along the Agassiz Recreational Trail.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
To help the communities around the trail feel that the trail is a significant part of their
community and te benefits tat te trail brings are more than economic.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Will be reviewed by ARTJPB/NRCS informaton specialists.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
By the number of participants in the trail rides.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
2,000 people will receive the benefit of the work.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 3
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Twin Valley, Minnesota
Agassiz Recreation Trail (2 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Coordinate efforts to expand ART east & west.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Helping to develop the East Agassiz Conservation Park. The park will be used for outdoor classes
and serve as a demonstration area to promote soil and water conservation.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Increased awareness of wildlife on the Agassiz Recreational Trail. Also to make students and
citizens aware of the need for resource conservation.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Will be reviewed by SWCD/NRCS informaton specialist.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Success will be measured by the completion of the East Agassiz Conservation Park and by the
participation of area students and citizens in the outdoor classroom.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
2,000 people in the 4 county area.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 4
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Twin Valley, Minnesota
Conservation Outreach (3 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Continue to provide public educationto promote the under-
standing & utilization of conservation programs &
opportunities.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 5
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Twin Valley, Minnesota
Conservation Outreach (3 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Promote the use of living snow fences along local & state
highways.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 6
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Twin Valley, Minnesota
Conservation Outreach (3 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Promote the counties' soil surveys to increase the use of
resource information by the public & local units of
governments within the project area.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 7
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Rochester, Minnesota
Pasture/Grassland Management (1 Member - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To improve the forage/grassland conditions to the good or
excellent category on 5000 acres. (Efforts will focus on
plan development/implementation with 40 producers across 11
counties.)
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Work with clientele across the RC&D area to improve forage/grassland conditions.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Assist clientele to develop pastureland/grassland management plans.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By how well the plans are developed.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
A before & after inventory of pasture & grassland condition will be made.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Effort will focus on plan development/implementation with 40 producers across 11 counties.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 8
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Rochester, Minnesota
Pasture/Grassland Management (1 Member - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To improve water quality as measured through water quality
criteria as outlined in the USDA NRCS Field Office Technical
Gide on 90% of the tracts receiving assistance.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Work with groups and individuals to improve water qualitly through grassland agriculture.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Inclusion of water qualitly considerations in the development of pastureland/grassland management
plans.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
90% of plans will address water quality considerations.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Watear qualitly considerations as outlined in the USDA Field Office Technical Guide will serve as a
standard.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Effort will focus on plan development/implementation with 40 produers across 11 counties.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 9
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Rochester, Minnesota
Pasture/Grassland Management (1 Member - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To enhance profitability of grassland agriculture as measured
through economic considerations as outlined in the USDA NRCS
Field Office Technical Guide on 90% of tracts receiving
assistance.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Work with groups and individuals to enhance the profitability of grassland agaraiculture.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Inclusion of economic considerations in the development of pastureland/grassland management.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
90% of plans will address economic considerations.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Economic considerations as outlined in the USDA Field Office Technical Guide will be a standard.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Effort will focus on plan development/implementation with 40 producers across 11 counties.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 10
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Lewiston, Minnesota
Whitewater River Watershed (1 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Contined assistance to 100% of participating landowners in
developing pesticide & nutrient management plans associated
with the local Water Quality Incentive program (WQIP).
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Assist landusers in developing pesticide and nutrient managment plans associated with the local
WQIP.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Develop total numbers of the above plans consistent with WQIP funding with individual landusers
selected on a priority basis.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
All priority landusers wanting a plan that qualify will receive a plan.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
All plans will meet USDA-NRCS Field Office Technical Guide Standards.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
100% of program participants.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 11
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Lewiston, Minnesota
Whitewater River Watershed (1 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS:
To develop & provide training to 100% of WQIP program
participants relative to acceptable implementation of items
associated with their pesticide and nutrient management
plans.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Assist landusers in developing pesticide and nutrient management plans associated with the local
WQIP.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Adoption by landusers of improved pesticide and nutrient management techniques.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Successful implementation of the pesticide and nutrient management plans by program participants.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Implementation of plans will be 100% complete for all program participants.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
100% of program participants.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 12
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Lewiston, Minnesota
Whitewater River Watershed (1 Member - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To improve the technical skills of one program member by 50% as
measured through evaluations before & after the program
relative to pesticide and nutrient management.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Technical training will be provided to Americorps individual to provide quality assistance to
program participants.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
AmeriCorps member will be able to provide quality assistance to program participants on their own.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Quality of assistance will be evaluated based on program participant adoption of pesticide and
nutrient management practies.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Training provided will be evaluated and documented. 1 1Program success will be etermined based on
program participants practice adoption.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
100% of program participants.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 13
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Clearwater Feedlot ( Member - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Improve the water quality of the Clearwater River and its
tributaries by identifying and suggesting corrective
measures for potential "problem" feedlots.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Prepare inventory of type & number of animals withn the 26 priority feedlotsidentified within the
Clearwater River Nonpoint Pollution Project Report. Determine the type of waste management system
employed at each individual feedlot. Survey the 26 priority feedlots to determine the area of the
animal lot, tributary area and the slope of the land adjacent to the receiving waters. Set up and
fun FLEVAL program to determine which feedlots are potential polluters. Identify the needed
structual and nonstructural corrective measures for reducing feedlot impacts on the adjacent surface
water systems.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Establishment of a cost-share program to address the needed structural and nonstructural corrective
measures for reducing feedlot impacts and the handling of animal waste.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Waulity & impact will be measured by the percentage of the 26 feedlots that are inspected, surveyed,
evaluated, and upgraded as a result of this program.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
The target is 100% coompliance of the 26 producers that are found to be potential polluters. 80%
will be gauged successful.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
There will be direct benefit to 26 high priority livestock producers. Utilization of the FLEVAL
program will allow this approach to be used to forecast water quality impacts by feedlots in similar
situations anywhere. Anyone utilizing these water resources will reap the benefit of improved water
quality.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 14
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Clearwater Feedlot ( Member - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To provide training to AmeriCorps members that will enable
them to carry out their assigned responsibilities, as
described in objective #1.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Refer to Appendix A for the specif training program for the participant.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 15
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Clearwater Feedlot ( Member - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Provide informational & educational materials.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Create mataerials to be sent to livestock producers that were found to be potential polluters. The
materials will explain the benefits of installing waste management systems.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
All of the original 26 producers that are found to be potential produces will upgrade their animal
waste systems.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Will be measured by the percentage of the 26 feedlots that are inspected, surveyed, evaluated, and
upgraded as a result of this project.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
100% compliance of the 26 produces that are found to be potential polluters. 80% will be gauged
successful.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
There will be a direct benefit to 26 high priority livestock produces. Anyone utilizing these water
resources will reap the benefit of improved water quality. Dissemination of educational materials
will not be limited to the original 26 livestock producers.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 16
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Warren, Minnesota
River Beautification & Flood Control (1 - RDT/8 PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE:
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Remove debris from the 3 major river systems to prevent flood
damage to private land & public facilities/roads which will
help improve water quality.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Remove debris from the 3 major river systems with a goal of 25 miles the 1st year.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Reduce potential for flood damage to bot private and public property, thus improving water quality.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Improve stream flow and reduction of debris in channels.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
70% reduction in log jams at bridges and culverts. 50% less water erosion on private property
located adjacent to river systems.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All the residents of Marshall and Northwest Polk counties.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 17
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Warren, Minnesota
River Beautification & Flood Control (1 - RDT/8 PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Enhance habitat for wildlife by creating "Cabins for
Critters" using the debris removed from the river system.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Take debris and make wildlife shelters (Cabins for Critters) on areas adjacenty to the river
systems. Goal the 1st year is to do this along the 25 miles of river system that has had the debris
removed.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
More shelter for birds and animals.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Construction will meet wildllife habitat standards from either the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, the Minnesota Department of natural Resources or the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Enhance availability of wildlife cover and therefore decrease the potential for winter loss in bird
and animal populations by 10%.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All residents of Marshall and Northwest Polk counties.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 18
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Warren, Minnesota
River Beautification & Flood Control (1 - RDT/8 PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Plant trees/shrubs in identified areas along the 3 river
systems where Dutch Elm disease has devastated the American
Elm trees.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
The goal of the 1st year is to plant trees/shrubs along 25 miles of the river system.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Reforestatioan of riparian areas along river system.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Successful establishment of trees/shrubs.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
75% survival rate of newly planted trees/shrubs.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All residents of Marshall and Northwest Polk counties; especially those living along these sections
of the river systems.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 19
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Waite Park, Minnesota
Water Quality Planning (2 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To assist in water quality plan development and implementation
on approximately 60 participants in the Water Quality
Incentive Program (WQIP) in Stearns County.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Sample drinking wells and interpret results to producers; perform Farm*A*Syst evaluations at at
producer farmsteads; assist conservationists gather data to plan and implement nutient and
integrated pest management plas with producers un der WQIP contracts.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Help producers fulfill contract obligations regarding nutrient and pest management. Redue
groundwater pollution potential around farmsteads. Improve the quality of surface and groundwater
within the project area.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Help producers fulfill contract obligations regarding nutrient and pest management. Reduce
groundwater pollution potential around farmsteads. Improve the quality of surface and groundwater
within the project area.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Implementation of nutrient and pest management plans, and Farm*A*Syst on 100% of WQIP participants.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Approximately 60 WQIP participants will directly benefit from the work of the participants
Several hundred more will benefit indirectly through our public information program.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 20
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Waite Park, Minnesota
Water Quality Planning (2 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Complete an inventory of 1300 feedlots in the county using
remote sensing techniques. Inventory will facilitate the
identification of high pollution potential feedlots.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Inventory & evaluate feedlots in Stearns Counting using on-site and remote sensing techniques.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Gather data to develop a database of feedlots in the county. Prioritize feedlots and conduct on-
site evaluations of feedlots designated high priority.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Results would be measured by the quantity of feedlots inventoried.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
100% of the feedlots inventoried by remote sensing and ground truthing techniques. 80% of the high
priority feedlots will be evaluated in the field.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All individuals or groups living, working, or playing within Stearns County.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 21
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Waite Park, Minnesota
Water Quality Planning (2 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Gather data to prioritize feedlots and access pollution
potential. Conduct detailed on-site inventory of 80% of high priorioty feedlots.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Gather data on feedlots on-site access pollution potential. Disseminate information on feedlot best
management practices.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
The data gathered will be used to identify the feedlots with the highest pollution potential. High
priority feedlots can be targeted for additional assistance and b est management practice
information.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Completion of a correct inventory and accurate location of the high priority feedlots.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Complete a detailed inventory on 80% of the high priority feedlots identified.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
All individuals or groups living, working, or playing within Stearns County.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 22
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Marshall, Minnesota
Redwood River WQSIP (3 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE:
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To develop an inventory checklist that will be used with rural
landowners to list environmental concerns and solutions that
will improve the watershed.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Develop an inventory/checklist with assistance from USDA-NRCS, local SWCD's, BWSR, and Redwood River
Clean Water Partnership that will focus on environmental concerns within the watershed.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
That landowners will utilize the checklist to make an informed decision on corectie measures if
needed.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Successful completion of an environmental inventory/checklist that meets with the approval of
cooperating agencies.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Development of inventory/checklist will achieve 100% of component of objective.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
100% of the participants contacted.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 23
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: : Marshall, Minnesota
Redwood River WQSIP (3 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To conduct on-site visits with 90% of the rural landowners
within a three yeara period within the watershed. Use inventory/checklist developed. One-third of
the contacts made in the first year.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Visit rural landowners and review environmental inventory/checklist to determine if resource
concerns exist on their land and secondly to determine their willingness to solve those concerns.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Adoption by landowners of environmentally sound solutions to resource problems they might have.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Impact will be measured by acceptance or willingness of landowner to complete inventory and offer
solutions or request additional assistance to their resource concerns.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Number of on-site visits. In addition, the number of willing landowners to apply additional
conservation or water quality measures.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
One-third (1800) of the rural landowners within the watershed the first year.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 24
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: : Marshall, Minnesota
Redwood River WQSIP (3 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: To summarize & prioritize inventory results quarterly. Results
will be given to conservation technicians who will schedule
and apply conservation opractices with the landowner.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
The inventory/checklist will be summarized quarterly and priorities assigned to those practices that
are identified in watershed work plan.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
A list of willilng landowners who will apply environmentally sound lpractices that will improve the
water quality in the Redwood River Watershed.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Impact will be measured by the number of landowners that are willing to apply practices as a result
of the contacts made by the participants.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Eventual application of conservation practices identified and prioritized in the inventory process.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
100% of the program participants that indicate a willingness to solve environmental problems.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 25
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: St. Peter, Minnesota
Minnesota River Basin (1 RDT/5 PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Remove 15 miles of fallen trees from the Blue Earth River and
its tributaries, to prevent flood damage to private land and public faciities/roads. This removal
will improve the quality of the water entering the Minnesota River.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 26
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: : St. Peter, Minnesota
Minnesota River Basin (1 RDT/5 PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Remove 15 miles of litter (old tires, debris, etc.) from the
Blue Earth River and its tributaries, to improve the quality and esthetics of the river and of the
water entering the Minnesota River.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 27
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: : St. Peter, Minnesota
Minnesota River Basin (1 RDT/5 PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Enhance 15 miles of habitat for wildlife by creating shelters
from organic debris removed from the river systems.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Enhanced wildlife cover and increased populations of wildlife.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?