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USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY96 Service Objective 2 [3]
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USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY96 Service Objective 2 [3]
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FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F
(3)
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Americorps
Series/Staff Member:
General Files
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
24225
FolderID:
Folder Title:
USDA [Department of Agriculture]/Americorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY 96 Service Objectives
2 [3]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
66
1
6
3
32am 715 341 4095
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ECM Pg. 01/03
Delta
Foundation
DATE: 11-16-95
PHOTOGOPY
PRESERVATION
TIME:
PLEASE DELIVER THE POLLOWING PAGES TO
NAME David Felloson Juel Bag —
COMPANY/FIRM
Hany just wants
CITY
them annolated
STATE
& faxed back TO
TELECOPIER NUMBER (715) 341-4095
him Hill make
the necessary changes.
We's getting on a promo
DC as we speak.
FROM:
NAME Harry DELTA 819 MAIN FOUNDATION, STREET 8 INC Buire TO
1
GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI 38702
TELECOPIER bunber; (601) 335-5291
WB ARE TRANSMITTING
5 PAGES
(INCLUDING THIS COVER LETTER).
IP
IS
INCOMPLETE
WE ARE of
PLEASE OPERATOR'S TRANSMITTING TRANSMISSION CALL: NAME Ram (601) ONL XEROX 335-5291 7007 Johnson
819 main STREET . GREENVILLE, MS 38701 . (601) 335-5291
NOV-14-95 TUE 11:10 ACTIONCOMMUNICATION
02
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
PREAPPLICATION FOR 1996 AMERICORPS PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
COVER PAGE
Name of EZ/EC Applicant Entity
Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance
(MDEZA)
Name of Contact Person
Harry Bowie, Co-Chair
Name of Person Who Will Provide
To Be Determined
Supervision for AmeriCorps Members
Address of Entity
c/o The Delta Foundation
819 Main Street
Greenville, MS 38701
Counties in Which the Work Will Take
Bolivar, Holmes, Humphreys, Leflore,
Place
Sunflower and Washington
Congressional Districts in Which the
Second Congressional District
Work Will Take Place
Telephone
(601) 335-5291
Fax
(601) 335-5295
11/16/95 11:32am 715 341 4095
RECDS
-->12027204614
ECM Pg. 02/03
PRESERVATION
AMERICORPS PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Notes In light of the fact that MDEZA will be granted only three
(3) AmeriCorps Volunteers instead of the six (6) initially
requested, our revised objectives have been designed to
accommodate this reality.
OBJECTIVE ONE: TO ORGANIZE AND DEVELOP A LOCALLY-DRIVEN,
CITIZEN-LEAD GRANT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
AmeriCorps Volunteers will recruit and organize a council
representing organizations with the resources and capabilities to
train citizens in the Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone to write
proposals for community-based projects and initiatives. These
proposals will then be submitted to the Mid-Delta Empowerment
Zone Alliance, foundations, and government entities to fund
projects consistent with MDEZA's strategic plan.
Note: This objective is consistent with MDEZA's plan of work as
submitted in conjunction with the final draft of its projected
benchmarks and activities. (See Description of Major Activities
Required to Implement MDEZA's Grant Request System, Item 6.
Develop Grant Assistance Program."
without the full, open, and enthusiastic participation of EZ
Citizens in the grant application process, MDEZA will not be able
to Fulfill its goals and objectives with respect to its regional
development strategy.
A. The Work To Be Done Within the 1700 Hours of the AmeriCorps
Work Year
1. Identify, recruit and train ten (10) organizations with
grant-writing expertise, experience and capability to
form the MDEZA Technical Support Council. Members of
this Council shall include but not be limited to
university institutions, planning and development
districts, foundations and economic assistance
agencies, and community action agencies.
2. The Council shall design a curriculus for a one-two day
workshop in grant-writing.
3. This Council shall train EZ-certified Community
Educators and other interested citizens to conduct
grant-writing workshops for citizens and community
groups based within the Empowerment Zone.
11/16/95 11:33am 715 341 4095
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-->12027204614
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P. Means or Measuring the Quality of the Product or 1spact of
the Service
1. At least 20 Community Educators shall be trained to
conduct grant-writing workshops.
2. At least 10 citizen velunteers shall be trained to
conduct grant-writing workshops.
3. At least two (2) workshops shall be conducted in each
of the counties included within the Mid-Delta
Empowerment Zone.
4. For each workshop conducted, at loast five (5)
proposals shall be subsitted for funding by MDEZA,
existing foundations or government entities.
5. The success rate of proposals submitted shall be at
least 50%.
c. Standard of Quality or Ispact that the Program Hopes to Meet
Proposals shall be of high quality and shall be successful
in targeting and obtaining funds needed to revitalize the
impoverished communities within the Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone.
More importantly, citizens will feal a greater sense of
empowerment 05 they gain the skills and tools needed to help
develop thoir communities and witness the tangible results of
their efforts.
D. Number of Service Recipients
The estimated number of service recipients is 150. This is
based upon an average attendance of ten persons at each of the
workshops to be conducted within the Zone. It also includes the
Community Educators and citizens involved in conducting the
grant-writing workshops.
OBJECTIVE TWO: TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT THROUGH
COOPERATIVE EFFORTS AND IMPROVED COMMUNICATION
AmeriCorps Volunteers will work with local and county-level
government officials to sssist them in providing improved
services at lower or existing costs to their constituencies
through greater cooperation and sharing of information. Local
and county governments are key players in the community and
economic development process. Improving their capacity to do
NOV-14-95 TUE 11:14 ACTIONCOMMUNICATION
P.02
more with less will miso enhance the quality of lifo experienced
by their constituencies. Resistance to inter-governaental
cooperation in the Delta has béen strong historically.
Therefore, goals for this objective shall be conservative in
nature in order to insure greater success.
Note: This objective is consistent with at least two
recommendations in the MDEZA strategic plan-to strengthen
cooporation within and among communities and institutions (0. 6
of the benchearks and activities Final draft) and to
Daintain/improye local and county government (0, 51 of the
benchearks and activities rinal draft).
A. The Work To Be Done Within the 1700 Hours of the AmeriCorps
Work Year
members
AmeriCorps Volunterr(s) shall support city and county level
officials in at least one county included within the
Empowerment Zone for the purpose of improving the quality of
services provided to citizens in the Zone.
B. The Result of the Work
City and county-level officials in this county shell
identify, design and develop at least one cooperative
endeavor in the area of water resources delivery and
management.
C. Means of Measuring the Quality of the Product or Impact of
the Service
City and county-level governments shall provide a regionally
coordinated water resources delivery and banagement system
and shall thereby enjoy a reduction in the costs currently
incurred by sunicipalities for systems currently operated
and maintained on & city-by-city basis.
D. Standard of Quality or Ispact that the Program Hopes to Meet
Water quality in the impacted area will be higher, services
more efficiently managed and consistent with EPA water
quality standards, and citizens snall enjoy reduced costs
for the water they USO,
E. Number of Service Recipients
This shall depend upon the county in which this project is
implemented the number of zone residents residing in the
impact area. An initial projected figure is 2,000 persons.
.8,
17071,
00071
0706 CTI HP61'01 06/01/11
Revised still
NO
EZ MS45-7
1. MID-DELTA EMPOWERMENT ZONE ALLIANCE
Preapplication for 1996 AmeriCorps Program Participation
a. Name of EZ/EC Applicant Entity: Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance
b. Name of Contact Person: Harry Bowie, President and CEO
c. Name of Person who will provide Supervision for AmeriCorps Member:
To be Determined
d: Address of Entity: 819 Main Street, Greenville, MS 38701
e. Counties in which the Work Will Take Place: Bolivar, Washington, Sunflower,
Leflore, Humphreys and Homes
f: Congressional Districts in which the work will take Place: District 2
g. Telephone: 601/335-5291 FAX: 601/335-5295
a. Community Organization/Resident Participation.
The work to be performed is to organize regular meetings of the citizens of the 16 EZ
communities to provide up to date information to citizens on a regular basis on EZ activities and
opportunities. Citizens will be provided an opportunity and be encouraged to have input in the
decision-making process relative to the expenditure of EZ funds.
Citizens will be provided technical assistance in the development of projects and application for
funding for specific projects in their community. This includes for profit and non-profit efforts.
Measure: The number of resident participants in community meetings and the number of
proposals submitted to the MDEZA committee for consideration.
Standard to measure success: the extent to which resident input to the MDEZA committee is
considered and action taken to implement citizen recommendations.
Number of Service Recipients: 20
b. Application for Non-MDEZA Funds
Work to be performed is to assist local residents to package applications for federal, state and
private funds for specific projects to benefit the community. Both for profit and non-profit
entities will be assisted in the development of projects and seeking funds to support the projects.
It is expected that projects to create jobs and provide for expanded small enterprise opportunities
will result from the work of the AmeriCorps Member.
The number of new enterprises that are assisted will be one measure of success. The other will
be the number of jobs created. The number of applications submitted versus the number funded,
as well as the number of enterprises that do not require funding to be successful, will be the
benchmark for the achievement of this objective.
Standard: 6-10 enterprises and/or programs being assisted in each town. This includes both for
profit and non-profit activities.
Number of Service Recipients: Expected to be 12. This results in a success rate in excess of
50% per locality.
3. Assist Local Communities with Day to Day Needs
Each community has its own set of local problems and concerns that have to be dealt with in
order for the community to address the priorities of the MDEZA. Addressing these legitimate
concerns is a primary objective of the program.
Small and large problems will be addressed on a day to day basis. This include problems of the
locality and its citizens that are viewed as urgent and pressing.
Measure: Problem solving. Appropriate documentation will be made to establish the extent to
which problems are addressed. This includes both the nature and extent of the problem and the
solutions impact on the problem made.
Standard: To improve the quality of life for local residents. While it may not be possible to
solve all problems, any major impact on the problems will be considered a success.
Number of Service Recipients: the entire community for problems solved for the towns. The
number of individual recipients is estimated at 40 per town.
d. Provide Additional Staff Assistance
Each town in the MDEZA has a shortage of staff. The objective is to supplement said staff with
the AmeriCorps Member.
Result: Greater efficiency and overall operation of the town. A person is needed to assist in all
areas of the operation of the town.
Measurement: The presence of the Member. The fact that an extra person is available is the
strength of the program. This person will keep a log of the activities undertaken.
Quality of the service: A direct result of the level of supervision and access to information
provided to the AmeriCorps Member. It is also a function of the ability of the Member to
respond to local concerns. These items will be addressed in the training element of the project.
Number of Service Recipients: Entire town. The nature of this objective is that it is difficult to
identify individual beneficiaries. Consequently, none are considered
No
EZ MS45-7
1. MID-DELTA EMPOWERMENT ZONE ALLIANCE
Preapplication for 1996 AmeriCorps Program Participation
a. Name of EZ/EC Applicant Entity: Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance
b. Name of Contact Person: Harry Bowie, President and CEO
c. Name of Person who will provide Supervision for AmeriCorps Member:
To be Determined
d: Address of Entity: 819 Main Street, Greenville, MS 38701
e. Counties in which the Work Will Take Place: Bolivar, Washington, Sunflower,
Leflore, Humphreys and Homes
f: Congressional Districts in which the work will take Place: District 2
g. Telephone: 601/335-5291 FAX: 601/335-5295
a. Community Organization/Resident Participation.
The work to be performed is to organize regular meetings of the citizens of the 16 EZ
communities to provide up to date information to citizens on a regular basis on EZ activities and
opportunities. Citizens will be provided an opportunity and be encouraged to have input in the
decision-making process relative to the expenditure of EZ funds.
Citizens will be provided technical assistance in the development of projects and application for
funding for specific projects in their community. This includes for profit and non-profit efforts.
Measure: The number of resident participants in community meetings and the number of
proposals submitted to the MDEZA committee for consideration.
Standard to measure success: the extent to which resident input to the MDEZA committee is
considered and action taken to implement citizen recommendations.
Number of Service Recipients: 20
b. Application for Non-MDEZA Funds
Work to be performed is to assist local residents to package applications for federal, state and
private funds for specific projects to benefit the community. Both for profit and non-profit
entities will be assisted in the development of projects and seeking funds to support the projects.
It is expected that projects to create jobs and provide for expanded small business opportunities
will result from the work of the AmeriCorps Member.
The number of new and expanded businesses that are assisted will be one measure of success.
The other will be the number of jobs created. The number of applications submitted versus the
number funded, as well as the number of businesses that do not require funding to be successful,
will be the benchmark for the achievement of this objective.
Standard: 6-10 businesses and/or programs being assisted in each town. This includes both for
profit and non-profit activities.
Number of Service Recipients: Expected to be 12. This results in a success rate in excess of
50% per locality.
3. Assist Local Communities with Day to Day Needs
Each community has its own set of local problems and concerns that have to be dealt with in
order for the community to address the priorities of the MDEZA. Addressing these legitimate
concerns is a primary objective of the program.
Small and large problems will be addressed on a day to day basis. This include problems of the
locality and its citizens that are viewed as urgent and pressing.
Measure: Problem solving. Appropriate documentation will be made to establish the extent to
which problems are addressed. This includes both the nature and extent of the problem and the
solutions impact on the problem made.
Standard: To improve the quality of life for local residents. While it may not be possible to
solve all problems, any major impact on the problems will be considered a success.
Number of Service Recipients: the entire community for problems solved for the towns. The
number of individual recipients is estimated at 40 per town.
d. Provide Additional Staff Assistance
Each town in the MDEZA has a shortage of staff. The objective is to supplement said staff with
he AmeriCorps Member.
Result: Greater efficiency and overall operation of the town. A person is needed to assist in all
reas of the operation of the town.
Measurement: The presence of the Member. The fact that an extra person is available is the
strength of the program. This person will keep a log of the activities undertaken.
Quality of the service: A direct result of the level of supervision and access to information
provided to the AmeriCorps Member. It is also a function of the ability of the Member to
respond to local concerns. These items will be addressed in the training element of the project.
Number of Service Recipients: Entire town. The nature of this objective is that it is difficult to
identify individual beneficiaries. Consequently, none are considered.
* AMERICORPO IN GREITOE
UNITED
STATES
DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
November 16, 1995
To:
Mr. Harry Bowie, Co-Chair, Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance
From:
Joel Berg, Director of National Service, USDA JB
Subject:
Revisions Still Needed in MDEZA AmeriCorps Objectives
David Gibson has forwarded your revised AmeriCorps objectives to me for
review. Unfortunately, they still need to be dramatically overhauled in order to meet
the requirements of the National and Community Service Act of 1993, which
authorizes AmeriCorps.
Proposed objective number one is impermissible because AmeriCorps Members
may not write grants, raise funds, or train other individuals to do so. Proposed
objective number two is impermissible because AmeriCorps Members may not serve
as generic aides to "city and county level officials;" rather, Members of the program
can only perform specific community service projects that are precisely planned in
advance and do not duplicate the existing functions of any level of government.
Please be clear that we are not challenging the value of the projects you are
proposing. We certainly understand and agree that it is vitally important to your
area to teach citizens to write grants and to generally provide more help to local
governments. We are simply stating that AmeriCorps is not the proper delivery
mechanism to perform such work.
AmeriCorps Members must perform direct service providing human services,
protecting the environment, fighting crime, and/or improving education. Please re-
write the objectives immediately based on the previous materials, sent to you by
David Gibson, which specify both permissible and prohibited activities for AmeriCorps
Members.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact David at 715-241-
0023 or myself at 202-720-6350.
I thank you for your continuing cooperation as we work together to benefit the
citizens of the Mississippi Delta.
02/08/96 08:51am 715 341 4095
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ECM Pg. 01/08
RECD AmeriCorps
FAX
Date: 02/08/96
PHOTOCOPY
Number of pages including cover
sheet:
To:
From:
Joel Berg
David Gibson
Phone:
Phone:
715-345-7676
Fax phone:
Fax phone: 715-345-7669
CC:
REMARKS:
Urgent
X
For your review
Reply ASAP
Please comment
Attached are some brief comments on the new reporting format. Wish that I could have received them in
time to affect the output. There are parts I don't feel are user friendly; others inconsistent.
I still am very bothered by the fact that they are being sent out without a form designed for the Members.
A Member reporting form is a powerful self-evaluation and archival tool. State Contacts may or may not
have the background adequate to design such an instrument. The sense I get from the document is that
Member development and self-accountability has been sacrificed to the reductionist bean counters. I
know that is not your intent.
You all did a fantastic job of summarizing the objectives and merging data and forms. Nicely customized.
02/08/96 08:52am 715 341 4095
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-->12027204614
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02/06/96 11:38
NO.899 F002/034
AMERICORE F. A
UNITED
STATES
*
DEPARTMENT
Of AGRICULTURE
January 30, 1996
To:
AmeriCorps USDA State Coordinators
Through:
FCS, FS, FSA, NRCS, and RECD National AmeriCorps Coordinators
From:
Joel Berg, Director of National Service. USDA DB
Subject:
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPL ETING AMERICORPS QUARTERLY REPORTS
send TO
As promised, enclosed is the quarterly progress report format for you to use each reporting period for the rest
of the year. Even if you have already completed the first quarter report in the old format, please take a few
minutes to adopt the information to the new format.
Changes in the New Format
Also as promised, the new format should take considerably less time and effort to complete. We have made
questions 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, and 23 optional.
Rather than continuing to require each operating site and/or cluster to complete lengthy written narratives,
the new format will focus more on obtaining accurate numerical data for the entire state, as certified by each
agency's state AmeriCorps coordinator.
Individual Site Progress Reports
Because your state reports should include basic Member enrollment and community service objective progress
information for each operating site, we no longer require that you submit individual reports for sites
within the state. However, you may, on your own, chose to require your sites to complete all or part of the
new report format in order to help you compile the state report. In particular, you may want to fax or mail
each of your sites site the instructions for question 13, as well as that site's question 13 chart for reporting
progress on the community objectives. You may find this process useful in your state for your own internal
evaluation and continuous improvement efforts, but we again stress that we are no longer requiring you to
collect such individual site reports.
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
02/08/96 08:53am 715 341 4095
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-->12027204614
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02/06/96 11:39
NO.899 P005/034
SECTION III- MEMBER DATA:
10. Attached are sheets concerning AmeriCorps Member data. The first - gins name type of sheet lists each Member, by operating
site, for whom the USDA Office or National Service has received at least a Member enrollment form.
The sheet will also list the number of stots allotted to that site and the number of enrollment forms
received by the Department; you will need to fill in the number of Members actually enrolled. The sheets give the
Member's name. social security number, and enrollment status. Please review the data and check for:
a. Correct spelling of the name;
b. Accuracy of the Social Security Number;
c. Service type (F= Full-time member; P= Part-time member);
d. Program Status (A Active; C 11 Completed; E - Ended Service Early)*
e. Trust Status (A - Earning Award; = Earned Award; C = Did Not Earn Award; D = On Hold by the
Corporation fro National Service: E' 12 Under Review).
\
Alongside each name, give the total number of hours served (includes training time) by the Member this reporting period.
Do this even if the Member has terminated during the reporting period. For Members who are on the list but have
terminated or had their service type or status changed, just cross out the old status and print the new one alongside it.
Make your corrections directly on this sheet and submit it along with the other portions of your progress report.
The second type of sheets give an Operating Site ID number and the name of the site supervisor but has no Member
names listed. That is because the USDA Office of National Service has not received Enrollment forms for any Members
from these sites. Please print the necessary information for each member on the appropriate sheet and submit an
Enrollment form to the Department. If a Member began service but terminated, we still need a form for that person -- ---
indicate their status as terminated. Also note whether or not the site sent the enrollment form directly to the Corporation
\
for National Service. It is hoped that by now everyone understands that all forms (except health and child care) should
come directly to the USDA Director of National Service and NOT--- repeat NOT. the Corporation for National
Service.
REMEMBER:
oay?
J
a. ALL members should be listed even though they only served few weeks. If an enrollment form was
submitted for a Member who then terminates either by officially notifying you or simply by walking away from
the program, an End of Term of Service Form MUST be submitted for the Member.
b. If Members are serving at an operating site and their name does not appear on the list for that site, first check to
see if the Member is listed under a different operating site; if not, then an Enrollment Form must be submitted
so the person can be enrolled in the program.
c. List all the hours a Member served during the reporting period regardless if they terminated or if they started in
the middle of the period.
PRESERVATION
2/05/96
10. MEMBER DATA:
OP SITE ID: R04E
Site Supervisor: Steven
Colantuoni
PHONE: 520-761-7800
Agency/Org Name: Nogales/Santa Curz Dev. Fond. EC 168b FAX: 5207617843
STATE:
City: Nogales
AZ
No. of Members Allocated by USDA:
1
Swive Program
stare
THUST
Tupe
status
HOURS
11:39
SER
PGM
TRT
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Total
02/08/96 08:54am 715 341 4095
Member Name
SSN
STAT
STAT
STAT
Rpt
Rpt
Rpt
Rpt
cumulation?
Recordant
Adindant
No. of Members Allocated by USDA:
1
A.
No. of Active Members Whose Enrollment Forms were recieved at USDA (not including terminations):
0
No. of Members for Whom Forms Have NOT Been Recieved*:
1
RECDS
D.
ENTER the number of vacancies that you intend to fill in the next reporting period:
will not fill
E.
ENTER the number of vacancies you intend to relinquish for the program year:
with 50 12pt of
If the number of Members altocated is greater than the number of forms received, there are form options: 1. There are Members enrolled in programs whose forms have not
been submitted to the USOA Director of National Service. If that is the case, list the names. SSN, Status and hours of the missing members on the back of this sheet
and send the enrollment forms to the USDA Director of National Service. 2. The corollment forms were sest directly to the Corporation. If that is the case,
send copies to the USDA Director of National Service imediately. 3. There are vacancies in your program. you intend to fill in the next reporting period.
If that 15 the case, enter the number of vacancies on the appropriate line. 4. There are vacancies that you can not fill and you are relinquishing them.
give numbers Line
LOTS
OR Left
ROOM
REMEMBER, MEMBERS WHOSE FORMS HAVE NOT BEEN RECEIVED AT USDA ARE NOT CONSIDERED ENGOLLED IN THE PROGRAM AND THEIR BENEFITS [EDUCATION AWARD,3TC.] ARB JEOPARDTISO!!!
item c.)
If the number of members for whom forms have been received is greater than the number of members allocated resulting in a negative Number appearing in the Wo. of
Feebers for Con Force Have NCT Been Received" line, you have enrolled moxe members in your program than authorized. Please explain this over enrollment. It may be
that some members have terminated. in which case, change their status on this form. and submit the proper enj of term of service form to the USDA Director of National Service.
wHere?
2.
PHOTOCOPY
3
PRESERVATION
NO.899 P006/034
ECM Pg. 04/08
02/08/96 08: 55am 715 341 4095
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-->12027204614
ECM Pg. 05/08
06/96 11:42
NO.899 P013/034
11. Please list the total number of volunteers
who took part in activities which were
1st Qtr. 2nd Qtr. 3rd Qtr. 4th Qtr. Total
sponsored or organized by all the Members
in the state during this period.
1st Qtr. 2nd Qtr. 3rd Qtr. 4th Qtr. Total
12. Please list the total number of
hours of community service completed by the
volunteers cited above during this period.
(In question 18 briefly explain what these
volunteers accomplished)
AWK!
for unplanned MCK Day.
activities etc.
SECTION IV - PROGRESS TOWARDS ACCOMPLISHING SERVICE OBJECTIVES:
13. Original Community Service Objectives: Attached are sheets summarizing the community service
objectives that were originally approved for each operating site. In cases where a single objective may take an
entire year to complete, that objective may have a sub-objective listed. You need to fill in the column marked
"1st QTR Quantity" and the column marked "1st OTR Success" as well as any column that is blank, has
a zero, or has a question mark - for EVERY operating site. Each chart should have the following columns:
LE. steps Accomplisues TOWARDS
"State" - The standard two-letter code for your state
The GOAL.
"Obj No" . Each community service objective for each site is assigned an individual number
"Op Site" - Each site's unique operating site identification
"PGM Code" - Each type of service has been assigned a unique code to describe that type of service. See the
appendix to this report entitled "Community Service PGM Code List"
"Obj/Impact Statement" - A few words verbally summarizing the community service objective
"Year's QTY Target" - The year's numerical goal for the people or things to be aided
"Target Unit of Measurement" - The unit of measure used in the previous column
"Ist QTR Quantity" - Provide a hard number indicating progress towards the "Year's QTY Target"
"Year's Success Target" - Number for a way of measuring quality of service provided if this column is
blank, has a question mark, or has a zero, please replace it with the accurate information
"Success Unit of Measure" - Explanation of the number in the previous column --- if this column is
blank, has a question mark, or has a zero, please replace it with the accurate information
"1st QTR Success" - Provide a hard number indicating progress towards the "Year's Success Target"
6
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
Better name Than Sub-orgeau
14. PROGRESS TOWARDS ACCOMPLISHING ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
The next available #
Use this section to report progress towards completing additional new objectives those objectives in addition to the main objectives of each
project listed on the proceeding page. Please fill in all columns for all objectives. It is important to make sure that each objective is listed with
THE
its evo "OP site (Operating site) code; this ensures that we know precisely what service is performed at each site. Please fill in all columns for
each objective. Under "Obi No., please give each new objective a number different from the number used for any of the objectives on the
proceeding page. Under 'PGM Code, please USE a one-letter and three-digit code to describe the service from the code list provided at the end of
02/08/96 08:56am 715 341 4095
this report, Under 'Obj/Impaet statement," provide a several-word summary of the nature of the service project -- this verbal summary should
roughly match the "PGM Code" listed in the previous column. Under "Year's QTY Target," provide a hard number for the people or things
aided. Under "Target Unit of Measurement," specify what unit of measure was used in the previous column -- such as miles, number of people
served, acres, etc. Under "Ist QTR Quantity," provide a hard number indicating progress towards the "Year's QTY Target" that was
accomplished during this reporting period. Under "Year's Success Target," provide a hard number for a way of measuring how well the service
was provided. Under "Successes Unit of Measure," specify exactly what the number in the previous column meant. Under "I st QTR Success,"
provide a hard number indicating progress/towards the "Year's Success Target" that was accomplished during this reporting period.
Year's
Year's
Success
RECDS
Obj PGM
QTY
1st QTR
Success
Unit of
State Op Site No. Code Obj/Impact statement
1st QTR
Target QTY Unit of Measure
Quantity
Target
Measure
Success
{SAMPLE:}
CA YOSA 18 EN96 Constructing whale nesting boxes 3 Boxes
I
90 % meeting stand.
95%
needs more room
ON WHAT BASIS AG these new nombers developeD?
-->12027204614
Juss puiled out of The air? ? arbitraning ASSIGNED.
Do the letters #is mean any Thing?
PHOTOCOPY
ECM Pg. 06/08
PRESERVATION
02/08/96 08:57am 715 341 4095
RECDS
-->12027204614
ECM Pg. 07/08
15. Community Service Objectives Narrative (optional): If you feel it is necessary and/or helpful, you may
use this space to describe in more detail,accomplishments towards the original community service
objectives reported in question 13 and/or your additional community service objectives reported in
question 14. Please make sure you include the Operating Site ID Number in each narrative description so
we can be clear which accomplishment is matched to which site.
is THIS member OR State contact?
confusction
These with are me not 06 to gettins he
16. Community Building Objectives Narrative (optional): Briefly describe how projects have brought
together diverse groups of people, empowered communities to solve their own problems. built-long term
structures that will last beyond each AmeriCorps Member's term of service, and generally improved the
abilities of local citizens to help improve their own lives.
NO format TO Collect THIS info.
not
17. AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives Narrative (optional): Briefly describe how the
AmeriCorps Members themselves have benefited from serving in the program, particularly in regard to
expanding their own educational opportunity and increasing their own ethic of personal responsibility.
Describe specific skills learned by Members through either their service or training. Describe any
Members that earned a GED or otherwise advanced their education. Describe any Members that left public
assistance to join AmeriCorps. Relate how AmeriCorps allowed Members to continue college or graduate
school. volunteerism. Describe how Members may have changed their ethic of work, citizenship, or community
NO FOrMaT TO Codect THIS info
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
02/08/96 08:58am 715 341 4095
RECDS
-->12027204614
ECM Pg. 08/08
SECTION V - SUCCESS STORIES:
18. Unique Successes or Great Stories : Briefly describe one or two unique and/or exceptional success
stories, a program highlight, or a 'great story' from your state. Please explain any instance in which
AmeriCorps Mcmbers recruited non-AmeriCorps community volunteers for projects. Please include all
media coverage. including original newspaper clips, videotapes of TV coverage, and cassette tapes of
radio coverage; any letters of support or thank you letters; "before and after" photographs, brochures,
posters, and newsletters created by the project; and other types of creative documentation.
How collected?
SECTION VI - CHALLENGES
19. Difficulties Faced by the Program: Use this section to report on any problems your Members have
encountered in the program this period. These should be significant issues which were related to
achieving objectives, significant delays in implementation, administrative problems, or any other
expectations, events or incidents that have caused the Members concern. State the problem concisely and
how the issue has, or has not been resolved. Be sure to outline the steps taken and identify any resources
needed to assist in resolving the problem.
How collected
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
01/18/96
08:47
913 823 4540
NRCS-KS
001
United States
KS-IRM-5
Dept. of Agriculture
Rev. 12/94
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Facsimile Transmittal Sheet
Date: 1-18-96
NRCS
Transmittal +
pages
KANSAS
To:
Joel Berg
Team USDA
National Service Program
Phone:
FAX: 202 720 4614
From: Jim meisenheimer
Natural Resources Conservation Service
760 South Broadway
Salina, KS 67401-4642
Phone:
FAX: (913) 823-4540
Transmittal Problem - Call (913) 823-4515
Message: Thanks for Carling back
this ancising I hope that you have
had a Chance to Speak to the intembers.
The letter is my account of what Las
PHOTOCOPY
happened- as I condesstead it.
Jim
01/18/96
08:48
913 823 4540
NRCS-KS
1
002
USDA/AmeriCorps
Natural Resources Conservation Service
760 South Broadway
*
Salina, KS 67401-4642
(913) 823-4500
FAX (913) 823-4540
January 18, 1996
Mr. Joel Berg
USDA/Office of Communications
Natl' Service Division
14th & Independence SW
Room 540-A
Washington, D.C. 20250
FAX: (202) 720 4614
Re: URGENT REQUEST FOR HELP with the FSA Kickapoo AmeriCorps
Team
Dear Joel:
At 8:00 p.m., January 17 I received a phone call from Kickapoo AmeriCorps
Member Kristen Mitchell. As mentioned, during our discussion a few hours
earlier, Kristen was again depressed with her situation. She said that both her
and AmeriCorps Member Chaline Owings have been called vulgar and degrading
names. The man whom they are helping with the teenagers, in the room
adjacent to the one you met them in, was asked "Why are you letting white
women work here?" In addition, Kristen said that Chaline's kids were being
harassed on the bus. The antagonists on the bus have been spitting on her kids
and pulling their hair. I also learned that whenever Kristen and Chaline go into
the tribal office headquarters, no one will speak to them. During my session with
Kristen, we discussed the possibility of her going to Southeast Kansas to serve
with Katrina, at least for a while.
During the 8:00 p.m. phone call, I learned that the following language, which I
will paraphrase, was used against Chaline during the time Kristen was in Salina
on January 17. "You f g white bitches are not wanted you had better
watch your butts." Chaline is now more upset with the whole situation and
would like out of the project, as would Kristen.
Kristen has a job awaiting her. As mentioned, Kristen would also go, at least for
a while to serve with the Southeast Kansas team. We could also place her on
the nearby NRCS Topeka team. Chaline, with her two kids, is in a different
situation. During my conversation with her on the 17th, she mentioned that she
has no money and that her kids missed Thanksgiving and Christmas. In addition,
she stated that someone responsible for putting them in their situation with the
Kickapoo should be held accountable; that person should have known that the
previous AmeriCorps team leader had been fired and that nothing worked.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service
formerly the Soil Conservation Service
is an agency of the
United States Department of Agriculture
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
01/18/96
08:49
913 823 4540
NRCS-KS
1
003
I told Chaline that I was the one who was responsible for their being there, that
the project was based on information we had received from the previous tribal
AmeriCorps leader and council members. Furthermore, even if I had gone to the
reservation to review the situation, I would not have known in a day visit that her
project was doomed.
In retrospect, during my discussions with the tribal council members about the
problems the team was having in late October, early November, they asked the
members to stay as there was much for them to do.
Is there any emergency money to help a person in Chaline's situation relocate to
another project? I told Chaline and Kristen, during my 9:00 p.m. phone call, to
dissociate themselves with the teenagers, and if possible, leave the reservation
during working hours until I had a chance to speak with you. They did say that
they are going to meet with officials at the Brown County Historical Society
today. They have also told me of the good response they have received from the
Horton school teachers. In contrast, the response they have gotten from the
personnel at the all Indian School in the area is negative.
If the Brown County Historical Society and the Horton Schools could use
Chaline's services for the remainder of her term, would it be possible to keep her
in the area? That would negate her having to make a major move with her kids
for the second time in a school year. I have also thought about giving her a
thousand dollars from my own account in order to help her move, not that I can
really afford to do that after my auto accident.
Side note, on the 17th you asked which jobs I had applied for with the
Corporation? Those positions are:
Announcement Number: 95-APS-28, Senior Program Officer, NY-4
Office of the Executive Director, Southwest
Cluster
Announcement Number: 95-APS-29, Program Officer, NY-3 Office of
the Executive Director
Announcement Number: 95-APS-30, NY-3 Office of the Executive
Director, Southwest Cluster
Any good word to the Corporation for a position would be appreciated.
A copy of Todd Tiahrt's letter accompanies this request for help.
Respectfully,
Jim Mcisenheimer
PYOTOCOPY
Kansas AmeriCorps/USDA
Attachment DP
* NA A A In
UNITED
STATES
DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
NUMBER OF SLOTS IN FOREST SERVICE AMERICORPS
PUBLIC LANDS PROJECTS, BY REGION
Pacific Southwest - 146
Pacific Northwest - 96
Southern - 82
Intermountain - 38
Rocky Mountain - 36
Eastern - 36
Southwestern - 20
Northern - 0
Alaska - 0
AMERICORPS IN A ERVICE UNITED OF DEPARTMENT STATES
AGRICULTURE
February 7, 1996
To:
Patty Morris
From:
Joel Berg
Subject:
Successes Documented by the USDA/AmeriCorps First Annual Report
Attached is the first annual report of the USDA/AmeriCorps, which documents
remarkable accomplishments of the program. Some highlights:
* USDA AmeriCorps Members in nutrition and anti-hunger projects cooked and served
40,155 meals at soup kitchens, implemented 51 new sites for the Summer Food Service
Program that fed 40,912 children, provided 391,542 people with donated food, gave food
safety and nutrition presentations to 25,257 students and senior citizens, helped 152
community gardens, and aided gleaning efforts.
* USDA AmeriCorps Members in environmental projects performed flood recovery work on 75,300
acres, constructed or maintained 715 miles of trail, improved 6,176 acres of wildlife habitat,
provided 885 landowners with water quality assistance, built or repaired 76 campground sites,
planted 110,400 trees, made 42 recreation sites accessible for the disabled, restored 760 acres of
fisheries habitat, and protected 67,483 acres of coastal land.
* USDA AmeriCorps Members serving in rural development projects helped 390 low-income
families secure new homes, 3,484 families obtain running water or modern bathrooms for the first
time, 867 families repair health and safety hazards in their homes, and over 100 counties improve
their emergency preparedness and response.
*
The 1,200 USDA AmeriCorps Members recruited 14,176 non-compensated volunteers to serve
in community service projects. Thus, each AmeriCorps Member, on average, recruited more than
11 non-compensated volunteers. These non-compensated volunteers provided a total of 134,899
hours of service.
*
The AmeriCorps Members directly provided services to over 828,000 citizens and performed
environmental work on over 234,000 acres of land. For each person assisted by anti-hunger and rural
development projects, the Federal government spent only $17. For each acre of land on which the
environment was improved, the Federal government spent only $62.
USDA
DEC 18 1935
Ms. Abby Gage
United States
Department of
6 Pemicksville Drive
Agrioulture
Cleveland, SC 29635
Food and Consumer
Service
Dear Ms. Gage:
Mid-Atiantic Region
Mercer Corporate Park
300 Corporate Boulevard
Hurricane Marilyn's devastation of the U.S. Virgin Islands this past
Robbinsville, N.J. 08891-1598
September left the residents of the territory in need of help. All of us at the
Food and Consumer Service's Mid-Atlantic regional office worked day and
night to bring some measure of dignity and comfort to Marilyn's victims.
That is our duty.
TEAM
We had some help. Americorps' all-star team, of which you were a
member, landed in the Virgin Islands and took it as your duty to live up to
the Americorps motto, "getting things done."
The team that worked with FCS staff made a difference: some of you
helped by working in the Food Distribution warehouse, unloading trucks
and bagging food for families. Others worked day after day data-entering
emergency food stamp cases. Without any prior experience, Americorps
members picked up a backlog of food stamp data-entry cases and single-
handedly took care of the problem, working long hours and getting the job
done.
Though I didn't have the opportunity to meet you personally during my stay
in the Virgin Islands, I've heard wonderful reports about your work ethic,
attitude, and willingness to tackle any task, no matter how complicated.
Although the satisfaction of having done something well is its own reward,
I want to commend you and thank you on behalf of my staff and the people
of the Virgin Islands for putting your heart and soul, as well as your mind,
in helping the territory recover from nature's blow.
Sincerely,
Ch.
OPTIONAL FORM 99 (7-90)
FAX TRANSMITTAL
CHRISTOPHER J. MARTIN
# of pages
/
To
DornaHones
Administrator
From Cumiskey Seto
Mid-Atlantic Region
Americaps Agency
Phone 609-259-5088 #
202-720-4614 Fax #
NSN 7540-01-317-7388
Fax 609-259-5147
5099-101
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
The Food and Consumer Service, formody the Food and Nutrition Service
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
YOUTH VOICES
December 1995
TAKING VOICI YOUTH
What is
Youth Voice?
We are a group of young people,
ages 12 to 25, who care about what
is going on in our communities and
Youth Voice Standing Commitee members worked together to cross a ropes course during a retreat.
want to take action to make posi-
tive changes.
Youth Voice is real-it's about
young people talking to young
YLA:
A WAY TO GET YOUR VOICE HEARD
people, it's about standing up and
saying how you feel, it's about
getting off the couch and doing
something!!!
So what are you waiting for? To
be a Youth Voice member and be-
come hooked into the network, all
The 26th Youth Legislative As-
you get your voice heard.
you have to do is fill out an applica-
sembly, better known as YLA, will
When YLA is finished, a final
tion. To find out more information
be held on March 24-27 in Raleigh
report is given to legislators
about Youth Voice or to receive an
at the Radisson Hotel. YLA is a
and state officials. Some YLA
application, call 1-800-820-GIVE.
mock legislative assembly where
bills have become laws in
by Josh White
250 students gather to talk about
North Carolina. YLA is also
issues concerning youth in North
fun-you get to meet other
Carolina today.
young people and there's an
awesome dance on Saturday.
Committees range from Human
Sexuality to Civil Rights and debate
For information call the Youth
bills range from education funding
Advocacy and Involvement Of-
to recycling programs.
fice at 919-733-9296.
One great thing about YLA is that
by Josh White, Wake Forest
FLORIDA
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Water Conservation Initiative
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
Florida
E. County of Duty Station:
Dade
F. Names of counties served
Dade
(Up to 15)
G. Congressional District:
17th & 23rd
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Doug Ulmer
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
15600 SW 288th St. Suite 402
Homestead, FL 33033
Ph: (305) 242-1218
FAX: (305) 242-1292
J: Name of St Project Director:
Jerry Joiner
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
Federal Bldg, Room 248,
401 S.E. 1st Ave
Gainsville, FL 32601
Ph: (904) 338-9506
FAX: (904) 338-9574
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M. Number of Members in RDT:
5
APPI. DOC
Florida
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Name
The AmeriCorps Water Conservation Initiative in Dade County,
Florida.
Location
The United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS), Homestead Field Office in Dade
County, Florida.
Natural Resources Conservation Service
15600 SW 288th St., S-402
Homestead, FL 33033
Needs To Be Met
The needs to be met relate to conserving and protecting the
natural environment. Specifically, this project will help
protect the drinking water supplies in Dade County upon which 1.9
million people rely.
Key Elements of Design
The project will employ five full time Rural Development Corps
participants who will serve as apprentice Mobile Irrigation Lab
(MIL) technicians on the existing South Dade Soil and Water
Conservation District (SDSWCD) MIL.
Administering Organization and Primary Partners
The administering organization is the NRCS. The primary partner
is the SDSWCD. The South Florida Water Management District is an
additional partner.
Mission
The project mission is to conserve and protect the drinking water
supply of Dade County, Florida. To help accomplish this, five
full time Rural Development Corps participants will serve as
assistants to the South Dade MIL and to other SDSWCD projects.
Annual Objectives
1)
Recruit a diverse workforce.
2)
Train participants in water conservation issues.
3)
Conduct public information activities on landscape
irrigation.
4)
Conduct on-site landscape irrigation system
evaluations, assist the SDSWCD in their composting
project and other projects.
Budget
All operating costs such as training, transportation, equipment,
supplies and office space will be provided by the administering
organization or through additional grant funds from partner
agencies. Estimated value of these contributions is $38,000 per
year.
PROJECT SETTING
Location
The AmeriCorps project will serve Dade County, which is located
on the Southeast coast of Florida.
Dade County is the third largest county in the state and has a
total area of 1,945 square miles.
Economic Profile
Dade County is a land of extremes. Intermingled throughout areas
of tremendous wealth are areas of tremendous poverty. These
socioeconomic contrasts lead to tension and conflict. South
Florida, especially Dade County, is known for the viciousness of
criminal attacks, especially by youths, who lash out because they
foresee a bleak future for themselves and their community.
Attempting to understand the actions of the despairing youth is
not difficult when considering that Dade County has an
unemployment rate of 7.7 percent, which is compounded by a 14.2
percent poverty level. The existence of an AmeriCorps project
will assist young adults to create a better life for themselves.
Groundwater Resources
Dade County is underlain by two major aquifer systems: the
Biscayne and the Floridan.
Because the deeper Floridan aquifer in this area, contains
nonpotable water due to a high dissolved mineral content, the
Biscayne aquifer is the principal water-bearing aquifer for Dade
County as well as the entire Southeast coast of Florida. The
Biscayne aquifer varies in thickness from 40 to 150 feet. It
occurs at or near the land surface in some places and is located
under urbanized areas of Dade County. It is comprised of
numerous limestone cavities, and is estimated to yield up to
7,000 gallons per minute from large public supply wells. Because
the Biscayne aquifer is considered to be one of the most
permeable aquifers in the world and extremely vulnerable to
contamination, and it is the sole source of drinking water for
more than 4 million people in Southeast Florida, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency has designated it as a "sole-
source aquifer" under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 (Public
Law 93-523). Unfortunately, the Biscayne aquifer has been
directly contaminated in some places by industrial discharges,
landfill leachates, and fuel spills.
Hydrology
Rainfall patterns in this region are highly seasonal and average
54 inches annually. Approximately 65 percent of the annual
rainfall amount occurs during the wet season (June through
October) when demands are moderate. Only 35 percent occurs
during the dry season (November through May) when demands are
largest due to the influx of tourists and winter residents.
Because of the variability in rainfall, there is a need for large
water storage reservoirs in this area. These reservoirs are
called Water Conservation Areas, which are an integral part of
the Central and Southern Florida Project (C&SF), the regional
water management system. The C&SF Project was originally
designed to provide drainage for agricultural and urban
development, flood protection, and water supply. During recent
droughts the system has not been able to meet existing urban and
agricultural demands, resulting in water shortages. The C&SF
water management system is also used to recharge coastal aquifers
by regulating the flow of water in canals during periods of low
rainfall and drought. Flow infiltrates back and forth between
canals to the aquifer, depending upon water levels.
Population Growth & Water Demands
Dade County is the most populous county in the state having over
1.9 million residents and is projected to increase 21 percent to
over 2.3 million by the year 2010.
The present total demand for all freshwater uses in Dade County
is approximately 579.1 million gallons per day (MGD) and is
projected to increase to 796 MGD by the year 2010.
Irrigation Water Use
Irrigation water use consists of four categories: agriculture,
commercial landscaping, residential landscaping, and golf
courses. Agricultural use includes water used to irrigate all
crops, nurseries, improved pasture, and livestock watering.
Irrigation accounts for approximately 40 percent of the total
freshwater withdrawals. Figure 1 illustrates the exorbitant
amount of water that is utilized for irrigation purposes. The
proportion of water used for irrigation is unnecessarily high and
is mainly a result of improper irrigation.
WATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY PROBLEMS
Introduction
The consequences of a century of development confront Dade
County. Pavement covers land that once soaked rain into
aquifers, and during the winter months when water supplies are
falling, millions of tourists arrive. Current water demands
place a tremendous strain on ecosystems and exacerbates existing
water quality problems. The unique hydrologic features in this
area; which consist of a thin soil layer, high water table, and
porous limestone coupled with rapid population growth; contribute
to a high incidence of groundwater contamination. As the
struggle for water continues, fragile ecosystems; including the
Biscayne Bay, confront a dismal future. Water that used to flow
freely toward such ecosystems is now channeled to urban areas for
water supply purposes and for the prevention of saltwater
intrusion into wellfields and canals.
Irrigation Runoff
Improper irrigation practices in urban and agricultural sectors
effect water quality in this region. The use of pesticides and
fertilizers in combination with irrigation systems on crops and
landscapes result in nutrient laden runoff, which endanger
fragile ecosystems and ever decreasing potable water supplies.
Biscayne Bay
The entire ecosystem in Dade County has been drastically altered
to allow humans to control the flow of water south to the
populated areas. As the region's farms and cities expand, the
flow of water increases toward populated areas, while it trickles
into fragile ecosystems in ever decreasing, ever more polluted
amounts. The Biscayne Bay is significantly affected by canal
discharges from the Miami River, which is contaminated by
nutrients, pesticides, coliform bacteria, and has one of the
highest metals enrichments in the state of Florida. Pollutants
such as these flow into Biscayne Bay and consequently threaten
the natural habitat.
Saltwater Intrusion
Landward intrusion of seawater has been, and continues to be, the
primary threat to public drinking water supplies to coastal Dade
County. Increasing pumping of the Biscayne aquifer and recent
drought conditions have accentuated this problem. Increasing
chloride concentrations, which predict the encroachment of
saltwater in wells, are commonplace in this area. once saltwater
invades freshwater supply wells, drinking water becomes
nonpotable and virtually useless.
Saltwater intrusion occurs when the increased drainage from
canals lowers inland ground water levels and reduces the flow of
freshwater to the sea, allowing an inland movement of seawater
into the aquifer system. This inland movement of saline water
occurs in two basic forms: (1) lateral migration of saltwater
into the aquifer, and (2) landward movement of saltwater in
canals during periods when the freshwater discharge is
insufficient to restrict saltwater encroachment. Due to its
greater density, saline water that migrates into inland areas
along canals leaks downward into underlying fresh groundwater.
Control structures were constructed in all major canals to
regulate inland water levels in hopes to retard saltwater
intrusion. Despite such measures, increasing pumping due to the
rising water demands is causing the progression of saltwater
intrusion.
Increased population growth in coastal areas led to the
construction of wellfields near the coast, which has also
contributed to the saltwater intrusion problem by further
lowering water levels locally.
The AmeriCorps Water Conservation
Initiative in Dade County, Florida
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation
Service
number
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and
marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA Office of Communications at (202)
720-5881 (voice) or (202) 720-7808 (TDD).
To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Washington, D.C., 20250, or call (202) 720-7327 (voice) or (202) 720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an
equal employment opportunity employer.
Please attach the Budget Narrative to this page Instructions for this form are on page 27.
Applicant Name: USDA - NRCS
Program Name:
AmeriCorps Water Conservation Initiative in Dade
County, Florida
Aggre gate
Program (if applicable)
APPLICATION
Corporation Share (CNCS)
Grantee Share
Total
Funds Requested
Other Federal/State/
Total Program
A PARTICIPANT SUPPORT COSTS
from the Corporation
Local/Private Funds
Funding
Training and Education
+ 1,200
=
Uniforms
(please specify in Budget Narrative) Other
Subtotal
B. STAFF
Salaries
16,000
Benefits
3,000
Training
2,000
(please specify in Budget Narrative) Other
Subtotal
Travel
2,000
c. OPERATIONAL
Transportation
6,000
Supplies
1,800
Equipment
6,000
(please specify in Budget Narrative) Other
BUDGET FORM AMERICORPS NATIONAL DIRECT
Subtotal
38,000
D. INTERNAL EVALUATION MONITORING
E. ADMINISTRATION
(may not acces 5% of
Corporation funds. A-F)
(in dollar amounts) Total A-E
+
=
% +
%
If
100%
Percentages
(Corporation maximum 75% Grantee minimua 25% - 100%)
35
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Name
The AmeriCorps Water Conservation Initiative in Dade County,
Florida.
Location
The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) Homestead Field Office in Dade County,
Florida.
Natural Resources Conservation Service
15600 SW 288th St., S-402
Homestead, FL 33033
Needs To Be Met
The needs to be met relate to conserving and protecting the natural
environment. Specifically, this project will help protect the
drinking water supplies in Dade County upon which 1.9 million
people rely.
Key Elements of Design
The project will employ five full time Rural Development Corps
participants who will serve as apprentice Mobile Irrigation Lab
(MIL) technicians on the existing South Dade Soil and Water
Conservation District (SDSWCD) MIL.
Administering Organization and Primary Partners
The administering organization is the NRCS. The primary partner is
the SDSWCD. The South Florida Water Management District is an
additional partner.
Mission
The project mission is to conserve and protect the drinking water
supply of Dade County, Florida. To help accomplish this, five full
time Rural Development Corps participants will serve as assistants
to the South Dade MIL and to other SDSWCD projects.
Annual Objectives
1.) Recruit a diverse workforce.
2.) Train participants in water conservation issues.
3.) Conduct public information activities on landscape
irrigation.
4.) Conduct on-site landscape irrigation system evaluations,
assist the SDSWCD in their composting project and other
projects.
Budget
All operating costs such as training, transportation, equipment,
supplies and office space will be provided by the administering
organization or through additional grant funds from partner
agencies. Estimated value of these contributions is $38,000 per
year.
PROJECT SETTING
Location
The AmeriCorps project will serve Dade County, which is located on
the Southeast coast of Florida.
Dade County is the third largest county in the state and has a
total area of 1,945 square miles.
Economic Profile
Dade County is a land of extremes. Intermingled throughout areas
of tremendous wealth are areas of tremendous poverty. These
socioeconomic contrasts lead to tension and conflict. South
Florida, especially Dade County, is known for the viciousness of
criminal attacks, especially by youths, who lash out because they
foresee a bleak future for themselves and their community.
Attempting to understand the actions of the despairing youth is not
difficult when considering that Dade County has an unemployment
rate of 7.7 percent, which is compounded by a 14.2 percent poverty
level. The existence of an AmeriCorps project will assist young
adults to create a better life for themselves.
Groundwater Resources
Dade County is underlain by two major aquifer systems: the Biscayne
and the Floridan.
Because the deeper Floridan aquifer in this area, contains
nonpotable water due to a high dissolved mineral content, the
Biscayne aquifer is the principal water-bearing aquifer for Dade
County as well as the entire Southeast coast of Florida. The
Biscayne aquifer varies in thickness from 40 to 150 feet. It
occurs at or near the land surface in some places and is located
under urbanized areas of Dade County. It is comprised of numerous
limestone cavities, and is estimated to yield up to 7,000 gallons
per minute from large public supply wells. Because the Biscayne
aquifer is considered to be one of the most permeable aquifers in
the world and extremely vulnerable to contamination, and it is the
sole source of drinking water for more than 4 million people in
Southeast Florida, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has
designated it as a "sole-source aquifer" under the Safe Drinking
Water Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-523). Unfortunately, the Biscayne
aquifer has been directly contaminated in some places by industrial
discharges, landfill leachates, and fuel spills.
Hydrology
Rainfall patterns in this region are highly seasonal and average 54
inches annually. Approximately 65 percent of the annual rainfall
amount occurs during the wet season (June through October) when
demands are moderate. Only 35 percent occurs during the dry season
(November through May) when demands are largest due to the influx
of tourists and winter residents.
Because of the variability in rainfall, there is a need for large
water storage reservoirs in this area. These reservoirs are called
Water Conservation Areas, which are an integral part of the Central
and Southern Florida Project (C&SF), the regional water management
system. The C&SF Project was originally designed to provide
drainage for agricultural and urban development, flood protection,
and water supply. During recent droughts the system has not been
able to meet existing urban and agricultural demands, resulting in
water shortages. The C&SF water management system is also used to
recharge coastal aquifers by regulating the flow of water in canals
during periods of low rainfall and drought. Flow infiltrates back
and forth between canals to the aquifer, depending upon water
levels.
Population Growth & Water Demands
Dade County is the most populous county in the state having over
1.9 million residents and is projected to increase 21 percent to
over 2.3 million by the year 2010.
The present total demand for all freshwater uses in Dade County is
approximately 579.1 million gallons per day (MGD) and is projected
to increase to 796 MGD by the year 2010.
Irrigation Water Use
Irrigation water use consists of four categories: agriculture,
commercial landscaping, residential landscaping, and golf courses.
Agricultural use includes water used to irrigate all crops,
nurseries, improved pasture, and livestock watering. Irrigation
accounts for approximately 40 percent of the total freshwater
withdrawals. Figure 1 illustrates the exorbitant amount of water
that is utilized for irrigation purposes. The proportion of water
used for irrigation is unnecessarily high and is mainly a result of
improper irrigation.
Golf Course Landscaping 2%
Commercial Landscaping 3%
Industrial 9%
Residential Landscaping 14%
Miscellaneous 4%
Irrigation 44%
tilized for Non-Landscaping
Agriculture 25%
urposes 43%
WATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY PROBLEMS
Introduction
The consequences of a century of development confront Dade County.
Pavement covers land that once soaked rain into aquifers, and
during the winter months when water supplies are falling, millions
of tourists arrive. Current water demands place a tremendous
strain on ecosystems and exacerbates existing water quality
problems. The unique hydrologic features in this area; which
consist of a thin soil layer, high water table, and porous
limestone coupled with rapid population growth; contribute to a
high incidence of groundwater contamination. As the struggle for
water continues, fragile ecosystems; including the Biscayne Bay,
confront a dismal future. Water that used to flow freely toward
such ecosystems is now channeled to urban areas for water supply
purposes and for the prevention of saltwater intrusion into
wellfields and canals.
Irrigation Runoff
Improper irrigation practices in urban and agricultural sectors
effect water quality in this region. The use of pesticides and
fertilizers in combination with irrigation systems on crops and
landscapes result in nutrient laden runoff, which endanger fragile
ecosystems and ever decreasing potable water supplies.
Biscayne Bay
The entire ecosystem in Dade County has been drastically altered to
allow humans to control the flow of water south to the populated
areas. As the region's farms and cities expand, the flow of water
increases toward populated areas, while it trickles into fragile
ecosystems in ever decreasing, ever more polluted amounts. The
Biscayne Bay is significantly affected by canal discharges from the
Miami River, which is contaminated by nutrients, pesticides,
coliform bacteria, and has one of the highest metals enrichments in
the state of Florida. Pollutants such as these flow into Biscayne
Bay and consequently threaten the natural habitat.
Saltwater Intrusion
Landward intrusion of seawater has been, and continues to be, the
primary threat to public drinking water supplies to coastal Dade
County. Increasing pumping of the Biscayne aquifer and recent
drought conditions have accentuated this problem. Increasing
chloride concentrations, which predict the encroachment of
saltwater in wells, are commonplace in this area. Once saltwater
invades freshwater supply wells, drinking water becomes nonpotable
and virtually useless.
Saltwater intrusion occurs when the increased drainage from canals
lowers inland ground water levels and reduces the flow of
freshwater to the sea, allowing an inland movement of seawater into
the aquifer system. This inland movement of saline water occurs in
two basic forms: (1) lateral migration of saltwater into the
aquifer, and (2) landward movement of saltwater in canals during
periods when the freshwater discharge is insufficient to restrict
saltwater encroachment. Due to its greater density, saline water
that migrates into inland areas along canals leaks downward into
ifil
underlying fresh groundwater.
Control structures were constructed in all major canals to regulate
inland water levels in hopes to retard saltwater intrusion.
Despite such measures, increasing pumping due to the rising water
demands is causing the progression of saltwater intrusion.
Increased population growth in coastal areas led to the
construction of wellfields near the coast, which has also
contributed to the saltwater intrusion problem by further lowering
water levels locally.
PROCESS
Identification
Several agencies and groups in Florida have been cooperating solve
the problems described above. The South Florida Water Management
District (SFWMD), as well as the other four water management
districts in Florida is developing water supply plans which are
intended to set a framework around water use decisions in order to
ensure an adequate supply of water while maintaining the functions
of natural systems and the overall quality of water resources. All
111
of these plans contain water conservation elements.
age
Important tools to help achieve water conservation objectives are
Mobile Irrigation Labs (MILs). MILs conduct on-site evaluations of
irrigation system efficiency and make improvement recommendations
to the irrigation system operator. MILs have proven to be a
popular and effective means of achieving water conservation in
urban and agricultural settings. Currently there are nine MILs
opèrating in the SFWMD and several more have been proposed. All
government agencies in Florida are facing severe budgetary
restrictions making it difficult to fully fund new initiatives such
as MILs. Therefore, almost all MILs are funded by a partnership of
sponsoring organizations.
The partnership members are continually searching for additional
partners and recognize that the AmeriCorps Program may offer an
opportunity to expand the partnership and build a more diverse base
of support for water conservation in Florida.
Establishment of Specific Objectives
The interagency planning process established the following
objectives:
NOE
XX Educate residents and businesses about water use and
ipal
environmental impacts in the South Florida ecosystem.
xx Provide an on-site irrigation system evaluation service which
gives detailed specific instructions on how an individual can
help protect the environment by conserving water.
XX
Facilitate a composting project involving yard and food waste
and promote other projects as assigned, such as the South
Florida Urban Communtiy Assistance Program, Rails to Trails,
landfill beautification, wetland restoration, and recycling
projects.
Develop a cadre of young Floridians with an understanding of
the complex South Florida ecosystem.
Nurture the environmental, service, learning and work ethics
of the participants by providing them with a meaningful and
challenging way to contribute to society.
Benefits
The Rural Development Corps participants will receive an
educational stipend, which will be provided by the Corporation for
National and Community Service. The participants will work 1,812
hours for $12,000 and have 9 holidays with 40 hours of personal
leave each year when in service. The living allowance, FICA,
health insurance, child care, and support costs will be funded by
the NRCS National Office.
The Rural Development Corps participants will develop valuable
working skills which can be used throughout their lives. These
include public speaking, ability to analyze data, teamwork,
writing, organizing, and professional work ethics. In addition
they will gain exposure to the landscape irrigation industry and
knowledge of the environmental issues facing Florida.
Likewise, the community benefits through the reduced threat of
water shortage and contamination. The community will become
educated in wise use of landscape irrigation practices.
DESIGN
Structure
This AmeriCorps project will consist of five full time Rural
Development Corps participants who will serve as apprentice MIL
technicians on the existing South Dade Soil and Water Conservation
District (SDSWCD) MIL. The existing MIL conducts about 25 percent
of its evaluations on urban irrigation systems. The addition of
the apprentices will allow the MIL to place additional emphasis on
urban water conservation.
The existing MIL currently has two operators. These operators will
serve as the mentors for the AmeriCorps participants. After the
training period, the five Rural Development Corps participants, in
two teams of two, will conduct the irrigation system evaluations.
The membership on the MIL team will rotate among all five
participants. This will allow for one person to work in the office
to input and evaluate data as well conduct routine office functions
such as filing and time keeping.
Other activities that participants might undertake are assisting
the SDSWCD in other projects such as the South Florida Urban
Community Assistance Program, Rail to Trails development, recycling
projects, landfill beautification, wetland restoration and other
projects as required. Training and supervision for each of these
special projects would be provided by the SDSWCD.
Specific Activities
The Rural Development Corps team will undertake the following
activities in order to achieve the established objectives.
1) Receive on-the-job training from the mentors about water usage
and environmental impacts in South Florida. This will include
observing the existing MIL team in action as well as an orientation
to the groundwater hydrology and environmental issues in South
Florida.
2) Provide information to the public by staffing information booths
at street fairs and malls, making presentations at elementary
schools and homeowners association meetings as well as other
community events.
3) Conduct field evaluations of urban irrigation systems. These
evaluations consist of the following steps:
a) Visual inspection of the system
b) Pressure variation check
c) Flow variation check
d) Distribution uniformity check
e) Landscape evaluation
f) Make recommendations
4) Receive specialized training for participation in other special
projeccts as needed by the SDSWCD.
Location
The headquarters for the AmeriCorps project MIL will be the
Homestead Field Office of the Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS). The address is:
Natural Resources Conservation Service
15600 S.W. 288th Street Suite 402
Homestead, FL 33033-1239
Partnerships
The existing South Dade MIL is funded by a partnership of
sponsoring organizations including the SFWMD, the SDSWCD and the
NRCS. These partners are actively seeking additional partners such
as private water purveyors and municipalities. The existence of an
AmeriCorps project in the county will allow the partners to further
leverage their funds and facilitate inclusion of additional
partners.
Evaluation and Monitoring
The evaluation and monitoring of the MIL component of this project
will be done according to the criteria of the NRCS Progress
Reporting System and the Automated Data System for Water Quality.
The evaluation of the progress and performance of the AmeriCorps
participants will be done using a performance appraisal and
employee development system similar to the one used by the NRCS.
Typical Week
Approximately one day per week will be spent in a staff meeting or
training session. The staff meeting will deal with organizational
details. The training session will deal with the following:
Technical issues involved with MIL evaluations (including on-
the-job-training in the field).
Broader "context" issues to provide the participants with a
more complete understanding of the environmental issues facing
South Florida.
Social issues in order to foster civic values.
The rest of the week will be spent performing duties such as
educating residents about water conservation, conducting MIL
evaluations and providing follow up assistance.
Training Plan
An ad hoc committee is currently developing a statewide training
plan for all AmeriCorps MIL operators. It will be completed before
any AmeriCorps participants are hired. The training plan will
address the technical aspects of conducting a MIL evaluation such
as checking water pressure, water distribution uniformity,
collecting, and evaluating data and making recommendations.
Recruitment, Placement and Supervision
Because of the necessity to collect and evaluate numerical data,
and the intense interaction with the public, Rural Development
Corps participants are needed to ensure the success of this
AmeriCorps project.
The District Conservationist for will get the word out by
conducting a wide spread media campaign. In addition, the District
Conservationist will network with leaders from the various
communities in South Florida. This will include elected officials,
clergy, social service providers, academic advisors and others.
This project will be open to applicants to a local AmeriCorps pool
of applicants.
All participants will be at the same level with regard to salary,
benefits, and responsibility. The existing MIL operators will be
mentors and provide much of the on-the-job training. The District
Conservationist will provide official supervision.
The AmeriCorps Water Conservation
Initiative in Duval County, Florida
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation
Service
111,
)
(1.)
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and
marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with
disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA Office of Communications at (202)
720-5881 (voice) or (202) 720-7808 (TDD).
To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Washington, D.C., 20250, or call (202) 720-7327 (voice) or (202) 720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an
equal employment opportunity employer.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Name
The AmeriCorps Water Conservation Initiative in Duval County,
Florida.
Location
The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) Jacksonville Field Office in Duval
County, Florida.
Natural Resources Conservation Service
5542 Dunn Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Needs to be Met
The needs to be met relate to protecting the natural environment.
Specifically, this project will help protect the drinking water
supplies in Duval County upon which approximately 800,000 people
rely.
Key Elements of Design
The project will employ five full time Rural Development Corps
participants who will serve as apprentice Mobile Irrigation Lab
(MIL) technicians on the proposed Duval Soil and Water Conservation
District (DSWCD) MIL. While performing MIL tasks, the participants
will inform residents about the Home Fuel Oil Recovery Program.
Administering Organization and Primary Partners
The administering organization is the NRCS. The primary partner is
the DSWCD. Additional partners consist of the St. Johns River
Water Management District.
Mission
The project mission is to conserve and protect the drinking water
supply of Duval County. It will do this by recruiting and training
the participants to educate residents about landscape water
conservation and threats to groundwater quality from abandoned home
fuel oil tanks.
Annual Objectives
1.) Recruit a diverse workforce.
2.) Train participants in water conservation issues.
3.) Conduct public information activities on landscape
irrigation and the home fuel oil recovery program.
4.) Conduct on-site MIL evaluations.
Budget
All operating costs such as training, transportation, equipment,
supplies, and office space will be provided by the partner
agencies. The estimated value of this contribution is $47,450 per
year.
Please attach the Budget Narrative to this page Instructions for this form are on page 27.
Applicant Name: USDA - NRCS
Program Name:
The AmeriCorps Water Coservation Initiative in
Duval County, Florida
ASSTS gate
Program (if applicable)
Corporation Share (CNCS)
Grantee Share
Total
Funds Requested
Other Federal/State/
Total Program
A PARTICIPANT SUPPORT COSTS
from the Corporation
Local/Private Funds
Funding
Training and Education
+ 1,200
=
Uniforms
(please specify in Budget Narrative) Other
Subtotal
B. STAFF
Salaries
16,000
Benefits
3,000
Training
2,000
(please specify in Budget Narrative) Other
Subtotal
Travel
5,000
C. OPERATIONAL
Transportation
1,500
Supplies
12,250
Equipment
6,500
BUDGET FORM AMERICORPS NATIONAL DIRECT APPLICATION
(please specify in Budget Narratives Other
Subtotal
47,450
D. INTERNAL EVALUATION MONITORING
E. ADMINISTRATION
(may not acces 5% of
Corporation funds. A-F)
(in dollar amounts) Total A-E
+
=
%
+
%
=
100%
Percentages
(Corporation maximum 75% . Grantee minimum 25% - 100%)
35
PROJECT SETTING
Location
The AmeriCorps project will serve Duval County, which is located on
the Northeast coast of Florida and has a total area of 774 square
miles.
Economic Profile
Duval County youth are confronted with a poverty level of 9.8
percent. They are also subject to a per capita income of $19,011,
which is relatively low when considering that Duval County is a
major transportation center and the headquarters for large
corporations. With few opportunities for technical training, Duval
County's youth have limited access to employment in the surrounding
industries. As a result, many young people edge ever closer to the
poverty level. Foreseeing a dismal future for themselves and their
communities, they often resort to desperate measures, such as
crime. This may be one reason why Duval County has an
exceptionally high rate of both violent and nonviolent crime.
The existence of an AmeriCorps project will assist those young
adults who yearn for something better.
Hydrology
Groundwater accounts for 99 percent of total freshwater withdrawals
in Duval County, while the remaining 1 percent is derived from
surface water sources. The Floridan aquifer system underlies all
of Florida, and parts of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. In
Duval County the Floridan aquifer system is the principal water
supply source and supplies 91 percent of the total groundwater
withdrawals. Duval County is comprised of poorly drained soils,
which are impermeable and subsequently allow no recharge to the
Floridan aquifer. Unfortunately, the existence of impermeable
soils does not prevent the aquifer from being contaminated by
industrial discharges, landfill leachates, and fuel spills.
Population Growth & Water Demands
Duval County's current population is approximately 700,000, and is
the 7th most populous of 67 counties in Florida. Duval County's
population is projected to increase by 19 percent to over 800,000
by the year 2010.
Currently, total freshwater withdrawals to serve Duval County
average 156 million gallons per day (MGD). The tremendous
population growth in Duval County will result in a 221 MGD of
freshwater withdrawals by the year 2010. Huge water withdrawals in
Duval County already result in temporary water restrictions, and in
some instances render privately owned wells inoperable for several
days, because of the decline in groundwater levels.
Irrigation Water Use
Irrigation water use consists of four categories: agriculture,
commercial landscaping, residential landscaping, and golf courses.
Agricultural use includes water used to irrigate all crops,
nurseries, and improved pasture. Irrigation accounts for
approximately 30 percent of the total freshwater withdrawals.
Figure 1 illustrates the exorbitant amount of water that is
utilized for irrigation purposes. The proportion of water used for
irrigation is unnecessarily high and is mainly a result of improper
landscape irrigation.
Golf Course Landscaping 4%
Agriculture 5%
Industrial 19%
Miscellaneous 5%
Commercial Landscaping 6%
Irrigation 30%
Residential Landscaping 15%
Utilized for Non-Landscaping
Purposes 46%
WATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY PROBLEMS
Introduction
Population increases are affecting the quantity and quality of
ground and surface waters in Duval County. Increasing groundwater
withdrawals are hastening the intrusion of saltwater into the
freshwater zones of the Floridan aquifer. Increasing groundwater
withdrawals are also reducing the flow from springs, which sustain
the St. Johns River. The potential for contamination of the
Floridan aquifer from abandoned home fuel oil tanks continues to
threaten drinking water sources.
Saltwater Intrusion
Population growth in Duval County is causing increased water
withdrawals from the Floridan aquifer, which subsequently is
causing a decline in the water levels of the Upper Floridan
aquifer. In recent years the water level surface has been steadily
declining at a rate of about one-third to three-fourths foot per
year. This is directly attributed to increased pumping in Duval
County. Water level declines of more 20 to 40 feet have occurred
in Duval County as a result of increased pumping. This is
accelerating the intrusion of saltwater in the freshwater zones of
the Floridan aquifer. The incidence of saltwater intrusion is
expected to continually increase as population growth causes
greater withdrawals on groundwater resources. This is important
because recharge to the aquifer from precipitation is negligible in
Northeast Florida.
Irrigation Runoff
Improper irrigation practices in urban and agricultural sectors are
prevalent in Northeast Florida. The use of pesticides and
fertilizers in combination with irrigation systems on crops and
landscapes result in nutrient laden runoff, which endanger fragile
ecosystems and ever decreasing potable water supplies.
St. Johns River
Pollutants such as nutrients, pesticides, toxins, and bacteria
occur in continually increasing amounts in the St. Johns River and
surrounding tributaries. Increasing groundwater withdrawals
threaten to decrease spring discharges into the St. Johns River,
which may consequently diminish the river's flow. This will
exacerbate existing water quantity and quality problems.
Contamination
The advanced deterioration of home fuel oil tanks pose a
considerable threat to the Floridan aquifer. Tens of thousands of
abandoned underground oil tanks remain filled or partially filled
with oil in Duval County. The risk of aquifer contamination is
alarming because just one gallon of oil can contaminate one million
gallons of water. If the oil is not removed, ground and surface
water contamination will inevitably occur as the tanks deteriorate
and oil leaks into the soil.
PROCESS
Identification
Several agencies and groups in Florida have been cooperating to
solve the problems described above. The St. Johns River Water
Management District (SJRWMD), as well as the other four water
management districts in Florida are all developing water supply
plans which are intended to set a framework around water use
decisions in order to ensure an adequate supply of water while
maintaining the functions of natural systems and the overall
quality of water resources. All of these plans contain water
conservation elements.
Important tools to help achieve water conservation objectives are
Mobile Irrigation Labs (MILs). MILs conduct on-site evaluations of
irrigation system efficiency and make improvement recommendations
to the irrigation system operator. MILs have proven to be a
1
I
popular and effective means of achieving water conservation in
urban and agricultural settings. Currently there are nine MILs
operating in Florida and several more have been proposed. All
government agencies in Florida are facing severe budgetary
restrictions making it difficult to fully fund new initiatives such
as MILs. Therefore, almost all MILs are funded by partnerships of
sponsoring organizations.
The partnership members are continually searching for additional
partners and recognize that the AmeriCorps Program may offer an
opportunity to expand the partnership and build a more diverse base
of support for water conservation in Florida. The Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Duval Soil and Water
Conservation District (DSWCD), and the SJRWMD are currently
cooperating to establish an MIL in Duval County.
Concern for water quantity is compounded by efforts to sustain
water quality in Duval County. The DSWCD has received a grant from
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to
establish a Home Fuel Oil Recovery Program (HFORP), which will
provide a valuable service for communities by recovering and
recycling home fuel oil from abandoned underground or above ground
tanks. This service will directly contribute to the protection of
ground and surface water sources in Duval County.
Establishment of Specific Objectives
The interagency planning process established the following
objectives:
Educate residents and businesses about water use and
environmental impacts in the Northeast Florida ecosystem.
Provide an on-site irrigation system evaluation service which
gives detailed specific instructions on how the individual can
help protect the environment by conserving water.
Inform residents about the risks to groundwater from abandoned
home fuel oil tanks and how the HFORP can prevent groundwater
contamination.
XX Develop a cadre of young Floridians with an understanding of
the complex Northeast Florida ecosystem.
Nurture the environmental, service, learning and work ethics
of the participants by providing them with a meaningful and
challenging way to contribute to society.
Benefits
The Rural Development Corps participants will receive an
educational stipend, which will be provided by the Corporation for
National and Community Service. The participants will work 1,812
hours for $12,000 and have 9 holidays with 40 hours of personal
leave each year when in service. The living allowance, FICA,
health insurance, child care, and support costs will be funded by
the NRCS National Office.
The participants will develop valuable working skills which can be
used throughout their lives. These include public speaking,
ability to collect and analyze data, teamwork, writing, organizing,
and professional work ethics. In addition they will gain exposure
to the landscape irrigation industry and knowledge of the
environmental issues facing Florida.
Likewise the community benefits through the reduced threat of water
shortage and contamination. The community will become educated in
wise use of landscape irrigation practices and the potential risks
from abandoned home fuel oil tanks.
DESIGN
Structure
This AmeriCorps project will consist of five full time Rural
Development Corps participants who will serve as apprentice MIL
technicians on the proposed DSWCD MIL. While performing MIL tasks,
the participants will inform residents about the HFORP. A majority
of the MIL evaluations will be conducted on urban irrigation
systems.
The DSWCD currently has two employees. The employees will serve as
the mentors for the AmeriCorps participants. After the training
period, the five Rural Development Corps participants, in two teams
of two, will conduct irrigation system evaluations and provide
information about the HFORP to landowners. The membership on the
MIL team will rotate among all five participants. This will allow
for one person to work in the office to input and evaluate data as
well as conduct routine office functions such as filing and record
keeping.
Specific Activities
The Rural Development Corps team will undertake the following
activities in order to achieve the established objectives.
1) Receive on-the-job training from the mentors about water usage
and environmental impacts in Northeast Florida. This will include
working with the DSWCD MIL team in action as well as a basic
orientation to the groundwater hydrology and environmental issues
in Northeast Florida.
2) Provide information to the public about MILs and the
availability of the HFORP by staffing information booths at street
fairs and malls, making presentations at elementary schools and
homeowners association meetings as well as other community events.
3) Conduct field evaluations of urban irrigation systems. The
evaluations consist of the following steps:
a) Visual inspection of system
b) Pressure variation check
c) Flow variation check
d) Distribution uniformity check
e) Landscape evaluation
f) Make recommendations for irrigation system improvement
Location
The headquarters for the MIL will be the Jacksonville Field Office
of the NRCS. The address is:
Natural Resources Conservation Service
5542 Dunn Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32118
Partnerships
The proposed MIL will be funded by a partnership of sponsoring
organizations including the SJRWMD, the DSWCD and the NRCS. The
partners are actively seeking additional partners such as private
water purveyors and municipalities. Currently, the FDEP is a
partner in the HFORP. The existence of an AmeriCorps project in
the county will allow the partners to further leverage their funds
and facilitate inclusion of additional partners.
Evaluation and Monitoring
The evaluation and monitoring of the MIL component of this project
will be done according to the criteria of the NRCS Progress
Reporting System and the Automated Data System for Water Quality.
The evaluation of the progress and performance of the Rural
Development Corps participants will be done using a performance
appraisal and employee development system similar to the one used
by the NRCS.
Typical Week
Approximately one day per week will be spent in a staff meeting or
training session. The staff meeting will deal with organizational
details. The training session will deal with the following:
XX Technical issues involved with MIL evaluations and the HFORP
(including on-the-job training in the field).
XX Broader "context" issues to provide the participants with a
more complete understanding of the environmental issues facing
Northeast Florida.
XX Social issues in order to foster civic values.
The rest of the week will be spent performing duties such as
informing residents about the HFORP, educating landowners about
water conservation, conducting MIL evaluations, and providing
follow up assistance.
Training Plan
An ad hoc committee is currently developing a statewide training
plan for all MIL operators. It will be completed before any
AmeriCorps participants are hired. The training plan will address
the technical aspects of conducting a MIL evaluation such as
checking water pressure, water distribution uniformity, collecting,
and evaluating data and making recommendations. Participants will
receive orientation about the HFORP from district staff in order to
properly inform residents.
Recruitment, Placement, and Supervision
Because of the necessity to collect and evaluate numerical data,
and the intense interaction with the public, Rural Development
Corps participants are needed to ensure the success of this
AmeriCorps project.
The NRCS District Conservationist will get the word out by
conducting a wide-spread media campaign. In addition the District
Conservationist will network with leaders from the various
communities in Northeast Florida. This will include elected
officials, clergy, social service providers, academic advisors and
others. This project will be open to applicants to the national
AmeriCorps pool of applicants. The NRCS District Conservationist
will be responsible for the selection of the Rural Development
Corps participants for this project.
All participants will be at the same level with regard to salary,
benefits and responsibility. The existing MIL operators will be
mentors and provide much of the on-the-job training. The District
Conservationist will provide official supervision.
00
OBJ. Doc
Florida
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Dade County, Florida
Water Conservation (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Doug Ulmer
PHONE: (305) 242-1218
COUNTY: Dade
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Conduct public information activities on landscape
irrigation.
participants
engage
11.2
homeowners associations.
described
above?
risks,
such
as
saltwater
intrusion,
associated with tremendous demands on the Biscayne aquifer & other drinking water resources.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
An informal census taken at functions, a poll will be given by Members to participants.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Tracking the number of interested customers and the demand by communities to conduct these public
information activities at different functions.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
10.000 County residents
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 2
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Dade County, Florida
Water Conservation (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Doug Ulmer
PHONE: (305) 242-1218
COUNTY: Dade
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Conduct on-site landscape irrigation system evaluations.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Conduct field evaluations and evaluations on urban irrigation systems and prepare reports for the
the MIL recommendations.
described
above?
of and save millions of gallons of water
per year.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By measuring the actual water savings per year (AWS).
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
NRCS will calculate the AWS, with 54 million gallons per year as a baseline.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
2,100 people
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 3
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Dade County, Florida
SITE SUPERVISOR: Doug Ulmer
PHONE: (305) 242-1218
COUNTY: Dade
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Assist the SDSWCD in their composting project and other
projects.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Is
and
market
the
compost
?
je of fartilizer products.
or impact of your service?
will develop procedures to estimate the amount of waste that has been diverted from
landfills and the amount of fertilizer replaced.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
By the amount of landfill space preserved and the amount of commercial fertilizer used.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Over 1,000 customers.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 4
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Dade County, Florida
Water Conservation (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Doug Ulmer
PHONE: (305) 242-1218
COUNTY: Dade
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Assist the SDSWCD in the Rails to Trails project.
will be What service activities will your participants engage in?
they
will
of
litter
and
clear
community
spirit.
quality of your product or impact of your service?
Comparison to other rails to trails projects, the amount of trails prepared and by the number of
users.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
By tracking the number of users.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Eight hundred people.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 5
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Dade County, Florida
Water Conservation (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Doug Ulmer
PHONE: (305) 242-1218
COUNTY: Dade
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Conduct on-site nutrient management assessments.
ticipants
engage
in?
to
develop
03
plan
to
of
compost.
?
from
of
fertilizer.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By assessment of the amount of fertilizer used before plan development and after plan development.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
NRCS Technical Guide and a 5% reduction of fertilizer use.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Approximately 2,100 people.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 6
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Duvall County, Florida
Water Conservation (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Allen Moore
PHONE: (904) 232-2871
COUNTY: Duvall
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Conduct public information activities on landscape.
of
your
service?
An informal census taken at functions, a poll will be given by Members to participants.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Tracking the number of interested customers and the demand by communities to conduct these public
information activities at different functions.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
10,000 county residents
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 7
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Duval County, Florida
Water Conservation (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Allen Moore
PHONE: (904) 232-2871
COUNTY: Duvall
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Conduct on-site MIL evaluations.
of
wat
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By measuring the actual water savings per year (AWS).
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
NRCS will calculate the AWS, with 54 million gallons per year as a baseline.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
2,100 people
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 8
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Duvall County, Florida
Water Conservation (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Allen Moore
PHONE: (904) 232-2871
COUNTY: Duvall
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Assist the Duval Soil & Water Conservation District (DSWCD)
with their Home Fuel Oil Recovery Program (HFORP) by
above?
be regarding the risks of nome fuel oil tank deterioration.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By tabulating the number of residents that have taken advantage of this DSWC service and by the
gallons of home fuel oil that has been retrieved as a result of the HFORP.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Noting the number of interested customers who request the HFORP services.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Will inform hundreds of residents about the HFORP and thereby involving the community in protection
of their water resources. Potential 10,000 county residents.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 9
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Duvall County, Florida
Water Conservation (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Allen Moore
PHONE: (904) 232-2871
COUNTY: Duvall
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Conduct on-site nutrient management assessment.
help
overuse
of
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By assessment of the amount of fertilizer used before plan development and after plan development.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
NRCS Technical Guide and 5% reduction in fertilizer use.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Approximately 2,100 people
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Water Conservation Initiative
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
Florida
E. County of Duty Station:
Duvall
F. Names of counties served
Duvall
(Up to 15)
G. Congressional District:
3rd, 4th & 6th
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Allen Moore
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
5542 Dunn Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32118
Ph: (904) 232-2871
FAX: (904) 765-7172
J: Name of St Project Director:
Jerry Joiner
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
Federal Bldg, Room 248,
401 S.E. 1st Ave
Gainsville, FL 32601
Ph: (904) 338-9506
FAX: (904) 338-9574
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M. Number of Members in RDT:
5
FLORIDA
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Water Conservation Initiative
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
Florida
E. County of Duty Station:
Dade
F. Names of counties served
Dade
(Up to 15)
G. Congressional District:
17th & 23rd
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Doug Ulmer
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
15600 SW 288th St. Suite 402
Homestead, FL 33033
Ph: (305) 242-1218
FAX: (305) 242-1292
J: Name of St Project Director:
Jerry Joiner
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
Federal Bldg, Room 248,
401 S.E. 1st Ave
Gainsville, FL 32601
Ph: (904) 338-9506
FAX: (904) 338-9574
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M. Number of Members in RDT:
5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Name
The AmeriCorps Water Conservation Initiative in Duval County,
Florida.
Location
The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) Jacksonville Field Office in Duval
County, Florida.
Natural Resources Conservation Service 5542 Dunn Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Needs to be Met
The needs to be met relate to protecting the natural environment.
Specifically, this project will help protect the drinking water
supplies in Duval County upon which approximately 800,000 people
rely.
Key Elements of Design
The project will employ five full time Rural Development Corps
participants who will serve as apprentice Mobile Irrigation Lab
(MIL) technicians on the proposed Duval Soil and Water
Conservation District (DSWCD) MIL. While performing MIL tasks,
the participants will inform residents about the Home Fuel Oil
Recovery Program.
Administering organization and Primary Partners
The administering organization is the NRCS. The primary partner
is the DSWCD. Additional partners consist of the St. Johns River
Water Management District.
Mission
The project mission is to conserve and protect the drinking water
supply of Duval County. It will do this by recruiting and
training the participants to educate residents about landscape
water conservation and threats to groundwater quality from
abandoned home fuel oil tanks.
Annual Objectives
1.) Recruit a diverse workforce.
2.) Train participants in water conservation issues.
3.) Conduct public information activities on landscape
irrigation and the home fuel oil recovery program.
4.) Conduct on-site MIL evaluations.
Budget
All operating costs such as training, transportation, equipment,
supplies, and office space will be provided by the partner
agencies. The estimated value of this contribution is $47,450
per year.
PROJECT SETTING
Location
The AmeriCorps project will serve Duval County, which is located
on the Northeast coast of Florida and has a total area of 774
square miles.
Economic Profile
Duval County youth are confronted with a poverty level of 9.8
percent. They are also subject to a per capita income of
$19,011, which is relatively low when considering that Duval
County is a major transportation center and the headquarters for
large corporations. With few opportunities for technical
training, Duval County's youth have limited access to employment
in the surrounding industries. As a result, many young people
edge ever closer to the poverty level. Foreseeing a dismal
future for themselves and their communities, they often resort to
desperate measures, such as crime. This may be one reason why
Duval County has an exceptionally high rate of both violent and
nonviolent crime. The existence of an AmeriCorps project will
assist those young adults who yearn for something better.
Hydrology
Groundwater accounts for 99 percent of total freshwater
withdrawals in Duval County, while the remaining 1 percent is
derived from surface water sources. The Floridan aquifer system
underlies all of Florida, and parts of Alabama, Georgia, and
South Carolina. In Duval County the Floridan aquifer system is
the principal water supply source and supplies 91 percent of the
total groundwater withdrawals. Duval County is comprised of
poorly drained soils, which are impermeable and subsequently
allow no recharge to the Floridan aquifer. Unfortunately, the
existence of impermeable soils does not prevent the aquifer from
being contaminated by industrial discharges, landfill leachates,
and fuel spills.
Population Growth & Water Demands
Duval County's current population is approximately 700,000, and
is the 7th most populous of 67 counties in Florida. Duval
County's population is projected to increase by 19 percent to
over 800,000 by the year 2010.
Currently, total freshwater withdrawals to serve Duval County
average 156 million gallons per day (MGD). The tremendous
population growth in Duval County will result in a 221 MGD of
freshwater withdrawals by the year 2010. Huge water withdrawals
in Duval County already result in temporary water restrictions,
and in some instances render privately owned wells inoperable for
several days, because of the decline in groundwater levels.
Irrigation Water Use
Irrigation water use consists of four categories: agriculture,
commercial landscaping, residential landscaping, and golf
courses. Agricultural use includes water used to irrigate all
crops, nurseries, and improved pasture. Irrigation accounts for
approximately 30 percent of the total freshwater withdrawals.
Figure 1 illustrates the exorbitant amount of water that is
utilized for irrigation purposes. The proportion of water used
for irrigation is unnecessarily high and is mainly a result of
improper landscape irrigation.
WATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY PROBLEMS
Introduction
Population increases are affecting the quantity and quality of
ground and surface waters in Duval County. Increasing
groundwater withdrawals are hastening the intrusion of saltwater
into the freshwater zones of the Floridan aquifer. Increasing
groundwater withdrawals are also reducing the flow from springs,
which sustain the St. Johns River. The potential for
contamination of the Floridan aquifer from abandoned home fuel
oil tanks continues to threaten drinking water sources.
Saltwater Intrusion
Population growth in Duval County is causing increased water
withdrawals from the Floridan aquifer, which subsequently is
causing a decline in the water levels of the Upper Floridan
aquifer. In recent years the water level surface has been
steadily declining at a rate of about one-third to three-fourths
foot per year. This is directly attributed to increased pumping
in Duval County. Water level declines of more 20 to 40 feet have
occurred in Duval County as a result of increased pumping. This
is accelerating the intrusion of saltwater in the freshwater
zones of the Floridan aquifer. The incidence of saltwater
intrusion is expected to continually increase as population
growth causes greater withdrawals on groundwater resources. This
is important because recharge to the aquifer from precipitation
is negligible in Northeast Florida.
Irrigation Runoff
Improper irrigation practices in urban and agricultural sectors
are prevalent in Northeast Florida. The use of pesticides and
fertilizers in combination with irrigation systems on crops and
landscapes result in nutrient laden runoff, which endanger
fragile ecosystems and ever decreasing potable water supplies.
St. Johns River
Pollutants such as nutrients, pesticides, toxins, and bacteria
occur in continually increasing amounts in the St. Johns River
and surrounding tributaries. Increasing groundwater withdrawals
threaten to decrease spring discharges into the St. Johns River,
which may consequently diminish the river's flow. This will
exacerbate existing water quantity and quality problems.
Contamination
The advanced deterioration of home fuel oil tanks pose a
considerable threat to the Floridan aquifer. Tens of thousands
of abandoned underground oil tanks remain filled or partially
filled with oil in Duval County. The risk of aquifer
contamination is alarming because just one gallon of oil can
contaminate one million gallons of water. If the oil is not
removed, ground and surface water contamination will inevitably
occur as the tanks deteriorate and oil leaks into the soil.
PROCESS
Identification
Several agencies and groups in Florida have been cooperating to
solve the problems described above. The St. Johns River Water
Management District (SJRWMD), as well as the other four water
management districts in Florida are all developing water supply
plans which are intended to set a framework around water use
decisions in order to ensure an adequate supply of water while
maintaining the functions of natural systems and the overall
quality of water resources. All of these plans contain water
conservation elements.
Important tools to help achieve water conservation objectives are
Mobile Irrigation Labs (MILs). MILs conduct on-site evaluations
of irrigation system efficiency and make improvement
recommendations to the irrigation system operator. MILs have
proven to be a popular and effective means of achieving water
conservation in urban and agricultural settings. Currently there
are nine MILs operating in Florida and several more have been
proposed. All government agencies in Florida are facing severe
budgetary restrictions making it difficult to fully fund new
initiatives such as MILS. Therefore, almost all MILs are funded
by partnerships of sponsoring organizations.
The partnership members are continually searching for additional
partners and recognize that the AmeriCorps Program may offer an
opportunity to expand the partnership and build a more diverse
base of support for water conservation in Florida. The Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Duval Soil and Water
Conservation District (DSWCD), and the SJRWMD are currently
cooperating to establish an MIL in Duval County.
Concern for water quantity is compounded by efforts to sustain
water quality in Duval County. The DSWCD has received a grant
from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to
establish a Home Fuel Oil Recovery Program (HFORP), which will
provide a valuable service for communities by recovering and
recycling home fuel oil from abandoned underground or above
ground tanks. This service will directly contribute to the
protection of ground and surface water sources in Duval County.
Establishment of Specific objectives
The interagency planning process established the following
objectives:
1. Educate residents and businesses about water use and
environmental impacts in the Northeast Florida ecosystem.
2. Provide an on-site irrigation system evaluation service
which gives detailed specific instructions on how the
individual can help protect the environment by conserving
water.
3. Inform residents about the risks to groundwater from
abandoned home fuel oil tanks and how the HFORP can prevent
groundwater contamination.
4. Develop a cadre of young Floridians with an understanding
of the complex Northeast Florida ecosystem.
5. Nurture the environmental, service, learning and work
ethics of the participants by providing them with a
meaningful and challenging way to contribute to society.
Benefits
The Rural Development corps participants will receive an
educational stipend, which will be provided by the Corporation
for National and Community Service. The participants will work
1,812 hours for $12,000 and have 9 holidays with 40 hours of
personal leave each year when in service. The living allowance,
FICA, health insurance, child care, and support costs will be
funded by the NRCS National Office.
The participants will develop valuable working skills which can
be used throughout their lives. These include public speaking,
ability to collect and analyze data, teamwork, writing,
organizing, and professional work ethics. In addition they will
gain exposure to the landscape irrigation industry and knowledge
of the environmental issues facing Florida.
Likewise the community benefits through the reduced threat of
water shortage and contamination. The community will become
educated in wise use of landscape irrigation practices and the
potential risks from abandoned home fuel oil tanks.
DESIGN
Structure
This AmeriCorps project will consist of five full time Rural
Development Corps participants who will serve as apprentice MIL
technicians on the proposed DSWCD MIL. While performing MIL
tasks, the participants will inform residents about the HFORP. A
majority of the MIL evaluations will be conducted on urban
irrigation systems.
The DSWCD currently has two employees. The employees will serve
as the mentors for the AmeriCorps participants. After the
training period, the five Rural Development Corps participants,
in two teams of two, will conduct irrigation system evaluations
and provide information about the HFORP to landowners. The
membership on the MIL team will rotate among all five
participants. This will allow for one person to work in the
office to input and evaluate data.
Specific Activities
The Rural Development Corps team will undertake the following
activities in order to achieve the established objectives.
1) Receive on-the-job training from the mentors about water usage
and environmental impacts in Northeast Florida. This will include
working with the DSWCD MIL team in action as well as a basic
orientation to the groundwater hydrology and environmental issues
in Northeast Florida.
2) Provide information to the public about MILs and the
availability of the HFORP by staffing information booths at
street fairs and malls, making presentations at elementary
schools and homeowners association meetings as well as other
community events.
3) Conduct field evaluations of urban irrigation systems. The
evaluations consist of the following steps:
a)
Visual inspection of system
b)
Pressure variation check
c)
Flow variation check
d)
Distribution uniformity check
e)
Landscape evaluation
f)
Make recommendations for irrigation system improvement
Location
The headquarters for the MIL will be the Jacksonville Field
office of the NRCS. The address is:
Natural Resources Conservation Service
5542 Dunn Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32118
Partnerships
The proposed MIL will be funded by a partnership of sponsoring
organizations including the SJRWMD, the DSWCD and the NRCS. The
partners are actively seeking additional partners such as private
water purveyors and municipalities. Currently, the-FDEP is a
partner in the HFORP. The existence of an AmeriCorps project in
the county will allow the partners to further leverage their
funds and facilitate inclusion of additional partners.
Evaluation and Monitoring
The evaluation and monitoring of the MIL component of this
project will be done according to the criteria of the NRCS
Progress Reporting System and the Automated Data System for Water
Quality. The evaluation of the progress and performance of the
Rural Development Corps participants will be done using a
performance appraisal and employee development system similar to
the one used by the NRCS.
Typical Week
Approximately one day per week will be spent in a staff meeting
or training session. The staff meeting will deal with
organizational details. The training session will deal with the
following:
1) Technical issues involved with MIL evaluations and the
HFORP (including on-the-job training in the field).
2) Broader "context" issues to provide the participants with
a more complete understanding of the environmental issues
facing Northeast Florida.
3) Social issues in order to foster civic values.
The rest of the week will be spent performing duties such as
informing residents about the HFORP, educating landowners about
water conservation, conducting MIL evaluations, and providing
follow up assistance.
Training Plan
An ad hoc committee is currently developing a statewide training
plan for all MIL operators. It will be completed before any
AmeriCorps participants are hired. The training plan will
address the technical aspects of conducting a MIL evaluation such
as checking water pressure, water distribution uniformity,
collecting, and evaluating data and making recommendations.
Participants will receive orientation about the HFORP from
district staff in order to properly inform residents.
Recruitment, Placement, and Supervision
Because of the necessity to collect and evaluate numerical data,
and the intense interaction with the public, Rural Development
Corps participants are needed to ensure the success of this
AmeriCorps project.
The NRCS District Conservationist will get the word out by
conducting a wide-spread media campaign. In addition the
District Conservationist will network with leaders from the
various communities in Northeast Florida. This will include
elected officials, clergy, social service providers, academic
advisors and others. This project will be open to applicants to
the national AmeriCorps pool of applicants. The NRCS District
Conservationist will be responsible for the selection of the
Rural Development Corps participants for this project.
All participants will be at the same level with regard to salary,
benefits and responsibility. The existing MIL operators will be
mentors and provide much of the on-the-job training. The
District Conservationist will provide official supervision.
Service Activities
The Rural Development Corps team will undertake the following
activities in order to achieve the established objectives.
1) Receive on-the-job training from the mentors about water usage
and environmental impacts in South Florida. This will include
observing the existing MIL team in action as well as an
orientation to the groundwater hydrology and environmental issues
in South Florida.
2) Provide information to the public by staffing information
booths at street fairs and malls, making presentations at
elementary schools and homeowners association meetings as well as
other community events.
3) Conduct field evaluations of urban irrigation systems. These
evaluations consist of the following steps:
a) Visual inspection of the system
b)
Pressure variation check
c)
Flow variation check
d)
Distribution uniformity check
e)
Landscape evaluation
f)
Make recommendations
4) Receive specialized training for participation in other special
projects as needed by the SDSWCD.
Location
The headquarters for the AmeriCorps project MIL will be the
Homestead Field Office of the Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS). The address is:
Natural Resources Conservation Service
15600 S.W. 288th Street Suite 402
Homestead, FL 33033-1239
Partnerships
The existing South Dade MIL is funded by a partnership of
sponsoring organizations including the SFWMD, the SDSWCD and the
NRCS. These partners are actively seeking additional partners
such as private water purveyors and municipalities. The
existence of an AmeriCorps project in the county will allow the
partners to further leverage their funds and facilitate inclusion
of additional partners.
Evaluation and Monitoring
The evaluation and monitoring of the MIL component of this
project will be done according to the criteria of the NRCS
Progress Reporting System and the Automated Data System for Water
Quality. The evaluation of the progress and performance of the
AmeriCorps participants will be done using a performance
appraisal and employee development system similar to the one used
by the NRCS.
Typical week
Approximately one day per week will be spent in a staff meeting
or training session. The staff meeting will deal with
organizational details. The training session will deal with the
following:
1. Technical issues involved with MIL evaluations (including
on the-job-training in the field).
3. Broader "context" issues to provide the participants with
a more complete understanding of the environmental issues
facing South Florida.
3. Social issues in order to foster civic values.
The rest of the week will be spent performing duties such as
educating residents about water conservation, conducting MIL
evaluations and providing follow up assistance.
Training Plan
An ad hoc committee is currently developing a statewide training
plan for all AmeriCorps MIL operators. It will be completed
before any AmeriCorps participants are hired. The training plan
will address the technical aspects of conducting a MIL evaluation
such as checking water pressure, water distribution uniformity,
collecting, and evaluating data and making recommendations.
Recruitment, Placement and Supervision
Because of the necessity to collect and evaluate numerical data,,
and the intense interaction with the public, Rural Development
Corps participants are needed to ensure the success of this
AmeriCorps project.
The District Conservationist will get the word out by conducting
a wide spread media campaign. In addition, the District
Conservationist will network with leaders from the various
communities in South Florida. This will include elected
officials, clergy, social service providers, academic advisors
and others. This project will be open to applicants to a local
AmeriCorps pool of applicants.
All participants will be at the same level with regard to salary,
benefits, and responsibility. The existing MIL operators will be
mentors and provide much of the on-the-job training. The District
Conservationist will provide official supervision.
* Nurture the environmental, service, learning and work
ethics of the participants by providing them with a
meaningful and challenging way to contribute to society.
Benefits
The Rural Development Corps participants will receive an
educational stipend, which will be provided by the Corporation
for National and Community Service. The participants will work
1,812 hours for $12,000 and have 9 holidays with 40 hours of
personal leave each year when in service. The living allowance,
FICA, health insurance, child care, and support costs will be
funded by the NRCS National Office.
The Rural Development Corps participants will develop valuable
working skills which can be used throughout their lives. These
include public speaking, ability to analyze data, teamwork,
writing, organizing, and professional work ethics. In addition
they will gain exposure to the landscape irrigation industry and
knowledge of the environmental issues facing Florida.
Likewise, the community benefits through the reduced threat of
water shortage and contamination. The community will become
educated in wise use of landscape irrigation practices.
DESIGN
Structure
This AmeriCorps project will consist of five full time Rural
Development Corps participants who will serve as apprentice MIL
technicians on the existing South Dade Soil and Water
Conservation District (SDSWCD) MIL. The existing MIL conducts
about 25 percent of its evaluations on urban irrigation systems.
The addition of the apprentices will allow the MIL to place
additional emphasis on urban water conservation.
The existing MIL currently has two operators. These operators
will serve as the mentors for the AmeriCorps participants. After
the training period, the five Rural Development Corps
participants, in two teams of two, will conduct the irrigation
system evaluations. The membership on the MIL team will rotate
among all five participants. This will allow for one person to
work in the office to input and evaluate data.
Other activities that participants might undertake are assisting
the SDSWCD in other projects such as the South Florida Urban
Community Assistance Program, Rail to Trails development,
recycling projects, landfill beautification, wetland restoration
and other projects as required. Training and supervision for
each of these special projects would be provided by the SDSWCD.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 6
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Duvall County, Florida
Water Conservation (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Allen Moore
PHONE: (904) 232-2871
COUNTY:
Duvall
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Conduct public information activities on landscape.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Staff information booths at fairs and make presentations to schools and homeowners associations.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Promote a community awareness about the extreme environmental risks, such as saltwater intrusion,
associated with tremendous demands on the Floridan aquifer & other drinking water resources.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
An informal census taken at functions, a poll will be given by Members to participants.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Tracking the number of interested customers and the demand by communities to conduct these public
information activities at different functions.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
10,000 county residents
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 7
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Duval County, Florida
Water Conservation (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Allen Moore
PHONE: (904) 232-2871
COUNTY: Duvall
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Conduct on-site MIL evaluations.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Conduct field evaluations and evaluations on urban irrigation systems and prepare reports for the
irrigation users on the MIL recommendations.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Users learn efficient operation of their irrigation systems and save millions of gallons of water
per year.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By measuring the actual water savings per year (AWS).
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
NRCS will calculate the AWS, with 54 million gallons per year as a baseline.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
2,100 people
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 8
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Duvall County, Florida
Water Conservation (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Allen Moore
PHONE: (904) 232-2871
COUNTY: Duvall
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Assist the Duval Soil & Water Conservation District (DSWCD)
with their Home Fuel Oil Recovery Program (HFORP) by
conducting public information activities.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Conduct public information activities on the HFORP, make presentations to schools and homeowners
association and other community events. Development and distribution of pamphlets & displays.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Residents will be more knowledgeable regarding the risks of home fuel oil tank deterioration.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By tabulating the number of residents that have taken advantage of this DSWC service and by the
gallons of home fuel oil that has been retrieved as a result of the HFORP.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Noting the number of interested customers who request the HFORP services.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Will inform hundreds of residents about the HFORP and thereby involving the community in protection
of their water resources. Potential 10,000 county residents.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 9
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Duvall County, Florida
Water Conservation (5 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Allen Moore
PHONE: (904) 232-2871
COUNTY: Duvall
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Conduct on-site nutrient management assessment.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Assess the fertilizer usage of urban landscape managers by interviewing them. They will help
develop plans to properly utilize nutrients.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
A reduced risk of ground and surface water contamination from nutrient runoff from overuse of
fertilizer.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
By assessment of the amount of fertilizer used before plan development and after plan development.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
NRCS Technical Guide and 5% reduction in fertilizer use.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Approximately 2,100 people
GEORGIA
TITLE PAGE
A. Title of Project: :
Atlanta Environmental Corps
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
Georgia
E. County of Duty Station:
Cobb
F. Names of counties served
Cobb, Fulton, Clayton, Gwinnett,
DeKalb, Rockdale, Henry, Walton
G. Congressional District:
3, 4, 5, 6, 7,, & 10
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Cindy L. Haygood
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
1738 County Farm Road, Suite 275
Marietta, GA 30060-4012
Ph: (404) 528-2218
FAX: (404) 528-2212
J: Name of St Project Director:
James Ford
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
355 E. Hancock Avenue
Athens, GA 30601-2769
Ph: (706) 546-2272
FAX: (706) 546-2145
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M. Number of Members in RDT:
10
GEORGIA
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?
Members have been given individual project responsibilities throughout
the second quarter. This has allowed them to develop greater leadership
and planning abilities. The community service objectives are being met
through small team approach as well as the entire team.
Water quality is one of our community service objectives. Two corps
members monitor thirty locations each month within the Big Creek
watershed. This information is entered into a computer and sent to the
Georgia Department of Natural Resources annually. All of the storm
drains in the city of
have been stenciled. Three inner city parks have been cleaned. As a
result of these clean-ups, ten dump truck loads of trash were carried
away, three waterbars were installed, 1/2 acre was seeded (inside an
inner city common area). Approximately 600 feet of nature trails have
been installed at three different locations. Streambank stabilization
work has been done on the Chattahoochee River - approximately 500 square
feet. The team learned first hand abut bioengineering techniques.
Conservation Education was the second of our community service
objectives. Participants coordinated 12 sponsors for "fall into
recycling" activities this year. They assisted with the Christmas tree
recycling programs in Dekalb County. Five dump truck loads of mulch were
distributed to county parks as a result. AmeriCorps members assisted
with creating fliers, organizing individual events, handing out
seedlings, buttons, instructions, and environmental literature. (Forty
thousand trees were chipped in Dekalb as a result!) An environmental
education library has been initiated. Videos, tapes, cassettes,
recycling and litter brochures, flyers, books, magazines, and journals
will be available for "checkout". The plan is to have "pick-up"
environmental tips in libraries, banks, grocery stores, and other public
places. Educational programs have been done at fifteen schools and
daycare centers. Fifteen inner city groups have been assisted with
gardens. Ten schools have been assisted. Approximately 100 students
have been taught about composting and urban gardening.
Plant materials is our final community service objective. The
construction of the greenhouse is complete. The 5,000 square feet of
nursery area has been tilled and raked clean to provide suitable nursery
area for the PMC. The nature trail has been cleaned of undesirable
species and mulched. All plant materials on campus have been located on
a preliminary map and assigned numbers for logging.
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.
The second year of AmeriCorps will be handled somewhat differently than
this year. The first year has been a learning experience and through
this, it has been discovered that the members function much better
throughout the field offices and a smaller team will be needed as a
result. They will be able to benefit by working directly with the field
office staffs and can be more closely supervised as well. Ten AmeriCorps
positions will be needed (instead of the twenty needed last year). These
positions should be Rural Development Team positions, so we can hire more
experienced personnel to perform more technical activities. The service
projects will remain the same. Water quality monitoring and stream
stabilization (using bioengineering techniques), environmental education,
and plant materials will be our key objectives. These objectives will be
met through field office organized activities as well as some team
activities. The concept of using "sponsors" will not be pursued next
year.
Georgia
065.DoC 06J.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Atlanta, Georgia
Urban Conservation Program (10 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Cindy Haygood
PHONE: (404) 528-2218
COUNTY: Cobb
COMPONENTS
OBJECTIVE
STATEMENTS: Operate the Satellite Plant Materials Center established
year one.
of your service?
will be measured by the staff agronomist and the State Plant material specialist.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
80% of plants live.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Thousands.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 2
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Atlanta, Georgia
Urban Conservation Program (10 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Cindy Haygood
PHONE: (404) 528-2218
COUNTY: Cobb SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS
ORITCTIVE
STATEMENTS:
Educate the public on conserving and managing natural
resources.
described
above?
of natural resources.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Acceptance by schools and quizzes given to students.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
NRCS Field Office Technical Guide
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
At least 1,000 students.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 3
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Atlanta, Georgia
Urban Conservation Program (10 Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Cindy Haygood
PHONE: (404) 528-2218
COUNTY: Cobb
Water Quality Improvement.
to the problems.
3. Now will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Stabilization of streambanks and an improvement in water quality.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
NRCS Field Office Technical Guide
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Thousands of people.
APPI, DOC
Idaho
IDAHO HOME*A*SYST PROJECT
A Homestead Assessment System for Environmental and Drinking
Water Protection
AmeriCorps FY 96 Project Application
USDA-NRCS
Idaho
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
Specialist. The Home*A*Syst Planning Committee will provide
assistance where necessary.
By completing the Home*A*Syst process the participant will
provide a direct service to those individuals they are able to
work with and likewise to the community as a whole. Quantifiable
services will include the completed assessment, program
evaluations forms, and recommendations for correcting at risk
activities.
The number of AmeriCorps participants requested is up to 20 (see
attachment #1). Twenty of the forty water quality projects are
jointly located in one office. Each position is for the most
part independent of the other, therefore any number less than 20
will accomplish individual project goals.
MISSION AND OBJECTIVES
Idaho Home*A*Syst Mission Statement
To protect and enhance Idaho's environment and drinking water
sources by providing rural home owners with assistance in
conducting voluntary pollution-risk assessments.
Annual Objectives
Increase public awareness of the availability of an
environmental/water quality, voluntary assessment tool
called Home*A*Syst.
Increase the knowledge and awareness of rural citizens and
communities on activities that impact the environment and
water quality.
Assist rural citizens and communities with voluntary
assessments.
Assist rural citizen and communities in implement management
practices that will benefit the environment, water quality,
and public health.
NARRATIVE
Needs to be Met
Assist with the implementation of the Idaho Home*A*Syst
environmental and drinking water protection program.
To protect rural America's water, Farm*A*Syst (Farmstead
Assessment System) has been established as a national cooperative
program. This program has be proven to be instrumental in
bringing about a greater awareness of environmental concerns
while providing a mechanism for protecting rural America's
drinking water with a voluntary homestead pollution risk
assessment. Idaho has modified appropriate materials, is
currently in the process of hiring a Home*A*Syst Project
Specialist and now faces the task of implementing the program
across the state in local communities needing assistance.
Idaho currently has 38 State Agricultural Water Quality Projects,
1 USDA Hydrologic Area Project and 1 USDA Demonstration Project.
These projects are located in rural agricultural areas with
identified water quality problems. The objective of these
project is to install water quality protection practices.
Project resources provide the ability to demonstrate, promote,
and install BMP'S, however, no provisions exist for working one-
on-one with community and rural citizens for protection of
individual drinking water systems.
Needs
The AmeriCorps Program would provide rural communities with a
greater ability to implement the Home*A*Syst program by
sponsoring an individual within the local community that can
reach and work directly with individual citizens needing
assistance.
Education: The relationship of this AmeriCorps Project to the
educational priority area is two-fold. 1) AmeriCorps participants
would receive educational training on the Home*A*Syst Program and
the specifics of the pollution-risk assessment. 2) AmeriCorps
participants would then be able to provide educational
opportunities for local citizens enabling them to better
understand how activities around their home can impact the
environment as well as their immediate source (s) of drinking
water.
Human Needs: Human needs will be met by providing assistance to
citizens within local communities, especially low-income, elderly
or disabled citizens. In addition, once pollution-risk
assessments are completed, available assistance programs may be
identified to provide financial or technical support to correct
any critical problems.
Public Safety: Protection of domestic drinking water supplies is
the primary goal of the Home*A*Syst program. By assessing
pollution-risk as they relate to activities within and around
individual home sites and correcting at risk activities or
conditions via best management practices or recommended
modification, domestic drinking water supplies will be protected.
Environment: Environmental hazards will be eliminated by
educating the public, evaluating pollution-risk, and correcting
at risk activities or conditions via best management practices or
recommended modification.
Process
Environmental and wellhead protection programs have been around
for a long time. The National Farm*A*Syst program and the Idaho
Home*A*Syst program provide an organized process for working
directly with residents and communities to providing education,
pollution-risk assessments, and recommendations.
The National Program Staff located in Madison, Wisconsin provide
support to individual states. In Idaho a Home*A*Syst planning
committee was formed in 1993. This committee still exist and
will continue to exist throughout the life of this project. The
committee includes representatives from the Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation
District, 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 Services Agency and 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. The project specialist will receive direction
from the Executive Director and the Home*A*Syst Planning
Committee via monthly meeting.
AmeriCorps Participants will receive training and support
directly from the Project Specialist and will receive additional
support from the Home*A*Syst Planning Committee as well as the
Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts Executive
Director and Board of Directors. 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.
Design
The Home*A*Syst Program has been established to provide rural
home owners with assistance in conducting voluntary pollution-
risk assessments related to activities within and around their
home, for the protection of the environment and their domestic
drinking water supply. The Home*A*Syst program consist of a
series of 11 fact sheets and 13 worksheets designed to help
residents assess how effectively their homestead practices
protect the environment and their drinking, water.
One of the project task identified and funded under the EPA 319
grant is to develop and conduct a state-wide measurement plan
that will be used to evaluate activity and outcome objectives for
implementation of the Home*A*Syst Program Completed evaluation
worksheets and action plans will provide a direct measure of
project results. In addition, a brief questionnaire will be
developed to track pre- and post-evaluation results providing
information on social attitudes and changes following project
implementation.
Concept
The Home*A*Syst Program has been established to provide rural
home owners with assistance in conducting voluntary pollution-
risk assessments related to activities within and around their
home, for the protection of the environment and their domestic
drinking water supply.
AmeriCorps Participants will receive training and support
directly from the Project Specialist and will receive additional
support from the Home*A*Syst Planning Committee as well as the
Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts Executive
Director and Board of Directors. 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.
Implementation Strategies and Delivery Options:
Implement statewide to assist farmsteads and rural home owners to
protect the environment and drinking water quality.
Delivery Options may include but are not limited to:
One-on-one assistance on the farm.
Group assessments with educational and technical assistance.
Group orientation with follow-up.
One-on-one assistance.
Incorporation into other education programs.
Self-assessments.
Delivery Team Members may include but are not limited to:
AmeriCorps participants
County health departments.
County planning and zoning departments.
Extension service.
State Agricultural Agency.
Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Private sector (farm cooperatives, crop consultants,
petroleum representatives)
Water User Groups
Youth groups (4-H, FFA)
Trained volunteers
Vocational agriculture consultants (youth and adult)
Environmental groups
Producer associations
Lenders
Delivery may be incorporated into other educational programs
including but not limited to:
USDA water quality demonstration and hydrologic unit
projects.
State watershed projects.
State Agricultural Water Quality Projects (SAWQP).
Municipal wellhead protection efforts, Wellhead Protection
Program (DEQ).
Idaho Ground Protection Plan implementation components
Drinking water education programs.
Water User Group educational programs.
Agricultural Industry and Commodity Group educational
programs.
Environmental Consulting educational programs.
Whole farm assessments.
NRCS conservation planning.
IDA and UL-CES pesticide applicator training programs.
IDA Waste Pesticide Disposal Program.
Homemaker or family living education programs.
Adult education farm management training programs.
Club activity or program promotion by trained volunteers
from youth groups, community service organizations, farm
organizations, and environmental groups.
Youth farm management education programs
Program sponsorship by lending institutions and/or
agribusiness's.
Programs targeted at nonfarmers
Service Activities
AmeriCorps Participants will assist with and conduct pollution-
risk assessments using some or all of the Home*A*Syst work/fact
sheets developed for Idaho. The first 11 work/fact sheets
include: #1 Drinking Water Well Condition; #2 Pesticide Storage
and Handling; #3 Fertilizer Storage and Handling; #4 Petroleum
Products Storage; #5 Hazardous Waste Management; #6 Household
Wastewater Treatment; #7 Livestock Waste Storage; #8 Livestock
Yards Management; #9 Silage Storage; #10 Milking Center
Wastewater Treatment; and #11 Lawn and Garden Management. The
final worksheets include: #11 Site Evaluation Worksheet; and
Overall Summary Evaluation.
By completing the Home*A*Syst process the participant will
provide a direct service to those individuals they are able to
work with and likewise to the community as a whole.
Demonstrateable services will include the completed assessment,
program evaluations forms, and recommendations for correcting at
risk activities.
A typical week for an AmeriCorps Participant would be to assist
local home owners in conducting and completing 2-5 Home*A*Syst
evaluations. In order to accomplish this successfully the
participant would have received adequate training prior to
completing any evaluations. The participant would contact each
home owner in advance and arrange a site visit. During the site
visit the participant would spend a few minutes introducing
themselves, giving some background on their position and
involvement, as well as some specifics about the Home*A*Syst
Program. They would then ask some questions about the
individuals home site and the type of management practices
conducted. From this information they would then be able to
determine which work/fact sheets would need to be discussed and
completed. Once these sheets were completed the participant
would assist the owner in completing the Site Evaluation
Worksheet and the Overall Summary Evaluation. These worksheets
will enable the participant to assess those activities or
conditions on the home owners immediate setting that may
negatively impact the environment or their drinking water, while
pointing out best management practices or recommended
modifications to correct these at-risk activities or conditions.
The participant would make note of the worksheets that were
completed and any recommendations that were made. Since the
Home*A*Syst program is confidential the participant would leave
the completed worksheets with the home owner along with a project
evaluation form to be completed by the home owner and returned to
the Home*A*Syst project office. The participant would thank the
home owner for their participation and would return to the local
conservation office. Any evaluations and recommendations would
be summarized in a general form to track participant as well as
project accomplishments.
Relation to need
The service activities provide direct information to local
residents, assistance in completing a voluntary pollution-risk
assessment, recommendations for correcting any identified
problems. The participants activities will help protect and
enhance Idaho's environment and drinking water sources.
Participant training and support
Training workshops will be developed to provide participants with
the background necessary to adequately perform the job
responsibilities. State specialist that worked on the
Farm*A*Syst modifications in Idaho will be utilized as trainers
to transfer as much of their individual expertise as possible to
participants. Actual field exercises will be used to provide
hands-on training.
Participants will also have an invaluable opportunity to interact
with different project personnel to gain additional training and
experience on other aspects of water quality and environmental
protection. It is optimistic that once the program has been
established, local communities will provide a means for
continuation.
With the knowledge gained from training and practical experience,
the participant will have the background necessary to continue
their education and/or move directly into the work force.
Participant placement and supervision
AmeriCorps participants will be trained in small groups. They
may work in teams initially, but will eventually work
individually. Local groups of participants will come together at
a minimum of once a month to discuss and share their experiences
(problems and successes). The Home*A*Syst Project Specialist and
the Natural Resources Conservation Service Water Quality
Specialist will work with local project offices to orient them
and prepare them for the AmeriCorps participant. The participant
will be supervised by project NRCS and District personnel, with
overall supervision coming directly from the Home*A*Syst Project
Specialist. The Home*A*Syst Planning Committee will provide
assistance where necessary.
Attachment #1
State Water
SCD
SCS Contact
SCD Contact
Quality Project
Cedar Draw
Balanced Rock
Kevin Davidson
Zena Cook
E. Upper Deep Creek
Balanced Rock
Kevin Davidson
Zena Cook
W. Upper Deep Creek
Balanced Rock
Kevin Davidson
Zena Cook
Mission Sheep
Benewah
Mike Combs
Arlene Grose
Upper Hangman Creek
Benewah
Mike Combs
Arlene Grose
Tensed/Lolo Creek
Benewah
Mike Combs
Arlene Grose
Plummer Creek
Benewah
Mike Combs
Arlene Grose
Arkansas Basin
Portneuf
Ron Davidson
Amyllen Bodily
Lone Creek
Portneuf
Ron Davidson
Amyllen Bodily
Upper Rapid Creek
Portneuf
Ron Davidson
Amyllen Bodily
Badger Creek
Eastside
Dennis Hadley
Marny Nelson
Meadow Creek
Eastside
Dennis Hadley
Marny Nelson
Antelope Creek
EastS]de
Dennis Hadley
Marny Nelson
Tex Creek
Eastside
Dennis Hadley
Marny Nelson
Conway Gulch
Canyon
John Gleim
Debbie Comfort
Sand Hollow West
Canyon
John Gleim
Debbie Comfort
S.F. Palouse River
Latah
Ken Kouska
Nancy
Weatherstone
Aspendale/Potlatch
Latah
Ken Kouska
Nancy
Weatherstone
Lenville
Latah
Ken Kouska
Nancy
Weatherstone
Wide Hollow
Oneida
John Bechtold
Linda Daniels
Dairy Creek,
Oneida
John Bechtold
Linda Daniels
Daniels
Oneida
John Bechtold
Linda Daniels
N.E. Worley
Kootenal/Shos.
David Brown
Patricia Farrar
Lake Creek
Kootenai/Shos.
David Brown
Patricia Farrar
Bancroft
Caribou
Tim Schroeder
Larry Lewis
Upper Portneuf
Caribou
Tim Schroeder
Larry Lewis
Bedrock Creek
Clearwater
Bruce Hanson
Mike Hoffman
Lolo/Fords Creek
Clearwater
Brtice Hanson
Mike Hoffman
Upper Conant Creek
Yellowstone
Ken Beckmann
Mark Hogen
Squirrel Creek
Yellowstone
Ken Beckmann
Mark Hogen
Pine Creek
Nez Perce
Frank Gariglio
Barry Holben
Vinyard Creek
Northside
Tom Burnhai-n
Rob Rogerson
Lapwal
Lewis
Rob Fredrickson
Chuck Pentzer
Mission Creek
Lewis
Rob Fredrickson
Chuck Pentzer
Crane Creek
Weiser River
Toi-n Yaiikey
Aleta Si-nith
Boulder Creek
Valley
Randy Phelan
Daryl Gallup
Teton River
Teton
Steve Ray
Darwin Josephson
Lower Payette River
Payette
Mike Raymond
Nancy Hutchinson
USDA Water Quality Projects
Snake River DEMO
Cassia
Jeff Bohr
Dyane Rigas
Minidoka
Payette River HUA
Payette
Tii-n Stack
Nancy Hutchinson
Canyon
Washington
Adai-ns
BUDGET NARRATIVE
Participant Support Cost
Cost shown in this category include primarily training and
educational support cost. Each participant will receive training
most likely in the form of a workshop. The cost per individual
is figured at $50.00/day X 4 days X 20 participants = $4,000.00.
Staff
Cost are associated with the amount of time existing NRCS,
District staff, and the Home*A*Syst Project Specialist under the
Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts spend
supervising and working with participants. Those cost are
summarized as follows:
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Cost based on Soil Conservationist GS 9 Step 3 ($31,366/year) with
an average of 21% in benefits.
$31,366/year/26 pay periods/80 hours = $15.08/hr
$15.08 X 2 hrs/week X 26 weeks = $784.16 X 20 participants =
$15,683.00 (salary)
$15.08/hr X 21 % = $3.17/hr X 2 lirs/week X 26 weeks = $164.67 X
20 participants =
$3293.47 (benefits)
Soil Conservation District
Cost based on District I & E Specialist at an average pay of
$8.00/hr.
$9.00 X 2 hrs/week X 40 weeks = $720.00 X 20 participants =
$14,400.00 (salary)
$9.00/hr X 10% = $0.90/hr X 2 hrs/week X 40 weeks = $72.00 X 20
participants = $1,440.00 (benerits)
Home*A*Syst Project Specialist
Cost based on designated salary of $25,000.00/year with 28% in
benefits.
$25,000/year/2080 hours = $12.02/hr
$12.02 X 0.5 hrs/week X 26 weeks = $156.26 X 20 participants =
$3,125.20 (salary)
$12.02 X 28% = $3.37 X 0.5 hrs/week X 26 weeks = $43.75 X 20
participants = $875.06 (benerits)
(This figure would include training workshops conducted by Project
Specialist to train project participants)
Salary
Benefits
NRCS
$15,683
$3,293
SCD
$14,440
$1,440
Project Specialist
$3,125
$ 875
Total
$33,208
$5,609
Operational
Travel: Cost are associated with minimum travel expenses
supported by contributions from all agencies involved.
Anticipated travel expenses are $100.00/participant/year X 20
participants, for a total of $2,000.00.
Transportation: This will be provided by the NRCS and is
calculated on approximately 1000 mile/participant/year X
$0.30/mile X 20 participants = $6,000.00.
Supplies: Supplies will be minimal and are calculated on
$100.00/participant X 20 participants = $2,000.00.
Equipment: Primary equipment cost will be associated with copying
and computer use. Copier cost is calculated at 1000 copies X
$0.05/copy X 20 participants = $1000.00. Computer cost is
calculated on $100.00/participant X 20 participants = $2,000.00.
Copier ($1000.00) + Computer ($2,000.00) = $3,000.00.
Internal Evaluation Monitoring
Evaluation of project and participant success will be
accomplished primarily by the Home*A*Syst Project Specialist.
These funds come directly from the EPA 319 grant proposal which
was funded at $10,000.00.the amount of time existing NRCS,
District staff, and the Home*A*Syst Project Specialist under the
Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts spend
supervising and working with participants. Those cost are
summarized as follows:
Administration
Administrative cost are based on 3 % of all cost. $61, 821 x 3 %
= $1974.51.
United States
Soil
Department of
Conservation
Room 124
Agriculture
Service
3244 Elder Street
Boise, Idaho 83705-4711
Subject:
PER - AmeriCorps Program FY 1996
Date:
January 27, 1995
Idaho Project Proposal
To:
Paula Cole Jones
File code:
360
AmeriCorps Program Manager
Community Assistance and Resource Development Division
NRCS, Washington, DC
Attached you will find a project proposal from Idaho for participation in the AmeriCorps
Program:
*
Idaho HOME*A*SYST (Homestead Assessment System) Project
Questions regarding this project may be directed to Acting Assistant State Conservationist
(Land Resources) Robert H. Zinszer at (208) 334-1053.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
LINCOLN E. BURTON
Acting State Conservationist
Attachment
cc: (w/attachment)
Eugene E. Andreuccetti, West Regional Conservationist, NRCS, Washington, D.C.
Richard L. Gardner, Ph.D., Executive Director, Idaho Rural Development Council,
Statehouse, Room 122, Boise, ID 83720
Rod Robison, President, IASCD, 2697 W., 6300 S., Rexburg, ID 83440
Wayne Faude, Administrator, SCC, 1215 W. State St., Boise, ID 83720-7000
Robert H. Zinszer, Acting ASTC (LR), NRCS, Boise, ID
Dave DeTullio, ASTC (WR), NRCS, Boise, ID
Lee E. Brooks, ASTC (TS), NRCS, Boise, ID
Richard S. Waters, Acting ASTC (M&SP), NRCS, Boise, ID
James C. Wood, Water Quality Specialist, NRCS, Boise, ID
The Soil Conservation Service
is an agency of the
United States Department of Agriculture
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Idaho
Association of
Soil Conservation Districts
802 Hoff Building, Suite 1006
P.O. Box 2637
Boise, ID 83701
(208)338-5900
(208) 338-9537 FAX
Conservation - Development - Self-Government
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Rod Robison
January 26, 1995
2697 W. 6300 S.
Rexburg, ID 83440
Paula Cole Jones
Vice-President
Americorps Program Manager
Kevin Koester
Community Assistance and Resource Development Division
P.O. Box 697
Lava Hot Springs, ID
Dear Ms. Jones:
83246
Secretary
The Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (IASCD)
Roger Stutzman
is proud to submit our support to the Idaho Home*A*Syst
Route 4
Program which has been initiated to assist Idahoans in the
Buhl, ID 83316
protection of our natural resources.
Treasurer
Art Beal
The Americorps program provides an excellent opportunity for
P Rox 9
us to enlist Americorps participants who will provide
:
ID 83670
valuable assistance in accomplishing the objectives of the
Idaho Home*A*Syst Program. Idaho Home Syst is an
Director
Dale Van Stone
effective and much needed environmental program uniquely
305 Denton Road
structured under the auspices of the IASCD providing support
Hope, ID 83836
to local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the
communities they serve.
Director
Kyle Hawley
1180 Lewis Road
The IASCD strongly supports and recommends the Idaho
Moscow, ID 83843
Americorps Home*A*Syst Application for FY 96 funding. We
respectfully appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
Rod B Robison
Rod B. Robison, President
IDAHO HOME*A*SYST PROJECT
A Homestead Assessment System for
Environmental and Drinking Water Protection
AmeriCorps FY 96 Project Application
USDA-NRCS
Idaho
SUMMARY
AmeriCorps Participants will assist with the implementation of the Idaho
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 program and the
Idaho Home 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 *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.
In Idaho a Home *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 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 *Syst Project Specialist. The Home Syst Planning
Committee will provide assistance where necessary.
By completing the Home*A*Syst process the participant will provide a direct service to
those individuals they are able to work with and likewise to the community as a whole.
Quantifiable services will include the completed assessment. program evaluations
forms, and recommendations for correcting at risk activities.
The number of AmeriCorps participants requested is up to 20 (see attachment #1).
Twenty of the forty water quality projects are jointly located in one office. Each
position is for the most part independent of the other, therefore any number less than
20 will accomplish individual project goals.
2 of 9
MISSION AND OBJECTIVES
Idaho Home*A*Syst Mission Statement
To protect and enhance Idaho's environment and drinking water sources by providing
rural home owners with assistance in conducting voluntary pollution-risk assessments.
Annual Objectives
Increase public awareness of the availability of an environmental/water quality,
voluntary assessment tool called Home*A*Syst.
Increase the knowledge and awareness of rural citizens and communities on
activities that impact the environment and water quality.
Assist rural citizens and communities with voluntary assessments.
Assist rural citizen and communities in implementing management practices that
will benefit the environment. water quality, and public health.
NARRATIVE
Needs to be Met
Assist with the implementation of the Idaho Home*A*Syst environmental and drinking
water protection program.
To protect rural America's water, Farm*A*Syst (Farmstead Assessment System) has
been established as a national cooperative program. This program has be proven to be
instrumental in bringing about a greater awareness of environmental concerns while
providing a mechanism for protecting rural America's drinking water with a voluntary
homestead pollution risk assessment. Idaho has modified appropriate materials, is
currently in the process of hiring a Home Syst Project Specialist and now faces the
task of implementing the program across the state in local communities needing
assistance.
Idaho currently has 38 State Agricultural Water Quality Projects. 1 USDA Hydrologic
Area Project and 1 USDA Demonstration Project. These projects are located in rural
agricultural areas with identified water quality problems. The objective of these project
is to install water quality protection practices. Project resources provide the ability to
demonstrate, promote, and install BMP's, however, no provisions exist for working
one-on-one with community and rural citizens for protection of individual drinking
water systems.
Needs
The AmeriCorps Program would provide rural communities with a greater ability to
implement the Home *Syst program by sponsoring an individual for within the local
community that can reach and work directly with individual citizens needing assistance.
3 of 9
Education: The relationship of this AmeriCorps Project to the educational priority
area is two-fold. 1) AmeriCorps participants would receive educational training on the
Home *Syst Program and the specifics of the pollution-risk assessment. 2)
AmeriCorps participants would then be able to provide educational opportunities for
local citizens enabling them to better understand how activities around their home can
impact the environment as well as their immediate source(s) of drinking water.
Human Needs: Human needs will be met by providing assistance to citizens within
local communities, especially low-income, elderly or disabled citizens. In addition,
once pollution-risk assessments are completed, available assistance programs may be
identified to provide financial or technical support to correct any critical problems.
Public Safety: Protection of domestic drinking water supplies is the primary goal of
the Home *Syst program. By assessing pollution-risk as they relate to activities
within and around individual home sites and correcting at risk activities or conditions
via best management practices or recommended modification, domestic drinking water
supplies will be protected.
Environment: Environmental hazards will be eliminated by educating the public,
evaluating pollution-risk, and correcting at risk activities or conditions via best
management practices or recommended modification.
Process
Environmental and wellhead protection programs have been around for a long time.
The National Farm *Syst program and the Idaho Home "Syst program provide an
organized process for working directly with residents and communities to providing
education, pollution-risk assessments, and recommendations.
The National Program Staff located in Madison. Wisconsin provide support to
individual states. In Idaho a Home 'Syst planning committee was formed in 1993.
This committee still exist and will continue to exist throughout the life of this project.
The committee includes representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation District. 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 Services Agency and 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. The project specialist will receive direction from the Executive
Director and the Home*A*Syst Planning Committee via monthly meeting.
AmeriCorps Participants will receive training and support directly from the Project
Specialist and will receive additional support from the Home* Syst Planning
Committee as well as the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts Executive
Director and Board of Directors. 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.
4 of 9
Design
The Home *Syst Program has been established to provide rural home owners with
assistance in conducting voluntary pollution-risk assessments related to activities within
and around their home, for the protection of the environment and their domestic
drinking water supply. The Home*A*Syst program consist of a series of 11 fact sheets
and 13 worksheets designed to help residents assess how effectively their homestead
practices protect the environment and their drinking water.
One of the project task identified and funded under the EPA 319 grant is to develop
and conduct a state-wide measurement plan that will be used to evaluate activity and
outcome objectives for implementation of the Home Syst Program Completed
evaluation worksheets and action plans will provide a direct measure of project results.
In addition, a brief questionnaire will be developed to track pre- and post-evaluation
results providing information on social attitudes and changes following project
implementation.
Concept
The Home* *Syst Program has been established to provide rural home owners with
assistance in conducting voluntary pollution-risk assessments related to activities within
and around their home, for the protection of the environment and their domestic
drinking water supply.
AmeriCorps Participants will receive training and support directly from the Project
Specialist and will receive additional support from the Home Syst Planning
Committee as well as the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts Executive
Director and Board of Directors. 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.
Implementation Strategies and Delivery Options:
Implement statewide to assist farmsteads and rural home owners to protect the
environment and drinking water quality.
Delivery Options may include but are not limited to:
One-on-one assistance on the farm
Group assessments with educational and technical assistance
Group orientation with follow-up one-on-one assistance
Incorporation into other education programs
Self-assessments
Delivery Team Members may include but are not limited to:
AmeriCorps participants
County health departments
County planning and zoning departments
Extension service
State Agricultural Agency
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Private sector (farm cooperatives, crop consultants. petroleum representatives)
5 of 9
Water User Groups
Youth groups (4-H, FFA)
Trained volunteers
Vocational agriculture consultants (youth and adult)
Environmental groups
Producer associations
Lenders
Delivery may be incorporated into other educational programs including but not limited
to:
USDA water quality demonstration and hydrologic unit projects
State watershed projects
State Agricultural Water Quality Projects (SAWQP)
Municipal wellhead protection efforts, Wellhead Protection Program (DEQ)
Idaho Ground Protection Plan implementation components
Drinking water education programs
Water User Group educational programs
Agricultural Industry and Commodity Group educational programs
Environmental Consulting educational programs
Whole farm assessments
NRCS conservation planning
IDA and UI-CES pesticide applicator training programs
IDA Waste Pesticide Disposal Program
Homemaker or family living education programs
Adult education farm management training programs
Club activity or program promotion by trained volunteers from youth groups.
community service organizations, farm organizations. and environmental groups
Youth farm management education programs
Program sponsorship by lending institutions and/or agribusinesses
Programs targeted at nonfarmers
Service Activities
AmeriCorps Participants will assist with and conduct pollution-risk assessments using
some or all of the Home*A*Syst work/fact sheets developed for Idaho.
The first 11 work/fact sheets include: #1 Drinking Water Well Condition: #2 Pesticide
Storage and Handling; #3 Fertilizer Storage and Handling; #4 Petroleum Products
Storage: #5 Hazardous Waste Management: #6 Household Wastewater Treatment: #7
Livestock Waste Storage: #8 Livestock Yards Management; #9 Silage Storage: #10
Milking Center Wastewater Treatment: and #11 Lawn and Garden Management. The
final worksheets include: #11 Site Evaluation Worksheet: and Overall Summary
Evaluation.
By completing the Home*A*Syst process the participant will provide a direct service to
those individuals they are able to work with and likewise to the community as a whole.
Demonstrateable services will include the completed assessment. program evaluations
forms, and recommendations for correcting at risk activities.
A typical week for an AmeriCorps Participant would be to assist local home owners in
conducting and completing 2-5 Home*A*Syst evaluations. In order to accomplish this
successfully the participant would have received adequate training prior to completing
any evaluations. The participant would contact each home owner in advance and
6 of 9
arrange a site visit. During the site visit the participant would spend a few minutes
introducing themselves, giving some background on their position and involvement, as
well as some specifics about the Home' *Syst Program. They would then ask some
questions about the individuals home site and the type of management practices
conducted. From this information they would then be able to determine which
work/fact sheets would need to be discussed and completed. Once these sheets were
completed the participant would assist the owner in completing the Site Evaluation
Worksheet and the Overall Summary Evaluation. These worksheets will enable the
participant to assess those activities or conditions on the home owners immediate
setting that may negatively impact the environment or their drinking water, while
pointing out best management practices or recommended modifications to correct these
at-risk activities or conditions. The participant would make note of the worksheets that
were completed and any recommendations that were made. Since the Home* *Syst
program is confidential the participant would leave the completed worksheets with the
home owner along with a project evaluation form to be completed by the home owner
an returned to the Home* *Syst project office. The participant would thank the home
owner for their participation and would return to the local conservation office. Any
evaluations and recommendations would be summarized in a general form to track
participant as well as project accomplishments.
Relation to need
The service activities provide direct information to local residents, assistance in
completing a voluntary pollution-risk assessment. recommendations for correcting any
identified problems. The participants activities will help protect and enhance Idaho's
environment and drinking water sources.
Participant training and support
Training workshops will be developed to provide participants with the background
necessary to adequately perform the job responsibilities. State specialist that worked on
the Farm "Syst modifications in Idaho will be utilized as trainers to transfer as much
of their individual expertise as possible to participants. Actual field exercises will be
used to provide hands-on training.
Participants will also have an invaluable opportunity to interact with different project
personnel to gain additional training and experience on other aspects of water quality
and environmental protection. It is optimistic that once the program has been
established, local communities will provide a means for continuation.
With the knowledge gained from training and practical experience, the participant will
have the background necessary to continue their education and/or move directly into the
work force.
Participant placement and supervision
AmeriCorps participants will be trained in small groups. They may work in teams
initially, but will eventually work individually. Local groups of participants will come
together at a minimum of once a month to discuss and share their experiences
(problems and successes). The Home *Syst Project Specialist and the Natural
7 of 9
Resources Conservation Service Water Quality Specialist will work with local project
offices to orient them and prepare them for the AmeriCorps participant. The
participant will be supervised by project NRCS and District personnel, with overall
supervision coming directly from the Home*A*Syst Project Specialist. The
Home*A*Syst Planning Committee will provide assistance where necessary.
8 of 9
Attachment #1
State Water
SCD
SCS Contact
SCD Contact
Quality Project
Cedar Draw
Balanced Rock
Kevin Davidson
Zena Cook
E. Upper Deep Creek
Balanced Rock
Kevin Davidson
Zena Cook
W. Upper Deep Creek
Balanced Rock
Kevin Davidson
Zena Cook
Mission Sheep
Benewah
Mike Combs
Arlene Grose
Upper Hangman Creek
Benewah
Mike Combs
Arlene Grose
Tensed/Lolo Creek
Benewah
Mike Combs
Arlene Grose
Plummer Creek
Benewah
Mike Combs
Arlene Grose
Arkansas Basin
Portneut
Ron Davidson
Amyllen Bodily
Lone Creek
Portneut
Ron Davidson
Amyllen Bodily
Upper Rapid Creek
Portneuf
Ron Davidson
Amyllen Bodily
Badger Creek
Eastside
Dennis Hadley
Marny Nelson
Meadow Creek
Eastside
Dennis Hadley
Marny Nelson
Antelope Creek
EastSide
Dennis Hadley
Marny Nelson
Tex Creek
Eastside
Dennis Hadley
Marny Nelson
Conway Gulch
Canyon
John Gleim
Debbie Comfort
Sand Hollow West
Canyon
John Gleim
Debbie Comfort
S.F. Palouse River
Latah
Ken Kouska
Nancy Weatherstone
Aspendale/Potlatch
Latah
Ken Kouska
Nancy Weatherstone
Lenville
Latah
Ken Kouska
Nancy Weatherstone
Wide Hollow
Oneida
John Bechtold
Linda Daniels
Dairy Creek
Oneida
John Bechtold
Linda Daniels
Daniels
Oneida
John Bechtold
Linda Daniels
N.E. Worley
Kootenai/Shos.
David Brown
Patricia Farrar
Lake Creek
Kootenai/Shos.
David Brown
Patricia Farrar
Bancroft
Caribou
Tim Schroeder
Larry Lewis
Upper Portneuf
Caribou
Tim Schroeder
Larry Lewis
Bedrock Creek
Clearwater
Bruce Hanson
Mike Hoffman
Lolo/Fords Creek
Clearwater
Bruce Hanson
Mike Hoffman
Upper Conant Creek
Yellowstone
Ken Beckmann
Mark Hogen
Squirrel Creek
Yellowstone
Ken Beckmann
Mark Hogen
Pine Creek
Nez Perce
Frank Gariglio
Barry Holben
Vinyard Creek
Northside
Tom Burnham
Rob Rogerson
Lapwai
Lewis
Rob Fredrickson
Chuck Pentzer
Mission Creek
Lewis
Rob Fredrickson
Chuck Pentzer
Crane Creek
Weiser River
Tom Yankey
Aleta Smith
Boulder Creek
Valley
Randy Phelan
Daryl Gallup
Teton River
Teton
Steve Ray
Darwin Josephson
Lower Payette River
Payette
Mike Raymond
Nancy Hutchinson
USDA Water Quality Projects
Snake River DEMO
Cassia
Jeff Bohr
Dyane Rigas
Minidoka
Payette River HUA
Payette
Tim Stack
Nancy Hutchinson
Canyon
Washington
Adams
9 of 9
Refer to the Title Page Instruction on page 26. Please type or print in black ink.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
1.
APPLICATION TITLE: IDAHO HOME*A*SYST PROJECT
Single-Site
X
Multi-Site
2.
LECAL APPLICANT:
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Contact Person's Name:
Robert H. Zinszer
Address:
3244 Elder St., Rm. 124
City, State, Zip:
Boise, ID 83705-4711
Telephone/Fax:
(208) 334-1053 (208) 334-9230
Applicant's Congressional District:
Congressional District #2
3. INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION
X
Federal
National Non-Profit
Professional
Multi-State
Agency
Organization
Corps Prog.
Program
Employer's ID Number:
160160
4.
PROJECT DIRECTOR:
Currently being filled
Organization's Name:
Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts
Address:
802 W. Bannock. Hoff Bldg.
City, State, Zip:
Boise, ID 83702
Telephone/Fax:
(208) 338-5900
(208) 338-9537
5.
GRANT TYPE:
Planning or
Operating or
Educational Awards Only
6.
ISSUE AREA
X
Educational
X
Environment
AND NATIONAL PRIORITIES:
X
School Readiness
X
Neighborhood Environment
School Success
Natural Environment
XX
Public Safety
TITLE PAGE AMERICORPS NATIONAL DIRECT APPLICATION
Human Needs
Independent Living
Violence Prevention
X
Community Revitalization
Crime Control
7.
AREA(S) TO BE SERVED:
Statewide
Urban
XY
Rural
Other
Congressional District of primary area served: Congressional District #2
Congressional Districts of secondary areas served: Congressional District #1
8.
PARTICIPANTS: # of Full-time Participants
15
# of Full-time Participants Needing
# of Part-time Participants
5
Educational Awards
13
# of Participants Needing Child Care
3
# of Part-time Participants Needing
# of their Children needing
Educational Awards
3
Child Care
9
# of Expected National Recruitment
# of Unfunded Participants
Participants
2
9.
BUDGET: Corporation Funds Requested YR1
YR2
YR3
Total Budget Amount YR1
YR2
YR3
10.
PROGRAM OPERATES in an area of need as identified by the Corporation?
X
Yes or
No
Which One?
Primarily Environment
11.
PROJECT DURATION: Start Date 10/1/95 End Date 9/30/96 Number of Program Terms
1
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:
Name:
Title:
Telephone:
Signature:
33
Please attach the Budget Narrative to this page. Instructions for this form are on page 27.
Applicant Name:
Program Name:
Aggre gate
Program (if applicable)
Corporation Share (CNCS)
Grantee Share
Total
Funds Requested
Other Federal/State/
Total Program
A. PARTICIPANT SUPPORT COSTS
from the Corporation
Local/Private Funds
Funding
Training and Education
+
4,000
=
Uniforms
N/A
(please specify in Budget Narrative) Other
-
Subtotal
4,000
B. STAFF
Salaries
33,208
Benefits
5,609
Training
-
(please specify in Budget Narrative) Other
-
Subtotal
38,817
C. OPERATIONAL
Travel
2,000
Transportation
6,000
Supplies
2,000
Equipment
3,000
BUDGET FORM AMERICORPS NATIONAL DIRECT APPLICATION
(please specify in Budget Narrative) Other
-
Subtotal
13,000
D. INTERNAL EVALUATION MONITORING
10,000
E. ADMINISTRATION
1,855
(may not exceed 5% of
Corporation funds, A-F)
(in dollar amounts) Total A-E
+
=
67,792
Percentages
%
+
%
=
100%
(Corporation maximum 75% + Grantee minimun 25% - 100%)
35
BUDGET NARRATIVE
Participant Support Cost
Cost shown in this category include primarily training and educational support cost.
Each participant will receive training most likely in the form of a workshop. The cost
per individual is figured at $50.00/day X 4 days X 20 participants = $4,000.00.
Staff
Cost are associated with the amount of time existing NRCS, District staff, and the
Home*A*Syst Project Specialist under the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation
Districts spend supervising and working with participants. Those cost are summarized
as follows:
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Cost based on Soil Conservationist GS 9 Step 3 ($31,366/year) with an average of 21%
in benefits.
$31,366/year/26 pay periods/80 hours = $15.08/hr
$15.08 X 2 hrs/week X 26 weeks = $784.16 X 20 participants = $15,683.00 (salary)
$15.08/hr X 21% = $3.17/hr x 2 hrs/week X 26 weeks = $164.67 X 20 participants =
$3293.47 (benefits)
Soil Conservation District
Cost based on District I & E Specialist at an average pay of $8.00/hr.
$9.00 X 2 hrs/week X 40 weeks = $720.00 X 20 participants = $14,400.00 (salary)
$9.00/hr X 10% = $0.90/hr X 2 hrs/week X 40 weeks = $72.00 X 20 participants =
$1,440.00 (benefits)
Home*A*Syst Project Specialist
Cost based on designated salary of $25.000.00/year with 28% in benefits.
$25,000/year/2080 hours = $12.02/hr
$12.02 X 0.5 hrs/week X 26 weeks = $156.26 X 20 participants = $3,125.20 (salary)
$12.02 X 28% = $3.37 X 0.5 hrs/week X 26 weeks = $43.75 X 20 participants =
$875.06 (benefits)
(This figure would include training workshops conducted by Project Specialist to train
project participants)
Salary
Benefits
NRCS
$15,683
$3,293
SCD
$14,440
$1,440
Project Specialist
$3,125
$ 875
Total
$33,208
$5,609
Operational
Travel: Cost are associated with minimum travel expenses supported by contributions
from all agencies involved. Anticipated travel expenses are $100.00/participant/year x
20 participants. for a total of $2,000.00.
Transportation: This will be provided by the NRCS and is calculated on
approximately 1000 mile/participant/year X $0.30/mile X 20 participants = $6,000.00.
Supplies: Supplies will be minimal and are calculated on $100.00/participant x 20
participants = $2,000.00.
Equipment: Primary equipment cost will be associated with copying and computer
use. Copier cost is calculated at 1000 copies X $0.05/copy X 20 participants =
$1000.00. Computer cost is calculated on $100.00/participant X 20 participants =
$2,000.00. Copier ($1000.00) + Computer ($2.000.00) = $3,000.00.
Internal Evaluation Monitoring
Evaluation of project and participant success will be accomplished primarily by the
Home*A*Syst Project Specialist. These funds come directly from the EPA 319 grant
proposal which was funded at $10,000.00.
the amount of time existing NRCS. District staff. and the Home*A*Syst Project
Specialist under the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts spend supervising
and working with participants. Those cost are summarized as follows:
Administration
Administrative cost are based on 3% of all cost. $61.821 x 3% = $1974.51.
F. OTHER PARTICIPANT SUPPORT COSTS
Number of
Corporation Share
Grantee Share
Total
Participants
(maximum 85%)
(minimum 15%)
100%
Living Allowance
17.5
FICA and Workers' Compensation
Health Care*
Alternative Health Care**
($1,200 per eligible participant)
Total (F)
+
=
Total (A T)
\ Estimated Number
Estimated Number
Corporation Share
Grantee
Total
of Children
of Eligible Participants
(maximum 100%)
Share
G. CHILD CARE
9
20
TOTAL (A-G)
BUDGET FORM AMERICORPS NATIONAL DIRECT APPLICATION
Number of
Amount per
Total
Participants
Participant
H. EDUCATION AWARDS
Full-Time
Participants
13
$4725
Part-Time
Participants
3
$2363
Total (H)
X
=
.
11 grantee is utilizing current policy meeting minimum benefits for eligible participants.
**If grantee is utilizing alternative health care policy to be made available.
36
Applicant Name:
Program Name:
IDAHO HOME*A*SYST PROGRAM
1. WHAT IS YOU PROGRAM'S MISSION STATEMENT ?
To protect and enhance Idaho's environment and
drinking water supply by providing rural home-
owners with assistance in conducting voluntary
pollution-risk assessments.
NATIONAL DIRECT APPLICATION
Each application must include statements of primary objectives in three areas:
Community Service, Community Building, and Participant Development.
Please use a seperate copy of this form to describe your objectives in each area
(i.e., Community Service, Community Building, Participant Development).
In the case of communiy service, also use a separate form for each priority
area, if you are working on more than one (i.e. education, environment, etc.)
2.
THIS PAGE APPLIES TO
Community Service
Participant
Community
Education
Development
Building
Public Safety
AMERICORPS
Human Needs
Environment
3. WHAT ARE YOUR ANNUAL OBJECTIVES IN THE AREA CHECKED ABOVE ?
List your three primary objectives. A. Increase public awareness of the availability
of an environmental/water quality voluntary
assessment tool called HOME*A*SYST.
B. Increase the knowledge and awareness of rural
citizens and communities of activities that
impact the environment and water quality.
c. Assist rural citizens and communities with
voluntary assessments.
MISSION STATEMENT AND ANNUAL OBJECTIVES
37
Idaho
OBS.DOC
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Idaho
Home*A*Syst (15 FT Members & 5PT Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Increase public awareness of the availability of an
environmental/water quality, voluntary assessment tool
called Home*A*Syst.
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 2
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Idaho
Home*A*Syst (15 FT Members & 5PT Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE:
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Increase the knowledge and awareness of rural citizens
and communities on activities that impact the environment
and water quality.
(NOTE: Seems very similar to objective one. Please be sure we can differentiate.)
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 3
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Idaho
Home*A*Syst (15 FT Members & 5PT Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Assist Rural citizens and communities with voluntary
assessments.
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
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Idaho
Home*A*Syst (15 FT Members & 5PT Members - RDT)
SITE SUPERVISOR:
PHONE: ( )
COUNTY:
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Assist rural citizens and communities in implementing
management practices that will benefit the environment,
water quality, and public health.
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?
ILLINOIS
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Chicago Environmental Action Project
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
PL&E
D. State of Duty Station:
Illinois
E. County of Duty Station:
Cook
F. Names of counties served:
Cook, Lake, Dupage, and Will
(Up to 15)
G. Congressional District:
1
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Carzella Pritchett
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
4434 S Lake Park, Chicago, IL 60653
Ph: (312) 373-9956
FAX: (312) 373-9960
J: Name of St. Project Director:
Gary Parker
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
1902 Fox Drive, Champaign, IL 61820
Ph: (217) 398-5271
FAX: (217) 398-5310
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
20
M. Number of Members in RDT:
0
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
East St. Louis & Metro-East
Environmental Project
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C.
Team Type:
PL&E
D. State of Duty Station:
Illinois
E.
County of Duty Station:
St. Clair
F. Names of counties served:
Madison and St. Clair
(Up to 15)
G. Congressional District:
12
H.
Name of Site Supervisor:
Rufus Williams
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
601 James R. Thompson Blvd,
East St. Louis IL 62201
Ph: (618) 271-9540
FAX: (618) 271-9737
J: Name of St. Project Director:
Gary Parker
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
1902 Fox Drive, Champaign, IL 61820
Ph: (217) 398-5271
FAX: (217) 398-5310
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
20
M. Number of Members in RDT:
0
Illinois
OBJ.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Chicago Illinois
(20 Members - PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Carzella Pritchett
PHONE: (312) 373-9956
COUNTY: Cook
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Conduct workshops for community organizing with emphasis on
utilizing resources that already exist in the community.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Help to organize & facilitate community organization meetings at 2 sites (one of our three sites has
an existing model community organization) and two neighborhoods. This includes assisting with
developing agendas, speaker and participant involvement, and the actual conducting of the meetings.
The defined emphasis is improving the neighborhood's "natural" environment.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
The development of community involvement & ownership of the "natural" environment of the
neighborhood. This involvement will hopefully lead to long term maintenance of new urban green
space & the further redevelopment of community vacant lots.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Feedback from community surveys & continued interest in urban agriculture & green space development.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
A minimum of one community organizational meeting for each of the housing sites & community
neighborhoods. The development of action plans to further organize & implement community
involvement & environmental improvements. level of community involvement in objective 2.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Direct involvement - 100 community leaders. Indirect impacts - approximately 20,000 - 30,000
residents.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 2
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Chicago, IL
Chicago Environmental Project (20 Participants - PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Carzella Pritchett
PHONE: (312) 373-9956
COUNTY: Cook
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Conduct workshops for community control & utilization of
vacant lots for green space
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Organize community training sessions for groups that develop & implement action plans to develop
urban agriculture & green/safety sites. These training sessions include sharing of existing natural
resource courses in a customized curriculum to meet the needs of specific communities. Members
along with invited experts from partner agencies will conduct the workshops. See Objective 1.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
To develop local expertise among community residents to establish & maintain urban green space.
Also to increase AmeriCorps' impact on the community.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Feedback from the community & display of motivation to implement action plans.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Development of natural resource curriculums for each of the 5 communities. The completion of at
least two primary courses & one hands-on training for at least one green site per community.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Direct involvement - 200 natural resource volunteers (this doesn't include public school students,
see objective 4.) Indirect impacts - approximately 20,000-30,000 residents.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 3
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Chicago Illinois
Chicago Environmental Project (20 Members - PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Carzella Pritchett
PHONE: (312) 373-9956
COUNTY: Cook
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Establish in-city plant materials sources as temporary use and
ecological revitalization of vacant lots.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
The creation of small city nursery sites on vacant lots or parts of larger lots. Members will help
in the procurement of nursery stock, transplanting, and maintenance. We will also provide
assistance in plans for community marketing of plant materials for private lands.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Utilization of vacant lots for local community owned nurseries to provide business opportunities & a
source for plant materials that have survived the city environment. A parallel benefit is the soil
improvements caused by planting, transplanting, and maintenance activities. Sites that have been
utilized in this way will be ideal for long-term gardening & greening programs in the future.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Feedback from the community.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
A minimum of one nursery site per community.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Direct involvement - 200 natural resource leaders volunteers; indirect impacts - approximately
20,000 - 30,000 residents.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 4
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Chicago, IL
Chicago Environmental Project (20 Members - PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Carzella Pritchett
PHONE: (312) 373-9956
COUNTY: Cook
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Provide environmental education, including hands-on activities,
to primary and secondary school students.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Provide environmental education to public school students working as the direct link for existing
programs with the Nature Conservancy, the Chicago Academy of Sciences & others. This includes
activities during school hours & after-school programs including student service activities tied to
objectives 1,2, & 3.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Awareness & understanding of basic environmental principles & the importance of conservation &
improvement of degraded "natural" environments. Increased student service activities to support the
community.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Feedback from student & teacher surveys. Student & teacher involvement in community organized
efforts to develop & maintain green sites.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
A minimum of two structured school activities for five high schools & their feeder elementary
schools in the communities. Service activities from 2 classes in each of these schools.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Direct involvement - service activities: 5,000 students & 160 teachers.
Direct involvement - a minimum of two training sessions: an additional 15,000 students.
Indirect involvement - approximately 20,000 - 30,000 residents.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 5
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Chicago Illinois
Chicago Environmental Project (20 Members - PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Carzella Pritchett
PHONE: (312) 373-9956
COUNTY: Cook
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Encourage & assist schools with creation of outdoor
environmental education classrooms.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Help teachers & students to plan & build an environmental education site near the schools in their
community. This includes help in procuring physical elements of the green educational site & labor
to help construct it.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
This is planned as a reward to teachers & students that become involved in community service. This
will hopefully teach students the value of community service & redevelopment of natural resources to
improve the quality of life in the city.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Feedback from the teachers & students.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Level of involvement in this objective. A minimum of 2 classes per school involved. Criteria will
be developed so teachers & students will know their progress.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Direct - 5,000 students & 160 teachers. Indirect - 20,000 - 30,000 residents.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 6
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: Chicago, IL
Chicago Environmental Project (20 Members - PL&E
SITE SUPERVISOR: Carzella Pritchett
PHONE: (312) 373-9956
COUNTY: Cook
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Work with the Chicago Housing Authority to train & assist
residents with improvements, weatherization, and
maintenance.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Additional remodeling & major structural repairs to apartments. Training & follow-up with new
residents to maintain & repair their new homes. Provide basic remodeling training to residents as
assisted with CHA.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
Self reliance for minor repairs & upkeep on apartments by residents in cooperation with CHA.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Feedback from resident surveys & level of interest in training.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Remodeling of 50 apartments and major structural repairs to 6 apartments. One workshop held in
three CHA home sites.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Direct involvement - 100 residents; indirect - app. 5,000 to 10,000 residents.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 1
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: East St. Louis Illinois
East St. Louis Environmental Project (20 Members)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Rufus Williams
PHONE: (618) 271-9540
COUNTY: St. Clair
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Restore 10 abandoned lots in residential settings & establish 5
community gardens.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Needs will be determined by a team of USDA, state/federal EPA & local professionals.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
The 10 sites to be restored & 5 community gardens will be selected by a committee of the local
Horticultural Council.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
A plan for each site & garden will be developed, service recipients trained and assigned specific
responsibilities, and a final assessment of the restoration conducted by the needs team.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Restoration will be completed on 100% of the lots & gardens will be operational on 100% of the sites
with 100% passing the final assessment.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Direct impact upon the residents.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 2
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: East St. Louis, IL
East St. Louis Environmental Project (20 Members - PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Rufus Williams
PHONE: (618) 271-9540
COUNTY: St. Clair
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Provide environmental/educational training for 5 community
groups and 6th, 7th & 8th grade students.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Needs will be determined by a team of USDA (NRCS, FS, & CES), IL Dpt of Conservation, IL EPA, local
professionals, & State Community College & Southern IL University.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
The 5 community/neighborhood groups will be selected by a committee of the East St. Louis Ecosystem
Council.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Plans for activities will be developed by AmeriCorps staff; service recipients will receive
training, instruction, and be assigned duties; and upon completion of each training project an
assessment will be conducted by the needs team.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
Training of the groups will be 100% completed.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Will directly affect residents & citizens of the community/neighborhood groups and indirectly the
entire East St. Louis metro area.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 3
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: East St. Louis, Illinois
East St. Louis Environmental Project (20 Members - PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Rufus Williams
PHONE: (618) 271-9540
COUNTY: St. Clair
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Improve the condition & public use of 10 of the city parks.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
The conditions & needs will be determined by a team of East St. Louis metro Park District's
personnel, National Park Service, and USDA (NRCS & FS) representatives.
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
The parks to be restored & renovated as part of the AmeriCorps project will be selected &
prioritized by a committee of East St. Louis Ecosystem Council.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
Assessments & plans will be conducted and developed, AmeriCorps members given instruction, training
and then assigned specific duties, and a final assessment conducted by the needs team.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
The 10 parks will be 100% restored or renovated and pass the minimal standards set by the needs
team.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Will directly affect several hundred users of the parks and indirectly affect the entire East St.
Louis community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES
Objective 4
GRANTEE: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
SITE: East St. Louis, IL
East St. Louis Environmental Project (20 Members - PL&E)
SITE SUPERVISOR: Rufus Williams
PHONE: (618) 271-9540
COUNTY: St. Clair
COMPONENTS OF OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS: Begin the process of gaining the designation of Tree USA City
for East St. Louis, Alorton, Centreville, & Lovejoy by
utilizing the AmeriCorps members in the Urban Forestry
component of the AmeriCorps project.
1. What work will be done? What service activities will your participants engage in?
Assist in the development of a tree maintenance and planting plan
2. What is the hoped for result of the work/activities described above?
To gain the designation of Tree USA for the above cities.
3. How will you measure the quality of your product or impact of your service?
The cities will be evaluated by the needs committee after the AmeriCorps project to insure they are
making appropriate progress toward the standards for designations Tree USA City.
4. By what standard will you gauge success?
One hundred percent (100%) of the cities will make appropriate progress.
5. How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work your participants perform?
Will directly impact the residents of entire area.
ILLINOIS
Chicago Environmental Action Project
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?
Major accomplishments towards member objectives is the successful
establishment of primary liaison roles for the team leaders and other
members. The number of partners that we work with is large and a team
leader or member has the responsibility to be the liaison between
USDA/AmeriCorps and each partner.
The Kennicott Park Facility has been designated by the Mayor's office as
one of six Youth and Family Centers in Chicago. This partnership has
become an opportunity to dovetail into this new city program.
The growth in individuals and community pride is the most gratifying
reward of this program. Some of our team members have already found
career opportunities directly related to our work.
Additional accomplishments are detailed in the AmeriCorps USDA, Chicago
Environmental Action Notebook of Accomplishments under separate cover.
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.
We will continue to assist existing community organizations such as the
Chicago Youth Centers, Schools, community groups such as Neighbors
Against Gang Violence, grass roots Advisory Councils and government
agencies such as the Chicago Park District.
Continue urban greening and gardening, structural environmental
improvements and educational objectives at three Chicago Housing
Authority (TEA) Home Sites and two neighborhood areas of Little Valley
and the Kennicott Park area.
In the first year we have reached out to as many partners as possible.
We intend to evaluate our efforts to determine the most productive
partners to work with in the future. Our focus will be greater community
empowerment activities for long-term objectives to create, improve and
maintain green spaces. This empowerment will involve students as well as
community members and will hopefully increase our impact and improve our
efficiency.
We will assist the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to train and assist
residents with improvements, weatherization and maintenance of
apartments. Hopefully, this will lead to self reliance for minor repairs
and upkeep on apartments by residents in cooperation with CHA.
Assist students and teachers to plan and build an environmental education
site near the schools in their community. This will include help in
procuring physical elements and the labor to construct the education
site.
There will be no major changes in the management structure or partner
organizations at this operating site.
East St. Louis & Metro-East 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?
The East St. Louis Environmental Project of AmeriCorps has made the
following progress during the Second Quarter:
10 of the 15 community garden sites have been prepared for planting.
75% of the 20 lots have been cleared of all minor debris and are
ready for heavy equipment.
11 AmeriCorps Members attended Master Gardening Training.
Members planted 100% of National Tree Trust trees (57) on the SCC campus.
Members conducted joint gardener training with Operation New Spirit
staff.
Members conducted educational program with local elementary school.
Members have started hundreds of plants in SCC greenhouse and have
transferred them to Jones Park Greenhouse for use by community
groups.
Members have completed 50% of East St. Louis Senior High School
greenhouse renovation.
Member teams have prepared 20% of flower beds on the SCC campus.
Members received chain saw training.
Member has scheduled community garden training session for first
week in April.
Member team put together seed packets for community gardens.
Member has started preparing site signs.
Team has established a demonstration garden on the SCC campus using
biodynamic gardening techniques.
Team has completed 75% of the work to renovate the landscape at the
Dunbar Elementary School
The project has made giant strides in the areas of community service,
community development, and member growth. Aside from the basic training
necessary to complete the projects, members have been provided training
in sexual harassment, civil rights, and chain saw usage. Members have
assisted Operation New Spirit in getting local community gardeners
prepared to begin spring planting, worked with a group of elderly
citizens from Granite City to prepare for spring plantings, met with
citizens about gardens and lots, and share their views about service and
their committees with guests and other residents. Members have met with
all the local mayors, several local ministers, the chamber of commerce,
and residents concerning heavy equipment needs and assistance with lot
renovation.
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.
We will continue to work on community beautification through lot
renovations, maintenance of lots and gardens and maintenance of landscape
work started on the State Community College Campus. We plan to expand
the project into Urban Forestry, career awareness and public parks
rehabilitation.
Also, we plan to provide environmental/education training to 5
community/neighborhood groups and 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students from
the Lovejoy and East St. Louis schools.
The principal local partner on this project is State Community College.
NRCS currently has a cooperative agreement with the college. Under this
agreement, NRCS is providing the College $70,000, and the college is
providing the day-to-day site management. in FY 96, NRCS will provide
the day-to-day site management. The principal partner will be the State
Community College, but there will be no exchange of funds
APPl, Doc
Covisiana
AmeriCorps Program Application
Title o ƒ Project:
Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Environmental Corps
Name of Organization:
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service
3737 Government Street
Alexandria, Louisiana 71302
Summary
Education
The socioeconomic environment in southeastern Louisiana does not
typically impress upon many of our youth the importance of a
sound education. This is especially true in the economically
disadvantaged classes, as is the case in most regions.
Employment opportunities exist mainly in commercial fisheries,
marine fabrication, oil and gas production, services, and
farming. Employment is primarily blue collar and service in
nature. Programs that will reach out to young people to motivate
and demonstrate the advantages of a good education and job skills
could enhance socioeconomic attitudes and promote self esteem and
individual strengths.
Human Needs
A majority of the people of southern Louisiana are dependent on
the coastal areas and marshes for their livelihood. A large
number of the inhabitants of this area are commercial fishermen.
Young people graduating from high school usually continue the
family tradition and go into the family business. Because of the
deterioration of Louisiana's coastal marsh area, many of the
family businesses are failing. People are leaving the area in
search employment. An AmeriCorps program in this area would
provide an opportunity for young and old to learn new skills,
become part of the solution to the coastal erosion problem, and
gain the ability to obtain a college education.
Environment
Environmental issues are of major concern in the coastal area of
Louisiana. Louisiana's coastal wetlands are some of the most
productive habitats in the world. These wetlands provide a
national resource of important economic, ecological, and
recreational value. But Louisiana's coastal marshes are
disappearing at an alarming rate of 16,000 to 20,000 acres per
year. Studies show that if this is not curtailed, the Gulf of
Mexico may advance inland as much as 30 miles in the next 50
years¹ transforming productive marsh habitat into open water.
1 Sherwood Gagliano, An Environmental-Economic Blueprint for Restoring the Louisiana Coastal Zone: The State Plan, Report of
the Governor's Office of Coastal Activities Science Advisory Panel Workshop, August 1994.
Louisiana. The program plan of work and accomplishments will be
directed by the plant materials manager at the USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials Center in Golden
Meadow, Louisiana.
Program partners will include: Lafourche Parish schools,
LafourcheTerrebonne Soil and Water Conservation District, The
Louisiana Land and Exploration Company, Louisiana Department of
Natural Resources, Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service,
Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish Police Juries, and Louisiana
Department of Agriculture and Forestry among others.
Mission and Objectives
Mission Statement
The mission of the Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Environmental Corps
is to find vegetative solutions for the restoration,
stabilization, and enhancement of Louisiana's coastal wetlands.
Annual Objectives
Objective 1 Recruit ten AmeriCorps participants within six weeks
of beginning project. Conduct developmental and technical
training within the first four weeks in order to develop skills
necessary to assemble and propagate selected plant species
addressing coastal erosion and protection. Hold weekly staff
meetings with the environmental corps team supervisor to evaluate
program objectives.
Objective 2 AmeriCorps participants, with assistance from local
high schools and civic organizations, will collect plant species
from wild populations and other available sources. Participants
will clean, divide, and plant collected plants in plant
containers. Participants will maintain and manage plants for
optimum growth and health in greenhouses. At this point in the
project year the AmeriCorps participants will become skilled in
plant propagation and greenhouse operations.
Objective 3 Participants will vegetatively propagate selected
plants to establish three cultural and management methods study
fields and one conservation plant assembly. Five thousand
containerized plants will be propagated and planted to quarter-
acre plots to determine handling and management methods. A
measure of success will be plant production technology
development that can be used by wetland plant producers.
Participants will organize one field day for parish elementary
schools and one field day for middle schools to educate and
inform students of the importance of coastal wetlands and wetland
plants.
Public Safety
It is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of Louisiana's population
lives within 50 miles of the coast. The population of the
coastal zone of Louisiana has already been affected by wetland
loss. Wetland loss has caused increased vulnerability to storm
surges (high tides caused by storm events), coastal flooding, and
shoreline erosion. This increased vulnerability results in
increased damage to homes and businesses, loss of transportation,
and possible loss of life as well as long-term degradation of
critical resources, such as water supplies, during storm events.²
It is estimated that one mile of marsh will provide one foot of
storm surge protection. By working to restore Louisiana's marsh,
AmeriCorps members will be working to protect the citizens of
coastal Louisiana from damages caused by storm events.
AmeriCorps participants will also provide information to the
public on the importance of preserving coastal wetlands.
Key Elements of the Site Design
Project objectives will be carried out at the USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials Center (PMC) in
Golden Meadow, Louisiana. Vegetative plantings to establish and
gather plant performance and adaptation documentation and
propagation procedures will be conducted on and off the PMC.
Number of Participants
Ten individuals who desire to gain knowledge and experience
relative to. 1) coastal wetland ecosystems and associated plant
communities, 2) vegetative solutions for coastal erosion
problems, and 3) plant sciences relating to wetland plant
identification, propagation, greenhouse operations, and field
establishment, management, and data gathering. One participant
of the ten will be selected as a rural development corps member
and will be assigned the task of group leader.
Administering Organization and Primary Program Partners
The program will be administered by the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service state conservationist's office in
Alexandria,
2 Donald F. Boesch, etal., Scientific Assessment of Coastal
Wetland Loss, Restoration and Management in Louisiana, Journal of
Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 20, Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, May 1994, p. 45.
Objective 4 Participants will create a sand dune and stabilize
blowing sand on Trinity Island, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, by
establishing 3,000 linear feet of sand fence and planting 7,500
selected plants on two acres of dune. The result of this work
will be to create 1,500 linear feet of dune measured by elevation
changes and plant survival and performance. A deliverable
product will be a standard and specification for barrier island
dune creation and stabilization and promotional information that
can be used by conservationists, environmental consultants,
nurserymen, schools, and the public.
Objective 5 Participants will stabilize the Bayou Lafourche
shoreline, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, and protect it from
erosion caused by boat traffic and storms. Participants will
propagate and plant selected plants on six miles of shoreline
along Bayou Lafourche. Participants will develop plant
performance and survival records to measure plant response and
success relative to erosion control measures. Participants will
organize civic organizations and school groups to plan, plant,
and publicize conservation efforts on Bayou Lafourche. Measures
of success will be community involvement. Results of the work
will be six miles of valuable shoreline protected and enhanced by
vegetation. Secondary benefits will be supportive documents to
develop vegetative recommendations and information for use by
others. Service recipients are innumerable to include parish
residents, bayou businesses and users, tourists, Lafourche Parish
Fresh Water District, Lafourche Port Authority, and more.
Narrative
A.
Needs to be met and appropriateness for national service.
Need
Coastal erosion in Louisiana is a problem that significantly
affects us all. Louisiana's coastal marshes are disappearing at
alarming rates of 16,000 to 20,000 acres per year. It is
estimated that by the year 2050 Louisiana will have lost more
than one million acres of coastal wetlands.³ Louisiana's coastal
wetlands are a natural resource of important economic,
ecological, and recreational value. This national treasure
deserves our attention, time, and the best stewardship possible.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials
Center in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, is charged with a
responsibility to find vegetative solutions for coastal erosion,
restoration, and protection. Due to a rapidly deteriorating
coastal environment, there is a need to accelerate efforts to
find suitable conservation plants. Native marsh grasses that
have evolved in this dynamic and fragile ecosystem are being
studied for their use as conservation plants. Plants that can be
used successfully to restore, stabilize, and protect fragile
marshes are very important to conserving our coastal wetlands.
The AmeriCorps national service program has common goals that
meet a resource need for advancing the plant materials program in
Louisiana's coastal area. There is a need to "get things done. "
Vegetative solutions for coastal erosion problems are needed now.
Endemic marsh grasses have proven effective in combating soil
erosion. Often suitable plants are removed from native marsh
habitats for mitigation and restoration purposes. Unless we can
establish and make available proven plant species and adapted
ecotypes for marsh restoration, portions of marshes will be
damaged or destroyed to create new marsh. The purpose of the
Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials Program is
to develop tested and proven plants for conservation use. But
there are limited resources available to accelerate efforts to
find and test needed conservation plants.
3 Donald F. Boesch, etal., Scientific Assessment of Coastal
Wetland Loss, Restoration and Management in Louisiana, Journal of
Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 20, Louisiana State
University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, May 1994, p. 3.
National Service
Participants in an AmeriCorps environmental corps would gain
valuable experience and knowledge of wetland functions and
values. Close working relations with NRCS professionals and
hands-on experience will provide educational benefits that
participants will carry with them throughout their lives. The
knowledge gained from working experiences in the plant materials
nursery and coastal marshes will foster individual awareness of
coastal issues and environmental concerns. These experiences can
also foster attributes such as leadership skills, community
involvement, educational achievement, job skills, work ethic, and
personal motivation and self worth.
B. Design
The program will address plant materials center needs that target
special projects designed to accelerate vegetative trials for
coastal wetland enhancement and protection. Participants will
work closely with NRCS employees and partners to propagate,
maintain, and transplant plant materials for conservation field
trials. The workload will consist of working in the plant
propagation facilities, greenhouses, plant increase fields and
study plots on and off the center. Daily tasks may include
facility and field maintenance activities that promote and
sustain plant materials center operations. We will work with
partners throughout the community that have a common interest in
saving and protecting our coastal wetlands. Work related
experiences will foster educational achievement relative to plant
sciences, wetland ecosystems, coastal wetland issues and
concerns, and job opportunities.
Project Evaluation Success
Project evaluation and success will be measured by getting
plantings on the ground. Project evaluation is documented
throughout the year in progress reports. Success of the project
will be measured by community involvement and support,
publications, news articles, participant motivation, and personal
achievements.
Location/Partnerships
Materials Center, Golden Meadow, Louisiana. The program will
involve local schools, soil and water conservation districts, and
parish and city agencies. Program supervision will be provided
by the plant materials center manager. Directsupervision will be
provided by a PMC staff member.
Service Adivities
Service activities will consist of tasks directed to propagating
and establishing plant materials needed to meet program
objectives. Daily tasks may include digging or clipping plant
materials for propagation and increase, watering, weeding, and
greenhouse maintenance. Field activities will include field
increase and plot establishment and maintenance. Participants
will participate in overall center operations needed to maintain
a sanitary and safe working environment. Plant performance and
evaluation trials will be established off the center.
Participants will assist in gathering plant performance data.
Miscellaneous tasks will be assigned as needed to carry out
nursery operation. Daily tasks will foster team building, work
ethic, educational opportunities, and interpersonal relations.
Training/Placement/Supervision
Participant training and support will be provided by NRCS
professionals. In addition to on-the-job training, other
training will include first aid and CPR, defensive driving,
sexual harassment prevention, leadership skills, and ethics
training. Training and safety is essential to Plant Materials
Center functions.
Direction will be provided by the PMC manager. Direct guidance
will be provided by an assigned PMC staff member. Service
participants may be working together or working in small groups
addressing different program needs. Organization of participants
and PMC staff members is conducted through regular organizational
staff meetings. Weekly meetings will address program needs.
Time will be used to make work assignments, assign supervision.
This is where all participants and staff members can address
problems, solutions, and contribute to the success of the
program. The program will strive to work with other
organizations that will foster civic values and strengthen
communities.
LOUISIANA
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Dry Fire Hydrant Project
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
Louisiana
E. Parrish of Duty Station:
Lincoln
F. Names of parrishes served:
Bienville, Bossier, Claiborne,
Lincoln, Jackson, Union, Webster, &
Winn
G. Congressional District:
4th, 5th & 6th
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
P. Ellzey Simmons
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
Trailblazer RC&D Area
USDA, NRCS
302 Reynolds Drive
Ruston, LA 71270
Ph: (318) 255-3554
FAX: (318) 251-9199
E. Parrish of Duty Station:
Franklin
F. Names of parrishes served:
Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia,
East Carroll, Franklin, LaSalle,
Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita,
Richland, Tensas, & West Carroll
G. Congressional District:
4th, 5th & 6th
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Donna J. Remides
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
Northeast Delta RC&D Area
USDA, NRCS
P.O. Box 848
Winnsboro, LA 71295
Ph: (318) 435-7328
FAX: (318) 435-7436
E. Parrish of Duty Station:
Livingston
F. Names of parrishes served:
Ascension, Assumption, East Baton
Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville,
Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena
St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington,
West Baton Rouge, & West Feliciana
G. Congressional District:
1st, 3rd, 4th, & 6th
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Danny W. Clement
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
Capital RC&D Area
USDA, NRCS
2191-B Tower Street
P.O. Box 1296
Denham Springs, LA 70727
Ph: (504) 664-5368
FAX: (504) 664-7734
E. Parrish of Duty Station:
Natchitoches
F. Names of parrishes served:
Beauregard, Caddo, Desoto, Grant
Natachitoches, Rapides, Red River,
Sabine, & Vernon
G. Congressional District:
4th, 5th, 6th, & 7th
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Benny R. Dobson
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
Twin Valley RC&D Area
USDA, NRCS
428 Dixie Plaza
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Ph: (318) 352-4946
FAX: (318) 352-5559
E. Parrish of Duty Station:
Jefferson Davis
F. Names of parrishes served:
Allen, Beauregarad, Calcasieu,
Jefferson Davis, & Cameron
G. Congressional District:
7th
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
James D. Neveu
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
Imperial-Calcasieu RC&D Area
USDA, NRCS
317 North State Street, Suite 1
Jennings, LA 70546
Ph: (318) 824-9533
FAX: (318) 824-9684
J: Name of St Project Director:
Billie Moore
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
3737 Government St
Alexandria, LA 71302
Ph: (318) 473-7768
FAX: (318) 473-7682
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M. Number of Members in RDT:
5
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Farm*A*Syst Project
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
Louisiana
E. Parrish of Duty Station:
Jefferson Davis
F. Names of parrishes served:
Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu,
Jefferson Davis, & Cameron
G. Congressional District:
7th
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
James D. Neveu
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
Imperial-Calcasieu RC&D Area
USDA, NRCS
317 North State Street, Suite 1
Jennings, LA 70546
Ph: (318) 824-9533
FAX: (318) 824-9684
E. Parrish of Duty Station:
Madison (2 members)
F. Names of parrishes served:
East Carroll, Franklin, Madison,
& Tensas
G. Congressional District:
4th, 5th
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Anthony R. Bridgewater
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
Tallulah Field Office
USDA, NRCS
505 East Green Street
Tallulah, LA 71282
Ph: (318) 574-1606
FAX: (318) 574-1931
J: Name of St Project Director:
Billie Moore
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
3737 Government St
Alexandria, LA 71302
Ph: (318) 473-7768
FAX: (318) 473-7682
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
0
M. Number of Members in RDT:
3
TITLE PAGE:
A. Title of Project:
Louisiana Coastal Wetlands
Environmental Corps
B: Name of Organization:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS
C. Team Type:
9 PL&E/1 RDT
D. State of Duty Station:
Louisiana
E. Parrish of Duty Station:
LaFourche
F. Names of parrishes served:
Cameron, Vermillion, Iberia, St. Mary,
Terrebonne, LaFourche, Jefferson,
Plaquemines, Orleans & St. Bernard
G. Congressional District:
1st, 2d, 3rd, & 7th
H. Name of Site Supervisor:
Gary L. Fine
I: Address, phone & fax numbers:
Golden Meadow Plant Materials Center
USDA, NRCS
438 Airport Road
Galliano, LA 70354
Ph: (504) 475-5280
FAX: (504) 475-6545
J: Name of St Project Director:
Billie Moore
K. Address, phone & fax numbers:
3737 Government St
Alexandria, LA 71302
Ph: (318) 473-7768
FAX: (318) 473-7682
L. Number of Members in PL&E:
9
M. Number of Members in RDT:
1