HIGH COUNTRY CONSERVATION

 

Helping you protect soil, water, air, wildlife and our way of life

 

Laramie Rivers Conservation District

Fall 2010 Edition                      Volume 21, No 1

Rural Cost Share Program

is Still Available for Larger Projects

 

By Tony Hoch

 

The LRCD Rural Cost Share Program was created to help fund projects in Albany County that make a positive difference on the land for cooperators who don’t quite meet the qualifying criteria for federal or state programs (not an official ag operation, for example), or for cooperators needing local matching dollars to go after larger state or federal funds.  Projects may be implemented on private land or on adjacent public land where applicant has grazing rights.

 

Goals of the program include:  improving wildlife habitat, keeping open spaces open/ag viability, improving range quality with better livestock distribution, improving stream water quality/reducing bank erosion, improving fish habitat, and conserving water through more efficient irrigation.

 

Some examples of projects we have funded with this program are:  solar pumping units for remote stock tanks to improve grazing distribution, large scale shelterbelts, spring developments for wildlife and livestock,  large scale cheatgrass treatments, and river bank restoration.

 

This is a cost share program where LRCD matches 50% up to $5000, on a reimbursement basis.  Projects should be reviewed by staff, then must be approved by the LRCD board before they are initiated.  Full program description and applications are online at www.lrcd.net, under the “rural cost share” button”, or call us at 721-0072 to ask questions or arrange a staff visit to talk about your project.

CANDIDATES FOR LARAMIE

RIVERS CONSERVATION DISTRICT (LRCD)

 

The LRCD is a special district mandated by state statute encompassing all of the Albany County, funded by a one mill levy adopted by voters. There are five members who serve four-year terms on the board, three Rural, one At Large, and one Urban.  Currently there is one Rural and one At Large position up for reelection.  Both candidates are running unopposed.  There is no salary, but mileage reimbursement for district-related travel is provided.

 

 

Nancy Bath (Rural Supervisor):  I have lived at Tie Siding my entire life.  I attended Albany County Public Schools and graduated from the UW with a B.S. degree in Animal Science.  I have been married to Lynn Woodard for 21 years.  As a producer I  have worked with various USDA organizations including the Laramie Rivers Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency, as well as the UW Cooperative Extension Service.  I am currently serving as Chairman for the LRCD, and have been on the board for 4 years.

 

Jim Rogers (At-large Supervisor): I was born in Wyoming and have lived in Wyoming all of my life.  I am a Viet Nam veteran, my wife's name is Gay and we have two grown children, who have families of their own.  I and my heirs have been involved in agriculture for our entire lives.  I have lived in Albany County for sixteen years.  My family and I own a ranch in the Little Laramie Valley.

 

What are your priorities for water, soil, wildlife and energy conservation in the District?

Nancy Bath (Rural): The conservation district is one of the true environmental groups that focus on improving the natural resources in Albany County.  It is funded by all taxpayers and can provide specific information to both urban and rural landowners.  Continuing education concerning the environment is critical especially during the  drought years coupled with the expanding development in rural parts of the County.

 

Jim Rogers (At-large):  I believe we need to continue to test our water, as the conservation district is now doing, to keep it as clean and pure as it now is.  I believe we need to help land owners learn and use different ways to save and improve their soils, by doing this we will benefit all wildlife.  I am very interested in wind and solar energy for Albany County.

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