Conservation * Development * Self-Government

     Damaged trees and branches resulting from the tornado that swept through Harlem Township on September 20, 2000 are being removed from Duncan Run by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).  “This storm caused extensive damage to the area, and we all have been concerned about the threat of flooding,” said Chuck Bachman, Harlem Township Trustee Chairman.  “The township is glad that there is an organization like CCC that can help us.”  The Delaware County Emergency Services Division, the Harlem Township Trustees, and the Delaware Soil & Water Conservation District assessed damage to the stream corridor after the storm event, and have been working on a removal project.  This project is being funded by the State of Ohio, and our appreciation goes to Rep. Jon Peterson for his efforts in securing the needed funds.  The funds were made available through the Controlling Board, which is composed of three Representatives and three Senators, including our own Senator Bill Harris of the nineteenth Senate District.
     The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Civilian Conservation Corps is conducting the clean-up activities under the supervision of the Delaware Soil & Water Conservation District.  Debris removal in the Duncan Run area was a concern because fallen trees across and in streams can form logjams.  Logjams prevent the natural flow of the stream, and result in flooding of surrounding properties.  The potential damage to homes, roads, and bridges is significant if large logjams remain in streams.  A team of young adults has been working in the area to alleviate the threat of logjams with the blessing of affected landowners.
     The Ohio Civilian Conservation Corps provides unemployed young adults valuable life, education, and work skills while accomplishing meaningful conservation/recreation service.  Modeled after the federal program of the 1930s and 1940s, the Ohio CCC was established as a division of the ODNR in 1977.  Since then, over 18,000 young men and women have gained valuable work experience in the Ohio CCC.
 

     Although a recent Supreme Court decision appears to have significantly reduced the number of wetlands that are regulated under the Clean Water Act, it has had no impact on farmers’ need to comply with the wetland conservation provisions of the Food Security Act.  The January 9, 2001 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Corps of Engineers and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had overstepped the intent of a section of the Clean Water Act when they required permits for placing fill in wetlands and other bodies of water not connected to a stream.  Farmers and other landowners may have assumed that, without further guidance from the Federal agencies, they could clear and drain wetlands for crop production.
     Producers who participate in many U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) programs, or who may wish to participate in future programs must still comply with the wetland conservation provisions of the Food Security Act, which was enacted in 1985.  The Food Security Act is intended to discourage farmers from converting wetlands for agricultural production while still being eligible for farm program payments.  This law is entirely separate from the Clean Water Act that was the subject of the Supreme Court decision and is not affected by the court’s ruling.  Wetlands, which may not be regulated under the Clean Water Act, may be protected under the Food Security Act. 
     “In order to remain in compliance and be eligible for farm program payments, producers need to check with the USDA before clearing and draining wetlands,” said Kevin Brown, State Conservation for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.  Producers should contact the USDA Service Center if they are planning any drainage, clearing, or other actions that may impact potential wetlands.  The NRCS, if requested, will make a determination of the presence of wetlands.  Some wetlands conversions may be exempt from the USDA provisions.
 

Pond Construction & Management Clinic

     The Delaware Soil & Water Conservation District and the Ohio State University Cooperative Extension Service will host a pond construction and management clinic on June 9, 2001 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  The clinic will be held at the home of Larry Ufferman, 4040 Horseshoe Road, Delaware.  The cost is $3 per person.  Reservations and payment in advance is required.  Each person attending will receive a copy of the Ohio Pond Management Booklet published by OSU Extension.  Topics to be covered include site selection, construction, stocking, fish management, algae and aquatic weed control, rodent control, and many other management concerns.  Here is your chance to learn everything you need to know about managing a pond.  You will also come away with some great resource materials to help you in the future!  All you have to do is fill in the reservation form, and return it to the District office with your payment.

     The Delaware SWCD recently purchased a new John Deere 1560 model no-till drill to be used in the rental program.  Our drill is 15’, 24 row with 7 1/2” spacing planter.  The price for rental is $9 per acre.  Anyone wishing to rent the drill should call Bret Bacon at the District office.  Producers are encouraged to call as soon as possible in order to complete the necessary paperwork in order to use the drill.  This includes signing a rental agreement and providing the District with a Certificate of Insurance for liability on rental equipment.  The drill is rented on a first-come basis, and farmers are encouraged to use it as efficiently as possible so it can be ready for the next person in a timely manner.  The person renting the drill must pick it up and transport it from the previous renter.  The goal of the drill rental program, initiated in 1993, is to promote the use of conservation farming practices, and reduce soil erosion, in Delaware County.  The latest county tillage survey showed no-tillage on 69% of soybeans and 86% of corn. 
     The District also offers a Truax FLX-II 88 no-till drill and a straw mulcher for rent through Jed’s Rentals, Rt. 42 North in Delaware.  The Truax drill is an 8-row unit with 7” spacings best used for warm-season grasses.  The straw mulcher is a tailgate mount style.  Contact Jed’s Rentals, (740) 363-5019, for information on both of these pieces of equipment.
 

Member-at-Large Sought for RC&D Leadership Council

Delaware County is currently looking for one committed person to serve as a Member-at-Large on the Heart of Ohio Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Leadership Council.  The Council, which consists of three members from each of the 8 counties, is responsible for planning the activities of the Heart of Ohio RC& D.  The purpose of an RC& D is to work with residents within the community to improve the economy and environment through the conservation, development, and better utilization of their natural resources.  The decision-making of the RC&D is done entirely by the local leadership council.  The Heart of Ohio RC&D is currently in the application stage for official RC&D recognition.  Delaware County’s representation on the Leadership Council consists of County Commissioner Deborah Martin, and Soil & Water Conservation District Board Chairman Steve Sheets.  If you are interested in conservation and promoting the wise use of natural resources, and in committing your time for the continued improvement of Delaware County, consider serving as our County’s third representative on this Leadership Council.  Contact Larry Ufferman, SWCD Program Administrator at the District office for more information.
 

“Rain!  Whose soft architectural hands have power to cut stones, and chisel to shapes of grandeur the very mountains.”
 -Henry Ward Beecher
 

As Ohio’s population of Cananda geese continues to grow, so do reports of conflicts between the large waterfowl and humans, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  “The number of calls we received regarding goose conflicts rose 66% from 1998 to 2000,” said Dave Sherman, waterfowl biologist for ODNR Div. of Wildlife.  State wildlife biologists caution that during the Canada goose-breeding season in late winter/early spring, geese can be aggressive toward people and their pets, or even toward other geese.  Canada geese are territorial in defense of their breeding mates, nesting locations, and in protection of their young goslings.  “There are a number of non-lethal measures individuals can take to prevent geese from establishing a nesting area on their property,” said Sherman.  Using noisemakers, fencing around flower beds and small ponds, setting out reflective substances at goose-eye level, or a combination of any of these techniques are effective in moving geese off personal property.  Other techniques include not feeding and discouraging others from feeding the geese, leaving a 20 to 30 foot barrier strip of tall grass around ponds or streams, removing any potential nesting material, and checking frequently for nest-building activity.  “It takes a concerted and consistent effort, but hard work now will reduce conflicts with geese in the months ahead,” Sherman said.  Division of Wildlife biologists remind individuals that geese are federally protected migratory game birds.  Harrassing techniques cannot include physical abuse of the geese, their nests, or their eggs.
 

The Ohio Utilities Protection Commission wants contractors, utility companies, and anyone else using a shovel or excavation equipment to utilize this number to prevent damage to the environment, interruption of utility services, legal problems, accidents, injuries, and other unfortunate incidents.

HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AVAILABLE WHEN YOU CALL:
•  County 
•  City/Township 
•  Location of Work or street address 
•  Distance from intersection & direction 
•  Extent of work front/rear/both sides 
•  Date of Excavation
•  Start time of excavation 
•  Type of Work
•  Contact Person

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