DORCHESTER SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN

Transcription

1 DORCHESTER SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN

2 FORWARD Seventy years ago, the devastating effects of droughts and wind erosion spawned a national conservation movement. In 1935, this movement resulted in the creation of the USDA Soil Conservation Service, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), to carry out a continuing program of soil and water conservation on private and non-federal lands of the nation. During the ensuing decade, the beginnings of a unique partnership were created through the establishment of local Conservation Districts in each state. In 1942 the Dorchester Soil Conservation District (SCD) was established and since that time has been utilizing federal, state and local staff to work side by side as partners to address natural resource issues. The conservation partnership in Dorchester s District consists of planners, technicians, administrative and support staff from all partners. As partners, we provide leadership and technical assistance to the county on conservation issues. We recognize that we have independent responsibilities and yet are interdependent on each other for successful delivery of programs. This partnership will be strengthened through the joint development and implementation of this strategic plan that will guide a coordinated effort focused on the highest priority natural resource issues in the county. This publication lays out the Dorchester SCD s strategic plan for addressing soil, water, and land use natural resource issues. The plan was developed with input from Conservation District supervisors and staff, as well as state, federal, local, and private partners that we work with on a daily basis. Many planning sessions were held to begin the dynamic process and to outline a framework to ensure that the strategic plan goals and strategies are implemented through an annual process. In addition, a public meeting was held on July 28, 1999 where any and all stakeholders in District activities were invited to come and share their views on our original outline of issues. This plan also examines the dynamics of the partnership and suggests an array of goals and actions that will serve to strengthen our ability to serve the needs of land users and the natural resource base of Dorchester County. A resource assessment was conducted by supervisors and staff to identify critical resource concerns within the county. That information, along with public input over the last year, were used to identify resource issues for the county and general goals for the next five years. The supervisors then used a process to prioritize the issues, allowing for better management and a more defined picture of the Districts priorities. As partners we are committed to achieving the outcomes and goals outlined in this strategic plan within the resources available and our established policies. This plan will be used as a guiding document to assist each entity in its planning process. Our focus will be to achieve the vision for the District to be recognized as a leader in promoting good stewardship of our natural resources. Eugene L. Skinner William M. Giese Jr. James A. Newcomb Jr. District Conservationist Chairman District Manager NRCS * Some excerpts were taken from the Northeast Regional Conservation Partnership Strategic Plan.

3 THE DORCHESTER SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT Increase landowners INSTITUTIONAL SETTING awareness of economic and environmental requirements and benefits of proper forestry The District was organized March 27, 1942 as a political subdivision of the State management. of Maryland. The district is one of twenty-four that cover all of the State except Baltimore City. Neighboring Increase acres districts of forestry under and counties include Talbot, Caroline, Wicomico and Sussex County, Delaware, management with the Chesapeake plans, resulting Bay acting as our border to the west. in improved water quality and quantity. The Maryland Soil Conservation Districts Law gives the district general authority Increase to engage loggers in awareness the of resource management through conservation of soil, water and related resources. The Soil Conservation Districts implementation Law states that: of Best It is the policy of the General Assembly to provide for the conservation of the soil, water Management and related Practice s resources of the state and for the control and prevention of soil erosion in order (BMPs). to preserve natural resources, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, assist in maintaining the navigability of scenic rivers and harbors, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base, protect public lands, Encourage forestry protect and promote the health safety and general welfare of the people of the state, and otherwise management as part of whole enhance their living environment. farm planning Woodland is a dominant feature of Dorchester County, covering Support Partners with forestry approximately The affairs 141,000, of the Dorchester about 39 Soil percent Conservation of the county. District Most are managed of the by a five member expertise, Board and utilize of them in woodland Supervisors. privately The owned supervisors but substantial volunteer their tracts efforts occur in in order protected to aid local individuals delivery and of organizations services to habitat areas. The commercial woodland consists dominantly of goodquality loblolly pine. The remaining woodland consists of upland oaks, Encourage use of Federal and customers interested in applying good conservation practices to the natural resources of the county. The district sweetgum, encourages blackgum, a cooperative, Virginia pine, voluntary holly, approach beech, or to red conservation maple, depending needs and has developed the following State forestry programs, such on soil vision, wetness. mission Factors and priority such as statements the expansion to help of Blackwater keep us on National task. as Forestry Incentive Programs Wildlife Refuge and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and the Forest Stewardship may eventually show an increase in forest acres. Program. VISION: Support training of loggers and The key The forest Vision resource of the Dorchester issues in the Soil County, Conservation as identified District by is all to Natural be recognized as a leader timber cutters in promoting on BMPs Resource good Partners stewardship interested of our include: natural resources. Develop an outreach program for the private forestry farmer, Fragmented forest lands through our planning process. Forests as preferred land use Work with forest landowners, Water MISSION: quality benefits of woodland watershed associations and The Woodland s Mission benefit of the Dorchester to wildlife Soil Conservation District is to provide effective leadership, state forestry education agencies and and Lack technical of management expertise on in nonindustrial the conservation forest of lands. soil, water and related natural resources. Maryland Cooperative Need for sustainable healthy forests Extension to emphasize the impact of forest management on water quality, quantity and wildlife habitat. Statement of Intent: Have no net loss of Dorchester County s forestry land, while increasing the acreage actively managed and utilized to realize optimum (economic, environmental & wildlife) benefits while providing for protection, conservation & enhancement of natural characteristics & biological diversity. * Some excerpts were taken from the Dorchester County Soil Survey. 3

4 THE DORCHESTER SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT Increase landowners ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING awareness of economic and environmental requirements and benefits of proper forestry management. Dorchester County is located in the south central portion of the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Water Increase nearly surrounds acres of forestry the under county, with only 20 land miles in its 333 miles of boundaries. The Chesapeake management Bay, Choptank, plans, and resulting Nanticoke Rivers are major waterways. Dorchester is the largest county on the in Eastern improved Shore water with quality 350,937 and acres, plus 71,163 acres of open water. Seventy-three percent or 263,928 quantity. acres is devoted to agricultural and forestry activities. Roughly thirty-four percent or 122,928 acres are Increase loggers awareness of agricultural, while thirty-nine percent or 141,000 acres are forested. Much of the southern portion of resource management through implementation the county is freshwater of Best marsh or tidal saltwater marshlands. There is, however, much good farmland Management in that area Practice s with a loam or clay loam soil type and many acres of productive woodland. The area north (BMPs). of Route 50 is more suitable for vegetable production due to the sandier soil and good drainage. In 1990, Dorchester had a population of 30,236. Cambridge, the county seat, had a population of 11,514. Encourage forestry This is basically an agricultural area, but also supports several industries, and because of its proximity management as part of whole farm to the planning Bay and rivers, supports a thriving seafood industry. The Blackwater Wildlife Refuge attracts Woodland is a dominant feature of Dorchester County, covering Support many tourists Partners each with forestry year, as well as a diverse wildlife population. Dorchester has many historic sites, expertise, including and Old utilize Trinity them Church, in Spocot approximately windmill and 141,000, Christ or Church, about 39 where percent several of the former county. Maryland Most of the delivery of services to woodland is privately owned but substantial tracts occur in protected governors are buried. habitat areas. The commercial woodland consists dominantly of good- customers Encourage use of Federal and quality loblolly pine. The remaining woodland consists of upland oaks, Agriculture provides the major economic State forestry programs, such sweetgum, base blackgum, for the county Virginia with pine, most holly, of the beech, acreage or red in field maple, crops depending as and Forestry vegetables. Incentive Livestock, Programs predominantly on soil wetness. poultry with Factors some such pork, as also the expansion play important of Blackwater role. The National and greatest the Forest percentage Stewardship of land is devoted Wildlife to field Refuge crops, and much the Conservation of which goes Reserve to provide Enhancement feed for the Program Shore s Program. livestock industry. Many of the vegetable may eventually growers show sell their an increase large volume in forest of produce acres. through auction Support blocks, training wholesale of loggers markets and or processing plants. Smaller pick-your-own operations are beginning to timber cutters on BMPs increase in importance. The key forest resource issues in the County, as identified by all Natural Develop an outreach program Resource Partners interested include: for the private forestry farmer, through our planning process. Work with forest landowners, watershed associations and state forestry agencies and Maryland Cooperative Extension to emphasize the impact of forest management on water quality, quantity and wildlife habitat. Fragmented forest lands Forests as preferred land use Water quality benefits of woodland Woodland s benefit to wildlife Lack of management on nonindustrial forest lands. Need for sustainable healthy forests * Some excerpts were taken from the Dorchester County Soil Survey. 4 Statement of Intent: Have no net loss of Dorchester County s forestry land, while increasing the acreage actively managed and utilized to realize optimum (economic, environmental & wildlife) benefits while providing for protection, conservation & enhancement of natural characteristics & biological diversity.

5 AGRICULTURE Promote recognition by Non- Farm communities of the contribution that agriculture makes to their well being. Provide technical assistance through an efficient local delivery system. Promote the benefits of Conservation that help maintain the viability of Agriculture, both economically and environmentally. Support informational outreach of state and federal programs for technical and financial assistance pertaining to Water Quality and Nutrient Management. griculture in Dorchester County is favored by a fairly long growing season, well-distributed rainfall, responsive soils, and a temperate climate. In 1997 about 34 percent of the total acreage of land was farmland. About 122,928 acres were used as cropland, and more than 15,000 acres of the cropland were irrigated. Farms in Dorchester County have been decreasing in number while increasing in size. In 1997 the county had 297 farms, a decrease of nearly 60 percent since The size of the average farm was 414 acres in 1997 and only 215 acres in In 1997 poultry and poultry products made up most of the income derived from the sale of livestock and livestock products. Poultry production is an important farm enterprise on 116 farms in the county. In 1997 the number of broilers and roasters that were sold totaled more than 29 million birds as compared to 1.5 million in In 1992 Dorchester County was ranked third in the state for number of hogs and pigs; this number was 15,519 in swine. In 1999 the total number of swine was down to 12,286. The production of corn, soybeans, small grain, and vegetables in Dorchester County is very important to Maryland s agricultural community. Although the acreage of grain corn, barley, and tomatoes has decreased since 1960, the acreage of wheat and soybeans has almost doubled during that same time period. STATEMENT OF INTENT: Agricultural land in sufficient quality and quantity, a minimum of 100,000 acres, to meet long term food needs and ensure agricultural viability (economically) in the region. Involve agricultural producers in review of BMPs. Promote the adoption of Integrated Pest and Nutrient Management techniques that maintain crop yields. Encourage the broadening of cost-share programs to encourage and include sustainable agriculture practices. Promote diversification opportunities via the Resource Conservation and Development Program and other partners in order to supplement agricultural activities. 5

6 FORESTRY Increase landowners awareness of economic and environmental requirements and benefits of proper forestry management. Increase acres of forestry under management plans, resulting in improved water quality and quantity. Increase loggers awareness of resource management through implementation of Best Management Practice s (BMPs). Encourage forestry management as part of whole farm planning. Support Partners with forestry expertise and utilize them in delivery of services to customers. Encourage use of Federal and State forestry programs, such as Forestry Incentive Programs and the Forest Stewardship Program. Support training of loggers and timber cutters on BMPs. Develop an outreach program for the private forestry farmer, through our planning process. Work with forest landowners, watershed associations and state forestry agencies and Maryland Cooperative Extension to emphasize the impact of forest management on water quality, quantity and wildlife habitat. oodland is a dominant feature of Dorchester County, covering approximately 141,000, or about 39 percent of the county. Most of the woodland is privately owned but substantial tracts occur in protected habitat areas. The commercial woodland consists dominantly of good-quality loblolly pine. The remaining woodland consists of upland oaks, sweetgum, blackgum, Virginia pine, holly, beech, or red maple, depending on soil wetness. Factors such as the expansion of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program may eventually show an increase in forest acres. The key forest resource issues in the County, as identified by all Natural Resource Partners interested, include: Fragmented forest lands Forests as preferred land use Water quality benefits of woodland Woodland s benefit to wildlife Lack of management on nonindustrial forest lands. Need for sustainable healthy forests STATEMENT OF INTENT: Have no net loss of Dorchester County s forestry land, while increasing the acreage actively managed and utilized to realize optimum (economic, environmental and wildlife) benefits while providing for protection, conservation and enhancement of natural characteristics & biological diversity. 6

7 WATER RESOURCES Reduce nonpoint source pollution into our water bodies. Encourage the responsible use of organic and mineral fertilizer and pesticide inputs. Increase the efficiency of water use. Increase the number of animal waste management systems and nutrient management plans. Provide technical assistance on water conservation issues. ater quality and quantity is a major issue within Maryland and this county. Dorchester County is underlain by a series of geologic strata containing layers of water-bearing sand and gravel. These layers, referred to as aquifers, contain an abundance of water for agricultural, domestic, and industrial wells and are the only source of drinking water in the county. Generally the layers dip, or occur at increasing depths, from west to east through the county. Most of the major rivers and streams in Dorchester County cannot provide adequate supplies of domestic or irrigation water because of low yields, poor quality, or high levels of salinity. Currently, only mill ponds and the upper reaches of Marshyhope Creek have provided suitable surface water for cropland irrigation. With ground level being in close proximity to the annual high water table and our variety of soils proper management of all discharges is a necessity. Agricultural, industrial and private home sources all have the potential to degrade our water quality and quantity. STATEMENT OF INTENT: Identify water quality requirements and quantity issues, then maintain adequate levels of both for its intended use and purpose. Develop geographical information systems (GIS s) and other methods to target efforts to priority watersheds and river basins. Encourage the development of new Best Management Practices (BMPs) for nutrient, pesticide and septic system management. Promote cost-share programs (Maryland Agricultural Cost Share, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Project, Environmental Quality Incentives Program etc...) for waste storage, nutrient management and buffer systems. Promote management and maintenance of stormwater and sediment & erosion control management systems. Discourage the use of floodplains for dwellings and structure. Implement outreach to involve citizens and to promote community stewardship of water resources. 7

8 EROSION Provide customers with accurate and useful soils information in decision making. Recognize agriculture as one of the best ways to promote soil health and environmental quality. Maintain and enhance riparian areas. Increase awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of Best Management Practices (BMPs). Promote greater awareness of the connection between soil quality, crop production and food quality. Reduce acreage of all lands eroding at damaging rates. Distribute information on BMPs impacts on soil health and water quality. Strengthen and develop partnerships to promote the utilization of soil health and management techniques. Provide soils information to customers in a format that meets their needs. Utilize the Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) program to collect soil quality data and to link soil health and environmental quality. Provide training in soil quality/health relationships and expand educational material to include soil health. Impact of forest management on water quality, quantity and wildlife habitat. orchester County has the largest acreage of land and water among the 23 counties of Maryland. The county is almost completely surrounded by water with a total of 313 miles of shoreline as boundaries. Many farms have been established along the Chesapeake Bay, Choptank River, Nanticoke River and all of their tributaries. With such close proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and having 71,163 acres of open water, Dorchester County continues to be affected by shoreline erosion. Shoreline erosion has been estimated from one to thirty feet per year. This is an expensive and never ending problem to remedy and the state offers several incentive programs that are site specific. Some measures to abate shoreline erosion are structural and non-structural. Structural measures include rip rap and bulkhead. Planting marsh grass is a non-structural measure. Benefits from implementing structural and nonstructural measures are increasing property value, improving water clarity, absorbing wave action, reducing erosion and beautifying the shoreline. Promoting and helping to implement practices to reduce soil loss due to wind and water is a service that the District offers to farmers and landowners. Best management practices that the District advocates are sustainable cropping practices. These include crop rotation, conservation tillage, the establishment of grass and trees in riparian buffers, windbreaks and shelter breaks. The construction of grass waterways, check dams and other watershed protection systems can also be applied for erosion reduction. STATEMENT OF INTENT: Reduce soil erosion by 10% through use of improved management practices. 8

9 LAND USE orchester County consists of about 423,100 acres. This includes 71,163 acres of open water. The primary land use in the county is farming and forestry. The farmland produces mainly field crops including soybeans, small grain, corn, and vegetables. Approximately 16,940 acres of farmland/forest land in Dorchester County is enrolled in some form of preservation easement programs. These easements are being sold to the state or private holder thereby protecting the soil and water resources and wildlife habitat from development. Dorchester County is slowly beginning to feel the affects of urban sprawl. Though it may not be experiencing urban sprawl the way larger cities are, there is a significant amount of prime farmland and wildlife habitat being lost. Surface runoff, caused by home improvements and new housing/apartment developments, intense fertilizer, pesticide and chemical use, vehicular pollution, and the overall population are the results of urban sprawl. The conservation and preservation of prime farmland and wildlife habitat is contingent on the way Dorchester County utilizes its resources for Smart Growth and property rights. STATEMENT OF INTENT: Preservation of the unique character and quality of Dorchester County lands through the conservation, enhancement and protection of the counties comprehensive land use plan. Promote the reduction of nutrient and pesticide runoff in urban/ suburban areas. Promote erosion and sedimentation control practices on urban and suburban areas. Promote economically and environmentally sustainable best land use patterns. Increase recognition and involvement of Conservation Districts in Urban/suburban natural resource management. Encourage reducing the amount of agricultural land being converted to other uses and maintain a sufficient acreage for a sustainable base. Educate citizens to decrease the conversion of prime, unique and important agricultural land to other uses. Promote agricultural land preservation in cooperation with other interest groups. Use educational programs such as The Land & Water Connection, Envirothon, and Ag. in the Classroom. Disseminate information about economically sustainable agriculture being a more favorable land use. Educate urban/suburban audiences and other decision makers in nutrient & pesticide management. Explore opportunities to increase technical assistance to meet urban/suburban needs. Market the availability of Conservation District and Partnership technical services. Encourage greater Federal, State and local funding and technical assistance for nonpoint source remediation. Protect agricultural land by encouraging urban in-fill or redevelopment. Continue involvement in controlling erosion from urban and suburban areas. Partnership with other agencies to encourage public participation in public forum and informational meetings. Utilize district Programs and contacts to make wise decisions relating to land use, erosion and other impacts to our natural resources. 9

10 SOIL QUALITY & HEALTH/NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT Promote wise use of organic and mineral fertilizer and pesticide inputs. Provide customers with current, accurate and useful soils information and interpretation for use in decision making. Encourage activities and programs which are the best way to promote soil health and environmental quality. Promote greater awareness of the connection between soil quality, crop production, food quality and profit. To be considered the leading authority for the protection of soil resources as well as promote the consideration of soil resources in making land use decisions. Promote nutrient management as an integrated part of Soil Quality & Health. Provide training in soil quality/health relationships and expand educational materials to include soil health. Distribute information and educate the public on Best Management Practices (BMPs) impacts on soil health and water quality. Strengthen and develop partnerships to promote the utilization of soil health and management techniques. Utilize the Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) program to collect soil quality data and to link soil health and environmental quality. Assist in the cooperative effort to educate land users on the importance of proper implementation of Nutrient Management. Institute cooperative training opportunities regarding water quality BMPs with traditional and new partners in the private sector. oil quality is the capacity of a specific kind of soil to function within natural or managed ecosystems, to sustain plant and animal productivity, maintain or enhance water and air quality and support human health and habitation. There is a uniqueness with the soils in Dorchester County; this is explained and all aspect of our soils are explored in the newest soil survey published in Many were developed from organic parent material overlying various mineral sediments. Other types of soils were formed in unconsolidated mineral sediments deposited by wind or water. Dorchester District assists with cost share and non-cost share soil conservation and nutrient management practices that prevent soil degradation while maintaining economic feasibility. New and existing laws influence the use of many aspects of the total farm operation. The District strives to assist landowners to stay within these guidelines while improving soil quality and maintaining healthy farmland. Nutrient management will help control nutrient movement and protect water quality. Dorchester has the largest acreage of land and water among the 23 counties in Maryland. Therefore, it is imperative that we manage our nutrients intensively and wisely. STATEMENT OF INTENT: Maintain a healthy productive soil resource base, while identifying cropland with potential high levels of nutrients. 10

11 LIVING RESOURCES Support efforts to eliminate or control exotic and invasive species. Support efforts to maintain the quality & diversity of habitat. Encourage restoration, creation and maintenance riparian buffer areas. he need to increase living resources, mainly through an adequate food supply and natural habitat of wildlife and many small animals and birds, is very necessary. This can be accomplished by establishing plots or buffers along field, marsh and river edges. There are many incentive based programs provided through the District to encourage participation in providing food and habitat for wildlife. Some of these include the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and private funding sources. These programs, along with many other practices are promoted in soil and water conservation plans directed toward the improvement and diversity of wildlife as well as soil and water quality. Promote the utilization of the Wetland Reserve and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Programs, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), private sources and encourage increased participation. Encourage the incorporation of wildlife management into farm, watershed and community plans. Encourage whole farm Soil & Water Conservation Planning that promotes and improves wildlife diversity. Market the multiple benefits and values of riparian buffer zones. The restoration or creation of riparian buffer zones are also very helpful in establishing habitat and other needs for many wetland and upland animals and wildfowl. These areas should be kept clear of invasive species of plants and animals that may diminish the types of wildlife that will be best suited for the area. All these tools may be used to provide adequate health and protection for the living resources native to the area. STATEMENT OF INTENT: Increase investment in natural resource infrastructure working towards a healthy and diverse eco-system for living resources. 11

12 CRITICAL AREA To assist all Critical Area Landowners to be in compliance with the Maryland Critical Area Law. Develop Soil & Water Conservation Plans on all farms in the Critical Area. Keep all Soil & Water Conservation Plans current on farms in the Critical Area. District will be available to assist in any urban/suburban Critical Area issues. Assist with technical assistance related to Critical Area Refinements. ith the realization that the Chesapeake Bay demanded immediate attention and protection, the Maryland General Assembly designated an area of geographical proportion to include 1000 feet landward from all mean tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries as the critical area. This area is consequently protected by the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Protection Program. The Critical Area legislation includes a set of regulations which are designated to protect the waters and resources of the state. These regulations address population, industrial growth and agricultural uses within the designated boundaries. An agricultural ordinance was written and added to help protect our the Bay from the use of agricultural herbicides, chemicals and nutrients through mandatary Soil & Water Conservation Plans. The District s primary role in this program is to prepare, maintain and assist landowners implement these plans on all farms in the Critical Area. Dorchester County and its citizens as well as the entire state s population have a responsibility to ourselves, the environment and especially to our children to protect our Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to be a valuable resource for generations to come. STATEMENT OF INTENT: Maintain protection of sensitive resources, habitats within close proximity to the Bay and its tributaries. 12

13 WETLANDS Increase educational awareness about wetland regulations on private lands. Increase involvement in creation and restoration of altered wetlands. Increase the level of public understanding of wetlands functions and values. etlands are a necessity to both humans and wildlife. Without the function of nature s wetlands, people and animals around the world and the earth itself would be severely impaired. Besides the abundant amount of food grown and habitat provided, wetlands also filter water providing increased water quality. Wetlands are an intricate part of the world and the foundation of the food chain. A filter for overland flow, wetlands clean water by absorbing nutrients and collecting sediment included in runoff. Wetlands are a sponge that absorb vast quantities of excess water and release it slowly during dry weather. They blunt the fury of severe storms and cushion the effect of tides. Continue to be involved in the review of regulation and the application/permitting process. Continue to facilitate regulatory agency consistency in interpretation. Market wetlands through tours, demonstration projects etc. Partner with other agency and organizations in wetland restoration/creation activities. Promote wetland restoration on suitable sites only. Wildlife flourishes in many diverse forms of wetlands, such as the marshes, swamps, mud flats, and bogs. Remove one component or alter the wetland for a single homogeneous species and nature s work is ruined. Before one can say, I m just making it better, the entire eco-system of that wetland needs to be considered. Wetlands: fragile, sustainable and devastating if lost. STATEMENT OF INTENT: Broader support and recognition of the function and value of wetlands. 13

14 ADOPTION OF THIS STRATEGIC PLAN We the supervisors of the Dorchester Soil Conservation District (SCD) hereby adopt this Strategic Plan on this 1st day of November, Board Members left to right: Alan Jolicoeur, G. Steele Phillips, William M. Giese Jr., Amelia Wright, Johnson Shufelt. William M. Giese Jr. G. Steele Phillips, Vice-Chairman Amelia Wright, Treasurer Johnson Shufelt, Member ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Alan Jolicoeur, Member The following individuals and organizations assisted the Dorchester SCD in the creation of this Strategic Plan: Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Citizens of Dorchester County Dorchester County Health Department Duck Unlimited Farm Bureau Lazy Day Farms - Joe Layton Maryland Department of Agriculture Maryland Department of Environment - Wetlands & Sludge Divisions Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife & Forestry Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit Nanticoke Watershed Alliance National Association of Soil Conservation Districts Natural Resources Conservation Service The Town of Hurlock United States Department of Agriculture United States Fish & Wildlife Service University of Maryland Cooperative Extension 14

15 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (MASCD) Promotes practical and effective soil, water and related natural resources programs to all citizens through individual conservation districts on a voluntary basis, accomplished by leadership, education, cooperation and local direction. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS (NACD) Serves as a national voice for the districts. Represents districts before Congress. DORCHESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Provides program support and funding. Appoints one SCD supervisor. ASSISTING & COOPERATING AGENCIES Assessment Office Board of Education Cooperative Extension Service County Highway Dept. County Planning & Zoning Economic Development Environmental Protection Agency Health Dept. Maryland Dept. of the Environment Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources Recreation & Parks State Highway Administration United States Corps of Engineers U.S.D.A. Farm Service Agency United States Fish & Wildlife Service DORCHESTER SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT SCD Board is comprised of five appointed district residents responsible for developing and directing the implementation of the SCD s Strategic Plan to encourage the wise use and conservation of soil, water and related natural resources. APPOINTMENT OF SCD SUPERVISORS 2 by the State Soil Conservation Committee 1 by recommendation of the County Extension Service. 1 by recommendation of the County Farm Bureau 1 by County Commissioners The Chairman of the SCD also serves as a Director of the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts. The Secretary to the SCD is the County Extension Agent. DISTRICT STAFF MARYLAND DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE STAFF District Manager Conservation District Secretary Planners (4) Engineering Conservation Technician Technician Soil Conservation Technician Grant Technician Grant Planner NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE District Conservationist Soil Conservationist Computer Specialist RECIPIENTS OF SCD SERVICES The Dorchester SCD assists landowners, land users, communities, and units of governments to plan and apply those conservation measures necessary to protect, improve, develop, maintain or preserve the soil, water and related natural resources of the district. The Dorchester SCD provides this assistance in accordance with the priorities and policies established by the SCD in the Districts Strategic Plan. MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Provides funding and staff in the effort to provide leadership and support to agriculture and the citizens of Maryland through services, and education to protect consumers, preserve the environment and promote farming. STATE SOIL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE The State Soil Conservation Committee (SSCC) acts as a forum to discuss soil conservation and natural resource issues affecting the SCD with local, state and federal partners, resolve conflicts, and develop, modify, or coordinate programs. SSCC also appoints 4 of the 5 supervisors to the Dorchester SCD board and recommends state policy to the Secretary of Agriculture on soil conservation, water quality and other programs implemented or coordinated with the SCD. Dorchester SCD is represented on the Committee by an Area Representative and the President of MASCD. U.S.D.A. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE Provides technical oversight for SCD and U.S.D.A. activities and administers certain farm programs. 15

16 DORCHESTER SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT 510 Court Lane, Room 213 Cambridge, MD Fax All district services and programs are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or handicap.