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**Wisconsin NRCS Outreach Report 2007**

NRCS is dedicated to reaching out to all producers and potential
customers to offer our programs and services equitably to those who need
them. For over a decade, Wisconsin NRCS has been working closely and
productively with the Indian nations in our state to help them restore
and manage their resources. Other major groups with special needs for
outreach in Wisconsin include the Hmong, Hispanic farmers and farm
workers, religious groups, and also beginning and limited resource
farmers.

**State Level Activities**

**Assistance to Tribal Nations in Wisconsin**

The Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council continues to grow and
to evolve. In 2007, NRCS assisted WTCAC in crafting a long-range
strategic plan to build stronger infrastructure for WTCAC and focus its
work for better results. NRCS allocates funds from both the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Wildlife Habitat Incentives
Program for tribal projects, with WTCAC providing review and approval of
projects.

-   Ten new major EQIP contracts were approved in 2007 for Wisconsin
    tribes. Projects include well decommissioning, sediment basin, many
    forestry practices, stream crossing, fencing and erosion control
    measures. In addition, work continued or was completed on 28 EQIP
    contracts from previous years.

-   Five new major WHIP projects were approved in 2007, including a dam
    removal, prairie and oak savannah restoration, wild rice seeding,
    waterfowl habitat development and invasive species control.

**Outreach to Hmong Producers** -- NRCS focused outreach efforts to the
growing Hmong population in Wisconsin in 2007. Hmong were US allies
during the Vietnam War, and since then, thousands have come to call
Wisconsin home. The Hmong have an agricultural heritage and have begun
to flourish as producers of fresh market vegetables. Wisconsin now ranks
third in the nation for Hmong population. Outreach efforts included
participation in the **Hmong Mutual Association Annual Conference**,
Wausau. NRCS Asian Pacific Islander SEPM John Xiong, and Wausau Field
Office staff Amy Neigum and Melissa Knipfel provided information on web
soil survey and conservation technical assistance to conferees. This is
the main conference for the large and growing Hmong population in
Wisconsin, and provides an excellent venue for NRCS to reach this
audience as well as to network with the Hmong association leadership.
Other efforts included distributing information on pest management,
poultry biosecurity to prevent Avian Influenza, and working with the
USDA National Ag Statistics Service to help identify Hmong growers for
the upcoming ag census.

**Outreach to Hispanic Farmers**

-   NRCS developed a direct mail campaign in conjunction with the USDA
    National Ag Statistics Service. A letter describing NRCS assistance
    in both Spanish and English was mailed to the NASS mailing list of
    Hispanic farmers in Wisconsin, along with an NRCS brochure and
    additional information from other state and federal agencies.

-   The North Central Region SARE program funded a grant to the
    University of Wisconsin Environmental Resources Center for
    \"Effective Outreach for a New Wisconsin Agriculture: a Social
    Marketing Approach to the Environmental Management Needs of Hispanic
    And Women Farmers.\" Wisconsin NRCS has been working with the ERC
    staff to support the grant application and now in planning to
    conduct the research.

**Outreach Assistance Handbook** was distributed to Field Offices in
October, 2006, for use in developing a FO Outreach Plan. Handbook was
also posted on the Outreach webpage of the WI NRCS website.

**Outreach to Beginning and Limited Resource Farmers**

-   **Risk Management Strategies for Beginning and Small Farmers and
    Ranchers Conference** in Milwaukee. This national conference was
    sponsored by USDA Risk Management Agency and Growing Power, and
    attracted over 600 participants. All USDA agencies participated.
    NRCS in Wisconsin took the lead in developing the NRCS breakout
    session on NRCS Technical and Program Assistance for new and
    beginning farmers, as well as developing and staffing a display for
    the Exhibit Hall.

-   Produced a short video for the Wisconsin nomination for the **Lloyd
    Wright Small Farmer Award,** featuring a small dairy grazing
    operation in Marathon County. Video emphasized the economical and
    environmental success of a small grazing farm, and can be used to
    promote this type of operation for beginning or limited resource
    farmers. Wisconsin's nominee placed third in the national
    competition, sponsored by the National Organization for Professional
    Black NRCS Employees.

-   Coordinated with **Wisconsin State Technical College System** to
    distribute NRCS information on web soil survey to all teachers in
    the agricultural curriculum throughout the 22 technical colleges.

**Wisconsin Envirothon 2007**

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height="2.354330708661417in"}The Envirothon is a problem-solving natural
resource competition for high school students. Teams of students are
tested in the field on soils, forestry, wildlife, and water. The winning
team moves on to the North America contest to compete for scholarships.
Wisconsin NRCS works closely with the Wisconsin Land and Water
Conservation Association to plan and organize the Wisconsin competition.
NRCS staff run the soils testing stations for the event.

**National FFA**

In 2007, the Earth Team Volunteer Program exhibited for the first time
at the statewide FFA Convention held in Madison, Wisconsin. Over 700
high school students attended, representing a diverse high school
community. NRCS staff Laura Carlson Humphrey and Barb Jansen provided
information about the mission of NRCS, the Earth Team, and career
opportunities with NRCS. Many were looking at the qualifications and
required courses need to be eligible for future employment. Some
national statistics about FFA:

-   38% of FFA members are female; women hold more than 50% of state
    leadership positions

-   77% are Caucasian; 17% Hispanic, 4% African-American

-   89% of FFA members are in grades 9-12; 6% are in grades 7-8; 5% are
    high school graduates

-   27% of FFA members live in rural, farm areas; the remainder live in
    rural non-farm (39%), urban and suburban areas (34%)

***\
***

***Special Highlights***

**NRCS Assistance to Severely Disabled Farmer**

At the 2006 Agrability of Wisconsin board meeting, a Polk County farmer
gave a presentation about his farm and the assistance he has received to
help him farm with his disabilities. He also noted the assistance he has
received from NRCS \-- Keith Zygowicz, DC in Balsam Lake and Kent
Wabrowetz, CET in Spooner. Ed was born without hands and he has managed
amazingly well to run a farm, raise a family and be very active in 4-H
and his community for many years. Ed has an EQIP contract from 2004 for
a grazing plan to improve his sheep operation, and another EQIP contract
in 2006 for a waterway, fencing and stream crossing. Ed was pleased with
the NRCS assistance he has received and particularly mentioned the
quality of the engineering work we provided.

**Bad River Fish Production Ponds Completed**

The Bad River Tribe just completed a \$500,000 fish rearing pond
project. This project has been in the planning stages for over five
years and represents a giant step forward for the Tribe in its fish
re-stocking efforts. The ponds will be primarily used for production of
perch. The project consists of 2 one-acre ponds and a half-acre pond.
NRCS provided the engineering design and on site construction spot
checks. Civil Engineering Technician Keith Sengbusch was the lead on the
project assisted by Ashland Field Office CET Paul Johnson.

**Beginning Farmer Success story**

Medford District Conservationist Bob Plawski began working in 2004 with
a female client operating a beef herd of 15 animals.  NRCS prepared a
grazing plan for 17.2 acres.  In 2005 she added another 49.1 acres for a
total of 66.3 acres and increased her herd to 50 animals.  She has since
increased her herd to over 80 animals and now has over 115 acres for
grazing.  She is direct marketing her products in several stores around
the area and has a local outlet store in Medford.  She has attended many
meat shows and her products have won numerous awards.  She has just
reached agreements with two stores to sell her products in Chippewa
Falls and Eau Claire.  She started the operation by herself and now has
expanded to include her sister in the operation.

![](media/image3.jpeg){width="2.75in"
height="2.057638888888889in"}**WHIP Helps Clean-up Sacred Burial Mounds
for Ho-Chunk Nation**

The NRCS Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is helping restore
the Kingsley Bend Indian Mounds that had been long overgrown with brush,
pine, and invasive species.  The Ho-Chunk Indian Nation assumed
ownership of the sacred site from the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation
in 2007 and will restore it as an interpretive educational site.  WHIP
will help the Ho-Chunk remove the brush and non-native trees and replant
prairie grasses to restore the oak savannah. The 40-acre Columbia County
site sits on a bluff overlooking the Wisconsin River, and contains 22
mounds, including 2 bear mounds, a bird mound, panther mound, 12 conical
mounds, and 5 linear mounds.  The mound group is representative of those
built by the Effigy Mound Culture, dating between 600-1000 A.D. 

**Field Office Activities -- Northwest Area**

Chippewa Falls Field Office, Tammy Lindsay

> NRCS hosted a public meeting in the evening in conjunction with the
> Chippewa Valley Technical College Farm and Business Management class
> to inform beginning and experienced farmers about EQIP. The FO
> compiled before and after pictures from this past EQIP construction
> season to give the group a visual idea of what the program could do.
> These pictures as well as other topics, such as "Save Energy, Save
> Money", and what NRCS has to offer for services were presented in a
> power point. There were 21 farmers in attendance. Of these, three were
> female producers, as well as two Mennonite. As a result, the Mennonite
> farmer has signed an application for the Statewide EQIP Manure Storage
> and we are currently providing him with technical assistance.

Ladysmith Field Office, Mike Koehler

-   Worked a booth with high visibility near the entrance of the Rusk
    County Farm and Home Show. Spoke with over 100 people about programs
    including some Amish and Mennonite farmers.

-   Worked with the Lac Courte Oreilles on their many EQIP and WHIP
    contracts. Participate on the Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory
    Council.

-   Worked with several Mennonite farms primarily on wetland compliance.
    Discussed the EQIP programs available to them.

-   Several news articles to area papers and radio stations.

Durand Field Office, Dennis Reimers

-   worked with two disabled program participants, one EQIP and the
    other CSP.

-   soils presentation to local boy scout troop.

Whitehall Field Office, Mark Kunz

-   worked with two Amish landowners on CRP contracts

-   worked with four female EQIP contract holders.   

Eau Claire Field Office, Ryan Galbreath

1.  Feb. 6^th^ 2007 CVTC Fall Creek (2 hour presentations to 20 local
    farmers on USDA programs: 8:00-10:30PM)

2.  March 5^th^ 2007: CVTC Eau Claire (2 hour presentations to 17 local
    farmers on USDA programs 8:00-11:00PM)

3.  April 18^th^ 2007: Farm in the City Days (Eau Claire Memorial High
    School). NRCS had a display on careers in the USDA NRCS and
    presented three 45 minute presentations on how geometry is used in
    conservation. (200+ students)

4.  Spring 2007: Developed Toolkit Conservation Plan and Soils maps for
    four Amish farmers. They agreed to work with the LCD to develop the
    590 and the NRCS supplied logistical support with the maps, soils
    information and conservation plans.

5.  Eau Claire County NRCS Gave a one hour presentation and activity on
    the USDA GPS System to the Fall Creek High school Geology Class.
    NRCS and FSA GPSd the Softball diamond and school perimeter with the
    students. The use of the GPS in conservation was explained while
    conducting the activity.

6.  Breakfast in the Valley (Eau Claire Counties Dairy Breakfast) had
    3,350 people served at the breakfast. NRCS had 2 displays to promote
    conservation programs and the web soil survey. NRCS Staff was on
    site to answer questions and to restock the candy dish.

7.  Eau Claire County sponsored a student intern from Puerto Rico. (2
    month internship with Bianca Perez)

8.  WAX 104.5 (5 Minutes of Fame) Once a month, NRCS gives a five to six
    minute radio announcement to promote conservation. (Discussed
    programs, practices, and conservation compliance)

9.  NRCS and UW Extension Co-hosted the Youth Leadership Eau Claire
    agriculture and environment day. The importance of agriculture and
    conservation was explained during the tour of a large dairy
    operation, horseradish farm, hybrid seed corn research facility and
    aquatic sampling site. Twenty-four students were present.

Medford Field Office, Robert Plawski

-   Mailed over 1,000 post cards to customers and potential customers in
    Price and Taylor Counties informing them about EQIP signup.  Mailing
    list included women, black, American Indian, Asian, and Hispanic
    owners and operators.

-   Working with a disabled landowner, the Dept. of Vocational
    Rehabilitation and Agrability, to secure funding to clean up a
    barnyard of polluted runoff.  This landowner is a grazer and we have
    prepared a grazing plan and are assisting with implementing that
    plan.  We are in the process of installing an Animal Trail and
    Walkway to facilitate better movement of beef cattle to the
    paddocks.  It has been a challenge but a rewarding experience.

-   Began working in 2004 with a female client operating a beef herd of
    15 animals.  Prepared a grazing plan for 17.2 acres.  In 2005 she
    added another 49.1 acres for a total of 66.3 acres and increased her
    herd to 50 animals.  She has since increased her herd to over 80
    animals and now has over 115 acres for grazing.  She is direct
    marketing her products in several stores around the area and has a
    local outlet store in Medford.  She has attended many meat shows and
    her products have won numerous awards.  She has just reached
    agreements with 2 stores to sell her products in Chippewa Falls and
    Eau Claire.  She started the operation by herself and now she has
    her sister working with her.  

**Field Office Activities -- Northeast Area**

Waupaca Field Office, Lisa Neuenfeldt

-   Represented NRCS at Waupaca County Conservation Field Day held at
    Hartman Creek State Park. Over one hundred fifty 5^th^ grade
    students participated in hands-on learning at six conservation
    stations (soils, forestry, wildlife, water, land survey techniques,
    and law enforcement).   Made presentations on soil formation,
    identifying soil types, and soil profiles. Students were allowed to
    make their own soil profile and to determine what land use their
    profile would best suit. Received numerous positive comments from
    teachers regarding the methods employed to convey the importance of
    conserving soil resources.

-   Addressed Waupaca County Pheasants Forever Chapter at annual
    banquet. Informed audience of conservation opportunities available
    through CREP and EQIP. A CRP display was featured and informational
    brochures on USDA conservation programs were made available. Spoke
    individually with numerous local landowners on natural resource
    management techniques, and informed them of potential program
    opportunities available through USDA.

Wisconsin Rapids Field Office, Roy A. Diver

-   Special direct contact to two female landowners informing them of
    EQIP grazing practices. As a result both were approved for new 2007
    contracts for 94.1 acres of Prescribed Grazing.

-   Outreach letter sent to Ho-Chunk Nation informing them of NRCS
    programs

-   Brief technical assistance to 4 Amish landowners.

-   Brief technical assistance to 2 Hispanic landowners.

-   With assistance from WI NRCS Hispanic Program Coordinator provided a
    landowner with a Spanish version of their Emergency Action Plan for
    a 2007 CNMP.

-   One female Earth Team Volunteer worked 67 hours for the fiscal year.

-   Provided NRCS career information to 7 female MSTC students during a
    conservation field trip organized by NRCS.

-   Provided NRCS career information to 1 female UWSP student.

Shawano and Menominee Counties, Sherrie Zenk-Reed

-   Successfully recruited, through the Wisconsin Civil Rights Committee
    recruitment initiative, a Native American student to be hired in the
    summer of 2007. Due to budget restraints, the student was not able
    to be hired.

-   Teamed up with Waupaca County NRCS and set-up the NRCS career booth
    at the Clintonville Career Fair, April 2007. This annual event
    invites 8^th^ graders from Shawano, Waupaca, and Menominee counties
    to explore career opportunities. This year's event was attended by
    approximately 1000 students.

-   Coordinated with the Lumberjack RC & D grazing specialist, a pasture
    walk on a local Amish farm. The event was well attended.

-   Developing a 2008 EQIP contract with an Amish farmer for a manure
    pit closure and fencing livestock away from a stream/wetland.

Wausau Field Office, Amy Neigum

-   Tou Yang, a Hmong student, was an Earth Team volunteer in Wausau
    field office this summer.

-   The Wausau Field Office hosted the State Civil Rights Committee in
    June. It included setting up a tour of Hmong gardens. We also had a
    lunch of traditional Hmong food. We arranged for the Director of the
    Wausau Hmong Association to speak to the committee.

-   Melissa Knipfel contributed a series of articles to the local
    *AgLink* newsletter about women in agriculture in 2007.

-   We nominated a local farmer for the *Small Farmer Award* in
    Wisconsin. We assisted Renae Anderson and Jean Stramel in completing
    the nomination application and video for the award.

-   The Wausau Field office staff participated in staffing the NRCS
    booth for an *Agrabilty* workshop in July. *Agrabilty* serves
    handicapped farmers.

-   A stop on the technician tour was at a farm that is active in
    Agrability.

-   In October of 2006, we sent out letter to local minority
    organizations about career opportunities within NRCS for students.

Marinette Field Office, Jodie Reisner

Met with an Asian veal farmer. DC contacted him and he came to the
office and learned about NRCS programs. Offered him CTA assistance and
followed up with several phone calls.  (No response - farm has been
sold.)

Stevens Point Field Office, Ty Larson

> Plainfield School Districts Forest- taught 7^th^ and 8^th^ graders
> about soil. The school had a soil pit dug out and Marie Opelt
> (pictured) explained how to describe a soil pit, how to obtain
> texture, color and depths. They review the high school- FFA soil
> judging card for competition. Four separate groups of 10 students each
> went through the pit.

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-   Roosevelt Elementary School 3^rd^ grade class, Plover taught about
    30 students about soil and natural resources. Showed the
    demonstration using an apple as the world to explain the amount of
    land we have to grow food on. Used a soil monolith to describe the
    horizons. Answered questions about plants and soil and talked about
    jobs in Natural Resources.

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-   2007 Portage County Dairy Breakfast - NRCS exhibit on grazing and a
    children's activity on soils. Approximately 400 children "built"
    their own soil profiles in plastic tubes with soil. The soil
    profiles were a hit with the kids; they really seemed to enjoy
    creating them with the different colors of soil and were able to
    take them home with them. The soil was collected within colored sand
    buckets by Soil Scientist Jesse Turk.

-   University of Wisconsin Stevens Point College of Natural Resources
    career fair -- NRCS staffed an exhibit on careers in the NRCS

-   Bannach elementary school - Ty Larson, Lindsay Opelt, and Jesse Turk
    taught 63 second graders on the soil profile.

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The children created a soil profile with vanilla and chocolate pudding,
chocolate chips, gummi worms, and oreo cookies. They were able to answer
questions about the names of the soil layers, what is found in each
layer, and why soil is important. At the end of each of the three
sessions, the kids asked general questions and learned about what each
of the presenters do in their job and how they got to become soil
scientists and conservationists. They also were able to eat the soil and
received Soil Survey temporary tattoos.

Oshkosh Field Office, Merrie Schamberger,

> Oshkosh NRCS has an ongoing relationship with Sherman Road Community
> Garden. This year we started working on a Hmong/English garden
> newsletter. We are encouraging gardeners to send in hints or tips,
> favorite recipes, and how to use ethnic vegetables. We are hoping to
> have our first newsletter come out toward to end of the year to keep
> gardeners thinking about their garden over the winter. Chiax Vang from
> ADVOCAP will be doing the Hmong translation.

Appleton Field Office, Lynn Sculzewski

-   Participated in a multi agency effort, organized by the LCD
    involving DNR, NRCS, DATCP, UW-Ext and the private sector, to
    educate 4th and 5th graders from 15 Outagamie County schools. The
    47th Annual Conservation Field Days was a huge success with 850
    students attending the 3-day event on September 25-27, 2007. All
    public and private schools in the county are invited to attend
    including the Oneida and parochial schools. The Field Days offers an
    outdoor teaching/learning environment with 8 stations setup
    throughout a working farm. The students rotate to all the stations
    throughout the day to learn about soils (at the soils pit), geology
    (in an actual quarry), forestry, wildlife and farming practices.
    Although the Oneida schools did not attend the event, other minority
    groups were represented with approximately 2% being African
    American, 5% Hispanic and 13% Hmong.

-   Informational letters have been distributed to 412 landowners that
    own land potentially eligible for CREP. The letters are being sent
    out in a non-discriminating manner with the intent to contact all
    landowners, not just those currently participating in USDA programs.
    Mailing list developed through county property records.

Manitowoc Field Office, Matt Rataczak

-   Great Lake Protection Fund with Agren. (All of Fiscal year 2007)
    Assist by providing information on absentee landowners within
    Manitowoc County. Help distribute and collects surveys to and from
    these absentee landowners and sending the surveys to Agren.

-   Program Update/Outreach at Lakeshore Technical College. Discussed
    NRCS roles and available programs to landowners. Six attendees
    (three men and three women) Ka Ying Vang, NRCS soil conservationist
    in Manitowoc, was available to interpret for any Hmong landowners if
    needed.

-   Program Update/Outreach at Luxemburg, Kewaunee County. Discussed
    updates and available assistances with USDA programs. Ka Vang was
    there to interpret if any Hmong landowner were to show up. Four
    people attended (three men and one woman).

-   Civil Rights Meeting & Tour in Wausau. Ka Vang discussed different
    methods of outreach to minorities, limited resource, and beginning
    farmers. Peter Yang from the Hmong Association discussed farming
    lifestyles of Hmong people in Laos and Thailand. Ka Vang provided an
    informational tour of a Hmong garden for the Civil Rights Committee.
    The tour gave the committee an idea of the culture. The committee
    also had a taste of the different kinds of food eaten in the Hmong
    culture.

-   Fox Valley Technical College Presentation Presentation about
    employment opportunities with NRCS. 25 students attended

**Field Office Activities -- Southwest Area**

Prairie du Chien Field Office, Rick W. Lange

-   Youth conservation Day (including black and Asian students)

-   Landowners meetings (2) w/ FSA on program information

-   EWP, ECP, and EQIP meetings (2) in flood damaged area for landowners
    and town officials.

-   Two presentations to Southwest Wisconsin Technical College farm
    class on RUSLE and Nutrient Management

-   Two landowners meetings on Multi Flora Rose Control

-   Joint landowner/GOV personnel field  day on native prairie remnant
    restoration

Mauston Field Office, Greg Wheeler

> NRCS & FSA held a joint outreach meeting February, 2007, with a total
> of 4 people attending. One was late morning, the other early evening.

Viroqua Field Office, Sam Skemp

-   Three meetings with the Ho Chunk Nation to discuss ongoing and
    possible new EQIP contracts.  Consulted with 4 different members of
    the Nation.

-   Technical assistance to 3 Amish producers (conservation planning and
    contour strip layout)

-   Hosted an Amish Pasture Walk.  Close to a dozen Amish producers
    participated and many were interested in future follow-up

-   Met with leaders of the two largest organic certifying agencies and
    organic cooperatives (MOSA and Organic Valley) to explain the
    organic incentives payment through EQIP in hopes of reaching more
    beginning producers and limited resource producers. Several
    inquiries resulted.

-   Continue working with over one dozen female producers who hold EQIP
    contracts in Vernon County.

-   Hosted a pasture walk with one Hispanic livestock producer.

Monroe Field Office, Jason Thomas

-   Green County hosted the Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in 2007 with
    numerous NRCS exhibits including the very popular Soil Pit. Premiere
    Wisconsin farm show with 100,000 in attendance offers great
    opportunities to reach out to all, including urban, non-traditional
    and youth attendees.

-   Conducted a grazing meeting to introduce the concepts of rotational
    grazing and show how managed grazingcan compete financially with
    traditional confinement dairy operations. with the assistance of
    Brian Pillsbury and Jean Stramel, with invitations to the Amish
    community. An overview of financial assistance available through
    government programs was presented, and Burt Paris gave a
    presentation about the Dane-Green grazing group and invited
    participants to attend a pasture walk in the upcoming grazing
    season. 14 producers attended, including 2 women and 2 Amish.

Dodgeville Field Office, Andy Walsh

-   Met with the CAC to identify potentially underserved groups in Iowa
    County.

-   Iowa County Farmers Appreciation Day NRCS booth provided materials
    and information to many non-traditional customers.

-   Kids Day America particaption offered NRCS exposure to many youth in
    the Dodgeville area. I represented NRCS for 2 days at

-   Farm Progress Days -- assisted with educational exhibits for two
    days

-   Contracts (2-EQIP 1-WHIP) were developed with female producers.

-   Conservation Reserve Program contracts with numerous female
    producers. Dodgeville Field Office served as training location for
    minority STEP summer student

Lancaster Field Office, Karyl Fritsche

-   In February, joint Annual Report with the LCD was published in the
    county newspaper, showcasing conservation practices and
    environmental education events.

-   Exhibited at the Grant County Fair (Backyard Conservation,
    Conservation Jeopardy)

-   Participated in Seneca School Career Fair for grade 6 through 12.
    Four session for 30 minutes each, explaining careers, duties,
    qualifications, education and training required, level of earnings,
    benefits, career ladder and interesting facts and information on
    conservation careers.

-   River Fest 2007 --NRCS assisted in organizing and carrying out this
    annual, high profile interagency environmental educational event for
    the region. Features included Effigy Mounds, Aquatic Resources,
    Blufflands Resources (includes forestry, soils and cultural
    resources

**Field Office Activities -- Southeast Area**

Janesville Field Office, Roger Allan\
 

-   maintains contact with Beloit College, which has an
    \"Environmental/Geology" degree emphasis. NRCS has had several
    summer students from Beloit College, and continue to look for
    diverse students to recruit.

-   maintains connections with the Amish farm community in Rock County.
    We have two Amish Contractors on our Contractors list. Their
    emphasis is on drainage activities.

-   increased activity in the Organic\" agriculture. In 2007, we had our
    first EQIP contract for Organic practices. We anticipate increased
    activity in this area.

 

Portage Field Office, Twyla Kite

> Assisted the Ho Chunk Nation with a WHIP project to restore a 40-acre
> wayside to oak savannah and preserve a group of 20 Indian burial
> mounds. Worked with tribe to develop a highway sign for the site to
> explain the construction activity that is underway. The project was
> featured in the national NRCS This Week, dated June 13,
> 2007.  [[http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/thisweek/2007/061307/home.html]{.underline}](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/thisweek/2007/061307/home.html)
> The Restoration of the site will take place over the next couple
> years. 

Juneau Field Office, Brian Briski

> Soil Conservationist Peggy Lane spoke to a group of 20-25 people at
> the Wisconsin Women for Agriculture annual meeting.  She presented an
> overview of NRCS programs and technical assistance, including soils,
> RC&D and farm bill programs.  Questions and discussion centered around
> programs and understanding NRCS versus other agencies.
>
> Peggy Lane worked with international students attending Fox Valley
> Tech in Agriculture-related Studies at the 2007 Farm Technolgy Days.
> The students were very interested in the Web Soil Survey display.
> Students were from multiple countries in South America (see photo
> below).
>
> ![](media/image15.jpeg){width="5.230555555555555in"
> height="3.48125in"}

Elkhorn Field Office, Greg Igl

> As part of our outreach activities, the following seminars, meetings,
> walks, or events were completed in FY-07. Most outreach activities
> were sponsored cooperatively with other agencies including UWEX, DNR,
> FSA, and LCD.

-   Nutrient & Pest Management Workshop for crop consultants,
    agronomists

-   2007 Prairie Walk- approximately 85 people attending

-   Farm Technology Days

-   Web Soil Survey display

> NRCS serves on technical advisory committee for Southeast grazing
> network. The following seminars/walks were completed in FY-2007
> through the network:

-   Winter Seminar-"High Corn Prices-An Opportunity to reduce costs?"

-   Small Scale sheep Grazing pasture walk

-   Stocker Cattle pasture walk

-   Water on Demand Pasture Walk "What Irrigation can do for your
    Grazing Operation"

> The Elkhorn FO publishes a joint newsletter bimonthly -- "Your
> Partners in Farm Business". Newsletter is sent to all local producers
> and landowners, and also farm organizations such as Farm Bureau's
> Women in Agriculture.

Westfield Field Office, Jon Field

> Supported outreach efforts to service under-represented groups of
> landowners and farm operators. Examples in FY07 include:

-   working with a female CRP participant to establish a grass buffer
    along a pond and stream

-   working with a female beef farmer developing a grazing plan with
    Adam Abel, soil con.

West Bend Field Office, Betsy Gillen

> Represented NRCS at the National **Risk Management Strategies for
> Beginning and Small Farmers and Ranchers Conference** in Milwaukee.
> Gave a presentation on NRCS programs, technical assistance and soils
> information useful for new and beginning farmers.

Green Lake, Abby Gulseth

-   Participated in Environmental Education Experience, an annual event
    teaching third graders about different types of environments. 

-   Green Lake\'s Focus on the Farm, a morning on a local farm with many
    different activities.  NRCS booth explained invasive species and how
    to deal with them

-   Green Lake County Junior Fair - invasive species exhibit

Union Grove Field Office, Jerry Hebard

-   Taught \"Dirt Appreciation\" class at Carthage College to a diverse
    group of students.

-   Environmental tour focusing on soil conservation and soil survey
    interpretation to this same Carthage college class

-   Answered numerous questions on the environment for urban
    participants at the 2007 Racine County Tree Program on April 8th.

-   Habitat for Humanity - Provide seeding recommendations to Habitat
    for Humanity group in urban Racine.

Jefferson Field Office, Brian Resch

-   Discussed with FSA CED outreach activities that have taken place in
    the past and which ones had a higher rate of success.

-   Provided the Jefferson County LWCD, Rock River Coalition, Watertown
    Daily Times and Jefferson County Daily Union articles informing the
    public about the EQIP program and the process to become involved in
    it.

-   Assisted minority producers with conservation technical assistance
    and plan updates.

-   Through the CAC Outreach Binder documents, FSA has added spouses to
    the farm records database that is utilized by Customer Service
    Toolkit.

-   Participate in the Jefferson County Animal Agriculture Alliance
    organization, headed by Daphne Holterman, which assists the United
    Migrant Workers and the Jefferson County Farm Bureau Women\'s Group
    in the county.

Waukesha Field Office, Brandi Richter

-   Risk Management Strategies for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
    Conference - setup and staffed the NRCS exhibit for the national
    conference in Milwaukee, conference sponsored by USDA and Growing
    Power. Answered numerous program related questions and talked with
    people from all over the United States. Two producers from Michigan
    (a 200-acre asparagus farm and a blueberry farmer) both were very
    interested in conservation and indicated that they would be
    contacting their local NRCS office for additional information. There
    were also several Native Americans from the Arizona area that were
    very interested in the web soil survey information and water
    conservation.

Tribal Outreach and Assistance

**Oneida Nation, Tony Bush, Tribal Liaison,**

Served as EQIP coordinator for the Wisconsin Tribal Conservation
Advisory Council (WTCAC) providing program updates and maintaining
records on tribal program activities. Developed the tool used for
ranking tribal EQIP applications.

Provided guidance to the Oneida Sustainable Conservation Advisory
Council (OSRAC), the Oneida Nation Farm and Tsyunhehkwa Farm concerning
all NRCS programs. Made presentations to OSRAC, the Oneida Environmental
Resource Board and the Oneida Land Commission concerning potential
contract involvement. Maintained records for and provided updates to the
Oneida staff concerning NRCS program activities.

Assisted with the development of the Oneida's Conservation Plan Standard
Operating Procedures document used as guidance for Oneida renters
concerning conservation requirements, prohibitions and restrictions on
tribally leased agricultural lands.

Worked with the Oneida EcoServices Department to assess tribal buffer
needs in accordance with Oneida policy.

Provided assistance to the Oneida Nation concerning contract development
with the Outagamie Land Conservation Department.

**Projects Completed:**

  --------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------
  Access Roads                                        1748      ft

  Animal Trails and Walkways                          700       ft

  Closure of Waste Impoundment Areas                  1         no

  Comprehensive Nutrient Mgt Plans                    1         no

  Critical Area Plantings                             2.3       ac

  Diversions                                          252       ft

  Filter Strips                                       7.4       ac

  Grade Stabilization Structures                      1         no

  Grassed Waterways                                   4.1       ac

  Nutrient Management                                 3122      ac

  Prescribed Grazing                                  92        ac

  Roof Runoff Systems                                 1         no

  Subsurface Drains                                   565       ft

  Tree Plantings                                      62.6      ac

  Underground Outlets                                 650       ft

  Upland Wildlife Habitat Mgt                         23.2      ac

  Water and Sediment Control Basins                   3         no
  --------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------

**Bad River and Red Cliff Tribes, Tom Cogger, Tribal Liaison, Ashland
Service Center**

1.  Continue to work with Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council
    as a NRCS advisor to the group.

2.  Worked with the North Woods Cooperative Weed Management Area
    (NWCWMA) to finalize the Memorandum of Understanding creating the
    organization. NRCS is a signatory partner to the group. Assisted in
    developing a NWCWMA Management Plan which has now been finalized.

3.  Assisted Sustainable Chequamegon, FEAST, Sustainable Chequamegon and
    other groups in planning an event that featured well known
    agricultural economist, John Ikerd . Mr. Ikerd spoke on "Sustainable
    Capitalism- A matter of Common Sense". The event was attended by
    over 400 people.

4.  Provided assistance to FEAST in planning local foods initiatives
    including a mobile farm market, and local food access in cooperation
    with local tribal community garden projects.

5.  Provided technical assistance to local VISTA volunteers in various
    aspects of tribal community gardens.

6.  Working with new and beginning farmers to develop conservation plans
    on their farms. A Resource Management System level plan which
    included a Managed Grazing Plan was completed for one farm. The
    farmer has signed up for EQIP as a result of the planning
    activities. A second grazing plan with a new farmer is in progress
    and will be completed soon. The farmer is interested in signing up
    for EQIP. A third new farmer has been scheduled to begin the
    conservation planning process soon.

**St. Croix Tribe , Tom Fredrickson, Tribal Liaison, Spooner Service
Center**

-   Attended WTCAC meetings held at Bad River (2), Lac Courte Oreilles,
    Menominee and St. Croix Reservations.

-   Provided technical assistance for a wildlife food plot in regards to
    the Conservation Reserve Program.

-   This past winter Spooner Field Office staff met with the St. Croix
    Environmental & Natural Resource Department to review the 2007 St.
    Croix obligations for the EQIP, WHIP and CRP programs.

-   Met with the St. Croix Natural Resource Department to offer
    assistance in regards to their Wild Rice special funds project.

-   NRCS technical staff worked with the St. Croix on certifying of 20
    linear feet of shoreline stabilization on Big Sand Lake.

-   Provided soils information to the St. Croix Environmental
    Department.

-   Approved 7 acres of Brush Management for reimbursement as part of a
    WHIP contract.

**Lac du Flambeau, Julie Malvitz, Rhinelander Service Center**

Lac du Flambeau Reservation encompasses 86,630 acres, of this,  41,733
acres is forested,  there are 260 lakes and 2400 acres of wetlands.  The
Lac du Flambeau commitment to conservation for present and future
generations is evident through the great working relationship they have
with NRCS.  In the last year NRCS has helped the tribe implement 523
acres of prescribed burning,  485 acres of Forest Stand Improvement, 
301 acres of Forest Site preparation and 19, 474 ft. of Forest Trails
and Landings. On June 22^nd^, 2007 , I attended the annual Lakes Fest on
the Lac du Flambeau Reservation. NRCS had the Backyard Conservation
Display set up where I answered conservation questions and handed out
brochures about NRCS programs. Many Native American History Month
posters were given away to a very appreciative crowd. Lakes Fest,
Keepers of the Water that was held on the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Grounds
on Saturday June, 23rd. About 250 people came through the Environmental
Tent where there were 22 booths set up, that included Federal, County
and Tribal Exhibits dealing with Water Quality and Conservation. I gave
out 126 American Indian Heritage Month Posters ( one which is presently
hanging in the Chamber of Commerce Building) and 89 Backyard Birds
Posters. This event was great exposure for NRCS and represented the
partnership and working relationship that we have with the Lac du
Flambeau Tribe

Lac du Flambeau Band of Chippewa signed up for 2007 EQIP, where they
contracted 450 acres to do Forest Stand Improvement, crop tree release,
7.3 acres of critical area planting, warm season grasses and 6 acres of
Heavy Brush Management.

**Sokaogon Julie Malvitz, Rhinelander Service Center**

On September 14, 2007, I met with the newly formed Forestry Department
of the Sokaogon Band of Chippewa's to explain the NRCS EQIP Program and
how the forestry practices offered can benefit the Tribe in their
conservation efforts.

**Forest County Potawatomi Julie Malvitz, Rhinelander Service Center**

Forest County Potawatomi signed up for 2007 EQIP where they contracted
to do

a Well decommissioning, Sediment Basin, 5500 feet of Access Roads, 300
feet of Stream Crossing, 5 acres of critical area planting. Under the
2007 WHIP Program, they contracted to do Dam Removal and Culvert
Replacement for a Fish Passage.

**Ho-Chunk Nation, Greg Yakle, Tribal Liaison, Onalaska Service Center**

NRCS staff from the Richland Center Area Office and the Onalaska Field
Office surveyed the eroding streambank on the Wisconsin River that are
threatening effigy mounds on the Ho-Chunk Bison Ranch near Muscoda,
Wisconsin. The engineering office is going to assist in developing a
plan that will stabilize the banks without impacting existing burial
mounds.

NRCS field staff from Sparta, Viroqua, Black River Falls, and Onalaska
Field Offices developed three new WHIP contracts and two new EQIP
contracts on Ho-Chunk Nation lands in Monroe, Vernon, Jackson, and La
Crosse Counties. The EQIP contracts feature conservation practices to
begin a rotational grazing and fencing program for beef cattle and
improve forestry resources by removing undesirable species from
woodlands. The WHIP contracts center around creating and improving
native grass prairie stands on two sites.

Ho-Chunk DNR leaders met with field staff from the Mauston, Sparta,
Viroqua, and Onalaska Field offices in September to review progress on
existing WHIP and EQIP contracts. Many conservation practices have been
applied on these large contracts and the face to face meeting did much
to continue the progress on applying outstanding contract items.

**Stockbridge-Munsee, Sherrie Zenk-Reed, Tribal Liaison, Shawano Service
Center**

[Tribal projects completed:]{.underline}

Stockbridge-Munsee Community completed their Stream Restoration project
(EQIP). The project consisted of restoring the bed and bank of
approximately 750 feet of creek that leads from the West Branch of the
Red River to Spring Pond. This pond has been historically significant to
the tribe for many years for fishing and hunting. The stream had become
so grown up and sediment laden that fish passage was virtually
impossible. Within the first year of the restoration, trout were
observed swimming and spawning within the stream.

Stockbridge-Munsee Community completed a two year buckthorn spraying
project (WHIP). The tribe successfully brought the invasion of buckthorn
over 50 acres under control through the use of chemical application.

[Active tribal contracts:]{.underline}

Stockbridge-Munsee Community

-   EQIP 2006: 3 Stream crossings.

-   EQIP 2007: 1 Stream crossing.

**Menominee Indian Tribe, Sherrie Zenk-Reed, Tribal Liaison, Shawano
Service Center**

Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin successfully completed a Tree Drop
project (WHIP). Trees were felled around the edges of four lakes with an
area of approximately 113 acres. The tribe hopes that this will assist
fish populations within these lakes as all of these lakes lacked
shoreline structure.

-   EQIP 2006: 2 Boat launches.

-   EQIP 2007: 119 acres of tree planting within Conversion Sites.

EQIP 2008: 297 acres of tree planting within Conversion Sites.

**Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe, Mike Koehler, Tribal Liaison, Ladysmith
Service Center**

-   Worked with the Lac Courte Oreilles on their many EQIP and WHIP
    contracts

-   Participate on the Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council.

Special Emphasis Program Managers Reports

Terry Kelly, Black Emphasis Program Manager, FY07 Report

**1. Communications/Working with Leadership**

The BEPM has been networking with George Montgomery, BEMP for MN and
secretary of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Organization of
Professional Black NRCS employees, regarding availability of students
recruited for FY-07 by NRCS in Minnesota. Ideas on student retention and
strategies on student placements were also discussed. Agreement was made
between BEMP's to share recruitment resources and possible candidates
when making recruitment trips to schools and colleges.

**2. Recruitment, Promotions, Recognition and Outreach**

Visited with the Vice President of the National Organization
Professional Black NRCS Employees on the idea of having their support
and input on the project. They agreed to support the commitment by
keeping us in contact with student scholarship applicants.

Attended Education and Careers Fair Day @ the University of Arkansas
Pine Bluff. Seventeen students were interviewed as potential interns in
2008.

Met with school officials at the Southern University located in Baton
Rouge, La. Three presentations was made to several classes (plant
propagation, soil fertility and Intro. to Agriculture, 60 attendees). As
a result 9 students were interviewed for potential internships in 2008.

Participated with the UW chapter of MANRRS with recruitment of students
on campus for the local chapter in the fall of 2008.

Assisted the UW MANRRS chapter with the planning of the Region MANRRS
workshop scheduled for November 10-12, 2006, in Madison.

Worked with the Wisconsin MANRRS chapter contacts, Dr. Robert O Ray,
Assistant Dean and Professor, Marian Jordon, UW student and president of
MANRRS, and Assistant Professor Thomas F Browne, addressing concerns
with the Diversity Education Program.

**3. Youth Activities**

A component of the DRAFT Wisconsin retention plan is to contacted
minorities at the HS level who may have interest in natural resources.
In an effort to focus on the on minority students presently living in
Wisconsin, the Fitchburg H.S. was contacted during the summer of 2007
that have interest in natural resources and a follow up meeting is
scheduled to visit with students during the 2008 school year.

Visited with Minnesota Chapter of NOPBNRCS Employees to discuss the idea
of conducting a joint summer student activity. They were open to the
idea. Plans are to visit with State Conservationist to get her thoughts
on the idea.

**4. Black History Month**

State Bulletin developed in observation of Black History Month.

During the Month of February a special statewide activity titled:" WHO
AM I?" was conducted. The activity involved providing Wisconsin NRCS
staff (statewide) and Dane County Land Conservation Dept. staff with a
biography (150 words or less) of Black Americans that has made
significant contributions to America as we know it today. The
objective\-\-\--employees were to guess the identity of the individual
upon reading the biography. The "WHO AM I?" FACTOID was sent daily
throughout the month of February. Examples of individuals featured were
Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable, George Grant and Charles Drew.

**5. Training**

A training course is being developed by HR for supervisors who have
volunteered to assist with the recruitment efforts.

**Brunilda Velez, Hispanic Emphasis Program Manager, FY07 Report**

**1. Communications**

![](media/image16.png){width="3.3715277777777777in"
height="3.879861111111111in"}

Teleconferences

-   HEPM 1^st^ Quarter by Astrid

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-   HEPM Teleconference Feb 28^th^, 2007

-   HEPM Teleconference July 3^rd^, 2007

-   HEPM Teleconference Sep 11^th^, 2007

State Reports

-   Proved updates during Civil Rights Committee Meetings:

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-   CRC 1^st^ Quarter meeting

-   CRC Teleconference March 13, 2007

-   CRC Meeting June 27-28, 2007

-   CRC Teleconference August 30, 2007

Fact Sheets

-   Worked with the Asian Pacific Islanders Program Manager and the
    Public Relations, representative for Wisconsin, Renae Anderson and
    created a fact sheet about Hispanics in Wisconsin. This fact sheet
    included Hispanic farmers' data from National Agricultural Statistic
    Service (NASS). This information was distributed to all employees
    during area meetings. The fact sheets were also posted on the
    internet:

> <ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/WI/outreach/hispanicsep.pdf>

Networking

-   Attended the Hispanic Organization annual Conference in Bloomington,
    MN

-   Attended the Hispanic event for the Greater Madison Federal Agency
    Association in Madison, WI

-   Attended the first Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and
    Related Sciences MANNARS meeting at UW-Madison

-   Attended the Federal Woman Program FWP Conference in March 21, 2007

-   North West Area Office meeting March 7^th^, 2007

-   Summer student orientation at Madison, WI July 26, 2007

-   North West Area meeting August 2^nd^, 2007

E-mail messages

-   Emailed job openings to the National Organization of Professional
    Hispanic NRCS Employees (NOPHNRCSE) organization to be distributed
    nationally among members.

-   During the Hispanic Heritage Month: sent e-mail to promote the
    Hispanic Month among WI NRCS employees.

**2. Working with Leadership**

-   As member of the state Civil Rights Committee, I interacted with the
    State Conservationist as well as other members from the state office
    staff.

-   Worked with my State Conservationist, CRC and Public Relations
    coordinator to present a proposal to bring the 2008 NOPHNRCSE
    Conference to Wisconsin.

**3. Recruitment, Promotions, and Recognition**

![](media/image17.jpeg){width="4.875in"
height="3.229861111111111in"}During this year we recruited three
minority students. Two of these students, Jessica Luna and Bianca Perez,
came from the National HEPMs database. The other student, Lorra Bell
from Alabama, was found after utilizing NOPHNRCSE area representatives
through e-mail all members.

-   From the left: Jessica Luna, Bianca Perez, Bruni (HEPM), Lorra Bell

-   These students were recognized by the FWP and included in their
    newsletter.

**4. Outreach**

-   Attended the Public USDA and College of Agriculture Life Science
    CALS Job fair in Madison, Wisconsin along with other USDA agencies
    and national representatives and the Wisconsin APIPM. Networked and
    met 24 students interested in summer internships with NRCS. Provided
    report to Sharyn Alvares the acting API and to my state CRC.

-   Attended MANRRS meeting as one of the contacts for NRCS as requested
    by the State Conservationist. We are working to develop a MANRRS
    chapter in Madison, Wisconsin.

-   Worked with Renae Anderson on a packet of NRCS materials that will
    go out in direct mailing to Hispanic farmers in Wisconsin.  The
    mailing list is from the National Ag Statistics Service in Wisconsin
    and included farm owner/operators identified as Hispanic in their
    database.  The packet includes a letter and a brochure, in both
    Spanish and English, explaining NRCS programs and technical
    assistance.  The letter invites people to contact the NRCS office
    for assistance, or me for assistance in Spanish. The packet also
    includes information from NASS, DATCP, and Growing Power.   

-   Translated the CNMP Emergency Action Plan into Spanish, which is
    posted on our website:

> <ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/WI/cnmp/PlanRespuestaEmergencias.pdf>

-   Assisted two District Conservationists by completing the CNMP
    Emergency Action Plan in Spanish:

    -   Roy Diver, Wisconsin Rapids

    -   Barry Bubolz, Shawano

-   Performed the Field Office Civil Rights Review for the following
    offices:

    -   Medford and Taylor County April 16^th^, 2007

    -   American with Disability Act (ADA) Review for Medford and Taylor
        April 16^th^, 2007

    -   Altoona Service Center August 3^rd^, 2007

During these reviews, I evaluated the office performance on issues
related to Civil Rights and compliance in program delivery and EEO. I
reviewed the employees training documentation and suggested training if
needed. After the review was completed I provided a report to the ASC-FO
with my suggestions.

**5. Hispanic History Month**

-   Sent e-mails to all employees about:

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-   2007 Hispanic Heritage Poster Contest winner from Wisconsin

-   Facts about Hispanic Americans and Hispanics in the Army

-   Article about Hispanic Heritage

-   Four e-mails with photos from Bianca's farm in Puerto Rico and
    conservation practices

-   Biography for Joel Ortiz, new Hispanic employee.

\*\* Wisconsin Hispanic employees at the end of 2007. Adolfo Díaz, Kent
Peña, Dennisse Hazell, Joel Ortiz, Brunilda Velez. Students: Bianca
Pérez, Jessica Luna. Omar Vega left to work for the Minnesota NRCS.

# 6. Training

-   Attended the NOPHNRCSE and HEPM Training in Bloomington, MN.

-   Developed power point presentations used statewide to provide
    training in EEO Program Complaint and Program Delivery.
    <http://www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civil_rights.html>

-   Updated 230-Field Office Civil Rights folders for all the counties
    in my area and provided training at the area meeting along with
    training on the Outreach Report Guide developed by Renae Anderson.

**John Xiong, Asian Pacific Islander Emphasis Program, FY07 Report**

**1. Communications**

-   Sent write-up of API accomplishments to the State Outreach
    coordinator and National Program Manager.

-   Communicate with National Program Manger, Virginia Lewis & Sharon
    Alvarez, and APIO staff on API related information.

-   Assisted national representative by participating in two UW-Madison
    CALS Career Fairs.

-   Networking with other APISEPMs:

```{=html}
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-   Continue close ties with Amalia Gomez, Michigan APISEPM, to share

> information/videos/manuals/translations.

**2. Working with Leadership**

-   Actively participate in Wisconsin Civil Committee Rights meetings/
    recruitment process, and planning.

-   Contacted APIO President for advises in recruiting one UW-Riverfalls
    API Female student.

-   Assisted National APISEPM, Reed Sims (VT APISEPM), Cheryl Morton (HI
    APISEPM) in creating (7) NRCS Demographic employee maps to be shared
    with all SEPMs.

![](media/image18.png){width="3.25in" height="1.9659722222222222in"}

![](media/image19.png){width="3.3361111111111112in" height="1.9625in"}

-   Contributed and assisted WI CR Chair with the state's Annual
    Affirmative. Employment Program (AEP report) and the 2007 State
    Civil Rights Performance Report.

-   Requested by an Rural Development area director to participate in a
    hiring panel

**3. Recruitment, Promotions, and Recognition**

-   Actively participated in student recruitment opportunities.

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-   Set up booth for student recruitment in two UW-Madison career fairs
    on September 25, 2007 with Bruni Velez, WI HEPM.

1.  Public: Public Career Fair 975 University Ave, 3259 Grainger Hall,
    UW-Madison

2.  Student: UW-Madison CALS Career Fair

-   From the Career fairs, captured a list of students interested in
    working for NRCS and will evaluate students for possible student
    employment opportunities for summer of 2008.

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-   Assisted newer API employees in the state with questions and
    concerns.

-   Worked with one API prospective student at University of Wisconsin-
    River Falls

> who is applying for the APIO SCHOLARSHIP.

-   APISEPM received award of Certificate of Merit: "For Outstanding
    Support of the WI Digitizing Unit, the CR Committee & for Leadership
    to the MANRRS Chapter at UW-Madison on behalf of NRCS."

-   Emailed work-study position, other employment information, and
    scholarship information to MANRRS chapter contacts and all other API
    contacts.

-   Encouraged one API students to join the Earth Team to learn more
    about NRCS, now volunteering at Marathon County. DC there is pleased
    to have a good API volunteering in her office.

-   Recognized WI API employee, Kara Nelson, winner of the 2007 Hispanic
    Heritage Month poster contest, a \$300 bonus. (see photo of winning
    poster below)

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-   Winning poster and creator's bio were on displayed during GMFAA
    Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the state office.

**4. Outreach**

-   Participate in Minorities in Agriculture and Related Sciences
    (MANRRS) meetings/ annual picnic

```{=html}
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```
-   Networked with local UW-Madison Hmong Engineering student club
    president.

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```
-   Sent out annual scholarship application forms targeting API
    students.

-   Distributed Avian Flu translations and materials (VHS Videos/DCD) to
    Manitowoc County office to API SC for distribution.

**5. Special Emphasis Month celebration**

-   Emailed and distributed global, nation-wide, and state-wide facts on
    API to all state employees.

-   Requested for and submitted bios of two API employees to highlight
    them.

-   Assisted Club Fed (State Office club) member in hosting Asian box
    lunch and share the 2006 & 2007API poster entries with co-workers
    with screen presentation.

-   On the last day in May, shared two Asian dishes and the recipe
    during lunch.

-   Continued to assist in the planning and celebration of the Greater
    Madison Federal Agencies Associations (GMFAA) Heritage Month
    Celebrations for all special emphasis groups.

> ![](media/image20.png){width="3.2993055555555557in"
> height="5.086111111111111in"}

# 6. Training 

-   Four NRCS employees attended the 2007 APIO SEPM Training Conference
    in Miami, FL. Three were API employees.

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-   APISEPM and API employees who attended the conference assisted in
    the newsletter write-up highlighting certain key points learned and
    experienced from the conference.

-   Newsletter was shared in state and distributed to the rest of
    APISEPM in other states.

Area and MLRA Offices

**Juneau MLRA office**

Mark Krupinski:

1\) World Dairy Expo\--Oct 2006\--staffed Web Soil Survey booth\--1.5
days, Oct 3 and Oct 5, 2006

2\) Demonstration of GPR to Glacierland RC&D meeting in Manitowoc
Co\--Oct 4, 2006

3\) Presentation to WI Tax Assessors Institute in La Crosse on Soil
Survey upgrade projects\--Oct 16, 2006

4\) WI Society of Professional Soil Scientists fall meeting chair\--Dec
15, 2006

5\) Presentation on Soil Survey upgrade projects and staffed Web Soil
Survey booth at WI Fertilizer and Aglime Conference \--Jan 17 and 18,
2007

6\) Demonstration of GPR to Glacierland RC&D well abandonment workshop
in Sheboygan Co\--May 30, 2007

7\) Volunteer soil scientist at the Chicago Field Museum soils
exhibit\--Aug 2, 2007

8\) Soils training to county, state and federal conservation
employees\--Sept 11, 2007

Karla Petges:

Farm City Days in Dodge County for 800+ 4th graders from all schools in
Dodge Co.

Assisted at Farm Tech Days in Green County in the soils pit and with the
soils table making monoliths

Assisted with World Dairy Expo manning the Web Soil Survey booth

Chris Miller:

World Dairy Expo, October 2006, Staffed the Web Soil Survey Booth 1 Day.

**Southwest Area Office**

-   Contacted Experience Works Program to inquire about their training
    program for retired citizens, in an effort to acquire "host
    volunteers" to work in the southwest counties to assist with Farm
    Bill Implementation as well as administrative responsibilities. As a
    result, 9 of the SW counties qualified for "Experience Works"
    candidates. These volunteers would be able to work for the agency
    for 20 or 40 hours per week. The Experience Works Program would pay
    them a salary to assist with the NRCS Field office workload. This
    comes at no cost to the agency and each office can maintain an
    employee for as long as 2 years.

-   Conducted a New Employee Orientation at the area office to include
    topics such as Civil Right/EEO and Ethic. Each Student in
    attendance's training plan was reviewed with them, so that they
    would know the expectations. The training included employees such
    as, Pheasant Forever Buffer Interns, Intermittent Student, STEP
    students and Experience Works employees. Seventeen Students were in
    attendance.

-   Encourage the Ho-Chunk Liaison (Greg Yakle) to set up a meeting with
    the Ho-Chunk Conservation Representative and the SW Badger RC&D
    Coordinator. The meeting would be an effort to personally invite the
    Nation to be a part of the SW Badger Council Membership and to
    discuss opportunities for the Nation to participate in Council
    Sponsored activities. The meeting was held in The Spring of 07 and
    the Ho-Chunk indicated their appreciation for setting up such a
    meeting. The Council will continue to invite them to the SW Badger
    meetings in the future.

-   Contacted 16 Historically Black Colleges and Universities to
    encourage students to apply for Soil Conservationist, Soil Science
    and Engineering summer STEP positions. As a result, 12 applications
    were received from Minority students seeking for opportunities in
    Wisconsin.

-   Presented proposal to Mgmt to submit a Wisconsin Farmer for the
    Lloyd Wright Small Farmer of the Year Award. This Award is sponsored
    by the National Association of Professional Black Employees
    (NOPBNRCSE). As a result of the PAS and the CR Committee, a
    nomination was submitted and won third place in the national
    competition.

-   Developed a DRAFT "Student Recruitment/Retention Plan" in an effort
    to support Wisconsin's mission in diversifying its workforce.

-   Hired intermittent Student through the Dept of Social Services. She
    works as a Student in ADM and is enrolled in the Colleges
    Administrative Assistant Program.

**Resource Conservation and Development Areas**

**Pri-Ru-Ta RC&D**

Chris Borden, Pri-Ru-Ta RC&D Coordinator, assisted the Wisconsin Tribal
Conservation Advisory Council in the development of their long range
Strategic Plan. The group has made significant progress in planning and
implementation to forward their goal of making Farm Bill conservation
programs work more effectively on Tribal Nations within the State.

**River Country RC&D**

-   Grazing - River Country staff worked with five Amish/Mennonite
    families to develop managed intensive grazing plans for their farms.
    They assisted 12 other families with one-on-one grazing assistance
    to educate and address concerns of the families.

-   Grazing assistance was provided to 10 women farm owners.

-   River Country Council successfully secured scholarships for five
    Hmong families to attend the Midwest Value Added Conference in Red
    Wing MN, January 25 & 26, 2007.