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[**South Dakota NRCS
eNews**](http://www.sd.nrcs.usda.gov/news/NRCSUpdates.html)

**June 200****8**

# 

# In this issue:

#  #\_In_this_issue:#\_In_this_issue:

1.  [First South Dakota (SD) Outdoor Expo
    Successful](#first-south-dakota-sd-outdoor-expo-successful)

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```
1.  [Arbor Day in Armour with the Randall Resource Conservation &
    Development (RC&D)](#arbor-day-in-armour-with-the-randall-rcd)

2.  [Conservation Field Day Teaches
    100](#conservation-field-day-teaches-100)

3.  [Clay County 5th Graders Celebrate the "Mighty
    Mo"](#clay-county-5th-graders-celebrate-the-mighty-mo)

4.  [Performance Results System (PRS)
    Newsflash](#clay-county-5th-graders-celebrate-the-mighty-mo)

5.  [Civil Rights Committee Fast Facts Committee and Special Emphasis
    Program Manager (SEPM)
    Vacancies](#civil-rights-committee-fast-facts-committee-and-sepm-vacancies)

6.  [Poster Contest Hispanic Heritage
    Month](#civil-rights-committee-fast-facts-committee-and-sepm-vacancies)

7.  [Notes from Public Affairs Dakota Farm Talk, Online
    Material](#notes-from-public-affairs)

8.  [Dates to Note](#dates-to-note)

The SD Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) monthly eNews is
also posted at
[*www.sd.nrcs.usda.gov/news/NRCSUpdates.html*](http://www.sd.nrcs.usda.gov/news/NRCSUpdates.html).
To subscribe, or unsubscribe, to the SD NRCS eNews, contact the
[editor](mailto:colette.kessler@sd.usda.gov). Material can be provided
to the [Public Affairs Staff](mailto:colette.kessler@sd.usda.gov) during
the month to be included in the next month's issue. Published materials
may be edited for content, clarity, and length. Some photos may be
digitally altered.

Helping People Help the Land

### First South Dakota (SD) Outdoor Expo Successful

The first annual SD Outdoor Expo was held on the State Fairgrounds on
May 17-18, 2008. It was a great opportunity for the whole family to
enjoy the outdoors, and learn about many outdoor activities and natural
resources conservation. The state-wide event with a hands-on educational
focus was intended to introduce thousands of families and children to
outdoor activities through interactive exhibits and activities.

+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2. | The NRCS had its ever popular "worm tunnel," as  |
| jpeg){width="1.86 | well as, tattoos for children and an             |
| 94444444444445in" | informational booth with various conservation    |
| height="1.97      | material. The booths were staffed by the public  |
| 9861111111111in"} | affairs (PA) staff, with a special thanks to     |
|                   | Kevin Luebke, State Biologist, Huron, for his    |
|                   | volunteer support.                               |
|                   |                                                  |
|                   | State Fair staff member [Alison                  |
|                   | Kiesz](mailto:Alison.Kiesz@state.sd.us), Huron,  |
|                   | reported close to 4,000 people attending the     |
|                   | Outdoor Expo. Around 100 different activities    |
|                   | provided educational entertainment. An outdoor   |
|                   | expo is an outstanding way to market a positive  |
|                   | image of the hunter, the angler, and the         |
|                   | outdoors person by demonstrating how these       |
|                   | groups contribute both environmentally and       |
|                   | economically to a healthy SD. It teaches an      |
|                   | understanding and appreciation for conservation  |
|                   | and outdoor recreation and its importance of     |
|                   | preserving our outdoor recreation heritage.      |
+-------------------+--------------------------------------------------+

Activities were grouped into five areas: fishing and aquatic education,
hunting and wildlife, camping and outdoor recreation, shooting sports,
and wildlife management. Kiesz said, not surprisingly, that kayaking and
archery were the most popular along with the live bat encounter. A few
people listed the soil tunnel as their favorite activity!  Of those
attending, 94 percent rated their experience as good or excellent and
almost 90 percent said they were likely or very likely to attend next
year. Also, over half of those attending tried a new activity for the
first time - again kayaking and archery were the most common new
activities.

 

![](media/image3.jpeg){width="2.838888888888889in"
height="2.1305555555555555in"} ![](media/image4.jpeg){width="1.6in"
height="2.1333333333333333in"}
![](media/image5.jpeg){width="2.828472222222222in"
height="2.126388888888889in"}

Kiesz reported that one attendee said, "If anyone missed the South
Dakota Outdoor Expo, they really missed something very educational, fun
and free! There was just so much to do and learn. I will tell everyone I
know to go next year!"

[Back to top](#_In_this_issue%3A%23_In_this_issue%3A)

### Arbor Day in Armour with the Randall RC&D

*[Jeff Stewart](mailto:jeff.stewart@sd.usda.gov), RC&D Coordinator, Lake
Andes*

A four-foot tall Kentucky Coffeetree was planted in Armour by members of
the Randall RC&D Council and staff on April 24. The tree is a member of
the economically important Fabaceae or Leguminosae Family which includes
peas, beans, and other nitrogen fixing plants such as alfalfa and
clovers. This remarkable tree is the last tree to leaf out in the spring
and one of the first to lose its leaves in the fall, making it a good
tree for the northern part of its range, which includes southeastern SD.
It lets the suns warmth in during these cooler seasons and provides
shade in the hot summer. The expanding leaves are conspicuous because of
the varied colors of the leaflets; the youngest are bright pink, while
those which are older vary from green to bronze. Pods are large, borne
only on the female trees and turn from yellow, looking like bananas, to
brown when ripe.

+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image6.jpeg){      | The tree was planted in Lake Alcazar  |
| width="3.1645833333333333in" | Park overlooking Lake Alcazar         |
| h                            | following the April council meeting   |
| eight="2.363888888888889in"} | at the Douglas County Courthouse. The |
|                              | Lake Alcazar Restoration Committee    |
|                              | received financial, technical, and    |
|                              | administrative assistance from        |
|                              | Randall RC&D in the mid to late 90's  |
|                              | to clean up the lake, eliminate       |
|                              | flooding and drainage problems, and   |
|                              | restore the recreation and nature     |
|                              | area value of the lake to the         |
|                              | community. This man-made lake was     |
|                              | historically used as a source for     |
|                              | refrigeration ice in the winter       |
|                              | during the early years of the town.   |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | *Kentucky Coffeetree recently planted |
|                              | and protected inside a staked tree    |
|                              | tube. (L-R) RC&D Coordinator Jeff     |
|                              | Stewart; Council Members Rex Winter,  |
|                              | Les Labahn, and Art Hertz*            |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+

[*Back to top*](#_In_this_issue%3A%23_In_this_issue%3A)

### Conservation Field Day Teaches 100 

*Submitted by Deanna Balster, Soil Conservationist, Hot Springs FO*

In early May, federal, state and local natural resources partners hosted
a Conservation Field Day for seventh grade students from Hot Springs,
Edgemont, and Oelrichs at the Nature Conservancy/Whitney Preserve (about
8 miles southwest of Hot Springs).  About 100 students participated in
the outdoor activities and the learning of different aspects of the
environment.  Six stations rotated kids every 45 minutes.  The stations
were:

> Wildlife -- Lydia Poppen, Custer State Park
>
> Range -- Bob Novotny, USDA Forest Service, Buffalo Gap National
> Grasslands
>
>          Cheryl Nielsen, NRCS
>
>          Dwayne Breyer, NRCS (retired)
>
> Soils -- Kent Cooley, NRCS
>
> Hydrology -- Les Gonyer, Forest Service
>
> Fire Ecology/Forestry -- Andy Thorstenson, National Park Service, Wind
> Cave
>
> Wildfire Suppression -- Brian Daunt, Forest Service

Balster reports, "It was a really fun day and it was great to have all
of the different agencies represented and working together."  Lunch was
provided to the kids from different sponsors around Hot Springs. 

+---------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+
| !             | ![                       | ![]                      |
| [](media/imag | ](media/image8.jpeg){wid | (media/image9.jpeg){widt |
| e7.jpeg){widt | th="2.829861111111111in" | h="2.8291666666666666in" |
| h="1.59375in" | height                   | heigh                    |
| heig          | ="2.1222222222222222in"} | t="2.120833333333333in"} |
| ht="2.125in"} |                          |                          |
|               | Kent Cooley, Soil        | USDA Forest Service      |
| Cheryl        | Scientist, Rapid City    | staff                    |
| Nielsen,      | FSO                      |                          |
| Rangeland     |                          |                          |
| Management    |                          |                          |
| Specialist,   |                          |                          |
| Belle Fourche |                          |                          |
| FO            |                          |                          |
+---------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+

[Back to top](#_In_this_issue%3A%23_In_this_issue%3A)

### Clay County 5th Graders Celebrate the "Mighty Mo"

The third Annual 5th Grade River Appreciation Day held at the National
Guard Armory in Vermillion on April 25, 2008, was attended by students
from the Vermillion, St. Agnes and Gayville-Volin school districts.
About 115 students gathered to honor and learn more about the wild and
scenic portion of the Missouri National Recreational River, referred to
as the 59-mile District, which extends from Gavins Point Dam to Ponca,
Nebraska.

+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| ![](media/image10.                 | The day began with Joe Oakie, a |
| jpeg){width="3.9229166666666666in" | storyteller from the Lakota     |
| height="2.4791666666666665in"}     | Sioux, Yankton Indian           |
|                                    | Reservation, Yankton, South     |
|                                    | Dakota, sharing stories to      |
|                                    | encourage students to work hard |
|                                    | and do their best in life, and  |
|                                    | to love and respect others;     |
|                                    | especially their loved ones.    |
|                                    |                                 |
|                                    | Small groups then rotated       |
|                                    | between 11 sites where they     |
|                                    | discussed topics including      |
|                                    | water safety, soil science and  |
|                                    | discovered what plants thrive   |
|                                    | along the river. They also      |
|                                    | received information about how  |
|                                    | rain runoff flows through a     |
|                                    | watershed, the differences      |
|                                    | between a kayak and canoe, and  |
|                                    | worked in teams of two to       |
|                                    | decorate a sailboat. NRCS       |
|                                    | District Conservationist Deron  |
|                                    | Ruesch, Vermillion, discussed   |
|                                    | history and other important     |
|                                    | aspects of soil along the "Big  |
|                                    | Muddy." Following the           |
|                                    | presentation, the students      |
|                                    | hustled through the worm        |
|                                    | tunnel.                         |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+

[Back to top](#_In_this_issue%3A%23_In_this_issue%3A)

### PRS Newsflash 

*5-18-08 PRS Reports\' Technical Difficulties*

In recent months, the PRS Team has experienced technical difficulties
getting PRS reports to update on a regular and timely basis. The
problems are due in part to the migration of the data entry portion of
PRS to the Kansas City Web farm and in part to hardware and software
issues in Fort Collins.

The PRS Team's first priority is to get PRS reports updating on a
consistent and timely basis.  The team is systematically working to
correct all of these problems so that PRS reports are current and
accurate.  In the next thirty days, there are several major PRS
improvement and maintenance activities that will impact PRS reports. It
is likely these activities will continue to cause the updating of PRS
reports to be sporadic.  Until these activities are complete, we suggest
that users check the PRS Update Section (on the PRS Home Page) for the
time of the last update. If the reports have not been updated, then
users should check back at a later date.  

The improvements scheduled in the next 30 days and beyond should help
the PRS reports update on a consistent and timely basis.  We anticipate
no impact to the data entry side of PRS, so users should continue to
report progress. The PRS Team regrets any inconvenience and appreciates
your understanding and patience.

[Back to top](#_In_this_issue%3A%23_In_this_issue%3A)

### Civil Rights Committee Fast Facts -- *Committee and SEPM Vacancies* 

Rick Lehman, Chair/Civil Engineering Technician, Sioux Falls FO

The SD Civil Rights Advisory Committee (CRAC) is seeking candidates to
fill four positions on the committee whose terms expire on September 30,
2008. The vacancies are for three member positions on the CRAC and the
Disability Emphasis Program Manager (DEPM). These vacancies will be
filled October 1, 2008.

Please consider applying for one of these vacancies. This is a great
opportunity for employees to become part of a team that serves as an
advisor to the Deputy Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer of NRCS
in SD who is the state conservationist (STC). Some of the things the
committee is responsible for are:

-   Making recommendations to the STC regarding policies, practices, and
    procedures as they affect Civil Rights of employees, potential
    employees, and program participants. Identifying emerging areas
    needing special attention by the NRCS management of SD;

-   Monitoring recruitment practices and making recommendations for
    ensuring that under represented groups are made aware of employment
    opportunities for career positions, temporary employment, or special
    appointments;

-   Focusing attention of management on specific practices or problems
    of an EEO nature that are producing and could produce dissention or
    dissatisfaction among employees;

-   Provide training or resources for various employee workshops to
    encourage all employees to become familiar with their role in Title
    VI and VII responsibilities.

For more information, go to
[<http://www.sd.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/FY08Bulletins.html>.]{.underline}
Interested employees should submit their name, a statement indicating
your interest, and an indication of supervisory concurrence to Rick
Lehman, Chairman, CRAC, Sioux Falls Field Office (FO), by July 1, 2008.
The CRAC will review the candidates' applications and make
recommendations to the state conservationist for selection.

If you have any questions about becoming a member of the SD CRAC feel
free to contact any of our current members (see SD Web page in the left
hand column click Civil Rights and then click CRAC to see current list
of members). Also if you have any questions about the DEPM position feel
to contact Darrel Duvall (current DEPM) at the Webster FO at (605)
345-4661.

[Back to top](#section)

### Poster Contest for Hispanic Heritage Month 2008

The poster contest is open to all NRCS employees, full-time and
part-time.  The theme this year is *"Hispanics Getting Involved:  Our
Families, Our Community, and Our Nation.*" The employee with the winning
entry will receive a \$300 spot award.  Entries must be received at the
state level no later than close of business on July 15, 2008.  The final
selection at National Headquarters will be made by August 15, 2008. 
Contact Colette Kessler, South Dakota Hispanic Emphasis Program Manager
if you have questions or would like to submit an entry or e-mail
<colette.kessler@sd.usda.gov>. [Requirements for the poster
are](http://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/viewerFS.aspx?id=3939): One
poster per employee; must contain the theme; must be electronic in
PowerPoint or Microsoft Word only; page setup 11 x 17 inches; must show
diversity; must have the NRCS logo; and must have the Nondiscrimination
Statement.

[Back to top](#section)

### Notes from Public Affairs

**Dakota Farm Talk Latest Stories --** The SD NRCS currently contracts
with Dakota Farm Talk for bi-weekly, two-minute stories that air on
radio stations covering most of SD. *Click the links for more...*

> **May 2008**

-   [Carbon
    Sequestration](ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/SD/www/News/DakotaFarmTalk/May_28_08-Bednarek.mp3)
    (audio file), Rick Bednarek, 2.75 MB, [Carbon
    Sequestration](ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/SD/www/News/DakotaFarmTalk/May_28_08-Bednarek.doc)
    (script), 20.5 KB

-   [Wetlands
    Benefits](ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/SD/www/News/DakotaFarmTalk/May_14_08-Luebke.mp3)
    (audio file), Kevin Luebke, 2.78 MB, [Wetlands
    Benefits](ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/SD/www/News/DakotaFarmTalk/May_14_08-Luebke.doc)
    (script), 25 KB

### Online Material Relevant To What We Do

**Follow-up Article on Earth Hour -** On Climate, Symbols Can Overshadow
Substance - Lights-Out Event More Showy Than Practical, [*Click to read
more....*](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/16/AR2008051603612.html?referrer=emailarticle)

**Alisa Miller: Why We Know Less Than Ever About The World -** Alisa
Miller, head of Public Radio International, talks about why \-- though
we want to know more about the world than ever \-- the United States
media is actually showing less. Eye-opening stats and graphs. (about 4
minutes) [*Click to view...*](http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/248)

**Pale Blue Dot -** Short video on planet Earth a.k.a the Pale Blue Dot.
In 1990, Carl Sagan persuaded National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) to use the Voyager 1 spacecraft to take a
photograph of the planet Earth from a distance of 4 billion miles. The
result was simply arresting: a portrait of our home as a tiny, fragile
speck of blue adrift in an unimaginably vast sea of space. (3-4
minutes). [*Click to
view...*](http://www.pangeaday.org/filmDetail.php?id=75)

***Keep up the great work, NRCS and district staff, for your part in
taking care of our precious natural resources.***

[Back to top](#section)

### Dates to Note

**SDACD Area Meetings\
**June 12 - Coteau in Webster; North Missouri in Orient;\
June 16 Vermillion-Big Sioux in Salem; \
June 19 - South James-Missouri in Mitchell; and\
June 23 - Hills in Rapid City.

June 6-7 -- **Bird Tour** **by the SD Grassland Coalition** (SDGC),
Bristol.  Hosted by the Dar Peckham Ranch.  Contact: Dave Steffen at
(605) 775-9112, or
[[dsteffen@threeriverwb.net]{.underline}](mailto:dsteffen@threeriverwb.net). 
Register with [[Judge
Jessop]{.underline}](mailto:jjessop@sdconservation.org) by email:
[[jjessop@sdconservation.org]{.underline}](mailto:jjessop@sdconservation.org),
or call (605) 280-0127.

June 4-6 -- **2008 Youth Range Camp**, Sturgis.

June 8-11 -- **Ag Lenders Range Camp**. To be held at Hove Grazing Unit,
2.5 miles east and 9.5 miles north of Ortley, SD, on Highway 12; hosted
by the Roberts Conservation District (CD).  Contact: Boyd Waara, First
National Bank of Philip, at (605) 859-2525 or [[Kent
Duerre]{.underline}](mailto:Kent.Duerre@sd.usda.gov) at (605) 698-7639,
Extension 3.

June 13 -- **Pasture Walk** w/ Terry Gompert in Bennett County.

June 14 -- **Pasture Walk** w/ Terry Gompert in Meade/Lawrence Counties.

June 25 -- **Central Crops & Soils Field Station Tour,** Highmore, 5
p.m.

June 26 -- **Dakota Lakes Research Farm Tour,** Pierre, 1 p.m.

June 28, **Bio Blitz** at SDSU's Oak Lake Field Station (near White, SD)
9-4. *See attached for more information.*

June 30 -- **South Dakota State University's Agronomy Farm Crop Tour**,
Brookings, 4 p.m.

June 24-25 -- **25^th^ Annual Rangeland Days. ** Contact:  Charles Mix
CD, Lake Andes, or (605) 487-7577. 

June 26 -- **Evening Pasture Walk,** south of Webster.  Carl
Pulvermacher operation: grazing cattle, fencing options, grass responses
to grazing, and discuss grazing turnips and easement considerations.

[Back to top](#section)

### United States Department of Agriculture [**Non-Discrimination Statement**](http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?navtype=FT&navid=NON_DISCRIMINATION) 

![](media/image11.png){width="1.0416666666666666e-2in"
height="5.2083333333333336e-2in"}

![](media/image11.png){width="5.2083333333333336e-2in"
height="1.0416666666666666e-2in"}

\"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status,
familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic
information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an
individual\'s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not
all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities
who require alternative means for communication of program information
(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s TARGET
Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of
discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400
Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800)
795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity
provider and employer.\"

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height="0.6145833333333334in"}