Kansas Highlights 

April 2001 

TWO RC&D'S APPROVED IN THE STATE 

In January, Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman designated 33 areas in 25 states as part of the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture's Resource Conservation and Development Program. 

In Kansas, two new RC&Ds were authorized. These include the Central Prairie in counties: Barton, 

Edwards, McPherson, Pawnee, Reno, Rice, Stafford and the Santa Fe Trail in counties: Finney, Grant, 

Greeley, Hamilton, Kearny, Morton, Stanton, Wichita, and Stevens. 

RC&D areas are locally led by councils comprised of volunteers, civic 

leaders, and locally elected officials. RC&D projects provide practical 

solutions for community development, land conservation, 

environmental enhancement, and water management. 

Projects currently underway in the 315 existing RC&D areas across 

America are reducing soil erosion, improving water quality, enhancing 

recreational and tourism facilities, developing and diversifying local

business opportunities, assisting child and elder care, and improving 

sewage treatment. 

CUSTOMER SERVICE TOOLKIT TRAINING COMPLETE 

When the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), now Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) first 

began using computerized conservation plans, Highly Erodible Land (HEL) compliance was a very large 

part of the workload. By 1990, there were more than 117,000 HEL plans in the Computer Aided 

Management and Planning (CAMPS) system. When the agency converted from CAMPS to the Field 

Office Computing System (FOCS) all of the compliance plans were transferred into the new system. 

Recent survey results estimate a large number of staff years are being used to maintain these records in 

FOCS. 

But thanks to the Customer Service Toolkit (CST), NRCS will have a better 

way of doing business. Pilot testing and evaluation for CST was carried out in 

30 selected field offices. As a result of this testing, plans were made to move 

forward with full implementation of CST. 

For the last three months, Jeff Hart, Natural Resource Specialist, Salina SO, 

has been travelling the state and assisting area specialists in conducting 

extensive training throughout NRCS offices. 

According to Hart, conservation plans are no longer needed on HEL to keep USDA participants eligible 

for benefits except for special situations (new determinations, sodbusting, reinstatement, etc). To be 

eligible, participants must now have an applied conservation system on the land. The system does not 

have to be the system that was planned, but can be any system that meets the compliance requirements. 

This means there is no requirement to bring all plans that have been applied in FOCS into the system. 

ARCVIEW training will begin April 3 for area and field offices and should be completed by the end of July. 

For more information, contact Jeff Hart, Natural Resource Specialist, Salina SO, at 785-823-4539. 
CERTIFICATION TRAINING UNDERWAY 

All conservation planners in Kansas will be required to be certified to their particular level of planning

expertise in accordance with National policy. Conservation plans developed after July 1, 2001, will 

require approval by a certified conservation planner. 

Planner certification ensures planning accountability, assists in maintaining credibility and public trust of 

NRCS employees, and ensures competent and functional conservation planning, design, and application 

of conservation systems. All employees with conservation planning as part of their job descriptions will 

be certified as they complete the required training and have three plans reviewed that illustrate their 

planning abilities. 

Re-certification will be required every three years to ensure that a high level of expertise is being 

maintained. For more information, contact Jim Krueger, District Conservationist, Abilene, at 

785-263-2787.

NRCS EMPLOYEE HELPS OUT THOSE IN NEED 

Some students from Anthony Elementary in Leavenworth are feeling a lot warmer these days thanks to 

some caring individuals. The idea for a coat drive began when a parent noticed that some students didn’t 

seem to be dressing very warmly when walking to and from school. The parent, Regina Freeman, 

mentioned this to her husband Johnnie, and the couple decided to do something. “My heart went out to 

them,” Johnnie said. Letters were sent home to parents asking them to donate what they could for the 

coat drive. 

“About every class collected one or two coats,” Johnnie said. He expected the coat drive to be a “minute 

or small” matter, but the students collected a total of 91 coats. The event became more than just a coat 

drive. Families donated clothing items in general and a canned food drive sponsored by the student 

council became part of the coat drive. 

The Freeman’s combined forces with the school’s social worker and nurse who in turn contacted 

members from a fraternity at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth who tutor at 

Anthony and collected food and delivered baskets to some of the families. 

Johnnie said he is pleased that so many people came together to help. He believes the students at 

Anthony now have a better understanding of how each person can make a difference. For more 

information, contact Johnnie Freeman, Soil Conservationist, Leavenworth. Editor’s Note: Parts of this

article were taken from the Leavenworth Times.

LET'S CHOOSE A NATIONAL TREE! 

The bald eagle is the United States' National symbol; the 

"Star-Spangled Banner" is our National anthem. Yet, we have no 

National tree. The National Arbor Day Foundation is trying to change 

that. By logging onto www.arborday.org, folks are able to choose from 

a list of 21 tree candidates from which our National tree will be 

selected. 

But hurry!! The final votes of this historic vote will be announced on 

National Arbor Day, the last Friday in April, April 27, 2001. 

Write-in candidates also are accepted. If you do not have Web access, write 

The National Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska City, NE, 68410. 
Tomas Dominguez, State Conservationist (left) presents award to Ken 

Hoffman, Assistant State Conservationist, Manhattan and District

Conservationists from Area 4. Clyde Mermis, DC, Lawrence; Lynn Thurlow,

DC, Clay Center; James Marietta, DC, Oskaloosa; and Eldon Schwant, DC, 

Seneca.

AREA RECOGNIZED FOR APPRENTICE INITIATIVE 

Tomas Dominguez, State Conservationist, presented 

the first “Above and Beyond” Award to Ken Hoffman, 

Assistant State Conservationist, Manhattan, for Area 4 

support of the Kansas Natural Resources Apprentice 

Initiative (KNRAI). District conservationists in this area

who mentored an apprentice(s) also received an eagle 

statuette paper-weight recognizing their contribution. 

Area 4 received this award for having the most 

apprentices (8) enrolled in the Initiative during FY-2000. 

This Award is a traveling trophy and will be awarded annually to the area with the most apprentices

during the fiscal year. The KNRAI as a part of the Earth Team program works to increase student 

awareness of natural resources stewardship through interactive learning experiences and public and 

community service. For more information, contact Mary Shaffer, Public Affairs Specialist, Salina SO, at 

785-823-4571.

EMPLOYEE RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD 

An employee suggestion has earned a Kansas employee national recognition. Paul 

Finnell, Soil Scientist, Salina SO, proposed the adoption of an electronic soil survey 

manuscript on CD-ROM for national use. His idea was referred to the NRCS Soil

Survey Division (SSD) for evaluation and based on the substantial value and broad 

application of his suggestion has earned him a cash award and a Certificate of Merit 

signed by the Chief. Good job!! 

 

KANSAS DAY CELEBRATED WITH PIZZA 

The fourth grade students of Douglas County celebrated Kansas Day on January 29 by learning about 

the state's largest industry - agriculture. The 800 students felt the impact agriculture makes each time 

they ate their favorite food, a "Slice of Pizza." 

Students were able to see, touch, and learn about grains grown for 

the crust, tomatoes for sauce, the dairy cows that give milk to make 

cheese, and even the pigs for pepperoni. Without the soils and 

water "slice," none of the pizza ingredients would have been 

possible. The students rotated through eight sessions every 15 

minutes. A specific curriculum was followed throughout the day. It 

covered nutrition, safety, science, and history. 

K-State Research and Extension, Douglas County Conservation 

District, Douglas County Farm Bureau, USD-497 Educators, 4-H 

Youth Leaders, FFA Youth Leaders, and local agriculture producers sponsored the event. Submitted by 

Clyde Mermis, District Conservationist, Lawrence 

SPRING BREAK AND EARTH TEAM VOLUNTEERS 

What comes to mind when you think of the words "Spring Break?" Many people think of college students 

partying on warm beaches at Padre Island or Daytona Beach. But many students have joined the 

"Alternative Break" program and are completing community service projects at locations across the 

country. Instead of spending time and money at popular vacation spots, these students will spend their 

semester breaks exploring issues that interest them.
At the University of Kansas, students are able to choose from community work projects that focus on 

topics such as hunger/homelessness, education, conservation, health/wellness, and cultural diversity. 

Recently, a group of KU students wanting to volunteer for a conservation activity that would provide them

an opportunity to improve their communication skills and serve as a team-building exercise contacted the 

local Douglas County Conservation District. 

It was Soil Conservationist Coleen Davison, who contacted a Douglas 

County landowner scheduled to complete a tree planting. "This project 

involved hand planting approximately 2,300 seeds (tree nuts) and also 

moving some small tree seedlings from a nearby pasture to the planting 

site," explains Davison. 

Besides Davison, eight volunteers and the landowner began planting the 

various types of tree nuts (Black Walnut, Bitternut Hickory, Burr Oak, and 

Red Oak). Throughout the day the volunteers frequently traded jobs and 

often asked questions about agriculture, wildlife biology, and forestry 

practices. 

"We were able to complete a very large project in a short amount of time, and the landowner was 

extremely grateful to have received the extra help," said Davison. She adds, the volunteers were pleased 

to have been part of a local conservation project and were able to learn about related conservation topics 

while they were working. "Our field office benefited by developing new contacts with the Alternative 

Break Program so that future projects using student volunteers will also be possible." Submitted by 

Coleen Davison, Soil Conservationist, Lawrence 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATED 

As many know, February is designated as Black History Month. The theme for this year was “Creating 

and Defining the African-American Community: Family, Church, Politics, and 

Culture.” 

To celebrate, Kansas’ Black Emphasis Program Manager Gwen Handcock, 

Erie, arranged for Duane Nelson to speak at the Salina State Office. Nelson, 

who has done extensive research on cattle towns, African-American 

cowboys, and life on the Chisholm Trail entertained the group of attendees 

with his knowledge on famous black cowboys of the Old West, as well as life 

on the Chisholm Trail and in a Kansas cattle town. 

For more information on this speaker, contact Gwen Handcock at 

316-244-3269. Submitted by Sheila Forrester, Visual Information Specialist, Salina SO

NRCS RECEIVES AWARD 

In January, Tomas Dominguez, State Conservationist accepted an “Appreciation

Award” on behalf of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Kansas

Land Improvement Contractors Association (KLICA) presented NRCS with a 

plaque in appreciation for providing educational opportunities in resources 

conservation at the Kansas 1998, 1999, and 2000 Environmental Expo’s. 

Kudos!! 

RC&D HOSTS LIVESTOCK AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

The Western Prairie RC&D held a Livestock and Resource Management Workshop in Colby on February 

8. Four speakers provided their expertise in management of livestock and rangeland resources. 

David Kraft, NRCS Area Rangeland Managment Specialist, Emporia, provided information on the 

nutritional values in feeds and rangeland plant varieties. Dwayne Rice, NRCS State Range Specialist, 
Salina SO, followed with information on drought and post-drought management of rangeland. He 

stressed plant condition is not to be taken lightly and that plant vigor is related to animal vigor and health. 

A representative from a local accounting firm provided the group the importance of inventorying the 

resources within their management. Different managements used in agriculture were identified and 

statistical information was provided on each one. An eastern Colorado rancher concluded the day with 

how he has applied the concepts from the information provided to his ranch. 

Sustainable agriculture will involve change for many farming operations. The Western Prairie RC&D 

hopes that programs such as these will keep farmers and ranchers in business and will sustain our rural 

communities. For more information, contact Duane Cheney, RC&D Coordinator, Colby, at 

785-462-2602.

UPCOMING CONSERVATION EVENTS 

April 16-22 - National Wildlife Week 

Sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), a different theme is featured each year. This 

year's theme is "Explore Nature in Your Neighborhood." NWF's goal is to educate participants about 

wildlife conservation issues both globally and their own backyard. All materials and activities are 

available on the Internet at http://www.nwf.org/wildlifeweek

April 21 - Earth Day

Sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, celebration of environmental stewardship in 

American agriculture should not be overlooked. Although many offices plan activities around Earth Day, 

events can be held anytime throughout the year, visit http://earthday (yes, this really is the website). 

April 22 – 28 – National Volunteer Week 

Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation this year’s theme is “Change the World-VOLUNTEER!” This

is a good time to recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers at the local, state, and national levels. 

Visit www.pointsofflight.org- click on Seasons of Service. 

April 26, 27, 28 – 3I Show 

The Finney County Conservation District will be participating in the 2001 3I Show held in Garden City this 

year. They will be having a booth, “Commonsense Conservation”. Here, they will be promoting the 

9-keys to conservation resource management. The 3I Show is your first-hand access to products, 

services, and information to keep you up-to-date with the latest farming and ranching innovations. 

April 29 - May 6 - Stewardship Week 

Sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), the 2001 theme is "Habitat for 

Life." The focus of this year's observance is on the personal responsibility each citizen has to be a good 

steward for the land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources that enhance our quality of life. 

MAY - WETLANDS MONTH 

May is American Wetlands Month and a good opportunity to make a difference by conserving wetlands in 

your community. By celebrating this month you are working to reverse the trend of wetland loss. Visit 

www.iwla.org. Pay a visit to the web sites. You will find them very helpful and easy to use. If you need 

help with some activities for any of the observances, the State Office Public Affairs Staff is available to 

assist you. You may reach Deanne Lull, Office Assistant, Salina SO, at 785-823-4556.

♦ Kansas Highlights is issued bi-monthly. For more information on how to submit a story, comments about Kansas Highlights, 

contact Sheila Forrester, NRCS Visual Information Specialist, at 785-823-4572, or at sheila.forrester@ks.nrcs.usda.gov. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability,

political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (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 USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, 

or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.