Districts Work Together to Provide a Range and Wildlife Specialist for Johnson County

The Powder River Conservation District and the Lake DeSmet Conservation District would like to introduce their new Range and Wildlife specialist Reese Irvine. Reese grew up in Lander, WY where he was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA.  He attended Laramie County Community College where he studied Ag Production and Ag Economics. Reese then transferred to the University of Wyoming and received his Bachelors of Science in Range Management with minors in Reclamation as well as Farm and Ranch Management. Prior to moving to Buffalo, Reese spent three years as a Range Technician for Grand Teton National Park.  His new position is a cooperative effort between the two Districts, multiple agencies and non-pr  ofit organizations to help administer NRCS programs and funds through the Sage Grouse Initiative. Reese has strong ties to agriculture through family and friends. He enjoys hunting and fishing as well as leather work and saddle making.  Reese is excited for his new position and to work with area producers to improve sage grouse habitat through healthy rangelands.  Reese can be contacted in the Buffalo office at 684-2526 ext. 118

PRCD to Offer Cost Share Programs

The PRCD will be offering two Cost Share Programs: the first is for large rural projects that make a positive difference on the land. This is a cost share program where the PRCD matches 50% up to $5000, on a reimbursement basis.  Projects will be reviewed by staff, then must be approved by the PRCD board before they are initiated. Some examples of projects that qualify under this program are: Solar pumping units, fencing for implementing rotational grazing systems on pastures, or fencing riparian areas to reduce impacts of livestock grazing.

The second cost share program provides incentive for residents and businesses to conserve soil, water and energy.  The program also encourages beautification of the landscape. This program matches 50% up to $1000, on a reimbursement basis. Some examples of projects that qualify under this program are: planting trees and shrubs, xeriscaping to replace traditional lawns, and installation of efficient drip systems for trees and shrubs.

For more information on these cost share programs or for an application please contact the PRCD office at (307) 738-2321 or stop by the office at 350 Nolan Avenue, Kaycee, WY.

The Powder River Conservation District is taking orders for trees.

Tree orders will be accepted until Friday, March 30, 2012. The PRCD has available large stock trees, shrubs, fruit trees, and seedling trees. A full list of trees can be obtained from the PRCD. Orders are subject to availability as some types of trees sell out faster then others.

Kaycee Park Work Day

            A fresh coat of paint and a little mulch goes a long way…. Sunday, October 2^nd kicked off National 4-H Week, to celebrate this occasion the Powder River Conservation District worked with the 4-H clubs (Powder River, Outlaw, and Cactus) from the Kaycee area and Kelly Norris from Wyoming State Forestry to hold a work day in the Kaycee Park. Thirty-two 4-H members, leaders and members of the community joined forces to paint the graffiti covered building and a round concrete structure, seven picnic tables, and eight trash cans to give the park a fresh new look. They also mulched thirty-seven young trees and removed three tree stumps.

            These new efforts paired with the work done earlier this summer by the PRCD on the Park entrance have gone a long way to make the Kaycee Park a beautiful place once again. Please take a moment to go and see improvements. It is amazing the difference a little paint, mulch and elbow grease can make.

            The PRCD would also like to take this opportunity to thank the following people/organizations for making this project possible. The Town of Kaycee for letting us do the project and the use of the truck and trailer to haul the mulch. Powder River Energy for the mulch, Chancy and Kelly Winsor for loading the much for us, the Largent family for the use of their generator and wheel barrels, the Stafford family for the use of their paint sprayer, Joyce Black for scraping paint, hauling mulch, and picking up tree branches, and finally thank you for everyone who came in to help. Without all of you we would not have been able to make this day possible.

Compensation for Claims of Discrimination

If you believe that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) improperly denied farm loan benefits to you between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic or because you are female, you may be eligible to apply for compensation. This means you may be eligible if:

1.       You sought a farm loan or farm-loan servicing during that period;

2.       The loan was denied, provided late, approved for a lesser amount than requested, approved with restrictive conditions, or USDA failed to provide an appropriate loan service; and

3.       You believe these actions are based on your being Hispanic or your being female. In 2011, a claims administrator will begin mailing claims packets to those who have requested one through the Call Center or website. The claims package will have detailed information about the eligibility and claims process.

If you want to register your name to receive a claims package, access the Hispanic and Women Farmer and Rancher Call Center or Website:

                Call Center: 1-888-508-4429

                Website: www.farmerclaims.gov

For guidance, you may contact a lawyer or other legal service provider in your community. USDA cannot provide legal advice to you.

If you are currently represented by counsel regarding allegations of discrimination or in a lawsuit claiming discrimination, you should contact your counsel regarding this claims process.

*USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*