COMMISSIONER MIKE STRAIN NAMED CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR
The Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts named Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain “Conservationist of the Year” at their 66th annual convention held Jan.12 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lafayette.
Ernest Girouard, president of the association, said Strain was granted the award because of his strong support of Louisiana’s conservation efforts.
“Commissioner Strain has given a new and greater emphasis to soil and water conservation through his office at the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF),” Girouard said. “He has a heightened interest in guaranteeing the sustainability of agriculture and understands the importance of maintaining healthy soil and water quality. If we allow these resources to deteriorate, we will not be able to supply the world with the food, fiber and energy it will need in the future.”
Girouard also cited Strain’s backing of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program, a program designed to teach and assist farmers to implement conservation and resource management practices on their farms.
Farmers work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, LSU AgCenter and LDAF to prepare and implement resource management plans. LDAF has certified more than 135 Louisiana agricultural producers as Master Farmers.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as a conservationist,” Strain said. “When I worked in my family’s cattle operation, we were always mindful of preserving and protecting the land and using the resources in the best possible way. I am grateful that as Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry I can now play an even greater role in the conservation of Louisiana’s soil and water resources.”
Ernest Girouard, president of the association, said Strain was granted the award because of his strong support of Louisiana’s conservation efforts.
“Commissioner Strain has given a new and greater emphasis to soil and water conservation through his office at the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF),” Girouard said. “He has a heightened interest in guaranteeing the sustainability of agriculture and understands the importance of maintaining healthy soil and water quality. If we allow these resources to deteriorate, we will not be able to supply the world with the food, fiber and energy it will need in the future.”
Girouard also cited Strain’s backing of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program, a program designed to teach and assist farmers to implement conservation and resource management practices on their farms.
Farmers work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, LSU AgCenter and LDAF to prepare and implement resource management plans. LDAF has certified more than 135 Louisiana agricultural producers as Master Farmers.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as a conservationist,” Strain said. “When I worked in my family’s cattle operation, we were always mindful of preserving and protecting the land and using the resources in the best possible way. I am grateful that as Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry I can now play an even greater role in the conservation of Louisiana’s soil and water resources.”
URGENT MATTER FROM CALCASIEU SWCD
Mr. George Dauzat, Chairman of the Calcasieu Soil and Water Conservation District, urges
every resident to call Steve Waguespack, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor, and voice
your opposition against the selling of water from the Toledo Bend Reservoir.
The Sabine River Authority has set a January 6, 2012 deadline for accepting comments in
preparation for its late January meeting where the contract for water sales with TB Partners
will be formally considered. Comment forms can be picked up from the Calcasieu SWCD or calling them at (337) 239-2193, emailing Rose Sharbeno at rose.sharbeno@la.nacdnet.net, or going on the Sabine River Authority website at www.srala-toledo.com and clicking on WATER SALE comment form.
Once filled out, you can email them back to Rose and she will make sure that SRA and Stephen Waguespack, Chief of Staff for Governor Jindal both receive a copy.
The contract would commit water that belongs to the people of Louisiana for at least 99 years.
If we need those water resources, they will not be available if the contract is consummated.
The contract allows for TB Partners, regardless of what the level of the water is, to remove
water from the reservoir. Current lakefront property could become inaccessible by water.
Mr. Waguespack’s phone number is 225-342-7188.
REMEMBER, THE DEADLINE IS JANUARY 6, 2012
every resident to call Steve Waguespack, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor, and voice
your opposition against the selling of water from the Toledo Bend Reservoir.
The Sabine River Authority has set a January 6, 2012 deadline for accepting comments in
preparation for its late January meeting where the contract for water sales with TB Partners
will be formally considered. Comment forms can be picked up from the Calcasieu SWCD or calling them at (337) 239-2193, emailing Rose Sharbeno at rose.sharbeno@la.nacdnet.net, or going on the Sabine River Authority website at www.srala-toledo.com and clicking on WATER SALE comment form.
Once filled out, you can email them back to Rose and she will make sure that SRA and Stephen Waguespack, Chief of Staff for Governor Jindal both receive a copy.
The contract would commit water that belongs to the people of Louisiana for at least 99 years.
If we need those water resources, they will not be available if the contract is consummated.
The contract allows for TB Partners, regardless of what the level of the water is, to remove
water from the reservoir. Current lakefront property could become inaccessible by water.
Mr. Waguespack’s phone number is 225-342-7188.
REMEMBER, THE DEADLINE IS JANUARY 6, 2012
LACD 66TH ANNUAL MEETING
Meet us in Lafayette at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the 66th Annual Meeting January 11-13th! Hosted by Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts/Area IV & Lafayette Soil and Water Conservation District! Please click on the file below for more information.
| registration_package_lacd_2012.pdf |
SUPPORT NACD - Call to Action
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is the nonprofit organization that represents America's 3000 conservation districts and the 17,000 men and women who serve their governing boards. ConserNational Association of Conservation Districtsvation district are local units of government established under state law to carry out natural resources management programs at the local level. Districts work with millions of cooperating landowners and operators to help them manage and protect land and water resources on all private lands and many public lands in the United States. Please visit the NACD website by clicking the link above and become a friend of NACD! Help protect our natural resources!
