Agencies share information at Conservation in Coosa event

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By Christa Jennings

 

Area agencies attended the Conservation in Coosa County event last Thursday afternoon to help spread awareness of their services and resources, sharing handouts and goodies with those who attended.

While some federal agencies had to cancel and were unable to participate because of the government shutdown, seven agencies participated in the casual informative event. Individuals had the opportunity to visit the Rockford Event Center for the “come and go” style function and learn more about what the agencies have to offer.

The Conservation in Coosa County event was spearheaded by the Coosa County Soil Conservation District to highlight its services and its partner agencies, as a way to recognize those partnerships.

Representatives with seven agencies were available throughout the afternoon to provide information on their respective programs and technical assistance that are available to Coosa County landowners related to agriculture, wildlife and conservation.

The informal event allowed attendees the opportunity to speak individually with the agencies of their choice. Many individuals took advantage of the opportunity to meet with the representatives and to learn more about the various agencies and programs, with many participants having informational pamphlets and handouts available at their tables for attendees to take home.

Agencies and organizations who participated last Thursday included the Coosa Valley Research Conservation & Development Council, MTM Environmental LLC., Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Coosa County Extension Services, Alabama Agricultural and Conservation Development Commission, and the Coosa County Conservation District.

The Coosa Valley RC&D Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that works to “enhance the environment and quality of life and foster economic and community growth” within Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Etowah, Randolph, St. Clair, Talladega, and Tallapoosa counties.

MTM Environmental partners with private landowners to support healthy, productive lands. Its services include habitat assessments, wildlife and botanical surveys, nuisance wildlife control, bat house installation, and humane bat exclusions, among other services.

MTM Environmental states that it “brings certified expertise and practical solutions to help [residents] enhance, protect and enjoy [their] property’s natural resources.”

The Alabama Forestry Commission provides information to Alabama’s forest landowners, school children, government officials, volunteer fire departments, and the public. Agency personnel also work with other organizations to conduct workshops, forestry tours and educational programs that demonstrate the importance of Alabama’s forests.

The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries’ mission is to manage, protect, conserve, and enhance the wildlife and aquatic resources of Alabama for the sustainable benefit of Alabama’s people.

The Coosa County Extension is a part of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the primary outreach and engagement organization for the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University in cooperation with Tuskegee University. Alabama Extension “takes the university to the people,” believing that, as educators, they are partners in every county in the state, bringing practical ways to better homes, farms, people, and communities through research that helps extend knowledge and improve lives.

The Alabama Agricultural and Conservation Development Commission, enacted by the Alabama Legislature in 1986, is a state entity that administers the Alabama Conservation Incentive Program, or CIP.

The CIP offers more than 35 conservation practices to “promote agricultural sustainability and natural resource conservation on private lands.” CIP also helps landowners offset the cost of installing conservation practices by providing a 75% rebate on installation costs.

The Coosa County Soil and Water Conservation District, which has served the county’s residents since 1960, provides education and information in the use, conservation and development of natural resources in the county.

To learn more about the Conservation District or its partner agencies, contact Janice Kilgore at the Coosa County Conservation District office at 256-377-4750 or coosa@alswcd.org.