Notes From the Field

Sumter Field Office Happenings

The Sumter Field Office recently completed certification of two grassed waterways on the H.C. Edens and Sons farm. These two mile-long waterways had over fifteen crossings constructed with Terracel underlayed with geotextile fabric and backfilled with soil or crusher run stone (allowing center pivot irrigation systems to cross the grassed waterways without rutting). The installation of the grassed waterways was funded through NRCS' Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which provided 90 percent "cost share" (50 percent cost share and 40 percent practice incentive payment).

The Sumter Field Office put together a tour for a group of Sumter County officials to travel to Tignall, Georgia, to look at constructed wetlands used to treat municipal sewage in the town. Don Surrency, NRCS plant materials specialist, provided on-site information to the tour participants. The Sumter Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Sumter NRCS Field Office have been working with city and county officials, encouraging them to look at creating wetlands to provide tertiary treatment of municipal wastewater. Sumter County has agreed to incorporate artificial wetlands into their plant design. NRCS has agreed to provide technical assistance to the county or to their engineers on the design, construction, and plant material selection for the constructed wetlands areas. Approximately ten acres of artificial wetlands are tentatively planned. NRCS is also assisting in proper site selection for the wetland.

The Sumter SWCD entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Clemson University. Clemson will provide three years of water sampling on eight EQIP farms in Sumter County. Samples will be chosen from a predetermined location on each farm three times a year. "The Sumter County Working Group went beyond the requirement which states that a Resource Management System (RMS) be applied to the fields that are under EQIP contract," explained NRCS District Conservationist Louis Jackson. "As a condition of receiving cost share on irrigation systems, the approved participants are required to establish an RMS on the entire tract--not just the fields under irrigation."

All needed conservation practices are implemented at no cost to the government. "We believe that the water quality sampling, prior to installation of the planned conservation practices, will be good scientific documentation on how our planned and applied conservation practices can improve water quality," emphasized Jackson.

South Carolina NRCS Introduces New Technology for Waste Management

AFO (Animal Feeding Operation) Wizard available in South Carolina

By Teresa Babb, NRCS District Conservationist, SC

USDA-NRCS and the University of South Carolina's Earth Sciences and Resources Institute (ESRI-USC) have developed an application tool called Animal Feeding Operation (AFO)Wizard. This application is part of an ongoing project that develops Geographic Information System (GIS)-based natural resource conservation applications. The application works seamlessly within the NRCS Customer Service Toolkit, which integrates the workings of Microsoft Outlook `98®, Microsoft Office 97® and ArcView® GIS software. USC has also developed a CRP Wizard that will calculate the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) based on spatial data.

The AFO Wizard calculates land application acres and setback areas based on state requirements using field acreage. The tracts and fields are digitized along with all setbacks or buffers using Toolkit (through ArcView). Once all setbacks are completed, the AFO Wizard then makes land application calculations and transfers this information into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet sorted by tract, field, acres, setback acres, and application acres. The AFO Wizard determines the amount of land available for land application based on the type of animal and quantity of waste produced. The application allows for flexibility by using local crop rotations and either nitrogen or phosphorus limitations. The technology will work in any state using each state's buffer or setback requirements.

The AFO Wizard provides the field office with a professionally designed Waste Management Plan (WMP) and maps that are easy to read. Another important benefit is the time that is saved by using the technology. "This digitized system allows us to quickly and efficiently create waste management plans which used to take months to create," emphasized NRCS District Conservationist Teresa Babb.

The AFO Wizard has been used to generate WMP's for dairy, poultry and swine in South Carolina. South Carolina NRCS and USC presented the technology to a group of NRCS staff in Mississippi where hands-on training produced three WMP's.

Training NRCS staff in the use of ArcView, Toolkit and AFO Wizard is an important part of introducing this technology in the field, and offices must have the equipment to support these programs.

If you would like more information about AFO Wizard you can contact the following individuals:

Wylie Owens
Toolkit Coordinator
Columbia, SC
(803)253-3229

Teresa E. Babb
District Conservationist
Marlboro County, SC
(843)479-4552, ext.3

Robin "Buz" Kloot
Assistant Professor
Earth Sciences & Resources Institute, USC
(803)777-2918

Spotlight on Newberry's Student Trainee: Melissa Bridges

I was born in Wilson, North Carolina, 23 years ago. Since that time, I have lived in Kentucky, Indiana, and Texas. Currently, I am a senior at the University of Kentucky majoring in Natural Resource Conservation and Management, and I am employed as a server at a local restaurant.

This past Spring semester, some classmates and I founded a campus organization called S.A.V.E--Students Actively Volunteering for the Environment. Our activities are primarily concerned with local environmental issues. Although we are a brand new club, we were able to coordinate work with The Great American Clean Up, Reforest the Bluegrass, and campus Earth Day events. We would like to continue these activities in the future and expand our actions to adopt a watershed, maintain trails in local parks and preserves, and involve ourselves with more litter clean up initiatives.

When I am not consumed with work or school, I like to hike, camp, and travel. I try to travel as much as I can during my summer breaks and some of my favorite adventures include Colorado, Washington D.C., and Queensland, Australia.

I feel very fortunate to be working in the Newberry NRCS office. I have found that the Newberry office is a fantastic place to learn how to manage a variety of natural resource concerns while using the latest technology.

Melissa Bridges is a soil conservation student trainee in the Newberry Field Office. She will intern with NRCS until August 10, 2001. See related article on page 19.

Introducing the Soil Science Society of South Carolina

The Soil Science Society of South Carolina is a new professional society that was founded to advance the profession of soil science. The society recognizes that soils are a continuum of natural bodies on the earth's surface, and that proper use of them as a natural resource is of utmost importance to South Carolina.

The goals and objectives of the society are to provide a forum for soil scientists, to promote and enhance communication with other disciplines and organizations, to serve as a body of opinion on legislative matters relating to soil science, and to enhance public awareness and appreciation of the profession.

The society is currently seeking individuals who either have a career in soil science or soil related science or who are just interested in soil as a natural resource. If you are interested in joining the Soil Science Society of South Carolina, please contact either Bob Eppinette, president of the society, at beppinette@yahoo.com, or Kellee Melton, membership committee, at kellee.melton@sc.usda.gov.

Conservationists Converge for International Meeting in Myrtle Beach

Natural resource conservation leaders, professionals and interested individuals from the U.S. and Canada will converge at Kingston Plantation in North Myrtle Beach, SC, August 4-8, 2001, for the 2001 Soil and Water Conservation Society's (SWCS) International Conference. "Conservation from the Mountains to the Sea" is the theme for this year's annual meeting, which will focus on how natural resource conservation is linked to local, regional, national and global concerns. Registration is open for the public to attend all sessions and conservation tours.

Hosted by the SWCS South Carolina Chapter, the conference will provide a forum for in-depth discussion on the role conservation should play in addressing climate change, coastal zones and water supply. These issues will be explored through a combination of plenary sessions, volunteered papers, training workshops and field tours. Major topics covered will include the conservation implications of climate change, conservation in the coastal regions, and water supply and conservation. A conference highlight will be naturalist Rudy Mancke, best known for his outdoor field trips on NatureScene, broadcast nationally on PBS. "We're excited about the opportunity to host the 2001 International Meeting in South Carolina," confirmed South Carolina SWCS President Walter W. Douglas. "This conference will provide an excellent opportunity for landowners, conservation leaders, and the general public to address natural resource concerns that are prevalent in South Carolina and internationally." Douglas, added that, "natural resources conservation is vitally important as urban growth and development emerge near rural and agricultural communities. As this happens, we must work together to maintain a healthy and diverse natural resource base."

Major sponsors of the event include the NRCS, SI Geosolutions (formerly Synthetic Industries), USDA Forest Service, Santee Cooper, Monsanto, South Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Districts, National Wild Turkey Federation, Clemson Extension, Catawba Indian Nation, South Carolina Electric Cooperatives, Westvaco and North American Green.

The Soil and Water Conservation Society is an international, multidisciplinary association of professional and concerned individuals who foster the development and application of science-based policies and practices for managing soil, water, and related natural resources in order to achieve sustainability. Through education and example, SWCS promotes an ethic that recognizes the interdependence of people and the environment.

For registration or additional conference information, visit the SWCS South Carolina Chapter's website at http://swcs.tripod.com/2001.html or contact Hugh Caldwell at (803) 929-6080.

Rogers Retires from Lowcountry RC&D Council

After 21 years of service to the Lowcountry Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council, Jim Rogers is leaving his position. Long-time resident of North Charleston and recently retired Charleston County Public Works Director, Rogers represented Charleston County on the council. The Lowcountry RC&D Council's main objective is to provide social and economic benefits to rural areas throughout their seven-county area.

During a recent council meeting in which Rogers was honored, he expressed appreciation for the many projects completed by the Lowcountry RC&D Council in Charleston County. He stated that he would always cherish the help and friendship afforded him by his fellow council members and the RC&D and NRCS staff.

During Rogers' tenure, a stream bank erosion project was completed on Drayton Hall and grants were prepared for many projects such as the Sea Island Farmers Cooperative, Jane Edwards Elementary School and Rural Mission. Sweetgrass basketmakers projects were completed as well, and sweetgrass is now being grown for harvest on several inland sites. Rogers is to be congratulated for his time and efforts to improve the quality of life for rural residents of Charleston County.

Wiltown Community Benefits from Road and Drainage Improvements

The citizens of Wiltown Community in the western portion of Charleston County are thankful for road and drainage improvements that are being completed as part of a joint effort. One example of a project that has been completed to prevent flooding is the Mitchell Road drainage project and the installation of several road crossings. A sign was erected in August 1999 near Highway 17 welcoming everyone to Wiltown Community and asking all to "Please help us keep it beautiful."

The Lowcountry RC&D Council, in cooperation with NRCS and Charleston County, secured a $30,000 grant to help with the improvements. William Kennerty, vice-chairperson for the Lowcountry RC&D Council, presented a check to Jim Armstrong with the Charleston County Public Works Department. Joe McCanick, lifetime resident of Wiltown, said, "Everyone is glad the Mitchell Road drainage project is complete. Some of these folks had to wade through water to get to their houses." McCanick escorted everyone around the community to see the benefits. He elaborated on the work to be done on Nesbitt Hill Road and how everyone would benefit from the recently installed road crossings.

Georgetown Landowner Finds Success with SC Partners Program

By Amy O. Maxwell, Acting Public Affairs Specialist, USDA-NRCS

The Georgetown NRCS Field Office was part of a pilot project that has taken off in the Winyah Bay Focus Area. The South Carolina Partners Program Committee designated the Winyah Bay as a priority area for restoration, enhancement and protection of wetland wildlife habitat. The area is recognized as a critical zone for breeding, migrating, and wintering habitats for many species of waterfowl. The SC Partners Program Committee is comprised of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), NRCS, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and Ducks Unlimited (DU). The program works with landowners to maintain and enhance coastal managed wetlands by offering eligible landowners cost-share assistance for restoration and enhancement of managed wetlands.

The program targets old rice plantations where water control structures are dilapidated and in need of replacement. "Without control and management of water levels in these critical habitat areas, wildlife loses valuable habitat," reported NRCS District Conservationist Debbie Mann. USFWS Wildlife Biologist Joe Cockrell is also a part of the committee that implemented the program. "This program is an effort of different organizations coordinating their individual habitat improvement programs to work toward a common objective. It provides the most wildlife benefits for the least government cost that I have seen in any conservation cost-share program," said Cockrell.

The SC Partners Program Committee has worked closely with Furman Long of Georgetown County to restore a water control structure on an old rice plantation located between the Pee Dee River and the Waccamaw River. His father purchased the land and diked it in the 1960's. Since then, Long has used the 50-acre area for recreation. When the old aluminum water control structure rusted out, it became impossible to control the water level. The new structure (referred to as a rice trunk) is built with pine lumber and stainless steel hardware which resists rusting.

Controlling the water level allows the landowner to encourage specific vegetation to thrive in the impoundment, thus attracting ducks and other waterfowl. "With the new trunk system, I can lower or raise the device which allows me to flood or drain the field," said Long. A riser board controls the water height. The new structures are designed under strict standards and specifications which ensure their longevity.

Now that Long is managing the water levels, wildlife of all kinds have made this place home such as deer, ducks, raccoons, snakes, and even alligators. Long drops the water level after duck season, practices prescribed burning to remove undesirable vegetation species, and then raises the water level again. "This restored wetland wildlife habitat is a haven for waterfowl and shorebirds," commented Mann.

The project is just one of twelve South Carolina Partners projects in Georgetown County. The program began in 1997, and since that time has attracted landowners who want to restore critical wildlife habitat. The strong partnership between the natural resource and wildlife agencies has motivated the program. With the expertise and talents of all the different agency representatives, the South Carolina Partners Program promises to make a significant impact on the restoration of wetland wildlife habitat enhancement in Georgetown, Charleston, and Colleton Counties. Thus far, over 1,000 acres have been restored in three coastal counties, and another 500 acres is currently being enhanced under the South Carolina Partners Project. NRCS' Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) has contributed a significant portion of the overall cost of the projects.

Private landowners can apply for assistance by contacting any of the participating organizations. A biologist will conduct a site visit and then members of the South Carolina Partners Project Committee will rank project proposals. Approved projects will be funded fifty percent with a maximum of $10,000. Landowners are required to provide a minimum fifty percent funding match. Landowners are also involved in the planning process. Upon completion of the installation, the structure will be inspected and approved and the landowner will then be reimbursed. Landowners retain all rights to their land and agree to perform necessary maintenance of existing dikes and drainage ditches.

For more information, contact Debbie Mann at (843)546-7808.

Saluda Shoals Youth Workshop

The St. Matthews NRCS Field Office participated in the Saluda Shoals Youth Workshop in Richland County on May 10, 2001. NRCS Soil Conservation Technician Will Allread and Soil Conservationist Rachel Linley presented a variety of soils material including an erosion demonstration, a "build-your-own" soil profile, earthworm fun facts, and samples of different soil types. The 60 third graders from Chapin Elementary School particularly enjoyed seeing (and handling!) the live earthworms. Students were given complimentary "gummy worms" to take home with them. For more information on conservation education programs in Calhoun County, contact Administrative Assistant Margaret Thornton at (803)874-3337.

Union SWCD on the Move

The Union Conservation District recently moved into office space at the new county office building in Union, South Carolina. This is the result of four years of planning and coordination with Union County Council to provide adequate office facilities for the district and its customers since the closure of the NRCS Union office. Union District Commissioners and District Secretary Edith Ley are to be commended for their tireless efforts to make this dream come true.

Charleston Soils Investigation

submitted by Mark Mann, NRCS soil survey party leader, Charleston

Clemson University, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFS) and NRCS recently performed a detailed soils sampling project to assist with the reclassification of the Charleston County Soil Survey. Participating in the project were South Carolina NRCS employees Ben Stuckey, state soil scientist, Mark Mann, soil survey party leader, and Bob Eppinette, resource soil scientist. Representing North Carolina NRCS was Marc Crouch, soil data quality specialist. United States Forest Service (USFS) participants included soils data specialists Stephanie Floyd and Darius Truss. Dr. Bill Smith, soils professor from Clemson University is analyzing the soil data. Research Soil Scientist Warren C. Lynn from the National Soil Survey Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, is the project coordinator. For more information contact Mark Mann at (843)727-4160, ext. 112.

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
1835 Assembly Street, Room 950
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

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