Glenn RCD receives state recognition for programs [Orland Press Register, Calif.]

Nov. 29--Wildfire protection planning, the farmers markets and evasive weed eradication studies are among just a few programs that earned the Glenn County Resource Conservation District statewide recognition.

This local RCD was honored this month as "Outstanding District of the Year" by the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts during its 66th annual conference in Stockton.

Executive Officer Kandi Manhart said the award was presented during the Nov. 9Natural Resources Conservation Service Partnership awards luncheon.

"It was a surprise," Manhart said. "It is a true honor to be recognized by NRCS."

She said her office and NRCS work together all of the time in an effort to provide effective programs for landowners, farm and ranch managers and residents of this county.

"Without working with each other, we would not be as effective," she added.

Manhart joined Glenn County RCD Directors Mike Yalow and Bruce Roundy at the luncheon, along with Watershed Coordinator Liz Brackmann.

NRCS State Conservationist Ed Burton presented the award, which recognizes Glenn County RCD's leadership and outreach in conservation matters and reaching historically underserved communities, officials said.

The district was one of four to receive the award.

She said many of the district's projects were highlighted during the luncheon, including the Glenn County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the Glenn County Certified Farmers Markets and the arrundo removal along Lower Stony Creek.

The district helped write and coordinate the wildfire plan in collaboration with landowners, fire departments and other sources.

It launched the farmers markets in Orland and Willows in 2010 and continued managing them through 2011.

The RCD board recently approved district staff's management of the markets for 2012, Manhart said, at its Nov. 21 Board meeting.

Dates and schedules are yet to be determined by the Farmers Market Committee, she said, but she and Market Manager Claudia Street are pleased to continue working with the markets.

The RCD Connects with Kids educational programs run by Brackmann also factored into the state award along with financial planning workshops for young farmers and ranchers.

"Our newest project is a partnership with the FFA and wood shop classes at Willows High School," Manhart said Monday.

The classes are making bird houses and owl boxes to be sold to the community and the wooden housing is in high demand, she said.

Similar projects are being discussed with other high schools in Glenn County for future participation.

"It is exciting to receive this recognition from the NRCS," Glenn County RCD President Mike Landini said, in a statement.

"The RCD and NRCS partnership is critical for implementing on-the-ground conservation practices. I would personally like to thank the NRCS and RCD staffs for their commitment to their county. We look forward to continuing our good work within Glenn County and fostering new projects that will, together, improve our resources."

Contact Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com.

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(c)2011 the Orland Press Register (Willows, Calif.)

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