The Scioto Water Conservation District (SWCD) held their elected officials tour June 24.
“We sent invitations to every elected representative for our county state, federal and local and we were pleased with the response,” said Conservation Education Coordinator Kate Sowards.
Present were, Kaci Compton (field representative for Congressman Wenstrup, Juli Stephens (field representative for Congressman Johnson), Dave Gable (Scioto SWCD Board of Supervisors), Debby Basham (District Administrator), Kevin W. Johnson, Adam Phillips (SOPA), Teri Caudill (County Executive director for Farm Service Agency for Pike and Scioto County), and Mel Smith (District Conservationist for Natural Resource Conservation Service for Scioto and Pike County).
In addition, Mark Kuhn (Scioto County Prosecutor), Scott Lewis (Scioto SWCD District Technician and Wildlife Specialist), Bruce Barkhurst (Jackson SWCD) were also present.
The tour departed from the Welcome Center in Portsmouth at 9 a.m. and travelled throughout the county highlighting several projects. It also aided in showcasing the work of the Scioto SWCD with the goal of raising awareness about that organization and their work.
“We visited our community garden locations at 14th Street and the Salvation Army. We stopped at Coffee @ The Lofts and had lunch at Riverside Park. We visited a local farming operation that we have been involved with installation of conservation practices through NRCS. We also stopped to view a logging site and discussed our role in pollution abatement,” said Sowards.
The tour came to a close at the Scioto County Welcome Center at 3 p.m.
“Our Conservation District works hard and is a strong partner for our community in natural resource related projects and concern,” explained Sowards.”It was very nice to have the opportunity to explain in some depth how our organization functions and to showcase some of the great projects we are involved in locally. I believe that we made some great connections with the folks on the tour.”
Soil and Water Conservation Districts exist in each county in Ohio. Scioto SWCD is funded partially by the Scioto County Commissioners and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Soil & Water Resources.
Scioto SWCD offers free consultations to county residents for many topics. They also will assist with helping you find the help you need with any environmental concern.
According to the agency’s website their mission is helping to maintain, conserve, and improve Scioto County’s natural resources.
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