|
Reseeding after a wildfire helps protect our soil and water resources. Rebuilding damaged fencing keeps livestock from damaging sensitive streambanks and water quality.
The summers of 2005 and 2006 brought wildfires to the landowners of Columbia County, destroying forests and pasture fences. After the fires, the Columbia Conservation District
immediately took the lead to find and coordinate funding to help local ranchers and farmers replant trees, reseed scarred hillsides, and rebuild pasture fences. As a result, 3,115 acres were grass-seeded through aerial and ground applications, 35,000 trees were planted, and 200,305 feet of livestock fence were installed. Today the land is healing, new trees and grasses are thriving, and landowners are able to continue their farming and grazing operations.
Reseeding after a wildfire is an important, but unique activity for a conservation district to engage in. Usually, conservation districts are busy helping private landowners with livestock, irrigation, stream restoration, and tillage projects, but responding to an emergency situation is indicative of the flexibility that districts have. Because each conservation district is governed by a locally-elected 5-member board, the priorities and decisions are locally driven, reflecting the needs and values of the community.
That same flexibility also allows conservation districts to explore innovative techniques and projects that interest the community. Of the 47 conservation districts in the state, some are involved in bio-diesel energy, wind and solar power, innovative stormwater run-off designs, backyard conservation, farmland preservation, and other cutting edge ideas. For help with your next conservation project, whatever it may be, give your local conservation district a call.
For more about Columbia Conservation District programs and projects, read their annual report:  Annual Report 2007 - Columbia Conservation District 209.69 Kb
|
