Attendees will identify local natural resources priorities and criteria for USDA Farm Bill funded program
The Elk Conservation District in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will convene a local work group meeting to provide guidance and discuss the Focused Conservation Approach, a new NRCS conservation delivery system. The local work group includes representatives from cooperating federal, state and local agencies, conservation organizations, and the public who provide localized information on natural resource priorities in the Elk Conservation District.
The Elk Conservation District covers Braxton, Clay, Nicholas, and Webster Counties. Andy Sentz, NRCS District Conservationist and his staff work from two NRCS field offices in Gassaway and Summersville to cover all counties in the Elk Conservation District.
“I would encourage participation from local farmers, forestland owners and other land users to attend this meeting because the local work group values the knowledge that our local land users can bring to the table,” said Sentz. “NRCS has always been a locally led conservation agency working in cooperation with Conservation Districts to provide services to local land users on a voluntary basis. The Focused Conservation Approach is a new addition to NRCS Programs in West Virginia and input from a diverse group will contribute to a successful program here in the Elk Conservation District.”
The local work groups are the foundation of the Focused Conservation Approach. The local work group can define conservation needs and help localize efforts to address specific resource concerns, Sentz added.
“Producers in the Elk Conservation District have an opportunity to voice their concerns, ask questions and discuss possible projects to benefit the District overall,” Sentz said. “We have a collective responsibility with all partners to leverage all assets available to find positive solutions.”
The Elk Conservation District local work group will meet at the Elk Conservation District Office, 470 Airport Road, Sutton, W.Va., at 1 p.m., Feb. 16. For more information contact Sentz at (304) 872-1731 or (304) 364-5103.