Looking to maintain its many resources in the community, Trigg County Conservation District board member Donovan Washer approached Trigg County Fiscal Court Monday night — seeking continuance of a $66,000 budget line item within the general fund.
Judge-Executive Stan Humphries made clear that the entity genuinely requires local effort, for one key reason.
Magistrates unanimously approved the coffer — one that provides a myriad of opportunities on different fronts.
Conserving soil and water, as well as other natural resources in Trigg County, are of the utmost priorities, but other tasks remain.
In a mission statement provided to The News Edge, the Conservation District is either responsible for, or has a hand in, the following on-goings in the community:
— They work with municipalities to improve water quality, deter soil erosion and sedimentation, assist with tire amnesty days, provide programs for pasture lands, and work with the Trigg County Extension Office on soil testing before fertilizers and animal waste become factors.
— They promote no-till drills, conservation buffers, filter strips, grassed waterways and field borders on crop lands, as well as precision farming, which involves the use of GPS and drones for nutrient and pest management.
— They work with state and federal officials to develop and implement new grant programs, and are heavily involved in the administering of the county’s agricultural investment program, County Agricultural Investment Program, or CAIP.
— The board attends year-round state and federal meetings, in order to maintain education.
— They participate in the Jim Claypool Writing and Art Contest, geared for students in first grade through senior year.
— They annually present a pair of Trigg County Conservation scholarships to seniors.
— They sponsor and assist with Trigg County’s “Take Kids Fishing” Day, “Farm Safety” Day, as well as the up-and-coming “Ag Appreciation & Awards” Dinner, as well as the Annual “Farm Tour.”
— They annually host a free tree seedling giveaway.
— And they offer support and sponsor Christian County’s beloved Jeffers Bend Center, which is organized by Resource Conservation & Development.
Local farmers frequent the office, which is located on the Tollgate Shopping Center. Sherry Walker serves as the County Conservation District secretary.
