Richland Soil and Water Conservation District News
March 2020
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Over the last few weeks we have entered uncharted water due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Many of us hadn't heard of COVID-19 or Coronavirus and the term "social distancing" until we heard of the outbreak. Now they are common terms used and heard frequently throughout the day.
As news of the virus continued, we started paying more attention and began to develop an action plan in case we needed to change the way we do business. Discussions were begun on plans for staff to work remotely, but still provide services you need and we want to continue to provide.
By Friday, March 13 the Board of Supervisors determined the best course of action to protect the public, staff, supervisors and volunteers was to temporarily close the office to the public, cancel the March 19 board meeting and suspend office volunteers.
The method to handle stormwater permits is going smoothly and we remain connected to you through email, the website, and social media. We also continue to learn about practices to help you protect soil and water quality.
Unfortunately, we have postponed the Pastures for Profit Grazing School and Rain Garden and Barrel Workshop. The Tree Seedlings Sale was cancelled. In times like these, if a few things needs to be postponed or cancelled, it's a small price to pay. At the end of the day, your health and safety are our first and foremost concern. Please watch for an announcement with the new dates for Pastures for Profit Grazing School and the Rain Garden and Barrel Workshop.
We are 100% committed to you and to providing services aimed at promoting and protecting soil and water health. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate these uncharted waters with you. Thank you for being in our boat. We are confident by pulling together we will make it safely to shore. Stay well!
Don't hesitate to reach out to us:
Stormwater Permit Info:
https://richlandswcd.net/services/water/stormwater/stormwater-documents-list
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You will find a great list of resources here, including the stormwater permit applications and checklist. Please submit your stormwater permit application and additional documents via email to
[email protected]
or through US Mail by sending to Richland SWCD, 1459 W. Longview Suite 205B, Mansfield, OH 44906.
New:
Due to Governor Mike DeWine’s announcement of Ohio being under a Stay at Home order, effective Monday, March 23, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., stormwater permit approval is temporarily suspended until the order is rescinded or modified. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
Agriculture Pollution Abatement Concerns:
(614) 265- 6610
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Have you ever heard someone say, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade?" We're sure it's on a bumper sticker and if not, it should be. The idea is that even in difficult times (the lemons), we can turn them into something positive (the lemonade.) With this in mind, we want to share with you some of the positive outcomes from the Coronavirus.
Here are a few we've noticed:
- We are reaching out to each other more and making sure others are safe and well
- We are walking outside more and have a new-found appreciation for the beauty and miracle of nature
- We are taking less things for granted and differentiating between "wants" and "needs"
- We are thankful for those who are on the front lines doing their best to navigate these waters and contain the virus
When it comes to stories, here are a few we want to share. Click on the titles to read the full, good news story:
What's your good news? We want to hear from you. Please share your good news stories on our Facebook page by clicking
here
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Thank you!
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SWCD Staff
Erica Thomas, District Administrator
419-747-8684
Dan Herrold, MS4/Urban Technician
419-747-8077
Jordan Keller, Urban Technician
419-747-8688
Theresa Sutter, Community Relations Coordinator
419-747-8685
Matt Wallace, Agriculture Technician
419-747-8687
NRCS Staff
Jason Ruhl, District Conservationist
419-747-8691
Derek Benner, Wildlife Biologist
567-280-6058
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Board Supervisors
Brian Alt, Chairperson
Fred Cooke, Treasurer
Aaron Dearth, At Large
Lanny Hopkins, Secretary
Dave Krichbaum, Vice Chair
Board meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue, Mansfield, OH 44906. The meetings are open to the public. Call to confirm meeting date, time and attendance. If you plan to attend a board meeting, please contact Erica Thomas, District Administrator, in advance so that enough meeting packets will be prepared.
NEW!!!
To be more efficient in answering and managing phone calls, we are using an automated answering system. If you call our main number at 419-747-8686 you will be given the opportunity to connect with a staff member or partnering office. Individual phone numbers and email addresses are provided on the left. If you have any questions, please
let us know.
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RICHLAND SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
1495 W. Longview Avenue, Suite 205B, Mansfield, OH 44906
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See what's happening on our social sites:
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For information on varied volunteer opportunities within our office, including scanning and archiving historical photos and documents, engaging young people in the District, becoming a Precipitation Monitor, Lake Monitor, Stream Quality Monitor, Office Assistant, Photographer, help with Special Events or be an Earth Team volunteer with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, please
click here.
Congratulations to volunteers for being awarded the 2018 NRCS National and Northeast Regional Earth Team Chief's Field Office awards!
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Programs and assistance of the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District are available without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability or veteran status.
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