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RC&D Councils and their projects

Arkansas River Valley RC&D

Conway, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Montgomery, Polk, Pope, Scott, Sebastian and Yell counties

  • The Arkansas River Valley RC&D Council is a sponsor of the Point Remove Wetlands Reclamation and Irrigation Project in Pope and Conway counties. Point Remove is a 32,000-acre, water conservation and wildlife management project that will help restore wetlands wildlife habitat in the area and provide irrigation water for approximately 11,000 acres. This is a cooperative effort with the improvement district, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Ducks Unlimited, local people, Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission, and NRCS. As part of the project, Ducks Unlimited constructed a water management weir, at an estimated cost of $260,000. Phase 1A of the water delivery system has been completed by NRCS. Work on Phase 1B will be completed in the summer of 2003. Estimated cost of the project is $8 million.
  • 134 fire departments in the Arkansas River Valley RC&D Area are participating in the Rural Fire Protection Program. The state has made approximately $6 million available to improve fire protection in rural areas. The project emphasizes water supply and delivery for fire protection. The first step in the program is to develop master fire protection plans for all counties wishing to participate. Funds are then made available to address the needs identified in the plans. Those counties participating are improving their ability to protect life and property. 150 of 740 rural fire departments have reduced their ISO rating. These improvements have resulted in insurance premium savings of over $22 million annually, with potential savings near $250 million annually.
  • Each year the Arkansas River Valley RC&D sponsors a Future Farmers of America field day at the Booneville Fairgrounds. Over 800 students from 40 schools compete in horticulture, forestry, Soils, crops, livestock, dairy cattle, poultry, and other areas. Awards are given in each area. This is a cooperative effort that involves volunteers several local, state, and federal agencies, along with about 50 local volunteers. The field day is growing each year, with schools from as far away as Gurdon to the south and Bruno-Pyatt to the north attending.
  • The Arkansas River Valley RC&D Area received 2 grants totaling $4,000 for the Milltown/Washburn Community Building. These funds were pooled with local contributions to match a $15,000 State Office of Rural Services Grant for the construction of a community building. Milltown and Washburn are unincorporated communities in Sebastian County.
  • The Arkansas River Valley RC&D received a donation of commercial property for the Petit Jean Regional Foundation. This property was held until the foundation obtained its 501(c)3 status, then transferred to the foundation. A manufacturer that is expected to employ 50 to 100 people in Franklin and Logan counties is now occupying the property. With the proceeds used to benefit local non-profit activities.
  • The Arkansas River Valley RC&D council assisted community leaders and public officials, concerned about the area's economic future form the SEBASCOTT Economic Development Council. This is a community organization that serves Sebastian and Scott Counties. The Arkansas River Valley RC&D helped SEBASCOTT develop a strategic plan for the area. The process encouraged all citizens of the area to participate in setting goals and actions to improve the quality of life in their communities. The Strategic Plan has been completed and is being implemented. Some of the projects that have resulted from this process are Water system improvements for Hartford. This project was completed this year. A $225,000 inter-modal transportation (ICT) grant for main street improvements in Mansfield. Another grant is expected next year. Extending water and Natural Gas service to about 100 rural homes in North Scott county. The water lines and gas lines were laid in the same trench, reducing construction costs. Incidentally, this was the first city water in rural areas of Scott County. Water lines were extended to a youth facility south of Mansfield, this also serves 60 families along the way. Extending water service to about 600 previously unserved homes in the south Sebastian area. To cover most all of the previously unserved families in the water district.
  • The Arkansas River Valley RC&D Council is assisting with planning and coordination of the Logan-Scott County rural water supply project. This is an estimated $18 million cooperative project between Booneville, Waldron, Mansfield, and rural water districts in Logan and Scott counties to develop a regional water supply. A feasibility study funded by the cities and the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission found development of Upper Petit Watershed Site #3 is the most cost effective alternative. The city of Waldron has a critical water shortage and Booneville is working to address their situation before it becomes an emergency. Approximately 90 percent of Scott County’s rural areas are without good quality water. This project will provide treated water to these rural areas.

Central Arkansas RC&D

Faulkner, Garland, Hot Spring, Lonoke, Monroe, Perry, Prairie, Phillips, Pulaski and Saline counties

  • The Central Arkansas RC&D Council completed the initial four contracts of the Phillips County Community Improvement Project, a $2.8 million appropriation aimed at enhancing storm water drainage within four low-income communities in Phillips County. Through contractual savings the Central Arkansas RC&D Council had $500,000 in discretionary funds remaining which will be used for further drainage work in Lakeview, West Helena, Lexa, and Elaine. Construction should begin April 2003, and be complete by October 2003.
  • The Central Arkansas RC&D Council opened the Delta Resource Information Center in April 2002. The mission of the DRIC is to aid the delta in providing technical assistance in the development of economic, social, and natural resources of the delta region of the Mississippi River. Thus far the DRIC has provided computer training to over 85 individuals within Phillips County. The DRIC is also in the process of inventorying existing business and industry within four counties of the delta in search of additional value added industries for the area. The DRIC is also in the process of restoring over 2,000 acres of wetlands in the delta through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
  • The Central Arkansas RC&D Council is working on the Camp Ouachita National Historic District. This project allows for the restoration of Camp Ouachita in Perry County. Senator Blanche Lincoln secured $365,000 through Save America’s Treasures for restoration of the Great Hall. Other funders include Arkansas Highway Department, $400,000; Arkansas Dept. of Rural Services, $100,000; Private donations $6,000. The Central Arkansas RC&D Council is in the process of securing bids for the restoration of the Great Hall. Restoration of the Great Hall should be complete by October 2003.

East Arkansas RC&D

Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Greene, Lee, Mississippi, Poinsett, St. Francis and Woodruff counties

  • The East Arkansas RC&D Council received seven grants totaling $551,816 plus donations of $3,300. The council adopted three new projects and made several fund searches.
  • Council wide and local projects include the Rural Fire Protection Program, L'Anguille River Water Quality Project, Hog Tusk Drainage Project, Shady Grove Water Extension Project and others.
  • The L'Anguille River Water Quality Project covers all or parts of five counties in the East Arkansas RC&D Council area. Conservation Buffer Technology will be used in an effort to control the sedimentation going into the river with the overall goal of reducing the Total Maximum Daily Load buildup in the stream. This is the first step of many that will need to be taken in order to protect the integrity of the river. This project is being implemented by a local steering committee with assistance from the Arkansas Soil and Water Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Service, local conservation districts, Arkansas State University Agriculture Department, and the East Arkansas RC&D Council.
  • Work has begun on the Hog Tusk Drainage Project, which is located in Lee County. This is a much needed drainage project that will protect both agriculture land and family homes from floodwaters. Work on this project will resume in the spring of 2002.
  • The East Arkansas RC&D Council continues to act as a facilitator in local community projects, believing that local people, carrying out local projects, is the ideal way to accomplish local goals.

Northwest Arkansas RC&D

Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Madison, Marion, Newton, Searcy and Washington counties

  • The Northwest Arkansas RC&D Council continues to promote Ecotourism as one strategy for rural economic development through distribution of its 144-page Ecotourism Development Manual. This past year they co-sponsored and participated in a regional "Tourism Conference and Trade Show" held in McAlester, Oklahoma.
  • With an estimated 460 tons of hazardous wastes going into Northwest Arkansas landfills each year, the Northwest Arkansas RC&D Council and its many partners, are pursuing innovative ways to collect, properly use and/or dispose of many of these wastes. One such effort is the "Household Hazardous Wastes Collection Program." This program is based on the sound, common-sense premise that the best way to dispose of many common household chemicals is to use them in accordance with their label directions. After collection events, untainted, usable products are available for free pickup by home gardeners and others who need and will properly use them. The paint rack has been very popular with artists, churches and scouts and other youth groups. A licensed hazardous waste management company securely stores banned, contaminated and any otherwise unusable chemicals until an economical quantity is collected. The chemicals are then safely shipped to the appropriate disposal facility.
  • The Northwest Arkansas RC&D Council participated in the "Make a Difference Day" Child - Health Safety Fair held in Harrison, Arkansas Oct. 27, 2001. The council's exhibit included an Enviroscape model and demonstration and depicted how healthy land and water resources tie in to, and help create and maintain, healthy communities.
  • The Northwest Arkansas RC&D Council is encouraging all counties in its area to form "County Hometown Health Improvement Coalitions". Counties that have done so are already working in cohesive and active groups to promote healthy behaviors and addressing the root causes of death and illnesses. Some of the accomplishments of these coalitions include Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, presentation of Youth ASSETS Materials and Seminars, Domestic Violence Workshops, Eating Disorder Materials distribution and Seminars, and Community Youth Forums for Young Adults. Also conducted were information and education seminars on Surface and Ground Water Quality Issues and Concerns, and Dr. Victor DeNoble-Anti Tobacco Seminars.
  • The Northwest Arkansas and Ozark Foothills RC&D councils have been working together through many partnerships to find uses for sawdust and other woody residues. As a follow-up to the Wood Pellet Stove Project and the Commercial Pellet Furnace Project, a Department of Energy grant for $1.2 million will be administered by the Foundation for Organic Resource Management to research and develop a woody biomass furnace specifically designed for poultry houses.
  • With coordination and assistance from the Northwest Arkansas RC&D Council, research and demonstration plantings of genetically superior Eastern Black Walnut Trees were established on the University of Arkansas’ Research Farm at Fayetteville and at the Agricultural Research Service’s South Central Family Farm Research Center at Booneville, Arkansas. This study will focus on nut production and demonstrate how Eastern Black Walnuts can fit into an agroforestry system to diversify and enhance farm income. A field day was held at the University of Arkansas site in Fayetteville in October this year.
  • All nine counties within the Northwest Arkansas RC&D Council area are now participating in the statewide Rural Fire Protection Program. Through this program, which is designed to assist rural volunteer fire departments that are ISO Class seven and above, countywide Master Fire Plans are developed. Then follow-up funding is provided to help the participating departments develop and improve their water supply and delivery systems. As these departments implement their Master Fire Plans, they increase their ability to protect life and property. In many cases, the improvements resulted in lowered ISO ratings which, in turn, resulted in lower fire insurance premiums. Through the RFPP, $561,988 has been awarded to fire departments in the Northwest Arkansas RC&D Council area to date. Council representatives met with all of the county rural fire associations, providing each an activity report and update on RFPP and explaining new laws and provisions affecting rural fire departments. Each was also provided a copy of Governor Mike Huckabee’s Report on Rural Fire Protection. More than 175 copies of the Governor’s report were provided to fire chiefs, county judges, conservation district boards and other local leaders.
  • The Northwest Arkansas RC&D Council received an 80 percent matching grant from the USDA Forest Service's and Arkansas Forestry Commission's "Economic Action Program" for a $36,000 water feasibility study for Newton, Searcy, Northern Johnson and Northern Pope counties. This feasibility study, to be completed in 2002, goes beyond the traditional water needs study to address and analyze the economic benefits of meeting the water needs for adequate fire protection as well as the potable water needs for human consumption. This ties in well with our existing efforts to improve our rural fire departments’ emergency fire fighting capabilities through the RFPP.
  • The Northwest Arkansas RC&D Council continues its support of the Searcy County Regional Water District in its efforts to construct a water supply lake on upper Bear Creek.
  • The Northwest Arkansas RC&D Council sponsored the formation of the Beaver Lake Watershed Partnership. This new organization’s purpose is to bring together all regional interests and promote cooperative and science-based efforts to maintain and improve the water quality of the Beaver Lake Watershed while sustaining a viable economic environment. The BLWP has become an active participant as one of five sites in Arkansas working with the Environmental Alliance for Senior Involvement on an EPA Region 6 grant for Source Water Protection. The BLWP is working to establish a Volunteer Monitoring Program on Beaver Lake. Representatives from the BLWP also participated on the Steering Committee that planned the 3rd Annual White River Basin Forum, held in Springfield, Mo., Nov. 2001.

Ozark Foothills RC&D

Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren and White counties

  • The Ozark Foothills RC&D Council continued to assist the 117 fire departments in the council area to implement master fire plans. The council assisted the counties in securing $96,000 in grants to go to area fire departments to improve water supply and delivery. The improvements have enabled several fire departments to achieve lower classification and lower insurance rates for the district.
  • Ozark Foothills RC&D Council continues to be involved with projects aimed at improving the management of privately owned forestland. In the eleven counties that make up the council there are more than 2.5 million acres of private forestland owned by more than 30,000 landowners - averaging approximately 70 acres per landowner. The council developed a partnership with Arkansas Forestry Commission, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas Forestry Association, Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission, NRCS and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission with the eleven conservation districts to develop landowner education and technical assistance projects.
  • The council is in the second year of implementing three forest landowner education projects. The Ozark Foothills Forest Landowner Education Project covers Jackson and Randolph counties and parts of the other nine counties in the council area. The council received $199,500 in grant funds from USDA Rural Development. The council also assisted the Cleburne County Conservation District in securing a $157,000 grant from the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission to implement the Little Red River Forest Landowner Education Project, which cover parts of Cleburne, Stone, Van Buren and White counties. These two projects are joined by the Strawberry River Forest Landowner Education Project, which cover parts of Fulton, Izard, Lawrence and Sharp counties and was funded last year for $103,000. All of these are three-year projects that will include many landowner education activities. To date over 2,500 landowners have attended landowner workshops and over 300 have requested the development of Forest Stewardship Plans.
  • Ozark Foothills RC&D Council has partnered with Ozark Woodland Owners Association in planning and implementing the first North Arkansas Forestry Conference. The conference will be held in March 2003 at the University Of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. Forest products industry, state and federal agencies, forest landowners, educators and others are invited to a four day event to further the wise management of the forest resources of north Arkansas. OWOA received a grant from the US Forest Service to hold the event.
  • Ozark Foothills RC&D Council also assisted the Ozark Woodland Owners Association (OWOA) in securing a $20,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service to conduct a landowner survey. OWOA has completed the survey and are in the process of writing the report. The report will be available at the North Arkansas Forestry conference to be held in March 2003 in Batesville.
  • Ozark Foothills RC&D Council assisted the Ozark Woodland Owners Association (OWOA) in developing a project to look at the economic impact of the forest products industry in the Ozark Foothills RC&D Council Area. The University of Arkansas School of Forest Resources in Monticello are in the process of doing the study. The results will be presented at the North Arkansas Forestry Conference in March 2003 in Batesville.
  • Ozark Foothills RC&D Council received a $80,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to assist a group of Jackson County farmers conduct a feasibility study on the use of rice straw for the production of "ethanol". The sponsors have successfully determined that rice straw can be harvested in adequate amounts to feed an ethanol plant. The final report will be completed in March 2003.The project sponsors will continue to look at the possibility of developing a market for rice straw for energy.
  • The Ozark Foothills RC&D Council continued to assist Northeast Arkansas RC&D Council and The Nature Conservancy in the development of a project aimed at reducing sediment in the Cache River. The project is aimed at reducing sediment coming from cropland adjacent to the Cache River and its tributaries, including man-made drainage ditches. Standard, inexpensive water control structures will be the primary conservation practice promoted to the area farmers. Many agencies and organizations agreed to work together to improve this stream.
  • In 2001, Ozark Foothills RC&D Council continued plans to build its own office building. The council completed acquisition of some commercial property in Batesville on which it plans to build offices for the council and others. The property is valued at $40,000 and was donated by a local businessman.

Southeast Arkansas RC&D

Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew, Grant, Jefferson and Lincoln counties

  • The Southeast Arkansas RC&D Council adopted five new projects in 2002, including Tarry Community Park, West-Saline Rural Water Extension project, Jordan Park Swimming Pool Renovation project, Monticello Swim Team Pool project, and the Lacy-Ladelle Volunteer Fire Department Station/Community Center project.
  • The Southeast Arkansas RC&D Council also assisted with various grant searches and applications, and provided technical assistance for grant applications for the Tarry Community Park, Lacy-Ladelle VFD, and the Drew County Conservation District. Grant searches were made for all projects as well as for local individuals needing help.
  • In Cleveland County the Southeast Arkansas RC&D Council has been working closely with a group of individuals trying to obtain rural water. Most of the individuals in the West-Saline Water Extension project are elderly and, because of health reasons, cannot work on their wells, especially during the winter months. The council is working with this group to secure rural water from either the West-Saline Water Association or the Kingsland Water Association.
  • The Southeast Arkansas RC&D Council worked closely with the Lacy-Ladelle VFD to assist them in their organization and establishment. In 2002, the VFD was officially organized. They have already received two fire trucks through the Arkansas Forestry Commission and are trying to secure a third. There are approximately 15 individuals who have received training and have become certified fire fighters. The council is currently assisting the VFD with securing funding for the main fire station/community center.
  • The Southeast Arkansas RC&D Council continues to participate in the Rural Fire Protection Program. In 2002, 11 volunteer fire departments received funding through this program for a total of $45,274.00 in Southeast Arkansas. In addition, new master fire plans were developed for the Southeast Lincoln County Fire Department and the Wells Bayou Fire Department.

Southwest Arkansas RC&D

Calhoun, Clark, Columbia, Dallas, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, Sevier and Union counties

  • The Southwest Arkansas RC&D Council continues participation in the Rural Fire Protection Program. The Council assisted in administration of $118,855 in grant funds to 37 fire departments in FY 2002. To date, 13 Southwest Arkansas RCD Counties are now participating in the program.
  • The Southwest Arkansas RC&D Council is currently assisting Lower Little River Watershed Coalition. The coalition, comprised of Howard, Hempstead, Little River, Miller, Polk and Sevier Counties, formed to provide leadership to protect water quality in the Lower Littler River Watershed in Southwest Arkansas. The council was productive in assisting the Coalition in holding Four public input meeting, Development of Coalition Bylaws, Development of coalition Articles of Incorporation and documents for attaining an IRS 501© 3 tax status.
  • The Southwest Arkansas RC&D Council is continuing assistance to the Walnut Bayou Irrigation Project. The purpose is to provide an alternative to ground water for crop irrigation for 25,000 acres. To date the Council assisted the Project in facilitating public information meeting on watershed feasibility study findings, project construction alternatives and district formation requirements. Upon review of facts provided at the information meetings, the landowners agreed to forge ahead with procedures toward forming an Irrigation Water Improvement District. Toward these efforts, the Council has assisted project sponsors in obtaining $525,000.
  • The Southwest Arkansas RC&D Council is continuing to assist the Maniece Bayou Irrigation Project. The purpose is to provide an alternative to ground water for crop irrigation for 50,000 acres. To date the Council assisted with forming a project steering committee that will take actions towards obtaining adequate resources to conduct a project feasibility study. The group has developed bylaws, held project information meetings and reviewed Arkansas Watershed Improvement District Formation code.
  • The Southwest Arkansas RC&D Council assisted in providing Agriculture Value Added Initiative program criterion to an agriculture producer. The Council provided further assistance by conducting a fact-finding study on USDA Value Added Initiative, made fact-finding study conclusion presentation to agriculture producer, and assisted in development of Agriculture Producer Value Added funding application.

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