Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District

29 Triangle Park Drive, Suite 2901, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-3411

Phone: 513-772-7645 Editor: Holly Utrata-Halcomb

Winter
Fax: 513-772-7656 Layout: Barbara Connole
2006
Website: www.hcswcd.org

District’s Annual Meeting

The District held it’s Annual Meeting September 28, 2006, at G.E. Park in Springdale, Ohio. After the introduction of
District’s supervisors, staff and dignitaries, David Hanselmann, Chief – ODNR, Division of Soil & Water Conservation, said
a few words. Then a PowerPoint Presentation was presented, narrated by District Administrator, Holly Utrata-Halcomb.
We presented three Outstanding Urban Conservation Cooperator awards; Fischer Development Company, Great
Traditions Land & Development Company and Landcorp.

Pictured (L) are Dan Taphorn, Urban

Conservationist with Paul Metzger of
Fischer Development Company. Also
pictured (R) are Mark Workman of
Landcorp, James Obert of Great
Traditions Land & Development
Company and Dan Taphorn.

Barbara and Gates Moss from Symmes Township were awarded the Water Quality Protectors of the Year award, for
their efforts in Storm Drain Labeling. The District presented Chris Hodgson, Division of Forestry a plaque for her years of
service. Chris retired in September. Willie Potter, Design Technician for the District
received his 20 year pin for service with Hamilton County.

We also presented the Photo Contest winners their monetary awards. In the Junior
Category, 2nd place went to Aly Mazzei, picture to the right and in the Senior Category,
1st place went to Maureen Dwyer, left side of picture and 2nd place went to Janet
Lichtensteiger-Kelly, not pictured.

Entertainment for the evening was Doug

Gehner, better known as “Mr. Cowpie”.
As seen in the picture (left) George
Cummings, D.C., got into the act!!

Commissioner Todd Portune and Holly Utrata-

Halcomb presented George with a Proclamation for
his excellent work in Hamilton County. George is
retiring after 33 years of service with NRCS.

The Silent Auction was a big success again this year! A big Thank you goes out to all our staff and supervisors, Janell
Concrete & Masonry Equipment, Inc., Ernst Concrete, Market Place Printing & Design, Lamar Advertising, CBS Radio and
Broshear Contractors, Inc. for donating items for our Silent Auction. For information on the election please see the back
page of this newsletter.
 Ag News……………………...
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
The Butler/Hamilton County Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office is now accepting
applications for the 2007 EQIP program. This is a program that primarily deals with livestock producers and gives
them incentive payments to install conservation practice on their farm. With EQIP, NRCS can assist with the process
of designing and installing practices such as: Grazing Management Plans, Fencing, Watering Facility, Pasture Seeding,
Guttering, Heavy Use Areas, Access Roads, CNMPs and many more.
In order to apply for the EQIP program you and your operation must meet a few eligibility requirements. First,
you and your farm need to be registered with the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Secondly, you have to show a profit or
loss from farm operations totaling at least $1,000.00, or have filed a schedule F in last year’s taxes.
In the 2007 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), rules and regulations require all landowners who
apply for an Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) to also apply for a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). A
CNMP is a plan that shows the landowner how to address the management and treatment necessary for the AFO to
meet their production goals and protect soil and water resources on the farm and leaving the farm.
A CNMP generally answers the following questions:
1. How much manure is produced?
2. Are the appropriate measures taken before spreading?
3. Where will the manure be spread and when?
4. Does the producer keep accurate records?
5. How can we change the animal intake to reduce nutrients in the manure?
6. If there is not enough space to spread all manure, what else can be done?
Once the CNMP is written by a certified conservation planner and approved by NRCS, the landowner can be paid for
any other practices dealing with the AFO, i.e. waste storage, feedlot roofs, etc.
More information about CNMPs on the web at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/afo/pdf/CNMPFactSheet.pdf or
call John Williams or Jeff Barnes at the NRCS office — 513-887-3720.
If this program sounds like it can help, but you are afraid that you do not meet the above requirements, please
feel free to go ahead and call and we can get you signed up with FSA if need be or talk about the profit/loss scenario.
If you are a new farmer there are incentives for that too. The next signup period will end on December 29th so don’t
hesitate to call.

Conservation Reserve Program (CP-33)

The Butler/Hamilton County Farm Service Agency (FSA) office is now accepting applications for the 2007
Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP). This is a program that agricultural landowners may use to improve
the quality of farm and potentially increase the lands value by signing portions into 10 year conservation contracts.
The one major eligibility requirement with this program is that the land must have been cropped, and must have
been reported to the FSA office as cropped between 1996 and 2001. This program has a component know as the
CP-33 Program, or the Quail Border Incentive Program.
CP-33 border strips are strips of warm season grasses ranging anywhere from 30 to 120 feet in width.
Many farmers use these strips to increase quail populations on their farms. These strips can also be used for the
purpose of taking unproductive land along roads and/or woods out of production, and supplementing the loss of crop
with a rental rate based on the soil types present in that location. These rental rates can range from 50 to 100 dollars an
acre and can actually bring in more income than the crop itself did. If you are interested in the CP-33 program
please contact John Williams, Bruce Terrill, or Jeff Barnes at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Hamilton Service Center 513-887-3720. Acreage may be limited so call today.
Taking a Bite Out of Excess Storm Water Runoff; What
Homeowners Can Do! Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels
Installed at Mt. Airy Arboretum
With the dry summer behind us, we are once again reminded of the flooding that ensues after a large rain storm.
In addition to flooding yards, streets and basements, the runoff from rooftops, driveways, roads and parking lots pollutes
our streams and rivers. But what can we do to stop the storm water problem?
In cooperation with Cincinnati Parks, Tetra Tech, Inc. (under contract to the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency) will install two rain gardens and two rain barrels at the Mt. Airy Arboretum this November. Their installation at
the park will serve as a demonstration of relatively inexpensive measures that homeowners can use to help minimize the
flooding and pollution that result from excess storm water runoff.
Rain barrels (or cisterns) are tanks that connect to roof gutter downspouts used to harvest rainwater runoff from
rooftops. Theses barrels have covers to prevent mosquitoes from entering and have ordinary garden hoses connected to
the bottom to empty the barrel. Rain barrels hold storm water during a rain event, to help reduce downstream flooding.
Water from rain barrels can be used to water gardens and lawns, wash vehicles and other items and therefore minimize
other household demands on potable water.
A rain garden is an attractive landscaped feature made of
porous soils and plants designed to allow water to seep naturally into
the ground instead of running off into the storm water sewer system.
They are planted with hearty native plant species that are selected
for their tolerance of both wet and dry conditions. When located in
the path of storm water runoff, rain gardens work to reduce flooding
and pollution in local streams and rivers, and can help to recharge
local water tables.
The demonstrations serves as a precursor to a program that
will start early next spring where rain barrels and rain gardens will be
offered to some homeowners in the Mt. Airy area. The District has
served on a committee with USEPA to coordinate this new and
innovative program. To see the demonstration rain gardens and rain
barrels, visit the Mt. Airy Arboretum on Arboretum Road in Mt. Airy Forest, 5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223.

4) Duathlon—Erlanger, KY
Run - Brian - Run!! August 06—1st out of about 30
500 M Swim and 5K run
In August 2006, Brian Bohl, District Stream 5) Caesar’s Creek Triathlon—Waynesville, OH
Specialist, took 1st place in the Men’s 30 – 34 years of August 06—6th out of 144—Time 1:18:53
age Division of the 2006 Great Buckeye 6) Mill Creek Watershed Carp Diem 5K Run
Challenge at Caesar’s Creek State Park. This Sprint Spring Grove Cemetery—November 06
Triathlon included a .6 mile swim, 12.4 mile bike and 3.1 3rd out of 115
mile run. Brian came in 6th out of 144 in the overall race. 7) Cincinnati Thanksgiving Day Race—128th out of
Brian’s 1st race was when he was 9 years old at 12,500 participants.
the Old Countryside YMCA in Lebanon, Ohio. He ran
track at Lebanon High School and continued on to run
track and cross country at Taylor University. After his
graduation from Taylor University he has run road races
ever since.
During 2006, Brian has run seven races:
1) 5K Freestore Foodbank Hunger Run
Downtown Cincinnati – May 06 – 6th out of 275
2) Little Miami Triathlon – Lebanon, June 06
5th out of 92 teams
Canoe 6 miles/Run 6 miles/Bike 18 miles
3) Madeira Mile—July 06—4th out of about 50
Education Corner
National Bestselling Author Coming to Cincinnati……….
Join Leave No Child Inside of Greater Cincinnati and local organizations for an
evening of learning how to overcome the epidemic of Nature-Deficit
Disorder that is sweeping the country. There will be a lecture and book
signing with Richard Louv author of Last Child in the Woods and an expert
panel discussion on connecting children with nature. An Information Fair with
over 30 organizations will provide local nature resources. Light refreshments will
be served. Tuesday, February 6, 2007, 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Crossroads
Community Church (Madison Ave and Ridge Road). For more information,
www.LNCIgc.org

Envirothon 2007
Calling all High School Teachers!!!
The Envirothon is a competitive, outdoor, academic event for high school students. The Envirothon tests
students’ knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology and a current environmental issue
(Alternative/Renewable Energy).
Interested schools may enter up to two teams (3-5 members per team with alternates). The deadline for
entering the number of teams is Friday, February 2, 2007. Please call Gwen at 772 – 7645 x14 by
February 2, 2007, to register the number of teams from your school.
This year’s competition will be held on Tuesday May 1, 2007, at the Camp Hugh Taylor Birch in Yellow
Springs (Greene County). Last year over 85 teams competed from 16 counties and Sycamore High School
team # 2 came in fifth place!! The top four five-member teams continue on to the State Envirothon held in
June. The top State team will compete in the national competition (Geneva, New York).
Study materials are being posted on the Internet. Please visit the website at www.areaivenvirothon.org.
I hope you join us for the 2007 Envirothon!!
______________________

An Exciting New Curriculum…

The Soil and Water Conservation District, in conjunction with the Hamilton County Storm Water District has
developed a curriculum designed specifically for Hamilton County focusing on storm water and water quality
issues – it includes activities illustrating point and non point sources of pollution and local water quality is-
sues. The curriculum is divided into 6 sections and each section is divided among four grade levels (K-2, 3-
5, 6-8, 9-12). All activities have been correlated to the new state science standards.

Come be the first to get a copy of this new curriculum!! Tuesday, February 27 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. (location
TBA). For more information or to register, contact Gwen at 772-7645 x14 or gwen.roth@hamilton-co.org.

A Woodland Management Seminar for Landowners is scheduled for

Saturday, March 3, 2007, at Sharon Woods Centre from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This seminar will cover the
threat of Emerald Ash Borer, Owner Liability, Protecting the Environment and Natural Resources During
Timber Harvest, Chain Saw Safety, Using a Service Forester vs. a Consultant, Habitat Diversity, How to
become a Certified Tree Farmer and CAUV vs. Ohio Forestry Tax Law. These sessions will speak to both
absentee land owners as well as small woodlot owners.
This seminar is sponsored by the Hamilton & Butler County Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Ohio
Division of Forestry and Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information and registration,
call 513-772-7645.
 Try This Fun Family Activity!!

Backyard Weather Stations

From: www.familyeducation.com

Age: Elementary and up

Time: 2 hours or more
Type of Activity: Backyard science

Materials needed:
Thermometer: To record temperature
Rain Gauge: To measure rainfall
Wind/Weather Vane: To record wind direction
Barometer: To measure atmospheric pressure
Anemometer: To measure wind speed
Psychrometer/Hygrometer: To measure relative humidity
Journal: To record your readings and data

Ever think of building a backyard weather station with your kids? It's fun, easy, and makes a great family project! Your
kids will learn the basics of scientific observation and record-keeping while satisfying their natural curiosity about
weather.

A weather station is a set of devices for measuring elements like temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and pressure. You
can buy these devices in your local hardware store, or you can make them from scratch using common materials found
around the house.

A Few Notes on Record-Keeping:

Decide which weather events and data you want to record and how often you want to take measurements (once a day,
twice a day, etc.). The more detailed and accurate your measurements, the more specific your picture of the patterns will
become. A ruled notebook or ledger is an ideal place to record the measurements. List measurement types down the
side (one event per line) and print the dates across the top to create a simple grid sheet.

Hint: Numerical data can also be entered into a simple spreadsheet-type program and manipulated to create impressive
visual charts and graphs to display data. Your kids can also take a crack at creating a wall chart to create a stunning
data display. It would make a great science project or extra-credit work in any earth science course.

http://fun.familyeducation.com/outdoor-games/weather/29443.html?detoured=1

E-mail List
If you are interested in finding out more about upcoming workshops and environmental events in the area, then join the
SWCD’s e-mail list. Every month or two, I will send out an e-mail letting you know about upcoming workshops and
special events in the environmental education field. If you are interested, please e-mail your name, school name, school
district and e-mail address to gwen.roth@hamilton-co.org.
Board of Supervisors
Joe Allen, Chairman
Steve Sandfort, Vice-Chairman
Tim Boehmer, Secretary
Thomas W. Reininger, Treasurer
Dave Dyke, Program Chairman
District Staff
Holly Utrata-Halcomb, Administrator
Barbara Connole, Adm. Assistant
Dan Taphorn, Urban Conservationist
Chey Alberto, Urban Technician
Nate Sturm, Urban Technician
Gwen Roth, Education Specialist
Brian Bohl, Stream Specialist
Kari Klug, Water Quality Coordinator
Mohammad Islam, Geotechinical Eng.
Willie Potter, Design Technician
NRCS
John Williams, D.C.
George Cummings, D.C.
Jeff Barnes, Soil Conservationist
Congratulations to Denny Benson!
We congratulate Denny Benson for winning the District’s 2007 election for a
supervisors position on the board. It is a three year term, which starts January 1,
2007.
Denny has been employed for 28 years as Director of Operations for Broshear
Contractors, Inc., located in Ross, Ohio.
Denny and his family reside in White Oak in Colerain Township and he is a
Member of St. James Parish and also an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 24.
We know he will be as asset to our board, welcome!!
______________________________________
We have two people to say good-bye to! Tim Boehmer is going off the board at
the end of this year. We thank him for serving on the board for 3 years and wish
him well.
Also, good-bye to George Cummings, District Conservationist, NRCS. George
has been a supportive and knowledgeable employee with NRCS and he will be
missed. We wish you well!

Mission Statement:
A public organization committed to assisting the citizens of Hamilton Co. through education, technical assistance and leadership to be stewards of our soil and water
resources.

All District programs are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cincinnati, OH
Permit No. 3556 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-3411
PAID 29 Triangle Park Drive, Suite 2901
U.S. Postage Conservation District
Non-Profit Organization Hamilton County Soil and Water