MNSWCS members,
This is a reminder that December 15, 2011 is the deadline for the Call for Presentations and Symposium Sessions for the 67th Annual International Conference of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.
The Conference will be July 22-25, 2012 in Fort Worth, TX
For more information, to submit a presentation, or to review the Call, go to http://www.swcs.org/12ac
December 11, 2011
October 13, 2011
Dec 15 deadline for SWCS annual conference abstracts
The 67th Annual International Conference for the Soil and Water Conservation Society will be held in Ft. Worth, TX, on July 22-25, 2012.
Abstracts for presentations and proposals for symposia sessions will be accepted through December 15, 2011. Go to go to http://www.swcs.org/12ac for more information
The theme for the meeting is Choosing Conservation: Considering Ecology, Economics, and Ethics. As Dewayne Johnson pointed out, both Hugh Hammond Bennett and Aldo Leopold recognized that effective conservation decision-making takes many tools. A shovel, a pen, and a solid handshake were used skillfully by both men to help land managers and lawmakers make sustainable choices for working lands. Leopold was particularly vocal on the need to reunite economics with ecology and ethics. He recognized that each field of inquiry strengthens the study of natural resource conservation and its application on the back forty. Recent movements toward transdisciplinary research and systems approaches mirror Leopold’s thinking. The 125th anniversary year of Leopold’s birth provides us with an opportunity to take cues from Leopold and Bennett as we consider conservation choices today.
Abstracts for presentations and proposals for symposia sessions will be accepted through December 15, 2011. Go to go to http://www.swcs.org/12ac for more information
The theme for the meeting is Choosing Conservation: Considering Ecology, Economics, and Ethics. As Dewayne Johnson pointed out, both Hugh Hammond Bennett and Aldo Leopold recognized that effective conservation decision-making takes many tools. A shovel, a pen, and a solid handshake were used skillfully by both men to help land managers and lawmakers make sustainable choices for working lands. Leopold was particularly vocal on the need to reunite economics with ecology and ethics. He recognized that each field of inquiry strengthens the study of natural resource conservation and its application on the back forty. Recent movements toward transdisciplinary research and systems approaches mirror Leopold’s thinking. The 125th anniversary year of Leopold’s birth provides us with an opportunity to take cues from Leopold and Bennett as we consider conservation choices today.
August 28, 2011
Water quality is the topic of the MN SWCS field tour
The Minnesota SWCS Chapter has a great water quality tour planned for September 14th, 2011 in Lamberton, MN. Hear about the latest in conservation drainage technology at the UM Southwest Research and Outreach Center. Then visit the Highwater Ethanol Plant to learn how they've achieved impressive water usage efficiencies.
The agenda and registration form is available at the Minnesota SWCS web site.
The agenda and registration form is available at the Minnesota SWCS web site.
August 7, 2011
Invasive Species Training Opportunity
Learn to identify and manage common and emerging invasive pests at a daylong workshop August 18th, 2011 in Detroit Lakes, MN. The workshop is presented by the Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Council (MISAC) and the
Minnesota Chapter of the Soil Water Conservation Society (SWCS). Check out the full agenda and registration information at the MN SWCS web site. Early registration discounts end August 12th.
Minnesota Chapter of the Soil Water Conservation Society (SWCS). Check out the full agenda and registration information at the MN SWCS web site. Early registration discounts end August 12th.
July 13, 2011
Do biofuel initiatives account for soil and water conservation?
Biofuels are the topic of the Town Hall meeting at the annual SWCS conference next week. If you will not be in D.C., please share your thoughts on the question below by commenting here or talking to Dennis Fuchs.
Dennis will represent the Minnesota SWCS at the House of Delegates meeting, July 17th, at the annual SWCS meeting in Washington D.C. Following the House of Delegates meeting, all conference attendees are invited to the State of the Society Town Hall meeting to share their views with the SWCS Board of Directors on the following topic:
The United States has committed to an energy policy that includes an aggressive expansion of biofuel production. There are many biofuel feedstock options under consideration; crop residue, perennial grasses, wood byproducts, algae and others. In September, 2010, the SWCS hosted a workshop to develop regional roadmaps for sustainable advanced biofuel feedstock production. In your region, are the initiatives to develop and utilize biofuel feedstock demonstrating appropriate concern for soil conservation, water quality, and soil quality implications?
What do you think? Comment below.
Dennis will represent the Minnesota SWCS at the House of Delegates meeting, July 17th, at the annual SWCS meeting in Washington D.C. Following the House of Delegates meeting, all conference attendees are invited to the State of the Society Town Hall meeting to share their views with the SWCS Board of Directors on the following topic:
The United States has committed to an energy policy that includes an aggressive expansion of biofuel production. There are many biofuel feedstock options under consideration; crop residue, perennial grasses, wood byproducts, algae and others. In September, 2010, the SWCS hosted a workshop to develop regional roadmaps for sustainable advanced biofuel feedstock production. In your region, are the initiatives to develop and utilize biofuel feedstock demonstrating appropriate concern for soil conservation, water quality, and soil quality implications?
What do you think? Comment below.
April 17, 2011
Represent the chapter as a delegate to SWCS annual meeting in D.C.
If you think you might attend the SWCS annual meeting (July17-20, Washington D.C.), consider serving as the Chapter Delegate to the House of Delegates meeting. If you would like more information, contact Chapter President, Russell Kleinschmidt (rkleinschmidt700 AT excite.com).
March 28, 2011
Looking for Summer Tour Ideas
What would you like to see and learn at this year's Summer Tour? Every year the MN SWCS organizes a training session in the summer that includes a field visit. Make your suggestions by clicking "comments" below. For the record, here are the topics and locations from the past few years. Invasive species at Mille Lacs; Prairies and wetlands at Fergus Falls (with The Wildlife Society); Blue Earth Watershed Area; BioEnergy at UM Morris; and a tour in the Marshall Area with MAPSS.
March 4, 2011
Scholarship and award nominations due March 15
Nominations are being accepted for student scholarships and chapter awards from the MN Chapter SWCS. Outstanding Service and Commendation Awards are given to members only. Honor, Merit, New/Media, and Education awards can be given to members, non-members, or organizations.
Nominations are due soon -- March 15th, 2011-- but the form is short, so don't hesitate to take this opportunity to honor a deserving Minnesota conservationist. Nomination forms are at the Minnesota SWCS Chapter website: Awards Nomination Form, Scholarship Nomination Form
Nominations are due soon -- March 15th, 2011-- but the form is short, so don't hesitate to take this opportunity to honor a deserving Minnesota conservationist. Nomination forms are at the Minnesota SWCS Chapter website: Awards Nomination Form, Scholarship Nomination Form
February 25, 2011
What do you know about precision ag? Attend the Annual Training Conference, March 22nd.
The Minnesota Chapter SWCS has a great line-up planned for the Annual Training Conference on March 22nd in St. Cloud. The theme is "Precision Agriculture Technology: Utilizing it with Conservation." Ed Gruenes (CENTROL Independent Crop Consultant), Bernie Paulson (McPherson Crop Management), and Dave Mulla (University of Minnesota) will talk about the technology and techniques. Don Baloun (NRCS State Conservationist) and Jeff St. Ores (NRCS Water Quality Specialist) will talk about conservation programs. Check out the agenda and registration form for full details about their topics. Register by March 15th to get the early-bird discount.
The training will be preceded by the Chapter's Annual Business Meeting. If you have agenda items to suggest for the business meeting, add them as a comment to this post.
The training will be preceded by the Chapter's Annual Business Meeting. If you have agenda items to suggest for the business meeting, add them as a comment to this post.
February 20, 2011
MN SWCS officer elections
It is time to elect Chapter officers. Expect to see your ballot in the mail the week of February 21st. Read about the nominees and learn about the quality leaders who have volunteered to serve.
February 7, 2011
Priorities for Minnesota's Environment: Perspectives from the Dayton Administration
Here's an opportunity to learn what the new administration is thinking about environmental and conservation policy. A policy forum presented by the Minnesota Environmental Initiative will feature commissioners from MPCA, MDH, MDA, Commerce, BWSR, and DNR who will speak to their priorities and the anticipated short-term challenges facing Minnesota. Governor Mark Dayton has also been invited. The forum will be Friday March 18th, 2011, 11:30-1:30, in St. Paul. See the Minnesota Environmental Initiative site for more information.
January 25, 2011
Scholarships for SWCS members -- apply soon
SWCS offers three scholarships for students and professionals doing research or coursework in conservation related topics. Check out the summary flyer (400kb PDF), or go to the SWCS page for full details and application information. Applications are due February 12th. You must be an SWCS member.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)