Jim Linne of White Clover Farm took home top honors at this years’ Annual Meeting by being named the 2016 Cooperator of the year by the Highland SWCD supervisors and staff. Linne was selected due to his devotion to agricultural and the determination to improve soil health and water quality throughout his operation. Linne has installed and utilized various conservation practices over the years. He are a well-respected leader in the agricultural industry and provides an outstanding example of how to incorporate conservation practices that will protect the natural resources of Highland County.
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Women’s Conservation Series Concluded
The Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Brown, Adams and Highland counties are excited to report that the third series entitled “Tri-County R.O.W.” - Real Outdoor Women, was a great success this year! The format encouraged women to try a new skill, spend an evening with ladies who have similar interests and learn from experts in the field in a non-pressure atmosphere. The series introduced participants to a new outdoor pursuit including; handguns, pollinators and outdoor cooking and canning. Several ladies in the Tri-County area took advantage of this great opportunity to pursue their outdoor interests, therefore plans are already in the making for another event in 2018! Clear Creek RCPP USDA Funding Awarded
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) promotes coordination between NRCS and its partners to deliver conservation assistance to producers and landowners. Lead Partner, Highland Soil and Water Conservation District was recently awarded funding for The Clear Creek RCPP Water Quality and Wildlife Habitat Initiative with the help of various partners including Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Division of Wildlife, City of Hillsboro, US Fish and Wildlife, and National Wild Turkey Federation. This innovative project will implement a series of agricultural best management practices to protect water quality, improve soil health and provide habitat for at risk species in the Clear Creek Watershed. It will also help protect the City of Hillsboro’s drinking water supply and provide prescribed habitat for Ohio’s diminished Bobwhite Quail population and native pollinators. Project goals for conservation practices include the installation of cover crops, nutrient management, grassed waterways, and certain prescribed wildlife management practices that improve habitat for targeted species. The project will utilize the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and partner funds to meet the project goals. Implementation of BMPs will be prioritized upstream of the City of Hillsboro’s drinking water intake and within the wildlife focus area for Bobwhite Quail. If you are in the Clear Creek Watershed and would like more information on the program you may contact the NRCS/SWCD office at 937-393-1922. |
4th ANNUAL FARM TOUR ANOTHER SUCCESS!
The fourth annual Highland County Farm Tour took place on September 16, 2017. The farm tour was the product of the joint effort between Highland County Farm Bureau and Highland Soil and Water Conservation District. The tour featured beautiful, diverse farms and provided beneficial information on local agriculture. The tour consisted of stops at the following locations: Madison Township Building for a session on Drone Use in Ohio's Agriculture; Sims "Down on the Farm Family Golf Center and Unger Farms to visit their cover crop plot and rain simulator. In addition to learning about these farms, participants also learned about updates from the Ohio Director of Agriculture David Daniels. The Highland County Farm Bureau and Highland Soil and Water Conservation District would like to thank everyone that attended the event to help make it another a great success. 
SWCD Celebrates Anniversary!
A celebration was hosted on April 18 by the Highland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Highland County Historical Society to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Highland SWCD and the 60th Anniversary of the World Plowing Match. Former Division of Soil and Water Conservation Chief, Larry Vance was the featured speaker to highlight the 75th Anniversary of the District. He spoke about the District being the first formed in the state on April 18, 1942 and read the testimonials from locals as to why there was a need for the District. All past Highland Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors were honored for their service during the event. The SWCD was privileged to receive proclamations in recognition of their 75th Anniversary from the Highland County Commissioners, Speaker Clifford A. Rosenberger of the Ohio House of Representatives, Congressman Brad Wenstrup and Ohio Governor John Kasich. John Wickerham was the featured speaker to highlight the 60th Anniversary of the World Plowing Competition. He shared memories of the match held in Adams County in 1957, where Highland County resident Duane Mootz was named the Contour Plowman Champion. Historical memorabilia was displayed by the Highland SWCD, the Highland and Adams Historical Society, Southwestern Ohio Farm Toy Collector Club, the Highland County Antique Machinery Club, the Highland County Recycling and Litter Prevention and the Highland County Farm Bureau to focus on conservation awareness and the heritage of agriculture. |
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 937-393-1922 Ext: 3 Located at: 514 Harry Sauner Road Ste. 2 Hillsboro, OH 45133 Due to limited Staff please call ahead to make an appointment |
MISSION STATEMENT
The Highland Soil and Water Conservation District will protect our natural resources while meeting the needs of the citizens of Highland County and will promote the wise use of natural resources through the use of technical and educational assistance with available funds. |
All Highland Soil and Water Conservation District programs and services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.
