|
Notes From the President
January 2005
Exciting News
I am pleased to announce that Randy Young, Executive Director, ASWCC has been
selected as the recipient of the 2005 NACD Professional Service Award. This
award will be presented at the 2005 NACD Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA.
Recommendation letters were sent by Governor Mike Huckabee, Senator Blanche
Lincoln, Congressman Marion Berry, AACD Executive Committee, Arkansas
Conservation Partners, plus numerous individuals who are professional associates
including associates from other states.
Quotes:
"Arkansas was one of ten states selected to participate in the Partnership
Pilot Project because of Mr. Young’s reputation at the national level." –
Governor Mike Huckabee
"Mr. Young has proven his commitment to conservation not only in Arkansas but
across the country." – Senator Blanche L. Lincoln
"During the occasions that I have been privileged to work with him, I have
witnessed Randy make many significant contributions to the conservation and
proper management of our nation’s natural resources, and I can think of no one
more deserving of this honor." – Congressman Marion Berry
"I cannot imagine another individual who has done more to promote and develop
successful conservation programs, nor is more deserving of this award than Randy
Young." – Alex Farmer, Chairman, ASWCC
"Randy Young has had an extensive impact on conservation in Arkansas. His
trademark has been implementing sound, effective programs through partnerships
and his willingness to always do the right thing. He has done these things in an
honorable and admirable way." – Dr. Ivory Lyles, Assoc. Vice President,
UACES
"Randy represents the ideals and goals for which all in our profession should
strive to achieve." - Brad Spicer, Asst. Commissioner, Louisiana Dept. of
Agriculture & Forestry
"He (Randy Young" is a truly dedicated leader possessed with the ability to
work through very complex issues, resolving problems in a diplomatic manner for
the best interests of all involved." – William (Bill) Rainwater, Past
President, AACD
We are extremely proud of Randy’s accomplishment and the recognition it has
brought to our state.
2004 Resolutions
Several new resolutions were passed at the 2004 AACD Business Session. Those
will be forwarded to the districts as soon as we have them ready for print.
AACD Mission Statement (revised 12/9/04)
The mission of The Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts is to
support the conservation districts of the state of Arkansas in their mandate to
address the natural resource conservation objectives of the people of Arkansas.
Conservation Districts Progress Reports
The Legislative Committee will be calling on districts for assistance in the
development of conservation issue packets, which can be provided to your
constituents, quorum courts and/or legislators for education and information on
conservation programs. Each county will be asked to fill out a simple form
describing your primary conservation activities. This information will be used
to develop the district’s packet. Our partners have been asked to provide
additional information to incorporate in the packets. We recognize that
districts require financial assistance to support conservation on the ground and
in order to secure those funds we need to be able to "tell our story" to our
elected officials and constituents. These packets will be useful tools for AACD
to use when working with our congressional delegation to secure federal dollars
for our conservation programs.
Thank you!!
I would like to extend my thanks to those individuals who took the time to
respond to our ACTION ALERT regarding Senate Bill 2856, the technical assistance
bill. Your calls to the White House certainly played a role in the final success
of this legislation. The President signed S. 2856 on December 23, 2004. The
power of conservation districts lies in our ability to work together.
Upcoming Activities
I will be attending a SC NACD Regional Board Meeting in Shreveport, LA on
January 13-14, 2005. The regional board will be interviewing individuals for a
position as our regional representative. This part time representative will be
paid from our regional quota funds which come from the dues paid to NACD.
Don’t hesitate to call if you have questions or need information.
Warmly,
Debbie Moreland, AACD President (501) 425-2891
|
