Kauai CS- Rachel Martin

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Rachel Martin Conservation Specialist

Transcript of Kauai CS- Rachel Martin

Page 1: Kauai CS- Rachel Martin

Rachel Martin

Conservation Specialist

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Help farmers and ranchers develop conservation plans for the agricultural exemptions to the Kauai County Sediment and Erosion Control Ordinance

Assist SWCD in various public outreach activities about agricultural and environmental issues

SWCD will not be viable organization to help the agricultural industry and our communities in natural resources conservation and protection

Lack of conservation specialist will weaken the SWCD operation

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Farm In Kahili Ridge Produce high quality lumber

and other forest products for local consumption on a sustainable basis

Mahogany, Albizia, Eucalyptus, Pheasant Wood, Ebony

3,000 ac. Practices Implemented:

~ Forest Site Preparation~ Pest Management~ Tree/Shrub Establishment~Forest Stand Improvement ~Forest Buffer

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Cooperator in Kokee Conserve and restore native

plant communities to provide habitats for endangered plants and animals.

Removal of Kahili Ginger, Strawberry Guava and Privet

Critical habitat for endangered plant species and home to the Hawaiian Hoary Bat and Nene Goose

221 ac. Practices Implemented:

~Restoration and Management of Declining Habitat~ Upland Wildlife Habitat Management

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Cooperator in Limahuli Establishment of native

species to provide habitat for native insects and endangered plants.

1000 ac. Practices Implemented:

~Tree/Shrub Establishment

~Upland Wildlife Habitat Management

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Small Farms

Farm in Kalaheo To produce quality crops

while maintaining resources. Help alleviate soil erosion in

immediate area planned and improve soil condition and plant health.

3.7 ac Orchard and cacao trees Practices Implemented:

~ Conservation Cover

~ Mulching

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Farm in Hanapepe Convert abandoned

cropland into a sustainable field-stock nursery.

13 ac. Practices Implemented:

~Access Road

~Fence

~Tree and Shrub Establishment

~Windbreak Establishment

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Large Farms

Farm in Moloaa & Kilauea Sustain an organic avocado farm

by enhancing organic matter and using nutrients more effectively.

To improve nutrient management system and provide increased ground cover to improve soil quality and to control invasive plants.

Two lots; 5 ac. and 17 ac. Practices Implemented:

~Conservation Cover~Cover Crop ~Nutrient Management

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Ranch in Kipu Maintain an economically

viable grazing operation that is also environmentally sustainable.

Grazing animals will be used to improve pasture conditions by increasing utilization of undesirable forages, rattail while increasing productivity and vigor of desirable species, kikuyugrass and pangola grass

1200 ac. Practices Implemented:

~Fencing~ Prescribed Grazing~ Water Facility

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Ranch in Hanamaulu Develop a sustainable grazing

system for their cow/calf operation

975 ac. (514 ac.) Practices Implemented:

~Pipeline

~Prescribed Grazing

~Water Facility

~Fence

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Ranch in Wailua Maintain an economically viable and

environmentally sustainable livestock enterprise that will improve livestock distribution and harvest efficiencies.

Management strategy is sensitive to water quality issues and plant community habitat types.

600 ac Practices Implemented:

~Pest Management

~Fence

~Pipeline

~Water Facility

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Ranch in Kahili Ridge Develop a sustainable grazing

system. Plant community consists of

Hilo and Carpet grass, would like increase plant community to a more productive forage such as Pangola grass.

185 ac. Practices Implemented:

~Pipeline

~Pumping Plant

~Watering Facility

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Garden Fair Mid April Hosted by Kauai County Farm

Bureau and the UH College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources at KCC

Provides a network of resources to Kauai residents and visitors who are interested in agriculture

East and West Kauai SWCDs shared a booth with NRCS and FSA

Provide educational material to the public about conservation as well as information about our agencies

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Farm Bureau County Fair Late August East and West Kauai SWCDs

participate with NRCS and FSA

Publicizes our activities and role with natural resources conservation

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County Department of Water Annual “Make A Splash Water Festival”

Held in September 5th graders on island Promote awareness, appreciation,

knowledge and stewardship of water resources with youth.

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Conservation Awareness ContestLand Judging Contest Held in November Receive assistance from UH

Cooperative Extension Service and the State Department of Education

High school students learn the importance of natural resource conservation in agricultural production.

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Duties of a conservation specialist require me to participate in a variety of different activities including:

Conservation planning Providing technical assistance Engineering and elevation

surveys Education and outreach Support and assistance for

partners, NRCS, USDA Training

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How and why your position is so important to the SWCD?

Contribute to the districts by being involved in a variety of related areas including:

•Erosion control plan reviews of agricultural lands• Federal cost-share assistance for small agricultural operations by reviewing an approving conservation plans• Control of non-point source pollution• Watershed planning• Flood prevention• Agroforestry• Wildlife habitat preservation• Community outreach• Conservation education

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Again without conservation specialist our environment will greatly affected. With our main goal reducing soil erosion and sediment due to runoff to prevent non-point source pollution of our streams, rivers and ocean, I believe we can make a difference!