CONSERVATION AGENCY BOLSTERS WATER PROGRAM; STATEWIDE COORDINATION

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MONTGOMERY, Alabama (July 6, 2016) – The Alabama Soil & Water Conservation Committee (SWCC) is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to the team: Allison Jenkins of Wetumpka and April Griffin of Mobile to bolster the agency’s water program and statewide coordination of initiatives. Jenkins will officially join SWCC in January as Director of Water Programs following a 17-year career as Executive Director of the Alabama Clean Water Partnership. “We are very fortunate that Allison agreed to join our team. Her vast knowledge of Alabama’s watersheds and expertise in navigating the 319 water management process are invaluable to our organization,” said Dr. William Puckett, SWCC Executive Director. “Water is increasingly our most critical resource and its future is in limbo. Allison will be instrumental in leading our agency’s efforts to ensure water quality and quantity for all in Alabama.” Griffin joins SWCC as the State District Administrative Coordinator (DAC). She primarily oversees and coordinates the activities and training of local DACs in each of Alabama’s 67 conservation districts. “April is uniquely equipped for this job having served as the Mobile County DAC for 20 years. I am 100 percent confident in her ability to lead our 67 DACS. They are the backbone of our organization and it’s important they have proper support on the state level. I…

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REP. POOLE NAMED ALABAMA CONSERVATION HOUSE LEGISLATIVE LEADER OF THE YEAR

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TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (June 22, 2016) – State Representative Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa) has been named the Alabama House Legislative Leader of the Year by the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts (AACD) at a recent award ceremony in Poole’s home district. Rep. Poole received the award for his dedicated service, leadership, and assistance to all citizens for the wise use of Alabama’s natural resources. (Photo L-R) Dr. William Puckett, Kenny Lee (District Secretary/Treasurer), Rep. Bill Poole, John E. Walker, III, and Frank Hamiter (District Vice-Chairman) Poole is serving in his second term in the Alabama House of Representatives representing District 63, which covers a portion of Tuscaloosa County. He is Chairman of the House Ways and Means Education Committee which funds the K-12 Foundation program, higher education, and other important services such as workforce development. He also serves his constituents as the Tuscaloosa County Legislative Delegation Chair. Poole highlighted the economic impact of agriculture and the positive benefit of conservation districts on Alabama’s economy. He recalled his time growing up in the small town of Dayton in Marengo County where row cropping and dairy farming were imperative to the economy. “I’ve seen first-hand in rural Alabama how much of an impact agriculture has on a community,” said Poole. “It hurts the economy and our citizens when those industries decrease. You have my…

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SEN. CHAMBLISS ADDRESSES CONSERVATION EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION; 52 DISTRICTS REPRESENTED

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MONTGOMERY, Alabama (June 10, 2016) – Senator Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) addressed about 60 members of the Alabama Conservation District Employees Association (ACDEA) in Prattville on Monday, June 6, 2016. The group, representing 52 Alabama counties, met at the Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel & Conference Center for their summer training. Sen. Chambliss spoke at the invitation of Paula Adams with the Autauga County Conservation District. He gave the group insight into the inner workings of the Legislature and discussed how (and how not) to communicate with legislators. ACDEA wrapped up its four-day training with a tour of the Museum of Alabama at the Department of Archives and History and a kayaking adventure on Autauga Creek. Group photo of DACs The Alabama Conservation District Employees Association (ACDEA) is a coalition of the District Administrative Coordinators (DACs) in each of Alabama’s 67 conservation districts. DACs serve as the local connection between the land user and the available services and resources to promote conservation on private land. They are also the leaders of conservation education initiatives in their local districts. Conservation districts work hand-in-hand with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to secure funding and technical assistance for landowners and farmers. Support local conservation efforts by visiting conservealabama.gov and learn more about Conserve Alabama, an initiative of the Alabama Soil & Water Conservation Committee.

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