Will/South Cook

1 1 Inside This Issue The Importance of Wetlands 2 Important 3 Robbins Family Farms 4 illinois Conservation and Climate Initiative 5 Tree & Fish Sale 6-14 Conservation Programs 15-17 Compliance 17 Education 18 Conservation Matters 19 Our -Products 20-21 Conservation Partners 22-23 Coloring Page ~ Insert BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dick Smerz, Chairman Traci Jungles, Vice Chair David Deutsche, Treasurer Tracy Richardson, Secretary Ray Feeney, Director SWCD STAFF Kim Feeney-Mitchell District Manager Alex Brumley Resource Conservationist Neil Pellman Technical Services NRCS STAFF Bob Jankowski District Conservationist As of October 1st 2007, illinois landowners with 5 or more contiguous acres of unimproved land may apply for a reduction in their property tax valua-tion.

2 Landowners who wish to receive the 5% valuation for unimproved land pro-vided by this law (SB17) are required to prepare a Conservation Manage-ment Plan according to rules developed by the Department of Natural Re-sources (DNR). That Plan will describe how the land will be managed to protect and maintain environmental resources. When a Conservation Man-agement Plan (CSP) is approved, the county assessor of the properties that have qualified for the special valuation will be notified and the necessary adjustment in the valuation will be made. Continued on page 2 Leadership in Resource Management Since 1946 Will/South cook Soil and Water Conservation District Fall 2008 The will / south cook SWCD and NRCS will host a Fall Farm Tour of the Tewes Farms on Wednesday, September 17th from 9:30 to 3:00 Tewes Farms, located in the Frankfort illinois area, is owned by Ed Tewes and operated by Ed and his sons Lyle and Kurt.

3 The Tewes Family was named the 2009 Conservation Farm Family this past July by the SWCD and will be presented with their award at the 2009 SWCD Recogni-tion Dinner, March 19th, 2009. Their application will be sent on to the Land Use Council 16 to be judged for further consideration at the State Level next summer. In addition to touring the farms conser-vation practices, speakers will provide information on maintaining drainage out-lets, pasture management, no-till, corn on corn and yield response on heavy clay soils, evaluating a soil profile, interpret-ing soil tests and nutrient management, identifying insect problems and identifi-cation of permits required for installing conservation practices. The public is invited, however a reserva-tion is required as lunch will be provided.

4 Lunch reservations will be accepted until Monday, September 15th. Contact Kim at the SWCD (815)462-3106, , to make your reservation. Will/South cook SWCD & NRCS to Host Tewes Farm Tour ~ 2009 Conservation Farm Family Winner Will/South cook SWCD Helps Landowners Reduce Property Tax Valuation 2 THE IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS Wetlands Wetlands have often been described in the past as dreary, disease-ridden, insect-infested worthless chunks of "land". They weren't considered fit for anything unless one could drain them in an attempt to create more "usable" land. It may surprise you to know that for some people this ideas still holds true to-day. Fortunately for all of us, these kinds of thoughts are rapidly being replaced by factual knowledge concerning the true functions and purposes of a wetland. Among the many functions attributed to wetland ecosystems are flood control, water purification, storm buffers, wildlife habitat, nursery grounds for larval fish and shellfish, and recreational areas.

5 These qualities alone provide sufficient reason for us to devote much time and energy to the restoration and preservation of wetland ecosystems. Perhaps as important is the need to inform others of the many roles wetlands play in our daily lives and to stress the need for understanding the delicate balance of these ecosystems as well as how seemingly unrelated events can dramatically alter the health of our wet-lands. Although we cannot yet understand the full impact of wetlands on our quality of life, scientists and engi-neers of the Army Corp are busily working to find out much more about the functions and values of wet-lands. They already know that wetlands control floodwater and can filter pollutants. They know that wetlands provide habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, lend support for fisheries, and are sanctuaries for rare and endangered species.

6 Most of you have already experienced the aesthetic value, knowing that wetlands are places where people can enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, bird watching and picnicking, just to name a few. To make sure that we can enjoy these activities, along with a supply of clean water for our day-to-day activities, we must all take very good care of our wetlands. 3 The will - south cook Soil and Water Conservation District has established a service to assist local residents with the development and submittal of their Conservation Stewardship Plan (CSP). In some cases, landowners can reduce their assessment from over 33 percent of the property s market value to 5 percent. Larger parcels, in some cases, will also be eligible for USDA cost share programs to assist with any expense associated with establishing their plan.

7 For more information, contact Kim Mitchell, SWCD District Manager, at (815)462-3106, ext. 3. News From Green Garden Green Garden Township wishes to remind it s residents to periodically access the Township website, In addition to identifying their elected officials and office hours, the site in-cludes a Newsletter with information on upcoming meetings and local news. This month you will find information on Trails and Bike paths. Will/South cook Soil & Water Conservation District Director, Traci Jungles Traci was elected to the will - south cook Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Directors this past March and currently serves as Vice Chairman. Traci was employed by the SWCD from 1997-1999 and most recently (1999-2008)has worked for the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) as a Soil Conservationist.

8 Traci s experience includes assisting landowners and units of government with their natural resource concerns. She has extensive knowledge of the Soil Survey, the illinois urban manual and the many other technical reference materials used by the NRCS and the SWCD. In addition, her practical field application experience has prepared her well to serve on the SWCD Board. Traci looks forward to returning to her roots and is anxious to share her knowledge and experience with the current staff. Landowners Reduce Property Tax Valuation, cont. from page 1 Important Notice to Our Valued As many of you know, illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts continue to be im-pacted by the on-going budget crisis in Springfield. In an effort to reduce the expense associated with publishing and distributing this Newsletter, the District has identified the need to establish a current, updated mailing list.

9 If you wish to receive future mailings of the Newsletter, along with the Tree & Fish Sale order forms, please return the back page of this Newsletter by December 31st, 2008. You may also request that we add you to our 2009 mailing list by calling the District office at (815)462-3106 ext. 3, faxing the back page to (815)462-3176 or sending us as email at ~ We appreciate your support 4 ROBBINS FAMILY FARMS ~ 2008 CONSERVATION FARM FAMILY The will / south cook Soil & Water Conservation District and the USDA-Natural Resources Con-servation Service are pleased to announce that Robbins Family Farms has been named Land Use Council 16 Conservation Farm Family 2008. This honor follows their recognition as the will - south cook Soil and Water Conservation District s Conservation Farm Family 2008. LUC 16 represents Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, cook and will Counties in Northeastern illinois .

10 Robbins Family Farms will also be judged, at the State level, by the Association of illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts ( aiswcd ) this summer. Only 4 other farms across the state will be invited to Springfield for the final competition. The farms are owned and operated by Lester, Jim and Alan Robbins and include over 3000 acres in Manhattan, illinois . The District presented the 2008 Conservation Farm Family award to Robbins Family Farms this past April, at their Annual Recognition Dinner in Peotone. In addition to complimentary tickets for the dinner, Lester, Jim and Allan, along with their families, were presented with a 4 yard sign, to display on their property. The Will/South cook Soil and Water Conservation District recognizes and greatly appreciates the dedication, time and effort of the Robbins family to apply conservation on the land they own and/or operate.