Ringgold County SWCD a leader in cost share fund use
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The Ringgold County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) was recognized with an award at the annual Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI) Conference in Ames on Monday, August 19.
Of the 100 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the state (Pottawattamie county has two districts), Ringgold was awarded an Exemplary Use of State Cost Share Funds award.
In the last three years, Ringgold County has gone from being outside the top 20% to finishing in the top 2% of districts in total dollars spent and cost share claims processed. No other district in the state has increased those numbers so dramatically.
In 2024, 18 terrace jobs have been installed, 13 pasture and hay land plantings have been completed, nine grade stabilization structures and other numerous water and sediment control basins, forest stand improvements and cover crops initiatives were implemented across the county.
The Ringgold County SWCD is currently working on completing 20 additional terrace jobs and 11 grade stabilization structures.
“Ringgold County is blessed with field office staff and commissioners that are passionate about getting as much cost share assistance for farmers and conservation on the ground as they can,” stated Susan Kozak, IDALS Director of Soil Conservation and Water Quality Division.
Becky Taylor, Ringgold SWCD Chairperson and Adam Gottemoeller, District Conservationist, attended the conference and Becky Taylor accepted the award on behalf of the Ringgold County SWCD district.
In 2023, Ringgold County land owner Carl Jerome was awarded the Woodland Owner of the Year award.
The local Soil and Water Conservation District office provides assessment, planning, design, and cost share assistance to reduce soil loss, improve soil health, reduce runoff and protect water quality on private land. For more information about cost sharing, contact the Mount Ayr Service Center at 641-464-2251 or stop in to the office at 800 South Cleveland Street in Mount Ayr.
