Erosion continues to be a Resource Concern of Interest. Black Cloud and Dust Storm in the 1930s. The Kleberg-Kenedy Soil and Water Conservation District and the USDANatural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) invite the public, and any organization or agencies with an interest in agriculture or conservation to attend a Local Work Group Meeting/Listening Session to be held at 9 a.m. Aug. 9 at 401 East King Avenue, Ste. 100 in Kingsville.

The purpose of this meeting is to receive input from a broad range of local agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals that have an interest in natural resource conditions and needs in Kleberg and Kenedy Counties.

This free event is open to everyone.

Attendees can also learn about federal and state programs that provide technical and financial assistance for conservation planning, learn the difference between conservation plans and Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) contracts, and about the programs that were implemented in 2010 in Kleberg and Kenedy Counties.

The Kleberg-Kenedy SWCD encourages everyone to attend, especially those who farm, ranch, own or operate nonindustrial private forest land, professionals representing agricultural and natural resource interests, and individuals representing a variety of disciplines in the soil, water, wetland, plant, forestry, and wildlife sciences who are familiar with agricultural and natural resource issues in the local community.

“The 2008 Farm Bill stipulates that conservation programs must continue to be locally led,” says Vern Crocker, Secretary on the Kleberg-Kenedy SWCD Board.

“Our local SWCD Board convenes the meeting to get the necessary input from the local folks so that the EQIP Program can be carried out as efficiently and effectively as possible,” John Prukop, Chairman of the SWCD Board said.

For more information, call the USDA-NRCS office in Kingsville at 592-0309 Ext. 3.

NRCS office locations and program information can be found on the Texas NRCS Web site at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov.

Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations and/ or alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, Large print, audiotape, etc.) associated with this meeting should contact Robert W. Schmidt at 361-592-0309 Ext. 3 at least two weeks prior to the meeting with his/her specific request.