The fourth session of Conservation Boot Camp began on June 2, 2009 with 27
eager participants in attendance. The 27 participants represent a diverse group
of employees, coming from 18 states and representing 10 disciplines. Once
again, Ron Hilliard, Oklahoma State Conservationist, traveled to Oklahoma City
to welcome the group. He discussed the importance of conservation planning in
NRCS. Many unplanned things can happen in a three-week long training session
like Boot Camp but the instructors and course coordinator handled everything
extremely well. With each session the delivery of the training goes smoother. NEDC feels this is a result of getting the appropriate employees to attend and
in refining the materials used in the training. However, a common occurrence at
every session has been rain. The bad part is that instructors have had to flex
the agenda between time in the field and time in the classroom. The good part is
that participants have been able to observe erosion as it happens.
A common comment from the participants and instructors at all sessions is how
refreshing the break is from the programs in their states. They love being able
to focus their attention and energy on the Agency’s core product, conservation
planning.
Two more Boot Camp sessions will be delivered this year.
Boot Camp participants conducting field inventories next to a stream.
Boot Camp participants testing soils as part of the conservation planning
process.
Boot Camp instructors from left to right, 1st row: Carol Drungil (NH), Margy Lindquist (CA),
Kathleen Latz (IN), Julie Malvitz (WI), Barbara Cencich (CO), 2nd row: Aquanda
Jones (MS), Greg Scott(OK), Henry Burkwhat (MT), Kathy Buttle (NE), Jerry Shows (LA),
Rodney Bozarth (KY), Johnney Chism (AR), 3rd row: Kevin Cochran (AR), Emilio
Carrillo (AZ), Frank Toupal (AZ), Phil Hogan (CA), Tim McKay (VT) and Tim Kellogg (WY).
(Santiago Misquez (NM) not shown)
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