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Show The OGDEN VALLEY NE December 15, 2004 S fe 5 Conservation Program Assistance Available to Qualified Local Farmers ONRG Natural Resources Gey akx=) AV} d (eM MS TTA (a2 Local farmers and ranchers who apply and go through a qualification ranking process, may be eligible to receive cost- share assistance by participating in one or more o the following USDA-sponsored conservation programs. These programs, authorized under the 2002 Farm Bill, are aimed at improving and enhancing Utah’s soil, water, wildlife, and producer’s ability to produce food and fiber. This year’s USDA announcement was made well before the next planting season begins, allowing producers to connect their business decisions to protecting vital natural resources on private working lands. Funds are limited and are awarded to those producers who a conservation practices that will yield the greatest benefit to the conservation goals of the specific program. To be considered for the ranking period ending January 31, 2005, producers are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. The programs are administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS). Applications for the following programs in this area are being accepted at the Ogden NRCS Field Office, 2871 South Commerce Way 801-629-0575 ext. 26. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) The EQIP program is a voluntary conservation program that addresses threats to soil, water and related natural resources in the following areas: Water Quality resources addressing animal feeding operations (AFO) and confined animal feeding operations (CAFO). This financial assistance supports development of comprehensive management plans as well as the structural practices to implement them. The cost share rate for eligible practices for AFO/CAFO projects is 75 percent. Statewide there are $3 million available. Watershed Protection provisions include forestland/rangeland improvement, riparian area enhancement, pasture improvement, cropland/hay land improvement. All four resource concerns will compete separately for watershed protection. Available funds are $2.9 million at a 50 percent cost share rate. Wildlife at risk species. A new ranking system has been developed that best achieves the EQIP national priority of enhancing and protecting at risk habitats for wildlife species exper’ iencing significant population declines. Therew uest for proposals (RFP) and/or individual signup opportunities. The available $1.4 million will be split between statewide RFPs ($1 million) and individual project rankings ($400,000) at a 50 percent cost share rate Photo courtesy of Shanna Francis/OGDEN VALLEY NEWS The Sowers family of Eden share the Christmas season with a display of the Nativity. Weber High Production of Les Miserables Dazzles Audiences By Shanna Francis Ogden Valley News This year’s drama production at Weber High School has been unanimously heralded as the grandest yet. The “Warrior News” stated, “Every aspect of it shone brighter and better than it ever has before.” Carol Clapp of North Ogden described the experience, “We were totally blown away by the beauti- ful interpretation and high degree of professionalism. The music performed by the orchestra, choir, and main characters was extraordinary. The acting was superb. What an accomplishment for these young people.” Ticket holders who attended the five, sold out performances of Weber High’s Les Miserables described the event as “amazing,” “an experience that leaves you completely moved to tears,” “incredible,” and “spectacu- House Burns in Ogden Canyon— Flames seen for miles By Shanna Francis Ogden Valley News Reports ofa house fire in Ogden Canyon were called in to dispatch just before midnight on December 2. The conflagration caused an estimated $750, 000 worth of dam age to the al home that was still under constructio’ The fire is still under investigation by the Weber Fire District. District firefighters stat- ed that a heater being used to help dry out newly applied drywall may have been a factor in the blaze. The home was about three months away from being completed Apparently the house, which is situated in a remote site with steep access on the south hillside of Ogden Canyon near the Alaskan Inn, burned for several hours before flames were noticed and reported. Firefighters had a difficult time battling the blaze since there were no accessible fire hydrants and 30,000 gallon capacity tender trucks had to transport water to the at which, with its limited access, could only accommodate one engine at a time Additional fire fighting nee remained below on the canyon road blocking traffic. lar.” Matt Jeffs, writing for the Warrior News, offered, “What really made the play shine, though, was the astounding vocal abilities of the cast. With the entire show being LES MISERABLES cont. on page 12 Ground and Surface Water provisions under EQIP address conservation of irrigation water. Practices eligible for cost-share funding include irrigation system improvements. Eligible irrigation system improvements are those which increase the efficiency of water applications on the land (ditches and other conveyance systems are not eligible). The cost share rate for eligible prac- tices is 50 percent. Applications for the 2005 statewide GSWC-EQIP funds ($967,052 statewide) will be accepted through January 31, 2005 Local Girl Scouts Go For the Silver! By 7th grade Girl Scouts Molly Porter and Susannah Scheuermann we’re the Cadette Girl Scout Troop, the only troop in our valley at this time. The Girl Scout program began back in 1912 by founder Juliette Gordon Low. She thought girls should be able to get together to learn new things, have fun, and to do community service. As Girl Scouts, we are trying to earn our Silver Award, which is the highest award that a Cadette can earn. This award requires many hours of community service and earning several badges related to leadership and service. For this service, we need your help! We are collecting supplies for the women and children at the YCC shelter in Ogden. A collection box is located inside the Valley Market in Eden Here is a list of the items we hope to collect: ops Books (in English and Spanish) Brooms GIRL SCOUTS cont. on page 11 The Valley Elementary Book Fair By Kiyan Irani, Student Reporter Photo court of Jeannie Wendell/OGDEN VALLEY ME WS Santa Claus visited Red Moose Lodge in Eden to hear children’s wishes. very important to all kinds of people, from children to adults. Books have inspired both to do amazing and extraordinary things. All books can open new and wondrous doors to all people. They can influence you into working harder or to even see the good in people. And one of the best qualities of a book is {hat it can change your mood from page to Without books, some e people would be very lonely. Out in the world, you'll find books are (in a way) kind to people; therefore, they can be as dear as a friend. ople make the Valley Elementary School book fair possible year after year. In organizing school book fairs across the nation, BOOK FAIR cont. on page 12 Photo courtesy of Shanna Francis Snowcrest Girl Scout Cadettes are _— Lewis, Jennifer Leon, Alia Story, Micah Traw, Susannah Scheuermann, Carlie Jo Huenke, and Molly Porter. Also shown are leaders Linda Porter and Reeda Traw. Letters to the Editor... Announcements.... Historical Article.... Calendar of Events .. Classifieds ......... Page Page Page Page Page 2 6 9 14 15 |