Conservation Chronicle 10

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April / May / June 2026 – Issue 2

2026 Supervisors

Jeremy Kohler - Don Burger - Duane Nickel l- Marty Ward - Bryan Hays

Staff

John Beilhart IV ( Forestry & Wildlife Specialist) McKinsie Klim (Little Beaver Creek Watershed Coordinator)

Pete Conkle (District Program Coordinator)

NRCS:

Drue Kovick (Civil Engineering)

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No‑Till Drill Rental Update 2026

Columbiana SWCD will again offer two no‑till drills for public rental on a per‑acre basis:

• John Deere 1590 (10‑foot)

• Great Plains 706NT (7‑foot)

Both drills include:

• Large seed box (oats, wheat, soybeans, etc.)

• Small grass seed/legume box

• Acre‑meter for tracking planted area

A signed rental agreement is required before use. To request an agreement, call the office and we can mail or email one to you.

After planting, call us to arrange pickup or transfer to the next scheduled user. An invoice will be sent based on acres planted.

Questions? Contact Pete at (330) 277‑2974.

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2026 Fish Sale Order Pickup Reminder

Pickup for spring fish sale orders will be:

April 8, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM   Location: Kent State Salem campus

Bring your own 5‑gallon buckets filled with water from your pond.

Recommended water amounts:

• 5–10 gallons per 100 fish

• 5 gallons per 2 Amur

• 5 gallons per 1,000 minnows

Pontius Fish Hatchery will provide oxygenated bags for safe transport.

Questions? Contact John Beilhart at (330) 277‑2977.

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Calling All Volunteers

We have several potential volunteer opportunities coming up.

Contact McKinsie at 📧 mckinsie.klim@oh.nacdnet.net   📞 (330) 277‑2976

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Spring Soil Testing

As planting season approaches, many landowners are preparing their crops and gardens. Columbiana SWCD offers soil testing to help you understand your soil’s needs.

We can:

• Visit your property to pull soil samples, or

• Accept samples dropped off at our office

Cost: $20–$25 per sample, depending on analysis.

To schedule soil sampling, contact John Beilhart at (330) 277‑2977.

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2026 Spring Tree Sale Update

Tree order pickup dates:

• April 15 – 8 AM–6 PM

• April 16 – 8 AM–6 PM

• April 17 – 8 AM–4 PM

Pickup Location:   Columbiana SWCD 1834‑B South Lincoln Ave Salem, OH 44460

Plant trees within the first week after pickup. If delayed, store them in a cool, damp place to prevent root drying. Plant within two weeks if possible.

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Pilot Program Applications

Columbiana SWCD is applying for funding to create a grazing and pasture pilot program to help livestock producers implement best management practices that improve water quality in Little Beaver Creek.

To be added to the contact list if funding is approved, email or call McKinsie: 📧 mckinsie.klim@oh.nacdnet.net   📞 (330) 277‑2976

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Muskingum Watershed Stream Exclusion Fencing Program

We can now enroll producers in the Muskingum Watershed Stream Exclusion Fencing Program.

Benefits include:

• Reduced streambank erosion

• Less sedimentation

• Lower nutrient runoff and fewer algae blooms

Eligibility:   Your pasture must contain a blue‑line stream (visible on a map).

To schedule a site visit, contact McKinsie at (330) 277‑2976.

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We Are Hiring!

Environmental Technician Interns

• Location: 1834‑B South Lincoln Ave., Salem, OH

• Duration: May–August 2026*

• Hours: Up to 30/week

• Pay: $15/hour

Responsibilities include:

• Soil testing assistance

• USDA Farm Bill Program support

• Education/outreach event support

• Field and administrative tasks

Agricultural Technician (Full‑Time)

Responsibilities include:

• Drill rental program support

• Soil testing

• Technical assistance for landowners

• Educational programming

To apply:   Email resume + cover letter to 📧 pete.conkle@oh.nacdnet.net   Or deliver to: Columbiana SWCD, 1834‑B South Lincoln Ave., Salem, OH 44460

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Important Dates:

• April 8 – Fish Sale Pickup (10:30 AM–12 PM)

• April 9 – Board Meeting (9:30 AM)

• April 15–17 – Tree Sale Pickup

• April 23 – EOGC Pasture Walk (Jefferson County)

• April 29 – Office Closed

• May 14 – Board Meeting (9:30 AM)

• May 21 – EOGC Pasture Walk (Harrison County)

• June 11 – Board Meeting (9:30 AM)

• June 19 – Office Closed (Juneteenth)

• June 25 – EOGC Pasture Walk (Carroll County)

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Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors

• Columbiana County Federation of Conservation Clubs

• Merrick Farms & Conser Run Farms LLC

• Siembida & Boggs Philanthropic Foundation

• Lisbon Ruritans

• Frischkorn Valley Farms

• Ameel’s Evergreen Tree Farm

• West Township Ruritan Club

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Mission Statement

The mission of Columbiana SWCD is to provide assistance, communication, and education through community leadership for the stewardship and improvement of our natural resources.

Vision Statement

To be the recognized leader and source of land use information and conservation expertise through efficient, proactive, and responsive assistance.

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Become a Sponsor

Columbiana SWCD provides free educational programs that support soil and water conservation. Sponsorships renew each spring.

Sponsorship Levels

Level	Benefits
Conservationist – $50	Recognition in all SWCD publications, displays, and on Facebook
Protector – $100	All above + 2 tickets to the Annual Dinner
Steward of the Land – $150	All above + choice of soil test or $20 credit toward tree/fish sale

Submit sponsorship forms to:   Columbiana SWCD 1834‑B South Lincoln Ave Salem, OH 44460