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NEBRASKA RESOURCES WINTER, 1997/p.2 OO1l94:-l --*-""O.r;:\.l'F:-" Nebraska's Natural Resources Districts under the aegis of their elected Boards have been conservation leaders and have taken justifiable pride in that leadership. Each year during Ihe past quarter of a century, Directors have been called on to accept new and additional responsibilities. This broadening 01 authority and responsibility speaks well of the trust bestowed on ourcanservalion leaders in the Slate of Nebraska by the Unicameral, the Governor. and most importantly, the general public. As we move toward the next quarter century of dislrict operation. it appears that even greater things will be expected from the leadership. A phrase evolving from the 1996 Farm Bill is "locally led conservation." Many people have expressed a concern that legislation such as the 1985 and 1990 Farm Bills, and the 1987 Clean Water Act amendments were almost totally driven by national priorities. These same laws focused federal programson a limited range of natural resource concerns with very linle input from conservation districts. Hopefully, with the current farm bill, there is a new beginning lor the federal effort. Congress has emphasized the need for a close working relationship among conservation districts, the Farm Services Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service as well as other government agencies. The expanded relationship should provide the opportunity to include local and state priorities in the entire process to assure a conservation program that will meet the needs of the area. I am encouraging Natural Resources District directors not to be shy when they convene the local work groups that will guide the implementation of Farm Bill programs. I have already heard concerns that the Agricultural Conservation Program (ACP) is no longer in existence and without that assistance. soil and water conservation programs will fail. Leaders need to look at the changes in a positive fashion and make sure conservation needs are being addressed throughout the state. We also have the opportunity for innovative approaches to solve these changed circumstances. The application of inlormation technologies such as geographic information systems, global positioning systems, and digitized aerial photography coupled with Intemet information exchange will provide some of the tools lor decision making in the future. One would anticipate that district leaders will have even closer ties to landowners as the data base development for precision farming moves forward. In Nebraska. the confidence level in local leadership from conservation district directors is high, and the key to success with the new Farm Bill and application of information technology will be continued slrong leadership. National Association of Conservation Districts President Gerald Vap has reminded conservation district leaders throughout the United States that "the key to success will be your leadership: I fully agree. R~4&4.''''~-' A veteran board member of the Lower Repu lcan atura esources lstnct (LRNRD) and past member of the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission (NNRC) has retired after 50-years of service. Paul Schroeder, 83, of Arapahoe officially resigned January 10, 1997 from the LRNRD board after first being sworn in on January 1, 1947 as a member 01 one of the state's newly formed Soil Conservation Districts. On December 12th 01 last year Schroeder was honored by the LRNRD for his years 01 dedication. The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts honored him last fall where he was recognized for serving the longest in that capacity in the state. Schroeder believes luture generations need to keep a careful watch on soil erosion and water quality. He worries that some don't ~realize what a precious commodity our water is: He said he believes that water quality and quantity should become priorities for us all in coming years. Paul has received many honors and awards during his 50 years for his work and belief in conservation. ~It isn't a job when you believe in what you're doing and you love doing it," according to Schroeder. We thank Paul lor his hard work and dedication. ,"\ I ~' '. . -' lJ