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<br />XIV. SUGGESTIONS <br /> <br />Staffing <br /> <br />It is important to have adequate staffing, both in numbers and in disciplines <br />required. On the Well ton-Mohawk Project, two methods of directing staff were <br />evaluated. One method invoIved setting up teams and having certain <br />individuals performing the same duties all of the time. The other method <br />involved utilizing personnel in performing aany kinds of duties during their <br />stay at the project. That means, planners would also get involved in soils <br />work, engineering, design, construction, etc. This appears to be a better wav <br />of utilizing staff. It does cause them to become better trained, more broadly <br />trained, and more knowledgeable of SCS activities. This, in all fairness, <br />both to the Service and to the individual employee, increases their worth in <br />future assignments. It also gives the employees a greater sense of <br />accomplishment. <br /> <br />Communications <br /> <br />To pro~ote an effective and responsive program with a group of irrigation <br />farners, it is essential to have a continuous line of communication, <br />coordination, involvement, and support from at least two entities. These two <br />entities are the local Conservation District and the local Irrigation <br />District. There are either employees, friends, or relatives in constant <br />contact with one another at all times. Their communications can greatly <br />support our efforts, or conversely, hurt efforts. It is important to utilize <br />their newsIetters, the local newspapers, and radio and TV stations. It is <br />also inportant to develop a close working relationship with the local <br />contractor(s). SCS should continually maintain an "open door policy" and be <br />available for discussing the project, cost-sharing, accomplishments, plans, <br />goals, and problems. Good rapport with everyone who is, or may be, associated <br />with the project is so important. Living in the community and being "a part <br />of daily activities" is also very beneficial. <br /> <br />Conservation Planning <br /> <br />The conservation planning process is essential to successfully reach project <br />goals. People, cooperators, and SCS personnel are changing physical ~ystems <br />and social actions. It is difficult to aIter tradition. <br /> <br />Communication throughout the planning process is the road that leads to <br />.success. It requires a strong goal, understood and administratively supported <br />on a continuous basis. Administrators who successfully work with individuals <br />will not require premature contracts or installation of practices. Time must <br />be spent developing sound, understandable systems and management. This <br />requires employees with experience in .communicative skills and technical <br />expertise. The application of resource management systems must be based on a <br />thorough understanding of existing conditions and problems, practical <br />solutions and realistic projection of change. Dedication then wilI result in <br />success. Conversely, a weak inventory or neglect in identifying cause of a <br />problem may result in a misIeading, inaccurate treatment alternative. For <br />exa~ple, a small flow of water onto a field may be observed and recorded <br />accurately. This smaIl flow limits the design of the irrigation system, <br /> <br />- 38 - <br />