Text Box: Since 1998, Belmont County native Scott Hagan has traveled the state for the Commission, painting the red-white and blue logo on the side of one barn in each Ohio county. This fall in Sandusky County, Scott will complete his mission when the 88th county receives its barn. More than 1,500 Ohio barn owners volunteered their structures for the logo and the project has proved to be immensely popular with the public and media Origin of our state's name: From the Iroquois Indian word for "good river" * Ohio ranked seventh among the 50 states in population with 11,353,140 people. Columbus is the state’s largest city with a population of 711,470; Cleveland follows at 478,403 and Cincinnati at 331,285. * Ohio’s land area, in square miles: 40,948 Text Box: * Persons per square mile: 277.3 * The state of Ohio encompasses 41,330 square miles * Ohio contains 88 counties. * Ashtabula is Ohio’s largest county with 711 sq. miles. * Lake is Ohio’s smallest county with 232 sq. miles * Highest geographical point is Campbell Hill located in Bellefontaine at 1,550 ft. * Lowest geographical point is the Ohio River at 433 ft. * The geographic center of the state is located in Centerburg in Knox County. * Hamilton County was named for Alexander Hamilton, who was Secretary of the Treasury when the county was organized in 1803. Text Box: Happy 200th Birthday, OHIO Text Box: Mission Statement A public organization committed to assisting the citizens of Hamilton County through education, technical assistance and leadership to be stewards of our soil and water resources. Vision To be a dynamic leader in soil and water conservation working to achieve the sustainable use of the soil and water resources on a local and regional basis. Text Box: Conservation Spotlight Text Box: Summer Edition Text Box: May—August 2003

 

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Text Box: Hamilton County’s Bicentennial Barn—Owned by Colerain Township Trustee, Bernie Fiedeldey, Corner of Thompson Road and E. Miami River Road. Text Box: Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District 29 Triangle Park Drive, Suite 2901 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-3411 Phone: 513-772-7645 Fax: 513-772-7656 website: www.hcswcd.org Text Box: 2003 Upcoming Bicentennial Events in Hamilton County July 1—October 31. State of Eight: A Bicentennial Tribute to Ohio’s Presidential Legacy. William Howard Taft National Historic Site. July 4th—Ohio Bicentennial, 200 Years in Review. Sharonville Community Center. July 5-27. Meet the Past—an Ohio Bicentennial Celebration, Heritage Village Museum. September 13 & 14– Cincinnati Lunken Air Show. September25-28. Vietnam Veterans Traveling Wall Memorial. Colerain Township Government Complex. October 15-19. Tall Stacks on the Ohio River. Ohio will host 20 riverboats for five days. For more details, go to www.Ohio200.com—contains information on events.

Editor: Holly Utrata-Halcomb

Layout: Barbara Connole
Text Box: Many hillsides in Hamilton County experience movement that can cause damage to houses, pavement or landscaping. The amount of movement varies from small creeping (A gradual continuous down slope movement of soil) which occurs seasonally, to large landslide displacements that occur mostly after intense rainfall or prolonged wet period. This region is well know for its slope problems and has one of the highest per capita costs due to landslide damage of any city in the United States. Fleming and Taylor (1980) reported that in Hamilton County Ohio damages from Landslides from 1973 to 1978 totaled $ 31 million dollar. Pohana (1992) reported from 1983-1992, $8.8 million was spent for repairs associated with historic landslide damages. Lennertz (1997) reported in 1996 damages from landslide in Hamilton County exceeded $ 10 million dollars. The wooded hillsides of this region can provide a beautiful home site but not without risk. Proper design and construction on hillsides can reduce the risk of slide. Before investing in hillside property, the prospective owner can gather preliminary information about the property that will aid in making a judgement about its suitability as a home site. Although the advice of a Geotechnical Engineer is often called for, there is a lot an informed buyer can do in way of gathering information on the characteristics of the site. The prospective buyer of land near a hillside should start with an informed approach to assess the risks of ground movement. The local library branch or the office of your County Soil and Water Conservation District makes available the Soil Survey Book of the County and USGS maps for the region. The Soil Survey book includes maps and information on the type of surface soil; it includes both technical and descriptive information about the stability of the various types of soil. The local zoning/building department can also provide you with some information about the history of the area and the land. Text Box: Page # Text Box: Building on the Hillsides of Hamilton County by Mohammad M. Islam, PE Text Box: Conservation Spotlight Text Box: Before buying property on a hillside, the buyer should perform a preliminary site reconnaissance to become familiar with the property and it’s surrounding. During a site review the following items should be noted which would be helpful to evaluate the site. 1. Ground cracks on hillside. 2. Dish-shaped areas within other wise relatively uniform slope usually steep at the top and then flattening out. 3. Hummocky ground, irregular space, elongated ridges, and mounds or rounded knolls. 4. Water seeps; any evidence of wetness either actual or as indicated by type and color of vegetation. 5. Tilted trees that lean downslope With trunks curving upward, trees leaning at an appreciable angle or trees leaning in different directions. 6. Evidence of erosion; down cutting of stream, vertical banks on outside of meanders and trees being undercut. 7. Seepage through the hillsides and creek banks. 8. If there are existing buildings on the parcel, check for cracks in foundation walls, brickwork, concrete paving., or turf pulled away from foundation or pole. 9. Bulging or tilting retaining walls. Observation of any of the above or a combination of them may indicate some type of ground movement. Before buying the property you may confirm your decision by using the service of a Professional Geotechnical Engineer. __________________ Text Box: Invasion of Unwelcome Feces By Brian Bohl, Stream Specialist Now that spring is here, many of us are taking opportunities to enjoy the weather at parks, trails and recreational areas. In Hamilton County there are many of these locations. For a minute, imagine yourself walking through one of your favorite parks. All of your senses tell you that this natural setting is incredible - views of the forest, landscape, streams, and lakes, the sound of birds singing in the background, and freedom from the demands of the city and traffic noises. Yet, while enjoying this other world, the moment in paradise comes to an end as you nearly step on a large pile of dog pooh –unwelcome feces have come from another land to invade your paradise. Unfortunately, the invasion of the feces in our parks and hiking trails is becoming more and more common. The pet waste is not only a visual problem, but also presents a water quality problem for nearby streams, lakes, and rivers. Pet waste elevates nutrient levels and causes a decline in dissolved oxygen levels in our waterways. This in turn, causes disease and death among aquatic organisms. Additionally, after rain events, the E. coli bacteria present within pet waste will wash into streams and lakes, rendering them unsafe for swimming and other recreational uses. Contact with contaminated water could result in serious long-term illness, particularly for children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. With respect to canine feces, another concern is that of roundworm infection. Roundworm lives in the small intestine of dogs as a microscopic and parasitic organism. The eggs are passed into the Environment through the dog’s feces. The eggs then take two weeks to a month to become effective. Humans usually become infected through contact with eggs in the soil or by accidental ingestion. Although humans do not develop adult roundworms, migration of larvae through tissues and organs can lead to disease. continued on page 3
Text Box: Research shows that one gram of dog feces contains some 23 million fecal coliform bacteria. Keep in mind that even though a stream, river, or lake may not appear to be close by, there are storm sewers along roadways and parking lots that will discharge the pollutants directly to receiving water bodies. Let’s be sure to be responsible and pick up after our pets, and particularly our canine friends. Following are a few tips and types of products you could use to simplify the process. · Carry your scooper bags, scoops, plastic trowel, latex gloves and other dog tidy clean up equipment every time you walk your dog. · Attach a nylon zip-up bag to the leash that you can store pet waste in before you reach the disposal bin. · Regularly de-worm your pouch. Text Box: Summer Edition Text Box: Page # Text Box: Question & Answer Corner???????? Question From A Landowner?? We have had many calls on what to do about muddy pond water!!!!! George Cummings, District Conservationist has some solutions to this problem. Before attempting to clear a muddy pond, determine if any areas are actively eroding in the watershed or the pond itself, that will continue to muddy the pond. If it is not practical to stop the erosion, then a check dam built above the dam may still be able to keep the pond clear by allowing sediment to settle before water enters the pond. Muddy water can be of two different types. To determine which type you have, fill a glass jar with pond water and allow it to sit undisturbed for one week. If the sediment collects at the bottom and the water above is fairly clear, then it is settable by gravity. If it does not, the particles are chemically suspended. If your sample is settled by gravity, you need to determine what is stirring the sediments in your pond and eliminate that cause if possible. Carp or other bottom fish may need to be eradicated. Establish and encourage moderately vegetative growth around the pond edge and if you have livestock, fence them out of the pond. If the clay particles are very small and of the type that do not adhere to each other, then treatment by various methods may be tried. These treatments include applications of the following: *500-1,000 pounds per surface acre of agricultural limestone (calcium carbonate) *1,000-1,500 pounds per surface acre of gypsum (hydrated calcium sulfate) 100-450 pounds per surface acre of alum (aluminum sulfate) IF THE POND IS USED FOR LIVESTOCK DRINKING OR A HOME WATER SUPPLY, THE USE OF THE ABOVE MINERALS IS NOT RECOMMENDED. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE –946-8989 FOR FACT SHEET #A-6-01. Text Box: 2003 AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST Rules and Guidelines It has been said that if there is magic on Earth, it is surely found in it’s waters. All life depends on fresh water and we all benefit from the beauty of its sounds, sights and touch. To celebrate the lifelines of water that ribbon through our county, the District is searching for striking images that capture the biodiversity, and beauty of our waterways. The winning photographs will be presented on the cover of the District’s 2003 Annual Report, posted on our website and used in future displays. 1. The theme of the 2003 photo contest is “The Magic of Our Streams”. All high quality, close-up, mid-range, and landscape photographs of any stream in Hamilton County will be considered. 2. Individuals may submit up to three (3) color photographic prints for consideration. Digital images will be accepted on disc and must be in a .jpeg format. 3. There will be two age categories for submission. The Junior Category is for students age 14 - 19 & still attending secondary school. The Senior Category is age 19 or older. First prize in each category is $100.00 and Second Prize is $50.00*. 4. Images will be judged on composition, technical excellence, originality, color and overall impact. Each entry will be blind judged as the name and location of the entrant will be hidden from the judges. The decisions of the judges are final 5. In order to ensure the highest quality images for the cover of the Annual Report, the winning photographers will be asked to provide a high-resolution file of their photograph(s). 6. Deadline for submission is August 1, 2003. Mail your photographs, name, address and daytime telephone number along with the location of the stream to Hamilton County SWCD, 29 Triangle Park Drive #2901, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246. Winning Photographs become property of the District and may used at their discretion. * Special thanks to CDM Consultants and Engineering for sponsoring this contest.
Text Box: Education News by Gwen Roth, Education Specialist Waterfest Receives National Award Waterfest is a one-day event held annually in the spring for 4th and 5th grade students. Over 12,500 students have attended since 1995. The event is held at the Cincinnati Convention Center and over 100 volunteers, 40 agencies, and organizations make it a very successful event. This past year Waterfest received the National Association of Counties Acts of Caring award for counties with a population over 500,000 people. The organizing committee, presenter, exhibitor, sponsor and volunteer agencies were all recognized with certificates at the County Commissioners meeting on May 28th, 2003. Without the hard work and dedication that these people bring to Waterfest year in and year out, we would not have such a wonderful event. Thanks to ALL those involved in helping to make Waterfest such a great, long standing event in Hamilton County. District Arbor Day Celebration District Chairman, Steve Sandfort organized this year’s Arbor Day Celebration. Taylor Elementary School in Colerain Township was selected to be the recipient of a beautiful Red Sunset Maple tree donated by Jeffrey Allen Landscape Company. It is especially meaningful, because the tree will mark the gateway to the new outdoor classroom the school hopes to begin building this summer. Over 250 students participated in this event providing musical, poetry and art presentations. Supervisors Karen Heyob and Joe Allen, along with District Education Specialist, Gwen Roth and District Administrator, Holly Utrata-Halcomb, also attended this event. Pictured to your right is a student reciting a poem about trees. Jack Bresnen, Jr. of the Jeffrey Allen Landscaping Company, is Standing to the right of the tree. Workshops, Workshops, Workshops! Worms—The District, along with the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati are sponsoring a series of Worm Workshops this fall. If you have ever wanted to know about worms or how they decompose material, this workshop is for you. All participants will receive a classroom worm bin complete with bedding and worms, Mary Applehof’s book, Worms Eat My Garbage and activities to do with your students. The cost for the workshop is $10. If you are interested in attending the workshop, please call Gwen at 772-7645. Beginner Workshops: Tuesday, September 30, 2003, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthias Parish Center, 1050 W. Kemper Road, Forest Park. Wednesday, October 1, 2003, from 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at St. Matthias Parish Center, 1050 W. Kemper Road, Forest Park. Advanced Workshop: Thursday, October 2, 2003, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. location: TBA We ask that the advanced workshop be limited to participants who have had a worm bin in their classroom or have taken a worm bin workshop prior to October 2, 2003. Land Lab Development—The District has teamed up with the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to educate teachers and administrators on the issues of developing a Land Lab at your school. Instructors will help you plan a site, give you ideas for local support, suggest ways to solve problems that may arise. If you have ever thought about developing an outdoor classroom at your school, this workshop is a must. The workshop will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes School (on the corner of Muddy Creek and Glenway Ave.) on Tuesday, October 21, 2003, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Sr. Miriam Kaeser at 513-421-3131 x295, mkaeser@catholiccincinnati.org or Gwen Roth at 513-772-7645, gwen.roth@hamilton-co.org. Summer plans: I’m sure that many of you have plans for the summer, maybe a vacation, maybe some work around the house, whatever it may be, I wish you a happy, healthy and safe summer break. I’ll be away on vacation from August 14 until September 8th, so after that date I will be happy to visit your school. Hope to hear from you, Gwen.
Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: 2002 Farm Bill Conservation Programs Tremendous opportunity for area landowners The 2002 Farm Bill offers tremendous opportunities for agricultural landowners and landusers and provides more incentives than ever before to voluntarily conserve natural resources on privately owned agricultural lands. This Farm Bill offers conservation provisions to help reduce soil erosion, protect rivers and streams, restore and establish fish and wildlife habitat, and improve air quality. Some programs offer annual payments for conservation use, others offer one-time, up-front payments for long-term easements for conservation use, and most include cost share assistance for the cost of installing conservation measures. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the USDA Farm Service Agency can assist you in applying for these programs that benefit conservation of private lands. Contact the District office at 772-7645 for more information. Conservation Highly Erodible Cropland Competitive ranking, Develop and follow a Reserve Program that has been planted for 4 annual rental payment based conservation plan for the (CRP) of 6 years. on soils erodibility, 50% cost conversion of cropland to share assistance a 10 to 15 permanent vegetation and agreement. maintenance. Environmental All private agricultural 1-5 year agreement, competitive Develop and follow an EQIP Quality Incentive Program land is eligible, if used for ranking for funding and up to plan of operations that (EQIP) cropland or livestock 75% cost share assistance implements conservation production. available. measures to desired objectives. Continuous Highly Erodible Cropland One-time up front payment, Develop and follow plan for Conservation Reserve and Marginal Pastureland annual rental payment based on installation, restoration and Buffer Program adjacent to streams. length of contract, up to 90% maintenance of conservation (Continuous CRP) cost share assistance. measures. Wildlife Habitat Incentives All private land is eligible. 5-10 year agreement, Prepare and follow a wildlife Program (WHIP) competitive ranking for funding habitat development plan, for and up to 75% cost share the enhancement or establishment assistance available. of wildlife habitat. Wetlands Reserve Program Most private wetlands One-time up-front payment, 30 Develop and comply with a plan (WRP) converted to agricultural use year or permanent easement. Up for the restoration and main- prior to 1985 are eligible. to 100% cost share with tenance of the wetland. Wetland must be restorable permanent easement./ and suitable for wildlife benefits. You Are Invited!! The Hamilton County SWCD will be holding its Annual Planning Meeting at the Springfield Township Rec/Senior Center on June 25, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. We want your input to help form our agenda for 2004. We will also be developing county priorities for dispersing the $50,000.00 allocated to our County through the 2002 Farm Bill. Please call the District office for a reservation at 772-7645 by June 20, 2003. Text Box: Program Eligible Lands Incentives Producer Obligations
Text Box: Text Box: Board of Supervisors Steve Sandfort, Chairman Thomas W. Reininger, Vice-Chair Karen Heyob, Secretary Patrick Arnette, Treasurer Joe Allen, Program Chairman District Staff Holly Utrata-Halcomb, District Administrator Barbara Connole, Adm. Assistant Dan Taphorn, Urban Conservationist Chey Alberto, Urban Technician Gwen Roth, Education Specialist Brian Bohl, Stream Specialist Mohammad Islam, Geotechnical Engineer Willie Potter, Design, Technician NRCS Tim Wilson, Dist. Conservationist George Cummings, Dist. Conservationist All District programs are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap. Text Box: A Salute to our Military!! In April, our staff had a surprise visit from a former employee, Becky Evans. Becky worked for our District as the Stream Specialist, before returning to full-time studies to finish her doctorial dissertation. Becky is an Assistant Professor at Northern Kentucky University - before being called into active duty for the Army Reserve Unit. She left for Kuwait Easter weekend. Her battalion will be providing fresh water to both civilians and military personnel in Iraq. Pictured above is Sgt. 1st Class Becky Evans (far right), along with SPC Ambriel Smith (left) and SPC Mike Woods (center) from her platoon . We are very proud of Becky and all of our military personnel. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Text Box: Upcoming Events……… June 20, 2003-Basic Land Use Conference. Contact the OSU Extension Hamilton County office 946-8989. June 21, 2003-Great Miami River Educational canoe float & cookout. No cost. Call Rob Sanders-761-4003 or Brian at 772-7645. June 25, 2003-District’s Annual Planning Meeting. 6:30 p.m. at the Springfield Twp. Recreation Center. June 28, 2003-Ohio River Paddlefest. Ohio river paddlefest.com Education Workshops-Please refer to page 4 for info. or call Gwen-772-7645. August 1, 2003-Deadline to enter our Photography Contest. See page 5. September 25, 2003-Annual Meeting. Vinoklet’s Winery in Colerain Township. More info. to follow. Text Box: Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3556 Cincinnati, OH Text Box: Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District 29 Triangle Park Drive, Suite 2901 Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-3411