County conservation district hosts state meeting

Photo by Alison James
Attendees listen intently at the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts 2015 Area 1 Annual Supervisors Meeting, held Aug. 13 at the A.W. Todd Centre.

By Alison James

alison.james@fct.wpengine.com

The Alabama Association of Conservation Districts held its 2015 Area 1 Annual Supervisors Meeting Aug. 13 at the A.W. Todd Centre, hosted by the Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The meeting featured several speakers who gave updates on different areas of conservation. The featured guest speaker was Mike Franklin, director of Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park, with Tina Lawler.

Franklin County Judge Barry Moore gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance, and City Clerk Belinda Miller welcomed all to Russellville.

Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow spoke passionately to those gathered about stewardship of the earth’s resources.

“There’s no question that we have to do what we have to do to preserve groups like yourself that are looking out for our natural resources,” Morrow said.

AACD President Laslie Hall shared his pride in being “privileged to be a farmer all my life” and encouraged those assembled to continue to be a part of things by contacting their senators or representatives in regards to laws and funding matters.

Dr. Bill Puckett, AACD executive director, pointed out the volunteer status of everyone involved.

“I know how much that check is you get for doing this,” Puckett joked. “But I think you do it because you love it. If you didn’t love it, I assume you wouldn’t do it. I appreciate what you do.”

The State of Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee states as its mission “to provide service, leadership and assistance to all citizens for the wise use, conservation and development of our natural resources.” The Alabama Association of Conservation Districts, organized in August 1943, is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization of the 67 Soil and Water Conservation Districts that serves as a vehicle for unified action by districts, exchange of information and discussion of issues.

The Franklin County SWCD Board Members are Chairman Jimmy Murphree; Vice-Chairman Frank Mitchell; Treasurer David Welborn; Supervisor Jack Hargett; and Supervisor Michael Eady. Franklin County SWCD Administrative Coordinator is Beth James Rhea.

Rhea thanked the Franklin County Cattlemen for cooking steaks for lunch.

“The Area 1 AACD Meeting is hosted by Franklin County once every eleven years. It is always nice to share our great community with others,” Rhea said.