WINTER 2018

“I am just so appreciative of this service from the Soil & Water Conservation District, Farm Bureau and the USDA. The young lady that is doing the trapping for us here in Berkeley County is doing a good job.

-Bobby Clarke, Pineville

Feral Hog Trapping Success!

Berkeley Soil & Water

Conservation District and

Berkeley County Farm Bureau

have partnered to work with

local landowners to trap feral

hogs that damage agriculture

and property.

Working with APHIS Wildlife

Services, the goal is to trap

whole family units, called

sounders, to help slow the rapid

proliferation. Recently 40 hogs

were trapped on a property in

Pineville that utilized our

service.

If you are experiencing

problems with feral hogs, con-

tact our office to sign up for

assistance.

Pictured above: Damage in a residential yard in Berkeley County

from feral hog activity.

Below: Jager Pro trap set on property by our partnership.

2

Berkeley S & W Commissioners recognized in the

Conservation Community

A quote from Charleston Post & Courier journalist, Bo Peterson…

Archie is an archetype of all three:

- He's always paddling, always wanting to try new trips. He's paddled most of the sought-out waterways from North Carolina and Florida.

- He's continually conducting/participating in/promoting clean ups of the waters around Berkeley.

- He not only helped found the Blueways, he continues to be an advocate and champion of it. He was in the mix of people who began pulling together the strings a statewide paddle network that now has online presence.

The only real flaw I can find in him as a kayaker is an aversion to paddling upstream.

I don't think I would be the paddler I am today without the influence and opportunities Archie Thompson has given me.

BSWCD Associate Commissioner ARCHIE THOMPSON

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

SIERRA CLUB, S.C. Chapter

Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust

awarded the

Order of Lord Berkeley to

BSWCD Commissioner Barry Jurs

and Associate Commissioner

Charles Glover for their work

founding the Trust in 1992 as a

project of the Berkeley Soil and

Water Conservation District.

The Trust has protected almost

35,000 acres in and around the

Lowcountry since it’s beginning.

To see the video celebrating the

origins and continued work of

LBCT go to:

lordberkeley.org/news

3

After a few years of hiatus, the SC Soil and Water Society Symposium is back in 2018! The organization is kicking off the year with this meeting, open to the public.

call or email to register to attend this symposium on our most important natural resource:

BE ON THE LOOKOUT! BSWCD Affiliate membership letters will be

coming to your mailbox soon! Be sure to become a 2018 Affiliate Member to support our programs and work in Berkeley County!

If you are not currently on our mailing list, please contact our office (843) 719-4146 to

become an Affiliate Member this year.

WE APPRECIATE OUR SUPPORTERS!

4

berkeleybees 2018 started off with a bang for our local group of enthusiastic beekeepers!

Berkeley District took orders for 3 lb. packaged bees with queens for beekeepers to

purchase for March installation. Our January meeting topic centered around the

difference between nucs (nucleas colonies) and packaged bees for purchase. Also

discussed was winter care for your hives and equipment and getting things ready

for the fast approaching spring when honeybees are at their peak!

In February, berkeleybees welcomes local beekeeper Don Graham who will be

teaching his method of splitting hives for the purpose of increasing your bee

colonies. Also, our silent auction of donated bee equipment will be held to raise

money for shared extraction equipment that will be available to the group.

We welcome anyone to our meetings, held monthly, the third Tuesday at 6:30 at

the First Presbyterian Church in Moncks Corner. Current and “wanna-bee”

beekeepers will receive relevant information in a relaxed and friendly atmostphere!

“Bee” ready for spring,

Beezie Fleming

Director of District Operations, BSWCD

Beezie is a veteran beekeeper with over 20 years experience. With the help of Associate Commissioner

Marietta Hicks, also a beekeeper, they oversee the operation of the berkeleybees program for the Ditrict.

……. Upcoming beekeeping events:

SC Beekeepers Association

State Conference & Tradeshow

March 3- 9:00—5:00

GPC Center

17 Technology Center

Columbia, SC 29203

$25 members/$45 non members

For more info:

http://scstatebeekeepers.com

BEEKEEPING CLASSES AT

TRIDENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE:

Introduction to Beekeeping: March 6th

6:00—8:00. Mt. Pleasant campus.

Cost: $39.00

Beekeeping: Hands on Hive Experience:

April 7—10:00—12:00

April 7—1:00– 3:00

Cost: $49.00

Contact Trident Technical College to register

5

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP):

Through CSP, agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments

for actively managing, maintaining, and expanding conservation

activities like cover crops, ecologically-based pest management, buffer strips, and pollinator

and beneficial insect habitat – all while maintaining active agriculture production on their

land. CSP also encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and new management

techniques such as precision agriculture applications, on-site carbon storage and planting for

high carbon sequestration rate, and new soil amendments to improve water quality.

CSP is for producers who are already established conservation stewards, helping them to

deliver multiple conservation benefits on working lands, including improved water and soil

quality and enhanced wildlife habitat. Information about CSP, including national and state

ranking questions and enhancement descriptions, is available at www.nrcs.usda.gov/csp.

Applications being accepted through March 1, 2018.

Call our office for more info.

Representative

Sylleste Davis

meets with

representatives

from BSWCD &

Farm Bureau to

discuss expanded

funding options for

our agricultural

producers in S.C.

Pictured left to right:

Top row:

Diane Edwins,

BSWCD

Keith Gourdin,

BSWCD

Will Brunson, BCFB

Barry Jurs, BSWCD

Bottom row:

Harry Dupree, BCFB

Agriculture not only gives riches to a nation, but the only

riches she can call her own. Samuel Johnson

6

AGENDA 8:30 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. Welcome

9:15 a.m. Conservation Easements: A Manage-ment

Tool for Working Forests

Raleigh West, Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust

10:15 a.m. Considerations for Drafting a

Conservation Easement

Scott Barnes, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd

11:15 a.m. Conservation Easement Appraisal

Mike Robinson, Charleston Appraisal Services

12:15 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. Transition Planning for Your Forest Land

Ebonie Alexander, Black Family Land Trust

2:00 p.m. Rural Forestry Assistance Programs

Coastal Region Forester, SC Forestry Commission

Lori Bataller, Natural Resources Conservation Service

3:00 p.m. Basics of Forest Taxation

Dr. Adam Kantrovich, Clemson Cooperative Extension

4:00 p.m. Adjourn For more information, please contact a member of the planning team:

Beezie Fleming, Berkeley Soil & Water Conservation District, (843) 719-4146

Vince Keeler, Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation, (843) 745-7055

Janet Steele, Forestry Association of South Carolina, (803) 798-4170

Raleigh West, Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust, (843) 899-5228

REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO 50 PARTICIPANTS

Managing Your Forest Land Today and Planning Your Legacy for Tomorrow

March 10, 2018

8:30 a.m.—4 p.m.

City of Goose Creek

Fire Department Headquarters

201 Button Hall Avenue

Goose Creek, South Carolina

Registration fee (includes lunch) is

$10 for SC Tree Farm Members,

$20 for non-members, & $5 for each additional family member (Tree Farm

members and non-members)

This program is proudly sponsored by:

Name: Name (s) of Additional Family Attendees ($10 Each):

Address: 1.

City: 2.

State: Zip: 3.

Phone: Email:

Tree Farm Members ($10 each) Non-Members ($20 each)

Additional Family Members ($5 each)

Return this form with a check made payable to SC Certified Tree Farm Committee, by March 5, 2018 to:

SC Tree Farm Committee, 4901 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212

7

Oyster Recycling and

Restoration Program

Why Should I Recycle My Oyster

Shells?

Although South Carolina's commercial shellfish harvest

has remained stable over the past three decades, the clos-

ing of oyster canneries and most shucking houses during

this period has resulted in a shortage of shucked oyster

shell needed to cultivate and restore oyster beds. The

increasing popularity of backyard oyster roasts and by-

the-bushel retail sales have contributed to this shortage

in that, contrary to the shucking houses and canneries,

shells remaining from individual oyster roasts are not

usually returned to the estuary to provide a suitable

surface to attract juvenile oysters. More often than not,

the shell ends up in driveways and landfills.

These factors have contributed to the critical shortage of

oyster shell used for planting purposes and sustaining

oyster habitat. The state has been forced to purchase the

majority of its oyster shell from out-of-state processors to supplement our stocks of shell for planting. In

order for SCDNR to properly manage the state's shellfish resources and maintain these critical habitats, we

must continue to maximize our efforts to recycle our oyster shells. Recycling your shells will help restore,

preserve, and enhance the state's inshore marine habitat. Estuarine Filters: Adult oysters filter up to 2.5 gal-

lons of water per hour or up to 50 gallons per day. Erosion Control: Oyster reefs are natural breakwaters

that absorb wave energy and protect marsh shorelines from erosion.

Recycling Do's and Don'ts

DO separate shell from trash. Shell mixed with trash is not suitable for recycling. Provide separate

container s for shell and trash.

DO dump shells from bags or containers and leave only shells in the bins.

DO bring your shell to the nearest shell recycling center

DON'T put live oyster s in South Car olina water s. If the oyster s you pur chased wer e har vested

outside South Car olina, it is illegal to place them in SC waters. Placing imported oysters in our waters can

create environmental problems and may harm local oysters or other animals.

DON'T put freshly shucked oysters shell in SC waters.

Oyster Recycling Bins in Berkeley County:

Moncks Corner Bin at Gilligan's At the Dock: Take US-17 ALT N from Moncks Corner for 2.3 mi. and sign

for Gilligans will be on right. Follow road and Recycling Trailer will be in parking lot.

Goose Creek Bin at Gilligan's Restaurant Address 219 St. James Ave. Goose Creek, SC. The recy-

cling bin is a DNR trailer in the back corner of the parking lot. - SCDNR

8

Historical Markers . . . in Berkeley County

by BSWCD Commissioner Keith Gourdin

I was curious why the state Historical Markers erected from 1929-1936 had a header that read “All Rich In

Iodine,” and were surrounded by products produced in South Carolina that were, apparently, all rich in

iodine. (I didn’t previously know what products were rich in iodine, but after reading about

iodine deficiency, I now

want to make certain I

am getting my necessary

allotment).

A quick trip to the South

Carolina Encyclopedia

revealed that during the

1920’s and 1930’s, the

South Carolina Natural

Resources Commission

engaged in a public rela-

tions campaign to pro-

mote the high levels of

iodine found in various

agricultural products

produced in the state.

Apparently even WIS Ra-

dio (in Columbia), estab-

lished in 1930, was part of the campaign, with their call letters chosen to denote “Wonderful Iodine State.”

The massive public health screenings that accompanied the military draft during World War I had raised

awareness about the problem of iodine deficiency in the U.S., particularly in those areas of the mid-western

prairie states where there were lower iodine concentrations in the soil. It made sense, therefore, for South

Carolina to promote the high levels of iodine in the products produced in this state.

Unfortunately for this marketing program, however, by 1924, iodized salt was introduced and largely elimi-

nated the concern about iodine deficiency. By 1936, the state historical markers no longer carried this

slogan, but was replaced by a palmetto tree flanked by an “S” and “C” (Palmetto State does have a better

ring than Iodine State, don’t you think?). It is interesting, though, that the marker program was briefly part

of this larger campaign to promote South Carolina’s agricultural produce to the rest of the nation. It’s also

going to make me think twice about reaching for the (non-iodized) sea salt next time I’m at the table.

Very, very scarce in South Carolina today, two of these “All Rich In Iodine” markers are in northern Berkeley

County, Pineville area. Anyone know where one is? If so, please contact Keith Gourdin at keithg@tds.net or

843-509-3408. Many thanks to Ehren Foley, Ph.D., S.C. Department of Archives and History, for this

wonderful bit of our history.

9

BERKELEY SOIL AND WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICT AWARDS :

TWO $1,000.00 scholarships to students pursuing education in conservation, natural resources, forestry or agriculture!

Scholarship guidelines are as follows:

Recipient must be a resident of Berkeley County, SC at time of application.

Recipient may not receive this scholarship for any two consecutive years.

Scholarship will be for undergraduate studies.

Scholarship is available for studies in natural resources, agriculture, conservation, forestry.

Scholarship is for part time or full time students.

Criteria for selection includes:

Essay

Scholarship – Grade point average

Financial need

Community involvement

Career goals

Requirements for application include:

Application must be typed and postmarked by April 18, 2018

A copy of most recent transcript

A typed essay of 300 words or less titled: “My Career Goals in Conservation/Natural

Resources”

Letters of Recommendation (maximum of three)

Call our office (843) 719-4146 or email at info@berkeleysoilandwater.com to get an

application to apply!

10

Steve Groff is a cover crop researcher and owner of the consulting business Cover Crop Coaching. Funding from the Stroud Water Research Center is supporting this series of reports.

Three Key Factors Could Influence Adoption of Cover Crops in 2018 by Steve Groff, January 2018

With 2017 in the rear view mirror, our atten-

tion is now focused on what 2018 will bring.

I’m sure we’ve all heard various prognostica-

tors’ expectations for the new year, but did you

hear anyone predict the influences that may affect

the growing cover crop movement in the year

ahead?

As I thought about this, I identified three key

factors that will undoubtedly influence cover

crops in the year ahead.

Currently, the next Farm Bill is being crafted

in Washington with input from various stakehold-

ers across the nation. Cover crops and related aspects of soil

health are clearly being backed by various groups

for inclusion in the country’s agricultural blueprint for next five years.

Crop insurance and how it relates to cover crops has been one of the areas being revised. Already, the

state of Iowa has agreed to pay $5 an acre toward the crop insurance premium for those using cover crops in

a given field for the first time.

This has sent a strong signal to the rest of the country that cover crops are a part of the crop insurance

equation.

Another key factor that may affect cover crop adoption— maybe as the wild card— is the price of

fertilizer, particularly nitrogen.

Long-term cover croppers have consistently experienced more efficient fertilizer use in conjunction with

a well-managed cover crop.

If the price of nitrogen increases substantially, there will not be enough nitrogen-producing legume cover

crops to meet the demand.

Farmers are primed like never before to use cover crops, and it won’t take much of an incentive to do so.

Also in the wild-card category is the weather. A normal or potentially earlier maturity for cash crops

could open up more acres to cover crops. But then again, a later season would diminish what can get planted.

11

Continued from previous page...

Large corporate market forces, however, may prove to be the most influential factor in setting the

direction of cover cropping in 2018.

General Mills, Walmart and Smithfield Foods have crafted various versions of a “sustainability” plan

that includes cover crop, soil health and reduced fertilizer components.

Land O`Lakes recently tapped Jason Weller, the former chief of the Natural Resources Conservation

Service, to lead its Sustain program.

Prepared meal kit provider Blue Apron and grocery chain Whole Foods each require farmers to list the

extent that cover crops are used in growing produce.

Perhaps most intriguing is Wrangler Jeans launching its “Tough Denim, Gentle Footprint” initiative

this past year. Part of this program is to encourage cotton farmers to use cover crops and other soil health

practices.

Each of these corporations has direct connections with consumers who can easily comprehend the cov-

er crop story, allowing for compelling marketing.

It’s probably only a matter of time before Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland and others come up with

similar incentives. I certainly would prefer to see the market, rather than government regulations, drive the

use of cover crops.

Regardless of what happens in 2018, farmers are hungry for solid information that helps them be better

managers and stewards of the land, and bolsters their bottom lines.

It’s a delicate balancing act between environmental responsibility and economic success, but more and

more farmers are discovering the value cover crops offer, both in the Mid-Atlantic region and around the

world.

It’s a constant learning curve, and that’s what I love about farming and especially cover crops. It’s a

journey, not a destination.

This article was published in NACD’s (the National Association of Conservation District’s online Conservation Clips, January 26, 2018 edition. To subscribe http://www.nacdnet.org/news-and-events/publications/

Another way to “see” brush piles….

Here in Berkeley County it is not unusual to drive by areas of

once forested land that has been timbered for tree farming, or

cleared for another use. To most of us, our first thought is how

ugly and desolate a pile of leftover trees and brush look at the

corner of a property that has been cleared. At first glance, all we

see is how unkempt and desolate it makes a property look.

Recently I was educated on a better way to view these brush piles.

Brush piles provide wildlife with cover for escaping predators,

resting, feeding, sheltering from bad weather and sometimes for

raising young. Animals that use brush piles regularly include

mammals, such as rabbits, skunks, raccoons and foxes; birds, such

as towhees, thrashers, cardinals, sparrows and bobwhite quail;

reptiles and amphibians, such as fence lizards, box turtles and gray

treefrogs, and a host of insects and other invertebrates.

After several years, a brush pile will settle and rot. An added

benefit beside the animal shelter is that it will continue to

decompose and enrich the soil.

So next time you see a pile of woody debris, remember what value it is providing for our animals and soil!

12

223 EAST MAIN STREET, STE. B

MONCKS CORNER, SC 29461

Berkeley Soil and Water Conservation District

has a new webpage! Check us out at:

www.berkeleysoilandwater.com

Like us on Facebook!

Berkeley Conservation District

Contact our office

(843) 719-4146

info@berkeleysoilandwater.com

The Conservation of Natural Resources is

our fundamental problem.

Unless we solve that problem it will avail

us little to solve all others.

- Theodore Roosevelt

The Commissioners and staff of BSWCD mourn the

recent loss of our friend and colleague. We applaud the

contributions he made towards conservation in

Berkeley County and the Conservation District Board.

He will be greatly missed.

Commissioner Emeritus

Larry Wyndham

10-17-31 — 1-16-2018