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SMRC&D's Projects
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On-Going Projects
Resource Conservation & Development Forum
The Smoky Mountain RC&D annually
conducts the Resource Conservation & Development Forum in order to
educate people in East Tennessee about various concerns as they relate
to the community. We aim to educate the local public on Natural
Resource issues and address concerns that will help community members
and leaders enhance the quality of life in their communities.
Express Loan Workshop
These workshops are conducted in conjunction with the Small Business
Administration (SBA) from various locations for entrepreneurs who want
to start up, or already have, a small business established. The last
workshop was held in December 2007 with 40 applicants applying for
loans of $25,000 or less, with no credit check. Workshops such as these
allow small business owners the opportunity to work with
representatives of the SBA in all steps of the application process.
“Quilts in the Smokies”
The objective of this project, which
continues to grow, has been the promotion of the artistic heritage and
cultural richness of our region. This project aims to support and
promote established and future artists (including students), invite
cultural tourism, and grow partnerships between the Smoky Mountain
RC&D, businesses, and other organizations in our service area. The
project serves the community in multiple ways: First, by recognizing
the local culture and history of the area and encouraging an
off-the-beaten path view of East Tennessee, and second, it brings
dollars into the region as “quilt chasers” dine, shop,
purchase gasoline, and stay at hotels /motels in the region.
Business Planning Workshop
The Smoky Mountain RC&D, in conjunction
with the State of Tennessee Economic Development Department, hosts a
state-wide business planning workshop at the Area Office conference
room in Knoxville, TN. This workshop was put in place to assist
attendees in assessing the current market situation and identifying
unique selling propositions. We also and discussing alternative ways to
expand business ideas, select target market(s) and evaluate the need
for products or services. Another important component of these
workshops focus on formulating appropriate deliverables and the
distribution of products or services and ultimately transforming
“thoughts” into written, implementable business plans.
Reclaiming the Eighth of August Celebration:
The Smoky Mountain RC&D partnered with
the African-American Task Force of the Community Economic Development
Networking group (CEDNET) to showcase and celebrate reclaiming August
8th as Emancipation Day. Over the last 140 years, people in
African-American communities across Tennessee and Kentucky have
celebrated the 8th of August as Emancipation Day. While the celebration
has faded into memory in many communities, others continue to recognize
and celebrate the special day (much like June 10th in other parts of
the country). The Conference, held by the RC&D, brought together a
rare combination of individuals from communities where celebrations
have and have not occurred. These individuals wanted to uncover an
important piece of African-American heritage, and to recognize those
who have an academic interest in African-American history. These
celebrations of cultural significance would certainly not be held in
some local communities today if not for the efforts of the RC&D.
Water Quality Improvement Projects
The Smoky Mountain RC&D is partnering
with a host of agencies in working with private landowners within the
Holston River, French Broad River, and Nolichucky River Watersheds. The
goal is to improve water quality for natural fauna by implementing best
management practices (BMPs) in these areas. These practices will
include riparian plantings, livestock exclusion fencing, alternative
water systems, limited creek access and crossings, streambank
stabilization, tree and other vegetative plantings, etc.
The Envirothon
The Envirothon program was designed with the
mindset of assisting the young people of today as they grow into the
leaders of tomorrow. The program is made possible by many federal,
state, and local natural resource management partners. Government
agencies, as well as business and industry members, work together to
make this program available to 9th through 12th grade students
throughout the country. Our primary funding partners for this program
is the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Nonpoint Source
Program.
Upcoming Project
Cocke County Natural Resource Center
The Cocke County Natural Resource Center is
expected to cost approximately $300,000. We will be partnering with
Vision 21 and businesses throughout the area to fund this project.
Plans, currently underway, consist of a classroom for study adjacent to
the TN Division of Forestry Work Center which provides fire protection
for state, federal and private lands. NRCS engineers are currently
working on a design project for a water quality lab at the center. This
project, when finished, will benefit several federal (NRCS, TVA and US
Forestry Service) and state (TWRA and TDEC) organizations as well as
surrounding communities who will study and train here.
Recently Completed Projects
Auto Recycler Plant
The Smoky Mountain RC&D has facilitated
an auto recycler factory in Newport, Tennessee (Cocke County). The auto
recycler was put in place to recycle vehicles that were an eye sore to
the view shed of the community. This plant also serves to promote water
quality by eliminating a number of vehicles being dumped into bodies of
waters for disposal. When submitting a vehicle to the recycler plant,
with a vehicle title, you will receive $8.00 per one hundred pounds.
This has created 7 jobs for local residents.
Tom Talley Project
The United States Fish & Wildlife
Service provided a grant to the Smoky Mountain RC&D Council to
install practices on a beef farm in Blount County. This project was
completed in order to enhance beef production while promoting water
quality and nutrient management. The farm lies at the foothills of the
Chilhowee Mountains and has been in the Talley family for several
generations. This farm is also one that is visited by neighboring
farmers in order to educate them in the areas of water quality,
rotational grazing and nutrient management.
Todd Bunch Project
The United States Fish & Wildlife
Service provided a grant to the Smoky Mountain RC&D Council to
install practices on a beef farm in Jefferson County. This project was
completed in order to enhance beef production while promoting water
quality and nutrient management. The best management practices that
were used to enhance this farm were heavy use areas, alternative water
system and fencing.
James McCammon Project
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture
provided a grant to the Smoky Mountain RC&D Council to install
practices on a beef farm in Sevier County. This project was completed
in order to enhance beef production while promoting water quality and
nutrient management. The best management practices that were used were
stream bank restoration and alternative livestock watering system. This
farm is located in the French Broad Watershed area.
Smiley Clapp
The United States Fish & Wildlife
Service provided a grant to the Smoky Mountain RC&D Council to
install practices on a beef farm in Knox County. This project was
completed in order to enhance wildlife features. The best management
practices used on this farm were wetland restoration water control
structure (shallow water impoundment). The farm is located in the Flat
Creek/Holston River Watershed area.
Gary Free
The Unites States Fish & Wildlife
Service provided a grant to the Smoky Mountain RC&D Council to
install practices on a beef farm in Hamblen County. This project was
completed in order to enhance beef production while promoting water
quality and nutrient management. The best management practices used on
this farm were stream crossing, fencing and critical area planting. The
farm is located in the Bent Creek/Nolichucky Watershed area.
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USDA EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT |