Chisholm Trail RC&D

Bringing tomorrows future closer to a reality.

Area Needs and Opportunities

Land Management

Pest and brush management is a visible problem in the 11 - county area we serve. Invasion of agriculture land by undesirable brush and weed species has greatly reduced production potential. Pest control is an expensive necessity of producing agriculture crops. Promotion of available conservation programs to assist landowners with these management practices will continue to be developed.

Through education and demonstration, agricultural diversity needs to be introduced into the area. Development of alternative crops and farming methods is a viable option. Another crop to consider harvesting is the wind energy. Segments of our 11-county area are suitable sites for such a crop.

Highly fragmented areas with many small landowners strains the availability and productivity of qualified NRCS Field Office staff. A possible solution to this issue is to host workshops to train property owners in conservation planning, wildlife management, and water quality issues to be addressed on their property.

Tools need to be developed to assist current landowners in property diversification and plant identification. Development, management and promotion of wildlife resources shows great potential in the area. Hunting leases are in great demand and serve as an economic boost for property owners.

Water Management

Water is such a scarce and precious resource that we must promote wise use and good conservation practices. Demonstration projects to encourage the implementation of various water reuse opportunities in agricultural production and household settings.

Rural areas are concerned about their underground water availability and rights. Education efforts should be pursued to create an awareness of underground water districts and the benefits and protections afforded the rural areas to become involved in such an effort.

Improvements in rural water systems are needed to provide the quality and quantity desired. In many of the rural communities, the water delivery systems are almost 60 years old or dependent upon water wells. They are in continuous need of repair and choked with deposits that reduce the available water supplied. Firefighting and economic development are hampered due to the inadequate water delivery systems. available.

Land Conservation

Surface drainage and flooding are problems in every community. There is a need for planning assistance to design drainage systems and flood prevention measures. Financial assistance is needed to install these planned improvements.

Land conservation programs are offered to private landowners to enhance their properties and conserve natural resources. As these programs evolve, technology has played a major role in doing business with the federal government. Landowners should be provided the opportunity to develop their computer skills and ability to maneuver the interactive government websites. This will reduce the trips needed to Service Centers and allow producers to concentrate on implementation of good conservation practices.

As new practices or resources become available, demonstrations need to be implemented within the area to assist with the determination of viability and economic feasibility for the individual landowner.

Community Development

The county road systems are not designed to handle the increase in traffic from this population explosion. These new country residents still expect the convenience of paved, wide road systems. The current county road systems are subject to flooding, erosion and lack of maintenance due to economic conditions. Seventy percent of the streets in rural communities are substandard. Right-of-way widths are too narrow and are becoming a safety factor, roads need to be reshaped and safe drainage systems installed and all-weather surfaces need to be applied in many areas. Safety is becoming a real issue as the rural traffic increases.

Increased fire protection is a key issue in the smaller communities. Volunteer Fire Departments need new and updated pumper trucks, brush and grass firefighting equipment, rescue equipment and equipment to handle hazardous materials. Available surface water for firefighting is needed in rural areas, especially in the western portion where ground water supplies are almost nonexistent.

In addition to equipment, volunteer fire departments are in need of more localized training. Since practically all volunteer firefighters have full-time jobs, this makes it difficult for them to attend training sessions.

An increase in law enforcement personnel, equipment and training is needed throughout the area. As metropolitan area residents “escape” to the country, they bring with them their problems. Their problems have become our problems and our law enforcement agencies do not have sufficient personnel or equipment to stay on top of these problems, which end up affecting our quality of life. A prime example is the need for women’s shelters. Our rural counties are working to develop such shelters and the domestic violence cases are on the rise. Battered wives and their threatened children are forced to pull up roots and move to temporary shelters, sometimes located in larger cities. Professionals tell us the worst thing for children in these cases is to be removed from school, friends and other family members. Rural shelters permit mothers and children to stay in familiar surroundings while the problems of the home are worked out.

Deterioration of downtown areas is a major problem in most communities, large and small. In the larger towns, the shopping center concept has resulted in vacant and deteriorated buildings in the downtown areas. In small communities, the inability to compete with the larger store chains has caused the closure of many Mom and Pop stores. These vacant buildings need to be renovated or demolished and new business opportunities recruited..

Rural electrical distribution systems need upgrading of facilities and equipment. Rural residents experience power outages during stormy weather. High voltage transmission systems are needed for economic development in rural areas.

The federal and state parks are often operating at or above designed capacity. There is a need for additional parking space, restrooms, picnic facilities and boat ramps to alleviate overcrowding.

Additional development of facilities around city lakes and parks is needed. Picnic areas, playground areas and equipment, walking trails, shelters, access roads and parking improvements are required to meet the increased demands.

Through the economic development push, the demand for available housing has become an increasing problem. Not only are the metropolitan workers moving to the country, but the availability of housing for potential industry into the immediate area is slim.

Senior citizen services are on the decline. Funding is a big issue for programs such as the meals on wheels, assisted living programs and available nursing home facilities. As many look to retire in this area, the need for these services continues to increase.

With the increase in population, there has also been a need for more rural health care facilities. Archer County is without a hospital and has only one doctors’ office. The one remaining hospital in Jack County is struggling to stay open. Emergency response time is slow due to the distance between ambulance locations. The availability of trained volunteers for ambulatory services is a problem.

Goals and Objectives

Goal A – Provide or expand needed community facilities and services By 5% by 2012

Objective A01 – Upgrade municipal solid waste facilities in communities to meet current standards. Complete by the year 2011.

Strategies: Survey municipalities within 11-county area to determine where there are specific needs. Work with other agencies such as USDA-Rural Development and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to secure funding for upgrade of systems.

Objective A02 – Improve medical and health care facilities for rural areas. Complete by the year 2008.

Strategies: Assist rural hospitals or 1st responders secure funding to purchase much needed equipment. Grant searches will be performed and application assistance provided to the hospitals and 1st responders.

Objective A03 – Improve rural fire protection in each county. Complete by year 2012.

Strategies: Assist fire departments within 11-county area pursue funding available through the US Department of Homeland Security, the Texas Forest Service and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection for equipment.

- Assist rural volunteer fire departments secure funding to construct new fire stations where needed through USDA-Rural Development or other possible funding sources.

- Continue to promote the dry hydrant program.

- Develop an Emergency Response Manual in a pilot county with assistance from the Rural Fire Protection Program.

- Offer new equipment demonstrations and educational opportunities to the fire departments.

Objective A04 – Improve rural water distribution systems in Young, Jack, Archer, Wichita, Collin and Clay Counties. This will be an ongoing project.

Strategies: Provide grant searches and application preparation assistance to implement water distribution systems.

Objective A05 – Promote/develop multi-purpose community activities and facilities. This will be an ongoing project through the year 2012.

Strategies: Provide grant searches and application preparation assistance to secure funding from sources such as USDA-Rural Development and private foundations.

- Work closely with organizations sponsoring the development of new youth facilities for the development of leadership, responsibility and social skills.

- Work with organizations interested in improving or developing community facilities that offer social and cultural experiences.

- Work with Counties and Municipalities to upgrade equipment necessary to offer community services.

Objective A06 – Develop housing, counseling and protection for domestic violence/ sexual abuse/child abuse victims. To be completed by 2012.

Strategies: Provide grant searches and application preparation assistance as requested.

Goal B – Improve education and training level of all citizens by 10% by 2012

Objective B01 – Increase availability of vocational, technical and leadership training course. To be completed by the year 2011.

Strategies: Provide training opportunities for our communities in partnership with federal, state and local organizations.

- Provide nonprofit management training during the Texas Association of RC&D Areas Annual Conference in Wichita Falls by 2006.

- Promote leadership training classes within 11-county area.

-Develop workshops to instruct landowners on basic computer skills

and how to conduct business on the interactive federal government sites to implement conservation programs.

Objective B02 – Provide training for medical and emergency type positions. To be completed by the year 2011.

Strategies: Provide training opportunities for emergency departments in partnership with federal, state and local organizations.

- Work with fire departments to secure local training opportunities and implement fire prevention and safety programs within their communities.

Objective B03 – Provide training for volunteers in grant writing. To be completed by the year 2011.

Strategies: Continue to develop staff’s grant writing skills in order to offer one on one training to organizations requesting assistance.

- Involve requesting sponsoring organization during the entire proposal preparation process so they will become familiar with the procedure and necessary content to have a successful proposal.

Objective B04 – Educate public on detrimental affects of illegal dumping and littering. To be completed by the year 2011.

Strategies: Utilize the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Supplemental Environmental Project funds when available to implement clean-up of illegal trash dumping or abandoned tires.

Objective B05 - Promote drug and alcohol awareness and education to be completed by the year 2011.

Strategies: Work with entities involved in drug and alcohol awareness to assist with the development and implementation of out reaching programs.

Objective B06 – Promote programs decreasing truancy and drop out rates of youth. To be completed in the year 2011.

Strategies: Seek out organizations involved with youth in school to determine type of assistance needed and opportunities for RC&D to become involved.

Goal C – Promote and develop recreation and tourism by 15% by 2012

Objective C01 – Improve ability of private landowners to develop, manage and promote wildlife resources. Complete by the year 2008.

Strategies: Partner with organizations like the Texas Department of Agriculture and Texas Parks and Wildlife to host educational work shops for private landowners.

Objective C02 – Improve utilization of lake parks. Complete by the year 2011.

Strategies: Work with organizations to develop park facilities through providing grant searches, proposal writing assistance and technical assistance.

- Work with the City of Byers to develop recreational opportunities around Byers Lake.

Objective C03 – Improve or develop recreational facilities. Complete by the year 2011.

Strategies: Assist independent school districts, municipalities and other community organizations secure funding to develop or refurbish playground facilities.

- Assist Byers ISD through grant searches and proposal preparation assistance to secure funding for physical education equipment.

Possible funders would be USDA-Rural Development and private foundations.

- Assist the Vashti Community Center locate possible funders through grant searches of private foundations to develop a playground area.

- Assist the City of Olney redevelop a community park through grant searches, proposal writing assistance and park map development. Private foundations will be pursued by the City for funding.

- Assist the City of Bryson secure funding to update the lighting at the ball park.

Goal D – Improve and maintain environmental resources of area by 10% by 2012

Objective D01 – Promote landfill sites as needed. To be completed by the year 2011.

Strategies: This item will be addressed on an as needed basis.

Currently, we are not aware of any needs that are not being addressed.

Objective D02 – Upgrade and/or develop liquid waste treatment facilities. To be completed by the year 2012.

Strategies: Pursue various demonstration opportunities for possible alternatives to the traditional aerobic septic system for home-site sewage treatment.

- install two natural treatment demonstration sites in Clay County as a final stage toward completion of the Statewide Constructed Wetland Project funded by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service.

-host North Central Texas College Environmental Science Class Educational Tours of demonstration sites.

-utilize the TCEQ SEP program to fund additional demonstrations in Clay, Denton and Wise Counties.

-monitor demonstration sites to determine effectiveness and soundness of design.

- seek approval through TCEQ to offer natural treatment systems as an alternative in most areas across the state.

-provide assistance when requested to updating existing treatment Systems for municipalities.

Objective D03 – Lessen flooding potential for rural and urban areas. To be completed in the year 2012.

Strategies: Work with municipalities and counties to determine problem areas, develop solutions and locate funding assistance.

Objective D04 – Develop and promote recycling in all area counties. To be completed by the year 2009.

Strategies: Work with municipalities and council of governments to Implement household hazardous waste collection events and furnish recycling bins to encourage recycling in our communities.

- utilize TCEQ SEP funds when available.

Objective D05 – Install treatment facilities for chemical and animal wastes. To be completed by 2012.

Strategies: as needs become apparent, we will work to secure funding and technical assistance to implement projects.

Objective D06 – Protect and improve soil and vegetative resources of area. To be completed in 2012.

Strategies: Promote existing conservation programs and encourage proper grazing use.

-Host meetings involving land developers, elected officials and others that have control over platting of land areas to emphasize the importance of riparian areas and the significance of involving them in the design of developments.

-develop criteria to host workshops for small landowners to develop own conservation plan. Involve Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas Parks and Wildlife, County Appraisal Districts and NRCS in the course development.

Objective D07 – Clean roadside dumps and creeks. To be completed by the year 2011.

Strategies: Utilize the TCEQ SEP funds when available to clean up illegal dumps and abandoned tires across the area.

Goal E – Increase economic potential of area by 10% by 2012

Objective E01 – Create jobs and income producing opportunities in rural areas. To be completed by the year 2011.

Strategies: Encourage alternative and value-added agriculture to increase job opportunities. Partner with economic developers, regional development councils to search out job opportunities.

Objective E02 – Improve rural and city streets. To be completed by the year 2009.

Strategies: Work with small communities to locate funding to improve street preparation and surfacing.

Goal F – Protect air and water quality and quantity by 20% by 2012

Objective F01 – Support water conservation education. To be completed by the year 2011.

Strategies: Work with area newspapers to publish articles concerning water conservation opportunities.

- partner with Four Winds RC&D to host water well screenings throughout the area where there is an interest.

Objective F02 – Promote awareness of legislative issues concerning water quality and quantity and air quality. To be completed by the year 2011.

Strategies: host meetings such as our annual meeting where we invite our State and Federal legislators to present on current issues across the State.

- work with Texas Cooperative Extension Service when there is an interest in developing an underground water conservation district.

Objective F03 - Develop plan to provide emergency potable water to rural areas. Ongoing agreements.

Strategies: Periodically revisit plans already in place and make contact with Associated Milk Producers to insure management is aware of Agreements should a community need to act on the agreement.

Strategies and Time Frames

The Chisholm Trail RC&D, Inc. develops a plan of work annually based on the goals, objectives, needs and opportunities identified in this Area Plan. The Plan of Work may cover two consecutive years and contains specific action items describing activities, projects, partners, funding, responsibilities and time frames that move the Council toward accomplishing their long-term goals.

Staffing Plan

Chisholm Trail RC&D, Inc. requires the following staff in order to aggressively pursue the implementation of our Area Plan.

~ A full-time Coordinator fully supported through the USDA - NRCS.

~ A part-time RC&D Council employee

~ Earth Team Volunteers to assist with the implementation of special events and project activities.

USDA Partnerships and Public Input

Chisholm Trail RC&D has developed partnerships with several USDA agencies. Our strongest partnership is with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, which furnishes our full-time Coordinator and provides an administrative grant to assist with operations. We have also entered into grant agreements with NRCS to implement various special projects.

USDA-Rural Development offers programs that many of our sponsorship are interested in participating. Staff work closely with Rural Development to insure that quality applications are submitted from our sponsorship. The ultimate goal of both organizations is to succeed in assisting rural communities in improving quality of life for their citizenry. This agency was offered the opportunity and provided input into the revision of the Chisholm Trail RC&D Area Plan.

We partner with the USDA-Farm Service Agency during various demonstrations or workshops to promote educational opportunities for producers. This agency was offered the opportunity and provided input into the revision of the Chisholm Trail RC&D Area Plan.

Other agency partners are Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Texas Cooperative Extension, Regional Planning Commissions and Water Control and Improvement Districts. There are numerous private entities with which Chisholm Trail has developed a good working relationship to make things happen in the 11-county area and across the State.

Surveys were sent out to the Chisholm Trail RC&D sponsorship and partners asking for their input to develop this revision to our Area Plan. Responses were received from community leaders, agency and local units of government representatives suggesting issues which have been included in the revision. In general, the surveys emphasized the need for assistance with community development issues.

Chisholm Trail RC&D, Inc.
P.O. Box 454
Bowie, Texas 76230
(940) 872-5329 ext. 4 - Phone
(940) 872-9604 - Fax
E-mail: chisholmtrailrcd@hotmail.com