Committees

Community Development Committee

The Community Development Committee is working to create partnerships to address critical community development issues including, but not limited to:

    1) Improving youth leadership opportunities
    2) Developing leadership programs for minorities
    3) Increasing information and assistance for small business owners
    4) Encouraging character development programs for youth
    5) Facilitating the use and implementation of geographic information systems in local communities
    6) Developing and delivering educational programs for youth

Committe Members
Terry Hancock
Joanne Lytton
Rollin Machtmes
Lorraine Rund
Chris Turpin
Wayne Williams

Land Conservation Committee

The goal of the Land Conservation Committee is to promote better land conservation practices within the region by:

    1) Educating property owners and the public regarding the benefits of windbreaks and woodland areas
    2) Providing information and education on how to reduce streambank erosion
    3) Promoting conservation tillage practices such as reduced till and no-till
    4) Promoting the establishment of wildlife habitats

Committee Members
Mark Eastman
Lenny Farlee
Rhonda Hicks
Leah Harden
Roger McClellan
Joe O'Donnell
Dean Zimmerman

Urban-Rural Land Use Committee

The goal of the Urban-Rural Land Use Committee is to help balance rural and urban land use needs by:

    1) Working with community organizations, leaders and governments to help develop effective land use plans
    2) Providing information and programs designed to preserve farmland
    3) Educating agricultural producers on how they can minimize conflict with non-farm rural landowners
    4) Educating non-farm rural landowners on how they can minimize conflict with agricultural producers

Committee Members
Jimmy Bricker
Ben Lambeck

Water Quality Committee

The Water Quality Committee is working to improve water quality throughout the region by:

    1) Promoting watershed management through partnerships with volunteers and local organizations
    2) Educating the public and community leaders regarding improving current septic systems and practices
    3) Partnering with local communities to explore innovative waste utilization practices
    4) Educating homeowners, agribusinesses and farmers regarding practices designed to minimize pesticide contamination of water