By MP Senechal, Director, Northern Plains

The 2002 SWCS Annual Meeting, "Setting the Pace for Conservation" will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana this year on July 13-17, 2002. For more information check out the web page at www.swcs.org NORTHERN PLAINS CHAPTERS MEET IN DEADWOOD S.D. By MP Senechal, Director, Northern Plains

Nineteen Soil and Water Conservation Society Chapter (SWCS) Leaders from the Northern Plains Region met in Deadwood, South Dakota on March 7-8, for their region's 2002 leadership workshop, according to Myron Senechal, Director, Northern Plains Region, SWCS. Presenters and workshop organizers were the Northern Plains Leadership team consisting of John Knapp, CO; Robin Foulk and Anita Nein, NE; Mike Collins, WY; Craig Cox, Ankeny, IA; and Senechal.

Craig Cox, Executive Vice President, SWCS, keynoted the workshop by explaining the 2002 Farm Bill legislative process. He referenced the Society's advocacy role and efforts in the Seeking Common Ground for Conservation - An Agricultural Policy Project. Farmers and Ranchers said that the next Farm Bill should strengthen existing conservation programs and build a farm policy on the role that they have as stewards of natural resources. Therefore, farmers and ranchers want a policy that supports all agricultural producers. The report contained recommendations for the 2002 Farm Bill, which were based on five SWCS regional workshops. Participants told the Society what they wanted in the 2002 Farm Bill. "Interest in the Seeking Common Ground... has been overwhelming," according to Cox.

In addition to the technical presentations on Farm Bill activities, Professional Developments, and Chapter Development, participants discussed Membership and Awards. Appropriately invigorated, workshop participants went home with many new ideas, a new network of contacts, and desire to be an advocate for the natural resources.

Montana Director John Rouane attended the meeting as the Montana Representative.

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

by Alan Rollo, Scholarship Committee

This year's winners of the SWCS - Montana Chapter's Scholarships are T. Rene Kittle for the $500 and Christopher Hammond for the $250.

Rene is attending the Salish Kootenai College in Pablo with her field of study in Environmental Science. She is in her forth year of hard work in school and is planning on attending the University of Montana for a Masters in Natural Resources Conservation. Her goal after graduation is to work in the field of restoration and conservation.

Christopher is attending the Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell with his field of study in Wildlife Biology. He is in his first year of school and his goal after graduation is to work with government or education in the natural resource field.

Each year the Montana Chapter awards two scholarships to students enrolled in an agriculture or natural science related cirriculum in a Montana or North Dakota School. The $500 scholarship is awarded to for a student who has been enrolled for at least one year and the $250 scholarship is awarded with no limitations on prior college education.