Jan Hooper: Conservation district will never run out of projects, need restored funding

To The Daily Sun,

This is an extract from the 505-word letter I, as a retired Belknap County Conservation District coordinator and volunteer, sent to the county delegates:

"Please restore the Belknap County Conservation District’s (BCCD) funding so the office can operate and utilize your support as match for grants. When I was working there, the county’s Republicans understood the connection between natural resources and the economy. I asked my physicians why they chose to live here; it is the outdoor scenery and activities which is the case for many residents. When I retired the county contributed $97,909 to BCCD for 1 professional staff person, a permanent knowledgeable part-time assistant, an AmeriCorps member and office materials. Over 18 years we brought about a million dollars into the county. The county contribution reduced in 2015 to $92,400, in 2016 $80,000, in 2017 $60,000 and then dropped to $50,000. The county has already cut their contribution in half. It is remarkable that the one staff person and volunteers have been able to leverage the lowered funds to pay for so many worthy projects. But, $25,000 with a part time staff and volunteers will not be nearly as productive. Funding their request costs only 40 cents on a $300K property.

"In the Conservation Districts’ enabling legislation that guides them to work on the health, conservation, and development of the soil, water, and related natural resource. Keeping the county’s waterways, waterbodies and groundwater in good condition relies on 'land occupiers', other residents and communities being responsible with their activities, BCCD provides these types of information and projects.

"In addition to the funds the Conservation District brings in please consider the care and guidance provided about our natural resources. BCCD will never run out of projects, please restore their funding so they can continue to benefit the county."

Jan Hooper 

Center Harbor