RC&D AREA DESCRIPTION

 

 

            The Southwest Mississippi Resource Conservation and Development Area consists of the following twelve counties in southwest Mississippi: Adams, Amite, Copiah, Franklin, Jefferson, Jeff Davis, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson. The total area covers 4,164,800 acres, with counties ranging in size from 258,000 acres (Walthall Co.) to 497,000 acres (Copiah County).

 

            There are four soil resource areas. They are Mississippi River Delta, covering 5% of the area; Brown Loam (thick loess), covering 25% of the area; Thin Loess, covering 30% of the area; and Lower coastal Plain, covering 40% of the area.

 

            The land use is predominantly forestry, with 3,065,100 acres, or 72 percent devoted to the production of trees and related wildlife and recreational resources. Of this forested area, more than 70 percent is private, non-industrial timberland. There are approximately 198,000 acres of federal forest land, almost all occupied by Homochitto National Forest with headquarters in Meadville. Percent forest land ranges from a low of 55 percent in Walthall County, to 89 percent in Franklin County.

 

            There are approximately 416,000 acres of agricultural land in the area, ranging from 12,800 acres in Franklin County to 50,200 acres in Walthall County. Primary cropland production is corn, soybeans, cotton, vegetables and annual grazing crops for beef and dairy herds. Significant dairy production still exists in Walthall, Pike, Amite, and surrounding counties. Poultry broiler production is found in the eastern half of the area, with approximately 400 producers in operation.

 

            The area is served by a north-south interstate system (I-55), two east-west four-lane state systems (MS Hwys 98 and 84), one four-lane north-south state highway (Hwy 61), and numerous two-lane systems.

 

            Three counties border the Mississippi River on the west, served by one river port in Natchez. Four counties on the east are served by the Pearl River, however water-borne transportation on the Pearl is limited to recreational and small commercial crafts.

 

AREA SOCIO-ECONOMIC DESCRIPTION

 

            The total population of the area is 245,274, according to the US Census of 2000. This represents a 3.7 per cent increase from 1990. Only two counties experienced a population decline from 1990 to 2000 (Adams and Jeff Davis). County populations range from 8,377 in Franklin County to 38,940 in Pike County. There are  25 incorporated areas ranging in population from 190 (Silver Creek) to 19,460 (Natchez).

 

            The population of the area is overall predominately white ( 53.0% white, 45.9% black, 11% other), but 5 counties have a majority black population (Jefferson 86.5%, Wilkinson 68.2%, Jeff Davis 57.4%. Copiah 51.0%). The Hispanic population is growing with employment opportunities in poultry processing and forestry.

 

            The area's median household income is $24,130, or 23% below the state median household income level of $31,330 (2000) and 43% below the national median household income level of $41,994. All of the 12 counties are below the State average, ranging from Jefferson County with 59% of state average to Lawrence County with 91% of state average. All 12 counties are below the national average, with Jefferson County at 44% and Lawrence at 68% of national median household income.

 

            The area's average per capita income level is $12,980, or 18% below the state per capita income level of $15,853 (2000) and 40% below the national per capita income level or $21,587 (2000). All of the 12 counties are below the state average, ranging from Jefferson County with 61% of MS per capita income to Adams County with 99% of MS per capita income. All 12 counties are below the national per capita income level, ranging from Jefferson County with 45% of national to Adams County with 73% of national per capita income.

 

            Average unemployment rate for the area in 2002 was 8.9 percent, 31% above the state average for the same period, ranging from a high of 16.7% in Jefferson County to a low of 5.2% in Marion County.

 

            The percentage of population over the age of 25 attaining a high school education averages 67.5% for the area. This is 7 percent below the state average (72.9%) and 16 percent below the national average (80.4%). Lowest education levels are found in Wilkinson County (58.1%) with highest in Adams County (73.4%).

 

            The area is served by three Community College systems (Copiah-Lincoln, Pearl River and Southwest) and one state university, Alcorn State University, with the main campus in Lorman and a branch in Natchez. The Mississippi School of the Arts for the state's high school juniors and seniors opened in 2003 in Brookhaven.

 

RC&D COUNCIL OPERATIONS

 

            The Southwest Mississippi RC&D Area was formally authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture in 1974. The area originally was made up of 10 Southwest Mississippi counties, but over the years lost one county (Claiborne) and gained three counties (Copiah, Jeff Davis, and Marion) to include the present-day total of 12.

 

            The RC&D program was first authorized by the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962, Public Law 87-703, with additional authority from The Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, and the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, by which the RC&D program was permanently authorized.

 

            Southwest Mississippi RC&D, Inc. operates as a nonprofit corporation, having 501-C-3 approval granted by IRS in 1988 and having filed for incorporation with MS Secretary of State in 1990. The Council is registered with the MS Secretary of State's office as an exempt charitable organization. Governance is by a Board of Directors (Council) operating under Bylaws last revised in September 1991. The Council has two representatives from each of the 12 counties.

 

            The Council has officially adopted a nondiscrimination statement and accounting guidelines, operating on a January 1 to December 31 fiscal year and filing IRS Form 990 long forms since 2002. The office is located in Brookhaven, MS, and includes the area's only complete Grants Library or Grants Resource Center.

 

            Official RC&D sponsors include local units of government (cities and counties), soil and water conservation districts, economic development and community development organizations, chambers of commerce, financial institutions and public utilities.

 

VISION

 

            The Council's vision is to become an area leader in strategic planning and coordination of resources with local partner organizations to enable the wise development and use of both human capital and natural resource assets to improve the quality of life for all its citizens.

 

 


 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

            Southwest MS RC&D Council's mission is, as a nonprofit corporation, to provide technical and financial assistance to local organizations, units of government and individuals in the 12-county area to enable the wise development and use of both human capital and natural resource assets to improve quality of life for all the area's citizens.

 

AREA PLANNING PROCESS

 

            In 2003, the RC&D Council initiated a public input process to identify area concerns and opportunities. This was done primarily through a Community Development Planning Survey mailed to 800 community leaders and a Natural Resources Planning Survey mailed to 3,000 partners with the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Results of returned surveys (approximately 150) are summarized below.

 

            RC&D recognizes that the Southwest MS Area reflects some serious challenges as well as real opportunities. Our approach builds from the assets of the region and seeks to understand and address the root causes of problems that our citizens and communities face, as identified by the people themselves. Our challenge is to develop both short-term and long-term activities and programs that do not overlap with existing programs and that seek to partner with existing local community and faith-based organizations as well as units of government.

 

AREA PLANNING RSULTS: NATURAL RESOURCES

 

            Following a thorough analysis of the public input received through the Natural Resources Surveys, the following 48 issues were ranked in order of priority. Number in parenthesis indicates total points received.

 

1.      Education of landowners to federal and state assistance programs for conservation practices (142)

2.      Stream bank erosion/protection (134)

3.      Adequate financial assistance/cost-share funds for conservation practices on woodland (130)

4.      Adequate financial assistance/cost-share funds for conservation practices on grassland (128)

5.      Invasive plant species/pests. (122)

6.      Conservation education programs for youth (121)

7.      Lack of concern among local, state and federal officials over issues that impact private landowners (119)

8.      Ground Water quality (118)

9.      Regeneration/replanting of cutover forest land (110)

10.  Adequate and safe drinking water supply (110)

11.  Soil erosion on grassland (109)

12.  Surface water supply/quantity (109)

13.  Soil erosion on forestland (108)

14.  Ground water supply/quantity (108)

15.  Over-harvesting of hardwood forests (108)

16.  Loss of soil fertility and productivity (107)

17.  Invasive wildlife species/pests (107)

18.  Surface water quality (104)

19.  Loss of farmland to development (100)

20.  Loss of upland wildlife habitat (98)

21.  Forest harvest and logging practices (98)

22.  Forestland issues not addressed by federal cost-share/financial assistance programs (96)

23.  Woodlands managed for multiple use (forestry, wildlife, recreation, etc.) (96)

24.  Adequate technical assistance to forestland producers to install needed conservation practices (95)

25.  Adequate technical assistance to grassland producers to install needed conservation practices (94)

26.  Adequate financial assistance to cropland producers to install needed conservation practices (91)

27.  Disposal of farm chemicals, tires and potentially hazardous materials (91)

28.  Overpopulation of wildlife species (91)

29.  Loss of fisheries habitat (91)

30.  Professional expertise exhibited by officials charged with responsibility to assist private landowners (91)

31.  Soil compaction (89)

32.  Limitations of staff, time or equipment experienced by agencies responsible for providing assistance to private landowners (87)

 

33.  Loss of upland wildlife habitat (87)

34.  Protection of wetlands (84)

35.  Underpopulation of wildlife species (84)

36.  Increased water runoff and flooding caused by urban development (81)

37.  Excessive use of agricultural chemicals (81)

38.  Protection of air quality around agricultural operations (81)

39.  Increased erosion and sedimentation caused by urban development (78)

40.  Soil erosion on cropland (78)

41.  Protection of threatened and endangered species (plant and animal) (76)

42.  Agricultural waste management and disposal from animal enterprises (manure) (76)

43.  Grassland issues not addressed by federal cost-share/financial assistance programs (75)

44.  Adequate technical assistance to cropland producers to install needed conservation practices (75)

45.  Over-harvesting of pine trees (74)

46.  Promotion of sustainable and organic farming (70)

47.  Decreased water quality due to urban runoff (68)

48.  Cropland issues not addressed by federal cost-share/financial assistance programs (51)

 

 

 

AREA PLANNING ELEMENTS: LAND CONSERVATION, WATER MANAGEMENT

AND LAND MANAGEMENT

 

            It is the RC&D Council's conclusion that the identified issues and concerns falling under the Land Conservation, Water Management and Land Management elements, as identified through the public input process described above, may be potentially addressed through existing frameworks at the local area under the guidance of each local Soil and Water Conservation District with assistance from such local partners as County Forestry Association, local commodity groups (cattle, poultry), Farm Bureau, etc. and with technical assistance from a number of state and federal agencies (Extension Service, NRCS, Forestry Commission, etc.). RC&D will provide watershed and multi-county coordination to address any of these issues as requested by local partners on a case by case basis, but will not establish Goals and Objectives in these three planning elements..

 

            The RC&D Area counties of Jefferson, Adams, Wilkinson, Franklin and Amite are located entirely within the South Independent Streams Basin, as well as the western portions of Copiah, Lincoln and Pike. A 30-page status report is available from MS Dept. of Environmental Quality. The Basin Management and Implementation Plan is scheduled for completion in 2004. The RC&D Council will participate as needed with partner organizations and agencies to assist in the strategies for improving and protecting water quality within the South Independent Streams Basin. RC&D will likewise participate in the Management and Implementation phase of the Lower Pearl River Basin that contains all of Lawrence, Walthall and Marion counties, most of Jeff Davis County and the eastern portions of Copiah, Lincoln and Pike counties. The implementation plan will be based on water quality assessments, impairment identification and water quality standards and goals derived from Total Maximum Daily Load analysis.

 

AREA PLANNING ELEMENT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

 

 

            The Southwest MS RC&D Area plan addresses only the Community Development element through identified Goals and Objectives.

 

            Results from the Community Development Planning survey were as following, listed in order of priority. Numbers after each issue indicate total points/number votes received.

 

  1. Housing rehabilitation programs for the elderly, handicapped, needy  152 / 15

 

  1. Availability of affordable housing  141 / 20

 

  1. Services and programs for at-risk youth  129/24

 

  1. Rural crime and safety  125/21

 

  1. Quality child care facilities (safety, health, education)  119/20

 

  1. Grant writing assistance for local community organizations  118/22

 

  1. Programs to encourage entrepreneurs, small business startups  115/26

 

  1. Leadership development  113/20

 

  1. Parenting skills and accountability  111/21

 

  1. Venture capital funds to encourage entrepreneurial spirit.  109/21

 

  1. After-school activities for youth  106/20

 

  1. Domestic abuse shelters (for adults and children)  98/118

 

  1. Identification and promotion of tourism opportunities (cultural, historical, nature-based, agri-tourism, etc.) 85/17

 

  1. Maintenance of rural roads and bridges  84/13

 

  1. Activities to encourage value-added processing of forest and agricultural products  82/14

 

  1. Health Care (available, adequate, accessible, affordable)  80/13

 

  1. Personal financial management education  78/14

 

  1. Litter and solid waste collection and disposal  71/13

 

  1. Digital communications for distance learning and telemedicine  64/16

 

  1. Economic development through arts programs  59/17

 

  1. Community foundation to encourage investment in local programs  59/13

 

  1. Adequate sewage treatment facilities for rural homes  57/11

 

  1. Assistance to faith-based and community organizations in strategic planning and operations  56/12

 

  1. Rural fire protection (equipment, training, water supply, etc.)  55/9

 

  1. Connecting consumers with locally-grown food producers (farmers' markets, community supported

        agriculture, etc.)  53/10

 

  1. Children's advocacy and abuse prevention  50/11

 

  1. Promote production of alternative crops and livestock systems  48/12

 

  1. Available outdoor recreation opportunities  42/9

 

  1. Transportation for welfare-to-work and "working poor"  42/8

 

  1. Organization of producer and marketing cooperatives  36/11

 

  1. Land use regulations and ordinances for rural areas  32/4

 

  1. Protection and improvement of surface waters  27/8

 

  1. Programs to encourage conservation of soil & water resources  12/4

 

  1. Loss of agricultural land to development  7/1

 

 

            Corresponding Community Development issues identified from the Natural Resources Survey were as following in order of priority:

 

1. Outdoor recreation programs/facilities for youth (133)

2. Promotion of alternative energy production and use (solar, wind, biofuel) ( 128)

3. Training in farm business planning and management, personal business planning and

      management (estates, wills, inheritance, incorporation, etc.) (124)

 

4. Market development for agricultural and forestry products (120)

5. Encouragement of value-added processing of ag and forestry products (118)

6. Inadequate human waste/septic systems in rural areas (117)

7. Private landowner rights threatened by federal, state or local regulations (116)

8. Availability of farmers markets for local growers (112)

9. Encouragement of alternative farm enterprises (nontraditional) and diversification (110)

10. Adequate access farm-to-market (roads, bridges) (109)

11. Adequate competition in marketing forest products (107)

12. Activities to promote agri-tourism and eco-tourism (105)

13. Adequate liability protection for on-farm enterprises (104)

14. Availability of public recreation facilities for hunting (103)

15. Availability of public recreation facilities for swimming (103)

16. Availability of public recreation facilities for fishing (102)

17. Adequate water supply for rural fire protection (102)

18. Availability of public recreation facilities for boating/canoeing (101)

19. Local system to connect farmers with food consumers (schools, restaurants, health care

       facilities, grocery   stores, etc.) (96)

20. Availability of public recreation facilities for hiking (92)

21. Adequate household garbage collection and disposal systems (91)

22. Availability of public recreation facilities for camping (91)

23. Availability of public recreation facilities for horseback riding (89)

24. Encourage cities/towns to support urban forestry programs (89)

25. Availability of public recreation facilities for bicycling (86)

26. Availability of USDA-approved processors for agricultural products (84)

27. Adoption of development and landscape ordinances in incorporated areas (81)

28. Development of land use ordinances in rural areas (80)

29. Development of natural, historic and/or scenic sites (79)

30. Safety hazard created by abandoned wells (78)

31. Availability of public recreation facilities for ATV trail riding (74)

32. Development of land use easements and trusts (58)

 

            Following a lengthy discussion of the above results at an official RC&D Council meeting on Oct. 29, 2003, the Council selected the following ten goals for inclusion in the Area Plan. The Council targeted high-priority issues that are currently not being adequately addressed by existing programs and activities and, though this plan, seek to develop activities and programs that do not duplicate or conflict with the efforts of existing local organizations or governmental entities.

 

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 

 

GOAL 1

Establish a housing rehabilitation program to assist 12 elderly, handicapped and needy homeowners per year, beginning in 2006.

 

 

Objective A.

Become Certified Housing Development Organization to function as clearinghouse to connect resources (money, materials, labor) with points of need.

 

 

Objective B.

Coordinate with existing housing organizations to identify and prioritize geographic areas and populations not currently being served.

 

 

Objective C.

Coordinate materials and labor with local community and faith-based organizations, Home Health programs, churches, etc.

 

 

 

 

GOAL 2

Assist five local community and faith-based organizations per year to plan and carry out effective programs within the RC&D Area.

 

 

Objective A.

Provide training and assistance in identifying funding sources, grant writing and administration, and legal and fiscal requirements.

 

 

Objective B.

Provide training in strategic planning, operations and program evaluation.

 

 

 

 

GOAL 3

Assist an average of 5 entrepreneurs per year beginning in 2005 to start and/or expand an enterprise centered around value-added processing of forestry and agricultural products.

 

 

Objective A.

Develop an enterprise facilitation model in 2004 and test in a 4-county pilot project.

 

 

 

 

Objective B.

Work with Southwest MS Partnership to establish a venture capital network targeting forestry and agricultural enterprises.

 

 

Objective C.

Schedule and conduct series of workshops to potential entrepreneurs in partnership with MSU Extension Service, Alcorn State University and MS Development Authority.

 

 

GOAL 4

Establish a campaign to reduce litter; work with Southwest MS Regional Solid Waste Authority toward long-term solution to area's solid waste disposal problem by 2009.

 

 

Objective A.

Guide Southwest MS Regional Solid Waste Authority in review of their long-term (20-year) plan for providing members services for solid waste collection and disposal.

 

 

Objective B.

Direct formation of a partnership to focus on education, community pride and enforcement of littering laws.

 

 

Objective C.

Sponsor the development of a recognition program for successful partnerships.

 

 

 

 

GOAL 5

Complete the implementation of a plan for Economic Development Through the Arts by 2006 supporting a new organization, Southwest Mississippi Artists and Craftsmen.

 

 

Objective A.

Assist Southwest MS Artists and Craftsmen (SMAC) in organizational growth and action plan development, becoming independent by 2005.

 

 

Objective B.

Assist 3 SMAC members per year in enterprise development, marketing and business growth.

 

 

 

 

GOAL 6

Identify resources needed to assist 20 rural homeowners per year in upgrading inadequate home sewage treatment systems to meet standards, beginning in 2005.

 

 

Objective A.

Secure funding for an incentive program to assist homeowners in upgrading failing systems.

 

 

Objective B.

Conduct media campaign on degree of problem and impact on health and environment.

 

 

Objective C.

Network to encourage 3 counties to pass and enforce countywide ordinance by 2008 requiring adequate systems.

 

 

 

 

GOAL 7

Assist 3 rural fire departments per year in reducing (improving) their ISO ratings at least one grade, beginning in 2006.

 

 

Objective A.

Install one demonstration dry hydrant in each of 12 counties by 2005 and conduct demonstrations for county officials.

 

 

Objective B.

Secure funding source for an area-wide dry hydrant installation project by 2006.

 

 

Objective C.

Fund installation of dry hydrants for county-wide coverage in two counties per year beginning in 2007.

 

 

Objective D.

Assist 2 rural fire departments per year in securing funds for training, equipment and/or operations.

 

 

 

 

GOAL 8

Establish an area-wide program by 2009 to provide economical transportation from home-to-job for the "working poor".

 

 

Objective A.

Secure long-term funding commitment.

 

 

Objective B.

Identify operational partner and finalize contractual arrangement.

 

 

Objective C.

Publicize availability of program.

 

 

 

 

GOAL 9

Serve as an area-wide clearinghouse for community development information related to the Council's mission, collecting and disseminating information on potential sources of financial and technical assistance and on successful projects, including appropriate contacts.

 

 

Objective A.

Initiate a bimonthly newsletter in 2004 promoting success stories from across the RC&D Area, including points of contact and funding information.

 

 

Objective B.

Keep RC&D partners and community leaders informed of current funding opportunities through newsletter, email and website.

 

 

Objective C.

Establish team of 3 grant writers available to work with RC&D partners on referral and contractual basis as needed.

 

 

 

 

GOAL 10

Promote the use of wood as a viable alternative to steel and concrete for bridge construction, involving 100 future engineers (ASCE and FPS college students) each year.

 

 

Objective A.

Continue to sponsor and coordinate the annual National Timber Bridge Design Competition involving 100 future engineers (ASCE and FPS university students) each year.

 

 

Objective B.

Encourage local use of wood through promotion of modern timber bridge design techniques among area county engineers and supervisors.

 

 

Objective C.

Secure adequate financial support from nonfederal sources (wood products associations and corporations) by 2006 to replace USFS funding.

 

 

Objective D.

Secure support from ASCE or other appropriate sponsor to take over coordination and sponsorship of the annual event by 2007.

 


 

IMPLEMENTATION

 

            The RC&D Council will partner with numerous local state and federal agencies in addition to local community and faith-based organizations in order to implement this Area Plan. Following is a partial listing of partners:

 

 

Mississippi Development Authority

USDA-Rural Development, NRCS

MSU-Extension Service

Alcorn Extension Program

ASU-Small Farm Development Center

ASU-Center for Rural Life and Economic Development

Delta Regional Authority

MS Dept. of Agriculture and Commerce

Small Business Administration

Mid South Delta Initiative

MS Association of Cooperatives

MS Forestry Commission

US Forest Service

MS Micro Enterprise Association Network (MEAN)-Pat McDonough

Enterprise Corporation of the Delta

Southwest MS Planning & Development District

Southern MS Planning & Development District

Southwest Partnership

Chambers of Commerce

County CDAs, EDAs

Co-Lin, Southwest, Pearl River Community Colleges and Small Business Development Centers

County Boards of Supervisors

Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts

MS Dept. of Environmental Quality

MS Soil and Water Conservation Commission

 


 

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

 

 

Southwest Mississippi RC&D Council agrees that the RC&D Program will be conducted in compliance with the nondiscrimination provisions as contained in Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-259) and other nondiscrimination statues; namely, Section 504, of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and in accordance with the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture (7CFR-15, Subparts A and B) that provide that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, or handicap/disability be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial (or technical) assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any agency thereof.

 

ASSURANCES

 

 

The Southwest Mississippi RC&D Council agrees that the signing of this document constitutes agreement to comply with Federal laws concerning restrictions on lobbying, a drug-free workplace, and responsibilities for nonprocurement, suspension, and debarment, and State review.

 

PLAN ADOPTION

 

The Southwest Mississippi RC&D Council hereby adopts this RC&D Area Plan and agrees to use effectively the assistance provided by the U. S. Department of Agriculture to realize the goals and objectives outlined herein.

 

 

Southwest Mississippi RC&D Council, Mississippi

 

 

By:  _______________________________________     Date: _______________________________________

        Martha Watts, Chair

 

 

Attest: _______________________________________

            Harold Gary, Secretary/Treasurer

 

 

This action authorized at an official meeting of the Southwest Mississippi RC&D Council on December 18, 2003

 

U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service

 

The State Conservationist hereby acknowledges the attached Area Plan of Southwest Mississippi RC&D council as meeting the requirements under Public Law 97-98 to receive assistance from USDA.

 

Acknowledged By: _______________________________________ Date: _____________________________

                                Homer Wilkes, State Conservationist, Mississippi