The primary election is this Tuesday, Aug. 28. If you have voted by mail, you have my congratulations for being a good citizen. If you haven’t voted, remember TUESDAY in large capital letters. The primary in Arizona tends to be more consequential than the general election, so study the issues and the people and vote accordingly. Remember, local elections are included in the primary ballot.
Sam Hosler
I don’t know how many are aware of the work of Arizona’s conservation districts, including our own Winkelman Natural Resource Conservation District, but I suspect the number is not high. The WNRCD meets quarterly for several hours. It has an elected Board of Supervisors. Rancher and businessman Bill Dunn is the current chairman, and Barbara McGuire is a newly elected supervisor.
The WNRCD is known as the most involved and effective of all the conservation districts in Arizona. It is involved in monitoring natural resources (water, vegetation, birds and fish and other animals), and it serves as a healthy “talking place” for ranchers and other businesses to meet with state and federal officials and members of conservation organization.
It has monitored endangered species in the area and conducted an extensive study of turtle habitats in the region. It has helped in the planning for new electrical line installations in order to protect sensitive areas and ensure the continuance of cattle raising. The WNRCD has also cooperated with the Town of Kearny in seeking a grant to eliminate tamarisk growth in the town’s fire line.
More than that, it has promoted agricultural training in our local schools, including help with local gardens. It is working with people in Oracle to develop a nursery for local plants to use along fire-ravaged areas and to widen support for farming. The group has worked with Central Arizona College at Aravaipa and, each summer, provides scholarships for several children to attend College for Kids. It is developing an Educational Center to enrich this area.
Ranchers, farmers, and just-interested people are doing a great job without much public notice. And, I must tell you, they have a potluck at each of the meetings which puts even church potlucks to shame!
This hot summer had made things difficult. The word I hear is that town citizens have done a good job in conserving water, avoiding the consequence of water restrictions. Continue to monitor your own use, but be sure to keep our living things living, especially trees which enrich our lives.
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