2002-03-06 - Rich Baden, from SCCD, keynote speaker at the March meeting
Rich Baden, from the Spokane County Conservation District, spoke at the March meeting of the Urban Forestry/Citizens' Advisory Committees. He outlined a bit of history about the SCCD and their role in management of natural resources. They are a state government district mandated by RCW 89.08, formed to provide a means for local people to solve local resource conservation problems. The mission of the district is to assist landowners and users with the proper management and conservation of all the natural resources. Over the past several years, the District has put to work approximately $2 million through project specific grants, and $6.7 million in State Revolving Funds that would not have otherwise been made available to Spokane County residents. The District has implemented watershed management programs on nearly every major watershed in the county.
They operate The Green Zone, an interactive enrironmental education center sponsored by several local agencies, at their District office, located at 210 N. Havana, on 2 acres on the SW corner of the Interstate Fairgrounds.
They are involved in a Straw Bale Home Project, demonstrating the benefits of using straw bales in construction of homes and businesses, which can be constructed from waste grass and cereal grain residue available locally. The first of these homes is located at 12th and Blake in the Spokane Valley.
They operate a Bio-Diesel Project, undertaking the task of producing a business and marketing plan for a vegetable oil and bio-diesel processing facility here in Spokane County. University of Idaho personnel have, since 1979, researched the use of locally produced rapeseed oils as a diesel fuel substitute. Their research has led to the use of ethanol and vegetable oil, including waste french fry oil, to produce ethyl esters. Many tests have shown these fuels to have characteristics as good as or superior to common diesel fuel. The use of bio-diesel does not require any engine modifications and the use of these alternative fuels will have a postive effect on the environment, reduce the use of petroleum reserves, and reduce foreign imports.
For further information visit their website at www.sccd.org.
Ann Martinson
Senior Programmer with Nichebox Internet Solutions, Ann works hard and plays hard, enjoying life and appreciating its daily blessings.
ann@nichebox.com
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