By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
DALE COUNTY — The Dale County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) was recently honored with the Environmental Stewardship Award by the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce at the Excellence in Business Awards Banquet.
Board Member Thomas Kirkland and District Administrative Coordinator Trisha Huckaba accepted the award on behalf of the board. In a statement, the District expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“We are very grateful to be recognized for the work we do for and with our area landowners, farmers, and schools as we work to implement programs that help protect our soil, water, and natural resources for years to come,” the District said. “Thank you to the Ozark Chamber and to the citizens of Ozark and Dale County for this special honor.”
The award underscores the SWCD’s ongoing commitment to conservation and community engagement. The District works closely with local farmers, landowners, and schools to promote sustainable practices and stewardship of Alabama’s natural resources.
Earlier this week, representatives from Alabama’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts gathered at the Alabama State House for Soil & Water Matters Day 2026. The event, which took place on March 11, provided an opportunity to discuss key conservation programs and highlight successful district projects. A central focus of the day was advocating for continued funding of the Alabama Conservation Incentive Program (CIP), which provides state funds to local districts for distribution to producers in their counties.
“Dale County SWCD was in Montgomery yesterday (Wednesday) as part of the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts AACD meeting with state representatives to discuss conservation concerns and advocate for continued funding of the state Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) that brings state funds to the local level for SWCD Supervisors in each county to determine how best to distribute to local producers in their county,” Huckaba said.
Huckaba also spent the morning meeting with Dale County legislators to share the District’s ongoing projects and to express appreciation for state support. “We are proud to be part of the effort to protect and conserve Alabama’s natural resources,” she said.
The Dale County SWCD continues to implement programs that safeguard the county’s soil, water, and environment while fostering partnerships with the community to promote long-term conservation and sustainability.
