DC Talking Points             May 2010 CRP Training Sessions FSA and NRCS are conducting joint training on the administration of the Conservation Reserve Program for all employees involved with this program.  Four one day trainings sessions were scheduled across the state.  Locations are May 5 in Warsaw, May 6 in Lafayette, May 11 in Petersburg, and May 13 in Greensburg. Partnership Initiatives The Agriculture Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) proposal deadline is May 17 with selections anticipated being made the end of July.  The Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) proposal deadline is May 24.  The Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) proposal deadline is May 27 with selections also anticipated being made the end of July.  Please reference the NRCS 2010 Partnership Initiative matrix for further information on Initiative funding, deadlines, and eligibility (available on the SharePoint site under Shared Documents, in the . 2010 Contribution Agreements NRCS will be evaluating 2010 Contribution Agreement technical and administrative assistance proposals over the next two weeks.  We received a total of 13 technical assistance and16 administrative assistance proposals.  Contribution Agreements continue to be an excellent way for NRCS to partner with the SWCDs and gain valuable targeted assistance. Staff Vacancy Announcements NRCS Indiana currently has 7 active vacancy announcements.  They are for the GIS Specialist at the Indianapolis State Office, the Salem CIT Leader in Washington County, and District Conservationist positions in LaGrange, Delaware/Blackford, Adams/Wells, Scott/Clark, and Bartholomew counties.   State Conservationist Detail to NRCS Headquarters Jane Hardisty has been given an opportunity to provide assistance at NRCS headquarters to Chief Dave White. The Chief has asked Jane to serve as his Acting Chief of Staff on a two month detail in Washington DC. Jane is honored to take on this challenge and to be asked to fulfill this critical position. She will start this detail on May 24th.  Shannon Zezula, Indiana State Resource Conservationist, will serve as the Acting Indiana State Conservationist,  Starting on May 24th.  Barry Fisher, Indiana State Agronomist, will serve as the Acting SRC, and this acting role will also be effective May 24th. The next couple months will be busy as conservation plans, program contracts, and Watershed Initiatives will be developed and program dollars get obligated.  Jane is extremely proud and confident in the Leadership of Shannon and Barry and the entire Leadership Team as they will continue to provide leadership and support to partners during this time. NRCS Celebrates 75 Years