The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Pedernales Soil and Water Conservation District invite the public and any agencies with an interest in conservation issues to participate in a Local Work Group meeting to be held at the Methodist Church in Johnson City. This meeting will be on October 20, 2008 at 10:00a.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to receive input from a broad range of local agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals that have an interest in natural resource conditions and needs in Blanco County.

Input received will allow the Local Work Group to make recommendations on resource concerns to be addressed for county-based funding. These recommendations will be used in implementing the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and other conservation programs offered by NRCS.

The 2008 Farm Bill stipulates that conservation programs must continue to be locally led. Through stake holder meetings, the public is given an opportunity to help local conservation leaders set program priorities. These meetings are open to the public.

For more information, call the USDA Service Center office in Johnson City at 830-868-7237 ext. 3. Service center locations and program information can be found on the Texas NRCS Web site at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov.