Safe Harbor Agreements (SHAs) Coming to California First

Safe Harbor Agreements (SHAs) Coming to California First – California Rangeland Conservation Coalition: Safe Harbor Agreement/Voluntary Local Program starts in 2010



By Julie Kay Smithson, property rights researcher, London, Ohio propertyrights@earthlink.net http://www.propertyrightsresearch.org and http://propertyrightsresearch.blogspot.com



The “Safe Harbor Agreement” program is being proposed by the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game, and should be fully approved by the end of 2009. Information included in this article may be difficult to fathom, but it is taken directly from the information being made available to property owners.


The following is excerpted from the 2-page “Safe Harbor Agreements for Private Landowners” Pamphlet: "The Safe Harbor Program encourages non-Federal landowners to restore, enhance, and maintain habitats for federally-listed species. ... Examples of activities covered under Safe Harbor Agreements include routine ranching and agriculture activities and maintenance of existing transmission lines. ... [Q] Does the Safe Harbor Program provide funding for restoration and enhancement activities? [A] There is no funding associated with Safe Harbor Agreements; however, the FWS can provide information on grant programs for restoration and enhancement activities. ... After the 10-year duration of the Safe Harbor Agreement, the landowner can either renew the agreement, or elect to return the property back to baseline conditions." http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/Partnerships/safe_harbor_agreement_pamphlet.pdf (2 pages; 273.69 KB)


When implemented, the Safe Harbor Agreement is designed to protect participating landowners if, during routine farming or ranching operations, they accidentally harm approximately twenty species that are currently protected under both the federal and state Endangered Species Acts. The program will cover the "incidental take" (Take that results from, but is not the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity. – Glossary for Endangered Species Act terms. (DOI/USFWS) http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Endangered/glossary/) of protected species on private ranchland in four the Northern California counties of Shasta, Tehama, Butte and Glenn.


The California Rangeland Conservation Coalition – which includes the California Farm Bureau Federation and the California Cattlemen's Association, as well as more than 75 other agricultural organizations, environmental groups and state and federal agencies – will offer informational materials and meetings to interested landowners once the proposed program is approved. "In part, the proposed agreement recognizes the value of grazing and other land stewardship practices of California's ranchers as essential for species management," said Noelle Cremers, CFBF natural resources and commodities director, who called the agreement the result of collaboration among agricultural groups, government agencies and environmental organizations.


To bring the state's safe harbor agreement program into closer alignment with federal requirements, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 448 into law on October 11, 2009. "We worked very closely with Defenders of Wildlife (DOW) and helped ensure the state legislation that supports the program works well for farmers and ranchers. Now, with the bill approved, we're able to more easily create programs that provide protections for state or federally listed species, and those listed by both," Cremers said. – 'Safe harbor' plan recognizes benefit of land stewardship, October 21, 2009, California Farm Bureau Federation http://www.cfbf.com/agalert/AgAlertStory.cfm?ID=1415&ck=A60937EBA57758ED45B6D3E91E8659F3#


Under a Safe Harbor Agreement, participating landowners voluntarily undertake management activities on their property to enhance, restore, or maintain habitat benefiting species listed under the [Endangered Species] Act, Safe Harbor Agreements, and the subsequent enhancement of survival permits that are issued pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the [Endangered Species] Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), encourage private and other non-Federal property owners to implement conservation measures for federally listed species by assuring property owners that they will not be subjected to increased land use restrictions as a result of efforts to attract or increase the numbers or distribution of a listed species on their property. Application requirements and issuance criteria for enhancement of survival permits through Safe Harbor Agreements are found in 50 CFR 17.22(c). – U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-SPECIES/2008/March/Day-21/e5741.htm


This programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement and Voluntary Local Program (Agreement) is entered into between the California Cattlemen’s Association (Program Administrator), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), and the California Department of Fish and Game (Department); hereinafter collectively called the “Parties.” This is a voluntary program that recognizes the unique and important role that private landowners in California can play in helping wildlife valued by the people of the state and of the nation. The purpose of this Agreement is to enable land management activities beneficial to sensitive species to be carried out on non-Federal land while providing protections to participating landowners (Cooperators) from increased regulations resulting from the presence of listed species. (Page 1) Draft Agreement:
http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/Partnerships/Documents/CRCC_Programmatic_Safe_Harbor_7-31-09_draft.pdf (70 pages; 1.36 MB)


This Agreement follows the Service’s Safe Harbor Agreement policy (64 FR 32717) and regulations (64 FR 32706), which implement this policy. Upon approval, this Agreement will serve as the basis for the Service to issue an Enhancement of Survival Permit (Permit) under Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA. The Federal Permit authorizes the incidental taking of the Covered Species during habitat restoration activities, as well as activities associated with routine and ongoing agricultural and rangeland management. This Agreement also follows the Department’s Voluntary Local Program (VLP) regulations (California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, § 786), which implements Article 3.5. Incidental Take Associated with Routine and Ongoing Activities § 2086 et. seq. of the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). In cooperation with the Safe Harbor Agreement, this VLP is designed to provide sufficient flexibility to maximize participation and to gain maximum wildlife benefits without compromising the economics of agricultural operations. Additionally, the Federal and State Take authorizations allow Incidental Take of Covered Species (but not *Species of Special Concern) if a Cooperator chooses to return their property to Baseline conditions. Ibid. Page 2


The California Cattlemen’s Association serves as the Program Administrator of the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement/Voluntary Local Program and is authorized to enter into both Cooperative Agreements with landowners who enroll land in the program and Neighboring Landowner Agreements with landowners who own land adjacent to or within the immediate vicinity of land enrolled in the program. Ibid. Page 36


"For each Enrolled Property, pre-Agreement conditions (baseline) shall be based upon a survey of the Enrolled Property, not more than 18 months prior to the signing of the Cooperative Agreement, to delineate the locations of all habitats for listed species and **Species of Conservation Concern that will be covered under the Cooperative Agreement. The following Baseline Habitat Worksheets are designed to be used for each potential Enrolled Property for each potential Covered Species and Species of Conservation Concern." Ibid. Page 39


Certificate of Inclusion

This certifies that the property described as follows [DESCRIPTION], owned by [NAME OF COOPERATOR], is included within the scope of the Enhancement of Survival permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on [DATE] (Permit No._____) and the Approval and Take Authorization issued by the California Department of Fish and Game on [DATE] (Take Authorization No. ____), each for a 50-year term, to the California Cattlemen’s Association under the authority of § 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, and in accordance with §2086 of CESA, respectively. The Permit and Authorization allow certain activities by participating landowners as part of the Safe Harbor Agreement/Voluntary Local Program to maintain, restore, and enhance habitat for the Covered Species, while providing incidental take coverage for associated habitat enhancement and routine and ongoing ranching and agricultural activities. Pursuant to these authorizations and this Certificate, the holder of this Certificate is authorized to engage in activities on the above described property that may result in the incidental taking of such species, subject only to the terms and conditions of the Safe Harbor Agreement/Voluntary Local Program Programmatic Agreement, the Permit and Authorization, and Cooperative Agreement No. _______ entered into by the California Cattlemen’s Association and [NAME OF COOPERATOR] on [DATE]. Ibid. Page 30


U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Contact: Rick Kuyper, 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605, Sacramento, California 95825. richard_kuyper@fws.gov or 916-414-6600. Fax: 916-414-6712/6713


Definitions:


*Species of Special Concern – A native species whose population is low and limited in distribution or has suffered significant reductions because of habitat loss. – Bureau of Land Management, Chapter 9, Glossary PRB O & G DEIS. http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/wy/information/NEPA/prb-deis.Par.5535.File.dat/15chap_09.pdf (Page 9-16 of 9-18 pages; 87.59 KB)


**Species of Conservation Concern – Species whose persistence or abundance in an area is threatened by development. – Wildlife Friendly Guidelines, Community and Project Planning, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) February 2009.
http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/w_c/WildlifeFriendlyDevelopment.pdf (Page 38/39 of 43/44 pages; 2.65 MB)


1,390 words.


Article citation: "First published in the January 2010 issue of Progressive Rancher Magazine."


2nd decade of providing carefully researched information. propertyrights@earthlink.net Websites: http://www.propertyrightsresearch.org http://propertyrightsresearch.blogspot.com & http://tips2ussavethem.blogspot.com Also: http://ourcommunitynewspaper.com

Parallel Universe - When Two Worlds Collide: A 2009 three-part article series for the Progressive Rancher

Parallel Universe - When Two Worlds Collide: A 2009 three-part article series for the Progressive Rancher



Parallel Universe, Part One: When Two Worlds Collide – Ranching and litigation

Article citation: "First published in the August/September 2009 issue of Progressive Rancher Magazine."

http://propertyrightsresearch.blogspot.com/2009/08/parallel-universe-part-one-when-two.html


Parallel Universe, Part Two: When Two Worlds Collide – Justice and ‘equal access to justice’

Article citation: "First published in the October/November 2009 issue of Progressive Rancher Magazine."

http://propertyrightsresearch.blogspot.com/2009/10/parallel-universe-part-two-when-two.html



Parallel Universe, Part Three: Ranchers ARE Environmentalists

Article citation: "First published in the December 2009 issue of Progressive Rancher Magazine."

http://propertyrightsresearch.blogspot.com/2009/12/parallel-universe-part-three-when-two.html

Providing carefully researched information since 1999. propertyrights@earthlink.net Websites: http://www.propertyrightsresearch.org http://propertyrightsresearch.blogspot.com & http://tips2ussavethem.blogspot.com

Parallel Universe, Part Three: When Two Worlds Collide - Ranchers ARE Environmentalists

Parallel Universe, Part Three: When Two Worlds Collide - Ranchers ARE Environmentalists



December 11, 2009



By Julie Kay Smithson, property rights researcher, London, Ohio propertyrights@earthlink.net
http://www.propertyrightsresearch.org and http://propertyrightsresearch.blogspot.com



Some wise person once said that, before you can know where you’re going, you’ve got to know where you’ve been. Historic ranches garner awards, their roots soaking up the fertility of the soil, the lifeblood of judicious water use and the bounty to be had from an eagerness to try new things. From crops to livestock, new ways to grow both may mean trying entirely new concepts. Ranching in the New West means embracing experience while leaving the door open for new techniques. Ranchers put their all into their ranches, and it shows. The line of distinction -- between optimum habitat for people, livestock and wildlife, and poorly managed, or non-managed, federally controlled land – shows who the real stewards of the land and water are: ranchers.


The Purdy Ranch – Picabo, Idaho


Beavers and the Downcut Riparian: Copper Creek, on the 10,000-acre Purdy Ranch has been in the same family since the mid-nineteenth century. About that time, beavers were trapped out for their pelts. By the 1970s, 150 years later, the creek sported the regular symptoms of watershed disease -- soil compaction, sagebrush invasion, intense storm water downcutting. Rancher and conservationist Bud Purdy began a combined, deferred grazing plan (keeping cows out of the riparian during critical times) with seeding and brush control. At first, he tried constructing dams to reduce channel erosion, but 70 percent of them would not hold against flood peaks. Lew Fence (Wood River Conservation and Development Council) and Dale Roberts (Soil Conservation Service) suggested beavers, because beaver dams hold water better than human equivalents, and a colony of beavers build and re-build dams for free (or, at least, for inner bark). The successful results: The water table rose, 33 beaver dams were built in five years, the pool area exceeded 6 acres with correspondingly more wildlife, riparian area, longer flow seasons and some small trout. Noteworthy is the combination of deferred grazing, beavers and the "Beaver Committee," a unique interagency group that transplants "problem" beavers (beavers that chew up semi-rural apple orchards), relocating them to livestock-raising watersheds. The new co-evolution of ranchers and conservationists usually requires new, less formal public/private institutions like the Beaver Committee. – Source: "Co-Evolution of Ranching & Conservation Communities" (excerpt) by Peter Warshall, Originally published in Whole Earth magazine, Issue 90: Summer 1997, Page 70. http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:ANL2ktz5jOMJ:www.questiaschool.com/read/5000483624%3Ftitle%3DCoEvolution%2520of%2520Ranching%2520%2526%2520Conservation%2520Communities+2002+%22Bud+Purdy%22+%22Picabo,+Idaho%22&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&lr=lang_en
On August 20, 2002, Bud Purdy was honored for his efforts to improve grazing land management on privately owned grazing lands by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). NRCS State Conservationist Richard Sims recognized Purdy for his contributions as a member of the National Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Steering Committee. The USDA Honor Award, which Sims presented to Purdy, is the most prestigious honor bestowed by the Secretary of Agriculture. "The honor award is a tribute to Bud for his commitment to meeting conservation needs of private grazing lands," said Sims. "As a member of the national steering committee, he has volunteered hundreds of hours of his personal time to increase public awareness of the values of the nation’s private grazing lands. His ability to work effectively with all levels of public and private organizations has been critical to the success of the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. We also value his expertise as a member of the Idaho Grazing Lands Steering Committee." Purdy represents the Society for Range Management on both the national and state Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative steering committees. Source: http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/news/newsreleases/idaho_ranch.html


Maddux Cattle Company, Chase County, Nebraska


On October 17, 2009, southwestern Nebraska rancher Jack Maddux, of the Maddux Cattle Company in Chase County, received the 32nd annual Golden Spur Award, naming him the nation's top rancher. '"More than bringing prestige to an individual, the award spotlights the humanistic and scientific contributions of the livestock and ranching industries," says Robert D. Josserand, chairman of the National Cattlemen's Foundation, which nominated Maddux for the award.' Source: Nebraska Farmer, October 26, 2009. http://www.nebraskafarmer.com/story.aspx?s=32593 The ranch, homesteaded in 1886, is very productive, successfully running red Angus 123 years later.


"Great ranches are not made of the dirt, water, wind and grass that comprise their environment. They are formed and sustained by the character of the people attached to them." – Charles P. Schroeder, executive director of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.


The XXX Ranch, Tarrant County, Texas


“I want to assure you that among the cattlemen, there is a great deal of pride and a little competitive spirit to see who can be the best wildlife manager. ... I just wish, very much, that the working environmentalists -- and I guarantee you there is no more dedicated environmentalist than the farmer or rancher who lives on that land, makes his living from it, works with it all year long, year after year, and wants to leave it better than he found it -- were more recognized by the nominal environmentalists, who would rather talk about it than do it. ... Some have blamed greed of early ranchers for degradation of rangelands, when almost invariably it was lack of knowledge that led to decline. The science and art of rangeland management has been developed only in the past 50 years. With this knowledge -- provided by SCS (Soil Conservation Service) technicians through locally governed Soil and Water Conservation Districts, using information developed by federal and state experiment stations and the ranchers and technicians themselves -- dedicated ranchers voluntarily made tremendous strides in brush suppression, grazing management, and restoration of rangelands during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Progress has been slowed in the past 20 years by reduced technical assistance available for grazing lands and by the increase of production costs over prices received that has reduced capital available for needed improvements. During recent years, brush encroachment, especially by juniper, has taken over abandoned cropland fields and continued to invade rangelands. ... it is astonishing that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service says that endangered species recovery plans are exempt from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. It is hard to believe that anyone would consider a recovery plan not to be a major federal action, and I hope that policy statement will be carefully investigated by congressional staff for legitimacy.” – Source: Excerpted (pages 84, 85, & 218, from a statement by John L. Merrill, Burnett Ranches; Professor, Texas Christian University; Member of the National Steering Committee for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI). "Full text of 'Department of Agriculture's activities related to the yellow-cheeked warbler: hearing before the Subcommittee on Department Operations and Nutrition of the Committee on Agriculture, House of Representatives, One Hundred Third Congress, second session, September 16, 1994, Cleburne, Texas.'" http://www.archive.org/stream/departmentofagri00unit/departmentofagri00unit_djvu.txt It should be noted that John L. "Chip" Merrill had, at that time, directed the ranch management program at TCU for the past 33 years, since 1961, as well as being a past president of the International Society for Range Management, a long-time member of the Wildlife Society, professional member of the Society of American Foresters, and a director of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Though the Internet mentions many accolades he’s received, he prefers to continue learning rather than rest on his considerable laurels, still at the helm of the XXX Ranch in Tarrant County, Texas.


The Adams Ranch, Meade County, Kansas, and Beaver County, Oklahoma


"Biological Control Demonstration Project: Adams Ranch, Meade County, Kansas. The landowners are demonstrating biological control of tamarisk using goats. Approximately 100 head of goats were confined for feeding in a 10-acre plot infested with tamarisk. The project offered much information on appropriate stocking rates, predation, viability, and feeding habits of the goats." – 10-Year Strategic Plan for the Comprehensive Control of Tamarisk and Other Non-Native Phreatophytes. The project continued for a second year, but the goats didn't consume the tamarisk to the point of its demise, and the trial was halted. Source: http://www.kwo.org/Reports%20&%20Publications/Rpt_Tamarisk_10-Year_Plan_FINAL_120805_sm.pdf (Page 19 of 39 pages; 2.98 MB)


"We've been raising cattle on this land since 1890. We have to be good stewards or we'd go out of business. It's not our livelihood; it's our life! We spend thousands of dollars getting rid of noxious weeds and we have more of the desirable grasses." – Rancher Judy Adams.


The Three Circle (000) Livestock LLC – Carbon and Albany Counties, Wyoming


“The 2nd Annual NACD/NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) Olin Sims Conservation Leadership Award was presented to Wyoming rancher Ralph Brokaw on February 3rd, 2009, during the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) annual meeting in New Orleans. Brokaw was chosen for his outstanding leadership and service in conserving natural resources. … The Brokaw family ranch, the Three Circle (000) Livestock LLC, located near Arlington, Wyoming, is a testament to his passion for healthy lands. His commitment to natural resource conservation management makes him a leader and example in his community and throughout Wyoming. Bobbie Frank, Executive Director of WACD (Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts), said, “I am sure I speak for all of our Conservation Districts in congratulating Ralph on receiving the Olin Sims Leadership Award. It is a very deserving award for the work Ralph has done for natural resource conservation efforts in Wyoming, the region and at the national level. This award will hold significant meaning to Ralph I am sure, given that it is in memory and honor of his best friend and longtime mentor, Olin Sims.” Established in tribute to the late NACD President, Olin Sims, the award recognizes outstanding conservation leadership at the state and local level. The award is presented annually to an individual, based upon superior service to the conservation community in promoting conservation on private lands. Sims, a rancher from McFadden, Wyoming, lived a life distinguished by years of volunteer service to conservation. “Olin was a true conservationist who was equally committed to practicing conservation and advocating for it,” said NACD President, John Redding. “This award epitomizes the conservation leadership and integrity that was his life and highlights the leadership of other conservationists who assume the mantle of conservation leadership into the future.” Source: http://www.conservewy.com/temp/brokaw.pdf Ralph also received the 2002 Landowner of the Year from the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission for his outstanding commitment to wildlife habitat, including rotational grazing, riparian areas, managed hunting, etc.


Baker Ranches, Inc. – Nevada and Utah


Dean Baker, eastern Nevada rancher and longtime Nevada Cattlemen's Association member -- as well as being on the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, a Second Vice President, and on various other boards & committees -- was named Nevada’s Outstanding Rancher of the Year in 2003, as well Cattleman of the Year the previous year. Baker Ranches, Inc., run by Dean, his wife, Barbara, and sons Craig, David and Tom, plus veteran buckaroo Lee Whitrock, straddle the Nevada-Utah border. Of its 12,000 acres, 2,000 are in barley, alfalfa and corn, and the ranch also runs about 2,000 head of cattle, and sells high-quality alfalfa hay to California dairies and Las Vegas area horse owners. " ... Nominees for Outstanding Rancher of the Year are evaluated on their conservation planning and resource management objectives, as well as any innovative or unique management practices." Sources: http://www.saveourwildhorse.com/PDF/Blm-Press/BLM2003/Release2004-08-12_Nov-2003.pdf (Page 1 of 7 pages; 80.06 KB) "The U.S. Bureau of Land Management agencies in both Nevada and Utah have honored Dean for his management of grazing allotments on the public domain." – Baker Ranch: A Success Story, March 28, 2005. The Nevada Agricultural Foundation http://www.nvagfoundation.org/NAF/news/article.cfm?id=158

Multi-generational ranch families have always hit the ground running, their dedication helping to feed the world. Ranchers already walk the walk, as evidenced by countless hours of physical and mental work. To talk the talk and explain what they already know so well, is difficult for an independent, self-reliant people, but learning to do so will build a communication bridge that will keep them and their world alive and well for another two hundred years.


“And to protect and care for all His creations, God made ranchers.” – Beverly Merritt, Merritt Ranch, Lincoln County, New Mexico.


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Article citation: "First published in the December 2009 issue of Progressive Rancher Magazine."

Depressurizing this time of year

Depressurizing this time of year

November 28, 2009

By Julie Kay Smithson propertyrights@earthlink.net

This kind of depressurizing isn't about wetsuits and water, but has the same healthful effect.

Many readers are feeling pressured to SSS and SSS -- shop, shop, shop and spend, spend, spend -- at this time of year. It's nice to be able to visit stores and other businesses and give them our business, but do we need to spend simply for spending's sake? How many people do we know that are "hard to shop for" because they already have everything they need?

Here are a few suggestions to help make this Christmas season one you will remember for other reasons besides pressure to spend:

Meet friends/family and take a walk in a nearby park or other relaxing location. Take time to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons and even bestow random acts of kindness that last a lifetime -- from lying in a pile of leaves to holding gloved or mittened hands and from a friendly hug to a pat on the back for just being able to share such times with others!

Is there a friend or family member that you've not visited with in quite awhile? Consider inviting him/her/them out for a nice meal. The location need not be fancy or high-priced as much as it should be warm and friendly. There are many places to gather and dine that are in Madison County. Go out to eat to a place you can all enjoy, a place you'll be able to hear one another's voices and revel in the retelling of special times while making a new memory. At meal's end, there are no dishes to wash or kitchen cleanup.

A simple phone call to 'visit' -- when an in-person visit isn't possible -- is comforting and comfortable, especially if you can do it at a time that's good for both caller and callee.

The local thrift store is a fine place to go for great items at terrific prices, and the benefits are far-reaching. Some thrift stores' revenues benefit others in your community, and the recipients of your 'thrifting' can range from shared smiles and conversation with others to simply browsing without the pressure of feeling that you must buy something. If you do make a purchase, spending a few dollars on an item that you are certain a special person will love has several benefits, including the recycling of quality, usable items.

Take a nice evening drive and look at the Christmas garlands and lights that are being added to the nighttime scenery this time of year. There are so many displays 'on display' that you needn't go far afield. For those in your vehicle that may feel the cold more, bring a toasty afghan or other warm snuggly for them, and keep in mind that hot beverages are on hand in many places to warm the hands and innards!

Consider the time-honored things to do, like sit down with a pen and paper or cards (and yes! you can make homemade cards that will be cherished) and simply write a little note or letter to someone to tell them how much they mean to you. Just a heartfelt note like "I miss the good times we've had and relive them with you in memory" or "We need to get together in January; let's set a date, and a 'snow date,' now and make plans to share an afternoon or evening" or "My Scrabble game misses your quick wit" -- there are so many ways to tell others that you care!

Our loved ones whose remains rest in local cemeteries are worthy of a visit, even if you simply sit in your car and remember the good times you had with them. Cemeteries need not be places of sadness, but can be places of solace. Deciding to celebrate the good -- and shed the rest -- is a decision that helps everyone feel better.

Take the time to pause and offer yourself to those that need you. This may be done in many forms and can take the form of Christmas caroling, a warm meal delivered, a plate of warm cookies shared with neighbors, a helping hand lent to a local animal shelter, senior center, rec center, local library, historical center -- the possibilities are many, the results, tremendously uplifting. Animals in need of a walk or a meal -- whether they are our pets, lost/abandoned dogs and cats at the shelter, or the backyard birds/wildlife -- will benefit from a little time, a kind voice and your caring.

Do you know someone who needs to get out and run some errands, but doesn't have transportation? Perhaps you could offer your afternoon and take them to places like the grocery store, Post Office, to visit a loved one at a nursing home or cemetery, etc. You'll both be so glad you did!

Do something as simple as sweeping or shoveling a neighbor's sidewalk or driveway. You needn't do it all, but if you are blessed with energy and a bit of steam, it's a great way to expend both and do a wonderful thing at the same time. People become friends over kindnesses. What better time to stretch out our hands and hearts?

869 words.

http://ourcommunitynewspaper.com/2009/11/depressurizing-this-time-of-year/

Thank God for farmers and ranchers

Thank God for farmers and ranchers


Thank God for farmers and ranchers, who raise the good food I eat;

May He continue to bless them, through life's bitter and life's sweet;

The best food is that grown locally, of that we can be sure;

And we will learn about that, if we visit our farms & ranches, and take a learning tour!



- Julie Kay Smithson, November 18, 2009 (appreciating America's farmers and ranchers every day of the year!)

FromUsToYou: Meandering

FromUsToYou: Meandering


By Julie Kay Smithson propertyrights@earthlink.net


Meander is something streams and rivers do naturally. Hunting dogs tracking a scent also meander, as the quarry's scent wanders to and fro.

Meandering also seems to be something I tend to do this time of year when out for a walk with Wiggles Blue Heeler. Both of us are so immersed in 'the moment' – from the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and colors, to the rarefied atmosphere that comes to Ohio for a short time in October and November: low humidity – that we just drift back and forth across the paths and trails, tarrying in the sun and reveling in the season.

One spectacular day in early September, Wiggles and I went with friends to Indian Lake and took a ride on a pontoon boat (our very first boat ride!), then had a fine afternoon playing virtual badminton (no net) and cooking out. We all meandered that day, on land and water!

On your path in life – but please, not on the road! – may there be just enough meander to bring you smiles and a full heart!


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No Trouble with Christmas

No Trouble with Christmas



By Julie Kay Smithson propertyrights@earthlink.net



I have no trouble with this time of year being called Christmas or the Christmas Season. After all, this Christian nation in which I was born and bred, celebrates December 25th as the day Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary and her husband Joseph in a humble stable in Bethlehem.
On the surface, much of the Reason for this Holy Season seems to have been usurped by advertising agencies that have invented other names for Christmas trees, Christmas vacations, Christmas break, Christmas cookies, Christmas presents.

Harried store "associates" -- once known as cashiers -- dutifully recite, "Happy holidays," which provides the perfect opportunity for me to ask meekly, "Which holidays? The 4th of July? Valentine's Day? Which holidays?" The quick, grateful and joyful reply is often, "Christmas!" and we both smile!

Young parents, struggling to make the most basic of ends meet, may be overwhelmed by the advertising blitz that stresses spending over the nativity's sweet innocence. Christmas need not be a financially depleting holiday. Sharing food, Christmas caroling, and random acts of kindness all get gold stars for simplicity and heartwarming goodwill. Simple popcorn, strung together to make outside tree decorations for birds, need not become an obsolete family tradition. In fact, the blending of new traditions -- like LED Christmas lights, which use almost no electricity -- with old can make us smile without the next-month sticker shock of the credit card invoice.

Nearby are Nativity scenes, some with real people and supporting animal cast, at churches, some gracing the front lawns of private homes. Christmas carols, sung by people with hearts full of love and Christian charity, lighten hearts and brighten spirits. Kindnesses bestowed upon friends, family and strangers alike, surge to the forefront at this time of year. From gifting the gas station attendant in need of one or more of the following: warm gloves, hat, ear muffs, coffee, hot chocolate -- to the simple kindness of a 'grocery cart gathering' to help save store employees a little time outside, such actions will warm both the giver and receiver.

From the offerings of warm water, nuts, corn, bread crusts and crumbs and more to the birds and other animals we love to stay wild -- but still revere the directive of Genesis to have dominion o'er them all -- to the special treats we make and gather for our beloved pets, family and friends, the simplest things can become the most cherished memories. From the unused coats we donate to those whose needs outstrip our blessings, to the myriad ways in which we can make a difference just by being a friend, Christmas shines through with Son Light from our souls.

Those of us who have no trouble with Christmas should be saying it out, strong and clear, celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ: We have no trouble with Christmas!


477 words.