The availability of natural resources in a given area can have a major influence on the local community. Madison County, Kentucky is no exception. This county is one of the fastest growing in the state, with a workforce of over 360,000 people from a 13-county regional labor market. It is also located 600 miles from 50% of the US population.
The Kentucky Community Action Association is comprised of 23 member agencies with extension offices in every county in Kentucky, providing essential resources to those in need. The Kentucky Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers American farmers and ranchers financial and technical assistance to voluntarily implement conservation practices. This helps to reduce soil erosion, improve water supply and quality, and increase wildlife. The Kentucky Forest Division works to protect, conserve, and enhance the forest resources of the Commonwealth. The Regional Conservation Partnerships Program (RCPP) funds solutions to natural resource challenges on farmland. The availability of natural resources in Madison County is determined by several factors such as climate (temperature and rainfall) and physical structures of the Earth, such as rocks and soil.
These determine what plants and animals can live there. For instance, nearly 3 million acres in Kentucky and 50 million acres in the US contain a natural layer of soil called Fragipán. This affects what crops and livestock farmers can raise. USDA service centers are places where you can contact employees of the Agricultural Services Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, or the Department of Rural Development to meet your business needs. State technical committees advise the NRCS and other US agencies.
Be sure to ask your local NRCS district conservationist about the deadline for the classification period to ensure you submit your application on time. In conclusion, natural resources have a major impact on Madison County's economy and environment. The availability of these resources affects what crops and livestock farmers can raise, as well as how conservation efforts are implemented. It is important to contact your local NRCS district conservationist for more information about how natural resources can benefit your community.
