VASCM: Rich Casale Retiring From NRCS -- You are Invited to Reception Tomorrow at Santa Cruz Co. Fairgrounds

[Mary Lindsay]

After 43 years with the NRCS, Rich Casale is retiring (his last day was 
Tuesday) and he is extending an invitation to VASCM members to attend 
his retirement reception tomorrow afternoon:

*Retirement Reception for Rich Casale*
Friday, Jan. 6, 3:00-6:00pm (with a program between 4:00-5:00)
at the Heritage Hall, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave., 
Watsonville

See the attached flier for more information. And please note: you can 
still RSVP even though the requested date was on Tuesday. Let Rich know 
at richcasale3 at gmail.com, phone: 831-359-1297.

Rich has been a big resource to the VASCM over the years, speaking to 
our group and advising many of our members on many topics including 
erosion control, rainwater catchment, irrigation practices, wildlife 
management, etc. We thank him for his contributions - and look forward 
to continuing to hear more from him and seeing him at upcoming meetings.

You can read more about Rich's career in the Farm Bureau newsletter 
story below. His successor has yet to be named. In the mean time, if you 
need to reach the local NRCS office, the contacts are:

- Acting district conservationist:  Jim Howard, District 
Conservationist, Half Moon Bay, james.howard at ca.usda.gov; 650-726-4660 
ext. 100.
- For questions regarding EQIP contracts: Jennifer Nowark at 
jennifer.nowark at ca.usda.gov; 831-475-1967 ext 2903 (Wed-Thurs).

And RSVP to Rich if you wish to come to the reception tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

Mary Lindsay
Muns Vineyard
408-234-2079
www.munsvineyard.com



*RICH CASALE RETIRES AFTER NEARLY 43 YEARS*

Rich Casale, District Conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources 
Conservation Service (NRCS) is embarking on his next journey in life 
following a successful career with NRCS here in Santa Cruz County. 
Rich’s last day on the job is January 3.

Rich helped re-open the local NRCS office back in 1979 after a 10-year 
NRCS office absence from the County recognizing the need for NRCS 
presence and services.Since 1975, Rich has worked with a vast number of 
local growers on a host of conservation issues affecting soil, water and 
related natural resources on their farms and ranches.

Rich is especially proud of having helped producers restore damaged farm 
and ranch lands following storm events and the numerous natural 
disasters that have plagued our County over the past 4 decades. He has 
also enjoyed his participation on the more recent grower-initiated 
Pajaro Valley Community Water Dialogue. As many Farm Bureau members 
know, Rich has been a regular contributor to the Between the Furrows 
Newsletter having written scores of articles over the past 30 years. He 
was also the 2008 recipient of the Farm Bureau’s Al Smith Friend of 
Agriculture Award.

Rich plans on continuing his work with NRCS as a volunteer and to work 
with his successor to ensure a smooth transition. A retirement reception 
is being planned for January 6, from 3-6pm in Heritage Hall at the Santa 
Cruz County fairgrounds. The reception is open to all those who know or 
have worked with Rich over the years.Rich’s personal email is: 
richcasale3 at gmail.com <mailto:richcasale3 at gmail.com>to RSVP, for further 
details; and/or for those interested in keeping in touch with Rich 
following his retirement.


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