International Erosion Control Association Announces Creation of Charitable Fund

Steamboat Springs, Colo.—The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) has created the Save Our International Land (SOIL) Fund to provide a funding source for programs and projects that improve the environment by addressing erosion and sediment control issues through education, research, and applied technology.

“Soil, air and water give us forests, gardens, flowers, jungles and food. These are being destroyed by erosion,” explains Jim Sikking, honorary chair of the association’s SOIL Fund Committee, best known for his roles on Hill Street Blues and Star Trek III: The Return of Spock. “With the SOIL Fund we can help stop erosion. We know how. We can help.”

“I really believe this is our best approach to finding the funds necessary to accomplish the more exciting projects we would all like to pursue,” said Tom Williams, MA, CPESC, co-chair of the association’s SOIL Fund committee.

Although the official launch of the fund will be held at the general session of Environmental Connection 2008 (EC08) in February, the fund is currently accepting donations through IECA’s Web site http://www.ieca.org/SOIL. Examples of the types of projects the fund will support include:
•Engineers Without Borders Tsurakú Project in Ecuador.
•Biological Soil Crust (BSC) research and development.
•Water quality project in the Nyando Basin Area of Western Kenya, Africa.

All donations are tax-deductible. Donations made prior to December 31, 2007 may be applied towards 2007 tax returns.

“This is a way for IECA members and other professionals in the industry to contribute to something they are passionate about,” said Mark Hunter, PE, who co-chairs the fund’s committee. “It also will allow IECA to reach beyond the borders of one country and effect change throughout the world.”

In addition to the general session presentation, IECA will celebrate the launch and raise money for the fund with the Soil Fund 5K Run/Walk on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida. A portion of all registration fees will go to the SOIL Fund. Registration information and donation forms are available at http://www.ieca.org/conference/annual/events.asp.

For more information about the fund, its mission and vision for the future visit the IECA Web site at http://www.ieca.org/SOIL.