Resource Conservation District Hosts Speak Off for Local High School Students

The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District (IERCD) will host their annual Speak-off speech competition at the Frontier Project in Rancho Cucamonga on Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. The topic for this event is different each year, and the 2014 prompt challenges participants to address “How can RCD’s help address the increasing fuel load in California’s wildlands and the potential for catastrophic wildfire?” Students in grades 9-12 on campuses within IERCD District boundaries are eligible to participate through development and presentation of a 3-5 minute speech on the prompt. The top three finishers will receive cash prizes of $250, $150, and $100 respectively; however, all participants will receive a prize bag valued at $20. The winner of this competition will receive an all-expenses paid trip and compete in subsequent regional and statewide competitions. This year the state competition will take place in Venura, CA. Past winners have come from Redlands High School, Yucaipa High School and Rancho Cucamonga High School. This year’s competition is sure to attract a large amount of participation, as last year’s participation reached an unprecedented number of students from all over the District. ABOUT The IERCD is a public agency that provides preservation, restoration, and education and outreach services to over 25 cities and unincorporated communities in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The Speak-Off is just one of the many events planned and/or participated in by District board and staff, in an effort to spread the message of the importance of conservation of natural resources. Additional event details including a map of IERCD boundaries can be found at www.iercd.org. If you would like to sign up for the Speak Off, please contact IERCD Education Coordinator at Abonczewski@iercd.org or 909-799-7407x107.