The Pacific and Southwest regions have been facing several natural resource issues this summer—including ongoing droughts and wildfires—so the 70 conservation district supervisors, staff, and partners from the regions had plenty to discuss when they gathered for the joint region meeting in Maui, Hawaii this month. 

Over three days, meeting participants shared successes and challenges related to invasive species, stormwater, wildfires, and more. Both regions have spent the last two years goal setting and identifying region specific priorities and strategic plans, and this meeting was also instrumental in helping board members and staff identify clear pathways forward for engaging new or recently re-invigorated districts, like those in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

Many districts and their partners within the two regions are looking forward to the potential new funding streams available through opportunities like the Inflation Reduction Act, but recognize the need to plan appropriately for changes in district leadership and staff as board members retire or term out, as well as the need for training to respond appropriately to these new opportunities. Thanks to this meeting, the regions have reaffirmed their commitment to communication, information sharing, and peer-to-peer networking within and between the two regions to ensure conservation districts are adequately prepared to respond to new funding opportunities.

Through a tour of a native plan nursery, cover crop research sites, a temple severely impacted by coastal erosion, and ranches and fields affected by the invasive axis deer, meeting participants were also able to enjoy the unique ecology of Maui, while learning more about the work of the Maui Soil and Water Conservation Districts and their partners, like the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the University of Hawaii. The meeting was incredibly helpful in framing the challenges and opportunities districts face, and provided fruitful dialogue for the regions to continue engagement with each other and NACD.

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DELEGATION CONNECTS AT THE

ONE WATER SUMMIT

Last week, representatives of NACD, the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), the National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA), and other conservation partners participated in the US Water Alliance's One Water Summit 2022 as a Soil and Water Conservation Delegation. The summit was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where over 800 attendees, including water utilities, public officials, the business community, environmental organizations, community leaders, policy organizations, and researchers gathered.

This was the first time a Soil and Water Conservation Delegation to the summit was formed, with the aim to help connect soil and water conservation professionals, conservation districts, state agencies, and partners with their counterparts in the drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater sectors. The Soil and Water Conservation Delegation hosted a peer dialogue session with the Iowa Delegation on the first day where it was discussed not only how to bring stakeholders to the table, but also the importance of bringing the table to them.

NACD board member for Connecticut and Coastal RPG member Denise Savageau served as a panelist during a breakout session on "The Critical Role of Soil and Watersheds in Water Resource Management," moderated by SWCS Chief Executive Officer Clare Lindahl. Other panelists included Susan Kozak with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Ethan Brown with the Willamette Partnership. The session emphasized the importance of watershed-wide collaboration, and the important role of natural and working lands in water quality and quantity.

As is summit tradition, delegations presented Commitment to Action statements on the final day. Monte Osterman, NACD board member for Wisconsin and Coastal RPG Vice Chair, shared the Soil and Water Conservation Delegation's Commitment to Action, encouraging collaboration between the soil and water community and water utilities.

CATOOSA COUNTY CD

PROMOTES WATER

CONSERVATION WITH FRIENDS

OF NACD DISTRICT GRANT

In 2021, the Catoosa County Conservation District in Georgia conducted several activities to promote and encourage the importance of water quality and residential water conservation with the help of a Friends of NACD District Grant.

One activity carried out by the district was hosting a Water-Wise Rain Barrel Workshop in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension, and the City of Ringgold. Participants learned about wise water use, irrigation basics, and the benefits of rainwater diversion and capture. Workshop participants also received instruction on proper rain barrel installation, things to avoid during installation, and examples of uses for their harvested rainwater. Participants were able to assemble their own rain barrels to take home.

The Friends of NACD Grant also supported the districts education efforts by allowing them to purchase an Enviroscape® Watershed/ Nonpoint Source Model and a variety of water test kits to provide students with hands-on experiences as they test the water of local creeks and streams. These training materials will be promoted through the local public school system, home school organizations, and local youth organizations such as 4-H, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts. The district also plans to make training available for the use of these resources for teachers, volunteers, and other interested groups.

Read more about Catoosa County Conservation District’s work with the grant in this blog post and consider becoming a Friend of NACD today to help provide grant opportunities like this to conservation districts around the country!