We can't wait to see you in Chicago July 24-27 for NACD's 2021 Summer Meeting!
The agenda is jam-packed with a full NACD board meeting, a 75th Anniversary Celebration event, a conservation forum plenary session and a set of walking, conservation-minded tours.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth will provide remarks during the 75th anniversary celebration on Sunday, July 25. Other speakers include Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB) Program Manager Cindy Lair, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Terry Cosby, RFD Radio Network Director Rita Frazer and GROWMARK, Inc. Chairman of the Board and President John Reifsteck.
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NACD ATTENDS KACD'S 77TH ANNUAL MEETING |
Conservation districts from across Kentucky gathered in Lexington on July 11-13, 2021 for the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts' (KACD) 77th Annual Meeting.
The event kicked off with a welcome reception and evening awards banquet honoring last year’s 2020 awardees. The next morning, district officials gathered for a supervisor’s leadership breakfast featuring guest speaker Dr. Nancy Cox, the Dean of the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture. Cox spoke about the college’s many collaborative activities to support agriculture and natural resources conservation across the state.
NACD President Michael Crowder provided a keynote address during the first opening session, sharing his background and experience and an overview of NACD. Four afternoon breakout sessions explored the topics of social media, Kentucky pollinators and programs, carbon sequestration and Agriculture Water Quality Plans, and the value and conservation of Kentucky’s woodlands, especially for the white oaks used to produce the barrels critical to Kentucky’s bourbon industry. An evening awards session and auction included recognition for Kentucky’s NACD alternate board member and KACD past president David Rowlett. Rowlett was recognized for his 40 years of service to the Carroll County Conservation District.
Updates from state agency partners kicked off the next day of the meeting. Later, KACD Executive Director Crystal Renfro, NACD Southeast Region Representative Candice Abinanti and several conservation districts shared information and success stories from NACD and KACD Technical Assistance Grants Programs. NACD Secretary-Treasurer Gary Blair provided NACD updates and Jeff Rice, Kentucky’s NACD board member, also provided a report before business sessions for KACD and the Kentucky Association of Conservation District Employees were held. An awards banquet honoring Kentucky’s 2021 awardees concluded the event.
KACD will host their 78th Annual Meeting on July 9-11, 2022 in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
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SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING HELD TO DISCUSS THE REPLANT ACT |
On Tuesday, July 13, the House Natural Resources Committee’s subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands convened to discuss wildfire and forestry management. During the hearing, the Subcommittee discussed the bipartisan and bicameral H.R. 2049, Repairing Existing Public Land by Adding Necessary Trees Act (REPLANT Act), which is supported by NACD.
The REPLANT Act would remove the funding cap of the U.S. Forest Service’s Reforestation Trust Fund, a program used for reforestation projects such as those that take place after natural disasters. The program is funded by tariffs from wood products and is currently capped at $30 million per year. Removing the cap would allow for an estimated ~$123 million to flow into the program annually.
“Now I believe it is our responsibility to deal with this pressing issue, not only to suppress fires, but to do everything we can to prevent fires," said Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), the bill's sponsor. "That means we must pursue every opportunity in federal funding for post fire reforestation that will help make our natural landscapes and forests more resilient.”
Additionally, Gretchen Reuning, forest program director with the Fort Collins Conservation District testified on behalf of H.R. 3211, the Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership Program Act. In her testimony, Ms. Reuning highlighted the forestry work her district has engaged in and how the Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership Program has benefited her district.
The full hearing can be viewed here.
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ICYMI: NACD'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY NEWSLETTER |
As NACD celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year, we are releasing a special monthly newsletter highlighting conservation districts' successes over the years.
Entitled "Diamonds Out of the Dust: 75 Years of Conservation District Success Stories," this monthly newsletter features stories submitted by conservation districts and state/territory associations across the nation.
In the July edition, we highlighted the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts' educational video showcasing the work of the state's districts, Indiana's Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District's dam removal and modification project, and Pennsylvania's Westmoreland Conservation District's best management practices web portfolio.
You'll also hear from Steve Robinson, NACD Past President and board member for Ohio's Union Soil and Water Conservation District, and his thoughts on the importance of conservation, conservation districts and NACD.
Learn more about our 75th Anniversary campaign and view all past newsletters here. To be featured in the newsletter, share your district's success story by submitting this online form. |
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NACD Seeking Webinar Proposals |
Now is the time to plan your own session! We are seeking presentation proposals for Fiscal Year 2022 on urban and community resource conservation issues like soil health, water quantity/quality, pollinators, forestry, community-focused initiatives and outreach to underrepresented clients in conservation.
Submit your webinar idea online, share the web link with others who may be interested, and reach out to NACD Pacific Region Representative Ariel Rivers with any questions. NACD is proud to offer this program in collaboration with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.
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Room Reservation Deadline for the 2021 NACD Southeast Region Meeting Extended |
Join us August 8-10, 2021 as the NACD Southeast Region gathers at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Ala. for the 2021 Southeast Region Meeting.
The date to reserve a room at The Lodge has been extended to this Friday, July 23. To register and reserve a room, please visit this webpage. |
Deadline Friday for CRP Signups |
The deadline to sign up for the United States Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is this Friday, July 23.
“Agricultural producers and private landowners should take advantage of the opportunities offered by the revamped CRP,” FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said. “Explore the increased payment rates and new incentives for climate-smart agricultural practices to see if elements of the revamped CRP fit your operation.”
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New SARE Bulletin Highlights Best Practices for Adult Learning |
Studies show that farmers learn best through in-person, face-to-face educational programs.
Educators that use best adult learning practices have a greater effect on participants’ learning and retention, and empower farmers to make sustainable changes to their operations.
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American Farmland Trust Updates Soil Health Economic Calculator |
Last week, the American Farmland Trust (AFT) updated its Retrospective Soil Health Economic Calculator (R-SHEC) Tool, providing farmers and the conservation community with a means of evaluating the return on investment (ROI) of soil health conservation practices with 2020 price and crop data.
The previous version of the tool used 2019 information. This updated pricing allows farmers to obtain a more accurate picture of the costs and benefits of their investments in soil health.
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Promote your conservation district or state association's tree sale, annual meeting, webinar, field day or more on NACD's Calendar of Events!
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