We are excited to announce that we have a dynamic group of presenters this year. In particular, we are excited to feature a track of presentations focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Conservation. In this group of sessions, NACD’s Tribal Outreach and Partnership Resource Policy Group (RPG) will present on their work to connect with tribal-serving conservation districts. The LaGrange County Conservation District in Indiana will also present on their work to connect with Old Order Plain Sect communities.
Meeting attendees will have the option of viewing sessions from a number of our partners, including the Ecosystem Services Markets Consortium (ESMC), Field to Market, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the Indians Nation Conservation Alliance (INCA).
To read the full session descriptions and register for NACD's Annual Meeting, visit the hub now.
Registration for the 2021 NACD Annual Meeting will be $50!
This price will gain you access to both the business meetings from February 1-5 and the convention programming February 8-10. PLEASE NOTE: each registrant must have their own unique email address.
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NACD GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE |
Leadership elections were held in the U.S. House of Representatives the week of November 16 to determine top level leadership positions for the 117th Congress. Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California was re-elected to another term by members of the Democratic conference as Speaker of the House, while Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland was re-elected to another term as majority leader, and Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina was re-elected as majority whip. Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California was re-elected by the members of the Republican conference to continue on as minority leader, while Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana was re-elected as minority whip, and Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming was re-elected as conference chair.
Both parties will continue to work in the coming weeks on committee leadership positions for the next Congress.
On Nov. 19, the Executive Committee of the Congressional Western Caucus voted unanimously to elect Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington as chairman of the Western Caucus for the 117th Congress.
The Western Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of nearly 70 members of Congress from 35 different states and territories who advocate for rural, western and resource-based communities on issues like the Endangered Species Act modernization and the responsible protection of public lands.
“Congratulations to Congressman Dan Newhouse on his election as Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus," said NACD President-elect Michael Crowder. "I have known and worked with Dan for years as a constituent in Washington State but now look forward to continuing to work with him at a federal level on important issues like agriculture, private and federal land management, water issues and much more. NACD looks forward to continuing to work with Congressman Newhouse and the Western Caucus while emphasizing the locally-led principle for natural resource management for farmers, ranchers and other landowners across the U.S."
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EPA FRRCC
HOLDS NOVEMBER VIRTUAL MEETING
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From Nov. 12-13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held the second public meeting of the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) through a virtual live webcast, which was attended by 229 members of the public.
Over the course of the meeting, the committee had the chance to hear from experts in the various charge topics assigned by EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler during the first convening, which was held in September 2020.
NACD President-elect Michael Crowder joins 30 others from across the nation as part of EPA's FRRCC, which was established in 2008 and provides independent policy advice, information and recommendations to the EPA administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.
EPA will be posting the meeting presentations and the recordings of the meeting on the FRRCC website. Other final materials from the virtual meeting (including meeting minutes) will also be posted to the FRRCC website as they become available. All previous committee materials, including the charge document received by the committee from Administrator Wheeler are also on the FRRCC website.
If you would like to submit public comments for the committee members on the charge or on any other matter, please email them to FRRCC@epa.gov.
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DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR FRIENDS OF NACD DISTRICT GRANTS PROGRAM APPLICATION |
The deadline to apply for the Friends of NACD District Grants Program is less than a week away! Conservation districts have until Monday, Nov. 30 to apply for a $2,500 Friends of NACD District Grant to help fund their project! |
The Sierra Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in Truth or Consequences, N.M., received a 2020 Friends of NACD District Grant to help fund the first-ever Conservation Days summer camp this past July. The camp would have introduced middle school students to agriculture and conservation through field trips that would allow them to milk cows, brand calves, learn wildlife management, and visit various operations such as a peach orchard and chicken farm. However, COVID-19 (coronavirus) had other plans, and the summer camp was canceled.
This did not stop Sierra SWCD from pushing forward and continuing their mission to provide conservation education to students in the community. The SWCD really wanted the students to be able to learn hands-on experiences and not have to be forced to partake in any more virtual events. As a result, the SWCD decided to send students home with conservation kits that provided hands-on learning experiences, as well as a summer camp t-shirt and backpack filled with educational materials and goodies from various district partners, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), the local extension office and the New Mexico Beef Council.
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The various activities that were sent home with students included a frog raising kit, where students were given tadpoles and a tank that they used to raise the tadpoles into frogs and learn about their lifecycle. They were also given a butterfly kit, which allowed them to observe the lifecycle from caterpillar to butterfly. One of the most popular activities was the ecosphere, a small glass ball that contains a completely closed ecosystem of shrimp, algae and bacteria. This ecosystem is self-contained and in perfect balance, which teaches students about habitat and carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange.
Additionally, many students received a complete aquaponics system to take home, with the opportunity to raise fish and grow plants from the recycled water and waste. The last item was a mushroom growing kit that gave students the opportunity to grow their own food and even cook with it if they chose to.
Even though Conservation Days was canceled this year, the SWCD is planning to schedule an in-person summer camp for the summer of 2021. In the meantime, the SWCD will continue to push forward with conservation education in creative ways to provide opportunities for the youth in Sierra County.
You can read the full story at NACD's blog. To learn more about the Friends of NACD District Grants Program and apply before the Nov. 30 deadline, click here. |
OCC'S AMY SEIGER RECEIVES NATURAL RESOURCES AWARD FROM CHICKASAW NATION |
Last week, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) Soil Health Coordinator Amy Seiger (pictured right) was named the recipient of a Natural Resources Award from the Chickasaw Nation Office of Natural Resources. The Chickasaw Nation honored partners in conservation at the Chickasaw Office of Natural Resources Awards Ceremony, held virtually on November 18. Seiger received the “Eagle’s Flight, the Visionary Conservation Partnership Award.”
“The Chickasaw Nation is a wonderful partner who works with our conservation districts, state agencies and federal agencies," said Seiger. "I am very honored and humbled that they thought of me to receive this award. This award was made possible because of their willingness, openness and dedication to continue a great partnership in conservation. Together we will continue to improve our natural resources and provide healthy communities.”
“OCC is very proud of Amy's efforts to promote soil health through working with the Chickasaw Nation both in terms of outreach to many or one-on-one consultations regarding conservation,” said Trey Lam, OCC executive director. “Conservation has made great strides in Oklahoma and one of the key components to that is a common drive and commitment among the conservation partners, and the Chickasaw Nation is an amazing partner."
“Amy’s work is truly a success story of conservation partnerships,” Lam said. “OCC, NRCS and The Nature Conservancy came together to create this joint position to support the promotion of soil health across the state. Amy has taken it a step further, reaching out to many tribal partners and developing an MOU with the Oka’ Institute, the Chickasaw Nation, NRCS and OCC. The Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby shares the locally-led watershed based approach to conservation that is the guiding principle of conservation districts and NACD.”
"The OCC thanks our tribal partners for this recognition, and we congratulate Amy on her outstanding work with the Chickasaw Nation," Lam said. "We are excited about all the possibilities going forward in this conservation partnership."
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FLORIDA DISTRICTS HOST VIRTUAL EVENT FOR BEGINNING FARMERS |
On Nov. 17, Florida’s Duval and Clay County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) co-hosted the fourth annual “First Coast Start Farming: Panel Discussion & Virtual Market.” This free event was a chance for participants to hear from First Coast farmers in northeast Florida and their experiences starting and growing their farm businesses.
The virtual panel discussion attracted over 70 participants and featured four panelists dubbed as “FarmHERS” from session speaker Tiffany Bess from Apple Rabbit Compost. Noting the diverse panel of four women, Duval SWCD Vice Chair Jennifer Casey stated, “We hope that’s the future of farming on the First Coast.”
During the panel, each speaker shared how they began farming, their business model, obstacles faced and their advice for others starting out.
Participants had a chance to ask the panelists questions and participate in a variety of breakout sessions that included speakers from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), who shared this helpful handout for new farmers; the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; the U.S. Green Building Council; the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and a variety of local businesses.
“Florida makes its money from food, and we need to ensure it is sustainable for generations to come,” said Duval SWCD Supervisor-elect Ashantae Green.
Many of these local businesses are currently featured on Duval SWCD’s 2020 Start Farming Virtual Market. Check out the link for a recording of the event and more information on these unique local farms and businesses.
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DECEMBER U&C WEBINAR FOCUSES ON ADAPTING COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING DURING COVID-19 |
The next NACD Urban and Community (U&C) Conservation webinar, scheduled for 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Eastern on Dec. 17, 2020, will feature the Thurston Conservation District (TCD) and its collaboration efforts with the nonprofit organization Bounty for Families (BFF).
The TCD, a 2020 NACD Urban Agriculture Conservation grant recipient, has successfully adapted their programming during COVID-19 (coronavirus). During the webinar, participants will hear from Nora White, TCD’s education and outreach specialist, and Heidi Smith of the Washington State-based nonprofit organization Bounty for Families (BFF), as they describe how they transitioned their outreach online, using videos, live events and strategic community connections in order to strengthen their partnership as they worked to develop a community garden site.
Through new virtual strategies in online presenting and cultivated community partnerships, TCD and BFF have increased community connections, enabling them to reach more local farmers, as well as create a stronger and long-lasting partnership that will endure for many years to come.
These popular webinars, held on the third Thursday of each month, are sponsored by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation in partnership with the NACD Urban and Community Resource Policy Group. There is no cost to participate, but space is limited. Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To register, click here. If you have difficulty, please contact NACD Pacific Region Representative Ariel Rivers.
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NACD's Offices Closed for Thanksgiving |
NACD's offices will be closed this Thursday, Nov. 26, in celebration of Thanksgiving Day.
We want to thank all the conservation districts who help support landowners in delivering locally-led conservation every single day of the year. We also cannot fully celebrate Thanksgiving without recognizing all the hard work of America’s farmers, ranchers and producers in bringing food to our tables. Thank you on behalf of all of us at NACD!
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NACD Outlines Actions for USDA Review Team |
On Monday, NACD leadership sent a letter to President-Elect Joe Biden’s U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Review Team, laying out specific actions the incoming Administration can do to best deliver conservation across the country. The letter focused on two overarching themes—the effectiveness of the locally-led conservation delivery model and the need for an adequate number of capable and trained field staff to deliver conservation assistance.
NACD staff have also had follow-up discussions with the Review Team on these topics, including how USDA must ensure that the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) capacity in county offices is at a level needed to effectively deliver federal conservation programs.
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Have You Checked
Your District's
Directory Information?
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NACD recently updated the conservation district directory maps and contact information on its website.
To ensure we have the latest contact information, please check your district's listing on your state webpage and contact NACD Communications Coordinator Lucy Sears at
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Support NCF on
Black Friday
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Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Help support the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) by linking your Amazon account when you shop during this year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday!
You can help NCF and donate a portion of your purchases from Amazon by linking your account here and using the search term "National Conservation Foundation."
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NRCS Video Highlights Montana District's Conservation Work |
The Madison Conservation District in Ennis, Mont., was recently featured in a video from Montana's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The video features the conservation district's work with farmer and rancher David Lyons to address a stretch of Moore Creek that had been straightened in the 1950s. Through a partnership effort, the stream was restored to a more natural state, addressing flooding and water quality concerns on both David's property and downstream to the city of Ennis.
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SHI's Living Soil Surpasses One
Million Views
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The Soil Health Institute (SHI) recently celebrated the second anniversary of its documentary, Living Soil, along with surpassing over one million views online.
The 60-minute film, which is available for free on YouTube, captures the history–and significance–of the soil health movement, beginning with painful images of the Dust Bowl, and then transitioning to personal experiences of innovative women and men who are managing their land to enhance soil health
To watch the free film and access free lesson plans for high school and college classrooms, visit www.livingsoilfilm.com.
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Farmers.gov Debuts New Conservation Tool |
Farmers.gov recently released a new Conservation Concerns Tool, which provides customized support for America's farmers and ranchers.
The new online tool includes today's top conservation issues that can impact agricultural operations such as soil health and water quality, and works with farmers and ranchers to develop solutions targeted to fit unique business needs.
No login or account creation is necessary to use the tool! Learn more and access the tool at www.farmers.gov. |
PACD Creates PSA
on Fall Leaves
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The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) recently created a series of public service announcements (PSA) to encourage citizens to dispose of their leaf waste responsibly.
Conservation districts and partners can choose 60-second, 30-second and 15-second scripts or a 60-second animated version to share with their local radio and television stations.
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USFS Seeks Applicants for Cohesive Fire Strategy Grants |
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Eastern Region is requesting applications for the 2021 Cohesive Fire Strategy competitive grant program.
These funding opportunities support local wildfire management initiatives on non-federal lands in the 20 states throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Over the past five years, the Eastern Region has distributed $15.6 million through these grants. The Region anticipates awarding approximately $4 million in 2021.
Through this announcement, the Eastern Region will award Wildfire Risk Reduction, Wildfire Response, and Cross-Boundary Hazardous Fuels Reduction grants. The combination of these funds allows more effective wildfire suppression response, fire prevention and education, and reduction of hazardous fuels to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Eligible applicants vary by grant category, but include state forestry agencies, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, forest fire compacts and academic institutions.
The deadline to submit a project proposal is Jan. 15, 2021. To learn more and apply, visit USFS's website. |
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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