Conservation Clips is a weekly collection of articles distributed by NACD that provides our members and partners with the latest news in what’s driving conservation. These articles are not indicative of NACD policy and are the opinions of their authors, unless otherwise noted. If you have a relevant submission or need assistance with accessing articles, please contact the NACD Communications Team.
NACD Blog: NACD Summer Conservation Forum & Tours TA Grant Participant: Erin James
01/06/2023
This blog post is part of a seven-part series highlighting technical assistance (TA) grant recipient participation at NACD’s Summer Conservation Forum and Tours in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This post’s author, Erin James of the Morehouse Soil and Water Conservation District in LA, attended the meeting with a TA stipend.
NACD: NACD Announces Application Period for Urban and Community Conservation Grants
1/10/2023
NACD announced the open application period for the 2023 Urban and Community Conservation grant initiative. The grants are open to any conservation district or tribe within the U.S. and in the territories and nations that the association serves.
NACD: NACD Government Affairs Update on WOTUS
1/11/2023
On December 30, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers released a final Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The new rule changes how the federal government determines which waters are subject to regulation under the Clean Water Act.
APHIS: USDA’s Emerald Ash Borer Program Report Update
12/21/2022
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is currently in 36 states across the U.S. The EAB program uses biological control and ongoing research to minimize the impact from an infestation and maintain ash as a viable part of the American landscape.
Phys.org: Reducing Nitrogen Use Key to Human and Planetary Health
By Rochelle Gluzman
01/07/2023
Better management of nitrogen-rich fertilizers through alternating crops, optimizing use and other measures can yield huge environmental and health benefits, but must boost food production at the same time, researchers say.
USDA: USDA Announces Major Program Improvements, Progress, and Investments to Benefit American Farmers, Ranchers, and Producers
01/09/2023
Yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced several major developments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will benefit farmers, ranchers and producers across the nation.
Farm Progress: Climate is the Point
By Mahdi Al-Kaisi
01/09/2023
(Opinion) Climate is a major driver in natural and managed ecosystems development. Also, it is one major factor in soil formation, influencing the developmental level of soil, its biodiversity, and plant diversity.
NRCS: USDA Invests Nearly $4.7 Million in Wetland Mitigation Banks
01/10/2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded nearly $4.7 million in grant funding for the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP).
Morning Ag Clips: USDA Expands Eligibility, Enhances Benefits for Key Disaster Programs
01/11/2023
USDA made updates to several disaster assistance programs to give more farmers, ranchers, and tribes the opportunity to access programs that support recovery following natural disasters.
Daily Herald: McHenry County Conservation District protects 49 acres with Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Grant
McHenry County, IL | North Central Region
01/04/2023
The Clean Energy Community Foundation awarded McHenry County Conservation District a $223,500 grant through their Natural Area Acquisition Grant Program for the protection of 40 acres in McHenry Township.
NRCS: Registration is Open for the 2023 Montana Soil Health Symposium
Montana | Northern Plains Region
01/04/2023
The Montana Association of Conservation Districts and the Natural Resources Conservation Service will be hosting the 2023 Montana Soil Health Symposium on Feb. 8-9 at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center.
Wake County: Wake County Recognizes Annual Champions of Conservation
Wake County, NC | Southeast Region
01/06/2023
For 58 years, the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District has celebrated the achievements of the exceptional people protecting our county’s soil, water, farms, wildlife habitat and environment.
Newberry Observer: Reasons to Contact your Local Conservation District?
By Crista Lukoski | Newberry, SC | Southeast Region
01/07/2023
Conservation districts engage people with voluntary actions that keep our air, water, soil, habitats and farmland healthy for all. They are trusted partners and have a personal interest in improving the quality of life in their communities.
Estes Park News: Wildfire Mitigation Around The Estes Valley: Past, Present, and Future
By David Wolfe | Estes Park, CO | Southwest Region
01/08/2023
To mitigate wildfire risk in the community, the Estes Valley Fire Protection District completed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, local national parks and forests are actively managed, and the Larimer Conservation District has completed several wildfire risk reduction projects.
Central Maine: Protecting soil, in Maine’s forests and backyards, is a key to carbon neutrality
By Tom Atwell | Maine | Northeast Region
01/08/2023
A soil science professor at the University of Maine who also works with the Maine Climate Change Institute, says that forests are among the best ways to store carbon naturally. This mostly comes from the underground storage including the tree roots and healthy soil.
Echo Press: Discovery Middle School Students to Plant Pollinator Habitat Garden
By Celeste Edenloff | Alexandria, MN | North Central Region
01/08/2023
This spring at Discovery Middle School, students will be building a Pollinator Habitat Garden thanks to a grant from the Sand County Foundation’s Pollinator and Monarch Habitat Grant Program.
Ohio Country Journal: Blending No-Till, Cover Crops, and Technology for Success
By Matt Reese | Knox County, OH | North Central Region
01/08/2023
At the December Ohio No-Till Council Conference, Tim Norris was recognized for his new title earned through his work with his successful blend of no-till, cover crops and technology on his Knox County farm.
USDA: Biden-Harris Administration Invests in Rural Economy and Equitable Access in Puerto Rico
Rio Grande, PR | Southeast Region
01/09/2023
USDA announced that the Forest Service will invest $1 million to improve access to El Yunque National Forest. This investment is part of the commitment to ensure rural communities have equitable access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities they need to grow and thrive.
KMJ Now: More Farmers Planting Cover Crops
Fresno, CA | Pacific Region
01/09/2023
Cover crops are an increasingly popular management practice among many U.S. farmers. The goal is to provide seasonal living cover between their primary commodity cash crops.
What’s Up Newport: Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District Seeks to Fund New Community Garden Projects
By Ryan Belmore | Newport, RI | Northeast Region
01/10/2023
Funding is available through the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District and the People’s Garden Program to install and maintain community gardens and high tunnels in Newport or Bristol Counties.
Bay to Bay News: Natural Resources Conservation Service in Delaware Announces New Funding Opportunity for Conservation Activities
Dover, DE | Northeast Region
01/10/2023
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Delaware announces the fiscal year 2023 signup period for Conservation Incentive Contracts, a new option available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
New Mexico Fire Information: Cibola National Forest and Grasslands to Conduct Prescribed Fire to Reduce Hazardous Fuels
Albuquerque, NM | Southwest Region
01/10/2023
Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands fire crews are preparing this week to strategically implement multiple prescribed fires across the forest and grasslands to reduce hazardous fuels in advance of warmer, drier weather and pending suitable conditions.
The Monroe News: Catalogs Available for Monroe Conservation District Plant, Tree Sales
Monroe, MI | North Central Region
01/11/2023
Plant catalogs are now available for the Monroe Conservation District’s annual plant and tree sales. Pre-orders are accepted through March 17 for trees and through May 26 for plants.
Culpeper Star-Exponent: VCAP Workshops to be Held by Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District
By Richard Horner | Culpeper, VA | Southeast Region
01/12/2023
The Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District will hold several workshops between January and February to introduce a new statewide conservation program.
Missoulian: Applications Open for Missoula Conservation District Mini Grants
Missoula, MT | Northern Plains Region
01/12/2023
The Missoula Conservation District has opened the application process for local community groups, schools and other organizations and individuals for four different grants with awards ranging up to $1,000. The deadline for completed applications is Jan. 31.