| 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: NACD Leads Letter Supporting Conservation Programs and Technical Assistance in Federal Spending Bill NACD and a coalition of agriculture and conservation organizations sent a letter to congressional appropriations leaders requesting at least $1.2 billion for NRCS Conservation Operations and full authorized funding for farm bill conservation programs in Fiscal Year 2024. Agri-Pulse: Opinion: Conservation in the Farm Bill: No One-Size Fits All (Subscriber only) NACD President Kim LaFleur shares her thoughts and the association’s perspective on the 2023 Farm Bill and the importance of expanding access to voluntary, incentive-based conservation.
USDA: USDA Awards Innovations in Climate-Smart Agriculture, Soil Health and Nutrient Management The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $40 million for 31 new projects through its Conservation Innovation Grants program and $19 million for two projects focused on nutrient management funded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Lesprom: U.S. Government Invests $34 Million to Strengthen Wood Products Economy, Forest Sector Jobs As part of its goal of investing the USDA Forest Service announced $33.7 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund projects to strengthen the wood products economy and promote sustainable forest management. USDA: USDA Invests $12 million in Cooperative Agreements for Conservation on Grazing Lands and Support for Farmers and Ranchers NRCS has selected 49 projects for Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative cooperative agreements in 2023. These projects have identified barriers to accessing grazing assistance for producers and will include outreach and support for reaching underserved producers. NPR: More Midwest Farmers are Planting ‘Cover Crops’ in the Off-Season to Help Climate More Midwestern farmers are planting off-season crops that help protect the soil and reduce fertilizer use. The next farm bill could make it easier to adopt this practice. Growing Produce: Improve Soil Health To Help Reduce Compaction and Runoff on the Farm Healthy soil supports sustainable and productive agriculture. Two key factors that affect soil health are compaction and runoff, which can be caused or exacerbated by certain agricultural practices, such as tillage and overgrazing. WABE: USDA Says Public Can Help Control Invasive Species According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, April is “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month”, and the department wants people to be on the lookout for these damaging pests. Working Lands for Wildlife: More Woody Encroachment Means More Wildfire Risk. Prescribed Fire Can Lower It. New WLFW-affiliated research details the risk of increasing wildfire in the Great Plains due to woody encroachment and how prescribed fires help reduce that risk.
Peaks to People Water Fund: Peaks to People Water Fund Awarded $1,000,000 to Protect Homes, Water Supplies and Wildlife Habitat Peaks to People Water Fund was recently awarded a $1,000,000 grant to restore forest health and reduce the risk of severe wildfire in the Big Thompson Watershed in Northern Colorado. This project will build on existing collaboration with partners such as the Larimer Conservation District. CNY Central: The Finger Lakes Receive State Funding to Protect Water Quality and Soil Health The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Agriculture and Markets announced $370,000 for the Finger Lakes Cover Crop Initiative to helps farmers in the region use cover crops. WDET: Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Funding 5 Southeast Michigan-Based Projects in 2023 The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program (MIGSP) provides research grants to reduce the impact of invasive species in the state. This year, MIGSP has funded $3.6 million for 35 projects. Daily Republic: High Schoolers to Assess Health of Local Creeks Through SRCD Program More than 500 students from nine Solano County high schools, starting next week, will be out monitoring the health of local creeks as part of a Solano Resource Conservation District (SRCD) education program. PR Newswire: Consumers Energy Foundation Gives $500,000 to The Nature Conservancy, Genesee Conservation District The Consumers Energy Foundation announced the award of $500,000 in grant funding to the Nature Conservancy-Michigan Chapter and the Genesee Conservation District to protect threatened and endangered species, and create natural spaces. NRCS: CSU Among USDA Conservation Innovation Grant Award Recipients This Colorado State University (CSU) project will generate science-based estimates of CO2-equivalent (CO2e) emissions from the livestock grazing and finishing sectors using novel technologies and evaluate potential CO2e reductions from conservation practices. The Sumter Item: Sumter SWCD Hopes New Seed Library Will Provide Food Security, Bridge Food Knowledge Gap for Kids On April 10, the Sumter Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) gathered at the county library for the opening of its first seed library. Library cardholders can check out up to 5 vegetable, herb, or wildflower packets. Missouri Net: MU Grant to Help Double Acreage of Cover Crops in U.S. by 2030 A new $10 million dollar grant project aims to help farmers and improve agriculture practices during severe weather and a changing climate. Aiken Standard: Downtown Aiken Art Contest Aims to Highlight Connection Between Storm Drains, Waterways Five artists are painting sidewalk murals near storm drains as part of a contest organized by the Aiken County Soil and Water Conservation District. The contest aims to raise awareness about the connection between storm drains and local waterways. NRCS: Passion for the Land Becomes a Way of Life Working hand-in-hand with NRCS, Patrick and Rachel Turo reap the benefits of both conservation technical assistance and financial assistance to grow their operation at Twisted T Farm. KLKN: Cover Crops Can Enhance Farmland in Nebraska, UNL Study Says Cover crops could be the next step in enhancing farmland in the state, according to a study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Minnesota Association of SWCDs: Beltrami SWCD, Red Lake Nation Advance Collaboration Through 1W1P The development of the One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) for the Upper and Lower Red Lake watershed has advanced partnership efforts between the Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Red Lake Nation. Columbia Gorge News: Hood River Soil and Water Conservation District Announces Free Chipping Program Local landowners in Hood River County will now have access to a free chipping program this spring and fall, compliments of a strategic one-time investment from the Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal that funds wildfire risk reduction projects. Lebtown: Spend the Day with LCCD Attending a Conservation Field Day with a Dairy Focus Spend the day with the Lebanon County Conservation District attending a field day to showcase projects installed on a dairy operation and provide attendees the opportunity to learn about financial assistance programs and resources available to landowners and agricultural operators.
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