| 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.
USDA-APHIS: Feral Swine in America To increase public awareness, the U.S Department Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is offering this video series, which chronicles the impact of feral swine on Americans’ livelihoods through damage to agricultural and natural resources. ADMC: ADMC Makes the Case for the Inclusion of Conservation Drainage Practices in FY2024 Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Practice List Agricultural drainage is one of the cornerstones of healthy agricultural soils and underpins much of our soil health improvement and climate change adaptation/mitigation efforts in the agricultural sector. NFWF: NFWF Announces Record $18 Million in Conservation Grants to Restore Iconic Longleaf Pine Ecosystem The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced $18 million in new conservation grants from the Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund to restore, enhance and protect longleaf pine forests. USDA: USDA Recognizes National Pollinator Week During the week of June 19 – 25, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is recognizing National Pollinator Week through the continued commitment and support for pollinator health and research. No-Till Farmer: No-Till and Cover Crops Paying Off in Drought Conditions In this episode of Conservation Ag Update, we explore how no-tillers are holding up in abnormally dry conditions throughout most of the U.S. Independent agronomists and no-tillers Ryan Gibbs report from areas that have received minimal rainfall since April. USDA: USDA Announces Inaugural Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a $262.5 million investment in institutions of higher education to foster the next generation of diverse agricultural professionals across the nation.
Oklahoma Conservation Commission: Oklahoma Conservation Commission and Garfield County CD Announce First Crossroads Conference The Oklahoma Conservation Commission and Garfield County Conservation District (CD) are thrilled to unveil the inaugural Crossroads Conference, a groundbreaking event focused on soil health. NRCS: Grow Your Stewardship While there were many tough decisions for Matt Webber to make upon taking over his family’s poultry and grain operation in 2006, his decision to continue implementing conservation practices through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program wasn’t one of them. WWMT: Program to Educate New and Beginning Farmers in Grand Traverse County A new program through the Grand Traverse Conservation District is educating new and beginning farmers and ranchers. It’s an all-encompassing program to help those new to the agricultural business. Morning Ag Clips: Op-Ed: Support Increased Funding in 2023 Farm Bill (Opinion) Many farmers rely on federal Farm Bill conservation programs to adopt conservation practices. Congress will soon consider a 2023 Farm Bill which could provide a unique opportunity to focus resources on farms. The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) strongly supports funding for state and federal conservation programs. BLM: BLM to Restore Water Quality, Fish Habitat Along Upper Yukon River The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in partnership with the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District and Trout Unlimited, are restoring mining-impacted streams along the upper Yukon River watershed. WLUC: Superior Watershed Partnership Receives Over $400,000 in Grants to Reduce Wildfire Risk Two grants were awarded for work being done in Ottawa and Hiawatha National Forests to clear debris that can cause a wildfire to spread. The funding will also help the organization provide community outreach and education. NRCS: NRCS Funds Community Gardens in Philadelphia Pennsylvania’s USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced funding awards to four community garden projects within the Philadelphia metropolitan area to support collaborative, food-producing gardens using sustainable practices with an educational component. Wilkes Journal-Patriot: Efforts Planned to Revive Long Creek Long Creek is dead, but the Wilkes Soil & Water Conservation District has a plan for bringing it back to life. The district’s plan calls for work in phases over the next 10 years to reduce urban runoff entering Long Creek, make it less flood prone and ultimately restore aquatic life to the stream. Petoskey News-Review: ‘Art in the Garden’ to Feature Live Music, Workshops to Celebrate Nature During the event the Otsego Conservation District will be offering a presentation and tour of the native plant nursery and garden. Other workshops this year include beekeeping basics, lavender with awakening Lavender Farm, step-by-step acrylic painting of a bumblebee, and butterfly container gardening. Clearwater Tribune: Clearwater SWCD Streambank Repair Community Project Over the last few years, flooding has eroded the banks of a small seasonal stream in Clearwater County. The Clearwater Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is bringing together four other partners to help repair this streambank erosion. The Farmville Herald: Conservation District Names Scholarship Winners The Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District recently awarded four $1,000 educational scholarships to high school and college students majoring or showing strong interest in natural resource or conservation studies. |