Conservation Clip List for Friday September 1, 2023
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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 accessing articles, please contact the NACD Communications Team.
Editors Note: There will be no edition of Conservation Clips next week.
Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) in Minnesota recently announced a new project trialing the application of biochar with a USDA Forest Service Wood Innovation grant.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) acknowledged this week that the Senate will miss the September deadline to complete its version of the $1 trillion farm bill reauthorization.
“The Farm Bill provides important tools that keep our forests healthy and protect habitat for wildlife all while supporting economic growth and combatting the climate crisis,” says Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow.
Landscape Architecture Magazine:Farm To Water Table
By Lisa Owens Viani | California | Pacific Region
08/24/2023
The drought took a huge toll on California farms, as surface water deliveries were cut and limits were placed on pumping groundwater. Many of the state’s farmlands are located in groundwater basins that are severely overdrafted—more water is going out than in—and will take time to recharge even with very wet years like this one.
As part of the process, county Soil and Water Conservation Districts will develop soil health assessments to identify the staffing and funding needed to ensure farmers have both the tools and in-the-field support to embrace soil health strategies and tactics that work best within their farm operations.
The Oswego County Legislature presented a certificate of recognition to students from Oswego High School as the winning team of the 31st annual Oswego County Envirothon during the June meeting. Coordinated by the Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District, the hands-on outdoor competition tests students’ knowledge of natural resources such as aquatics, forestry, soil and land use, wildlife and current environmental issues.
Forested park areas and backyards overrun with honeysuckle, Callery Pear trees causing environmental and infrastructure (and odor) issues in our neighborhoods, Tree of Heaven crowding out healthy native plants and playing host to another invasive pest – the dreaded Spotted Lanternfly, and the list goes on and on.
Farmers, environmental groups and farming advocates from across Michigan are urging state lawmakers to pass House Bill 4673, which would allow farmers and ranchers to fix their own equipment instead of being forced to turn to manufacturer-authorized repair centers for what they said often amounts to costly and time-consuming assistance.
Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWiC) is a statewide collaborative that brings together women farmers and landowners to learn about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities. They work with women from traditional farmers to urban gardeners and backyard growers.
Following the wheat harvest, the farm team plants a mixture to have something green and growing heading into winter. They say the goal is to make money, while also making the land sustainable for generations to come.
U.S. Senators from four states recently filed a bill to streamline the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s process for updating and adopting conservation practice standards they say will help farmers and ranchers “improve soil health, build resilience to climate impacts, and achieve their conservation goals.”
The toll of Maui’s wildfires on ranchers and farmers is coming into focus three weeks later – thousands of acres of pasture, a significant chunk of orchardists’ harvest and the nursery industry’s output of flowers.
Doug Bos is Assistant Director of Rock County Soil and Water Conservation District, where he has worked for 27 years. When he talks about cover crops, he is not only talking of programs, he is speaking of personal experience.