| 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.
Farm and Dairy: Formulating a plan to achieve conservation goals on the farm The holiday season is upon us. Everyone is bustling around buying gifts, making treats to share at holiday gatherings and enjoying seeing friends and family from near and far. As the new year approaches, thoughts of New Year’s resolutions come to mind. This year, make your resolution about conservation on your farm.
USDA: USDA Highlights 2023 Successes in Serving Farmers, Families and Communities The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is marking the end of 2023 by highlighting on-the-ground projects and partnerships that are building economic prosperity for farmers, families, and communities nationwide.
NPR: Where the Biden administration’s $3 billion farming grant has been going The Biden administration wants farmers and ranchers to reduce planet-warming pollution. So last year, as an incentive, the administration launched a more than $3 billion grant program. Now, some of that money is meant to go to minority farmers and others who have historically been underserved. But is that happening?
Phys.org: Complex floral traits affect pollinator attraction to urban green spaces Pollinators are in decline globally and regionally. Building pollinator-friendly urban green spaces is an effective way to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization on pollinator diversity and services.
Farmers Advance: Ohio Department of Agriculture announces $6M to preserve Ohio farmland The Ohio Department of Agriculture has announced nine land trusts, seven counties or townships and 25 Soil and Water Conservation Districts will receive funding to help preserve farmland across the state. These organizations will receive allocations from the Clean Ohio Fund to select, close and monitor easements under the Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP).
Vail Daily: Conservation controversy continues as drought task force for Colorado River can’t agree on recommendations to lawmakers Programs that would pay water users to conserve and send that water downstream for the benefit of the Colorado River system remain too controversial for Colorado water managers to agree on. A statewide task force has failed to make recommendations to lawmakers about the primary issue they were supposed to tackle: how to address drought in the Colorado River basin and respond to a downstream call through water conservation programs.
County News Review: Stamm Recognized for Outstanding Work in Conservation Keith Stamm is the recipient of the 2023 Isanti Soil and Water Conservation District’s Outstanding Conservationist Award. Each year, the Isanti Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), in partnership with the MN Association of SWCDs, recognizes an individual or organization for their outstanding accomplishments in implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota’s natural resources.
Longmont Leader: River District inks historic water rights deal for Western Slope The Glenwood Springs-based Colorado River Water Conservation District has inked a nearly $100 million deal with Xcel Energy to buy one of the oldest and biggest non-consumptive water rights on the main stem of the Colorado River, a first step in ensuring the water continues flowing west.
Uvalde Leader-News: Essay, poster contest winners honored Utopia High School senior Kassidy Jernigan, Uvalde Classical Academy ninth-grader Sierra Nickel, and Uvalde Elementary third-grader Adam West Rodriguez are the overall winners of the Nueces-Frio-Sabinal Soil and Water Conservation District essay and poster contests.
The Daily Times: Blount County Soil & Water Conservation District honors landowners Landowners taking steps to protect soil, water and habitats are receiving recognition from one of their partners, the Blount Count Soil & Water Conservation District.
Decatur Tribune: Macon County Conservation District to Hold First Trivia Night at Rock Springs Nature Center Jan. 6 Gather your friends on Saturday, January 6 from 6-8pm and join Nature Center staff for the Macon County Conservation District’s first Trivia Night!
Farm Talk News: New pilot app supports Missouri farmers’ participation in climate-smart agriculture As part of the distribution of funds, the Missouri CRCL Project launched an app designed to expand the access to incentive payments for a diverse range of Missouri producers. Now, supported by a $650,000 National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) award from the Department of Agriculture, University of Missouri farm specialist Kelly Wilson and her team are working to refine the app to make it accessible, inclusive and user-friendly to as diverse a range of Missouri farmers as possible. |