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.
NACD: Working Lands Climate Corps Partners Announce Selection of Host Organizations and Call for Applications
05/03/2024
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), The Corps Network, and AmeriCorps announced the selection of host organizations for the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC), an initiative of the American Climate Corps. The WLCC will develop the next generation of conservation and climate leaders. NACD will provide participants with a virtual training program to advance careers in conservation.
NACD: NACD Commends Committee Chairs for Calling to Integrate IRA Conservation Investments, Encourages Congress to Pass a Bipartisan Farm Bill
05/03/2024
This week, the House Committee on Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson and the Senate Committee on Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow released individual farm bill frameworks. NACD commends both Chairs for supporting NACD’s top priority by calling for the incorporation of the remaining Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) conservation investments into the conservation title of the bill. NACD encourages committee leaders to continue working in a bipartisan manner to pass a farm bill that supports our producers and locally led conservation.
NACD: NACD Comments on the National Wildlife Refuge System: Biological Integrity, Diversity and Environmental Health Rule and Policy Updates
05/06/2024
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) thanks the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for accepting public comments to inform the development of the agency’s proposed National Wildlife Refuge System: Biological Integrity, Diversity and Environmental Health (BIDEH) rule and policy updates (2024-02076). NACD appreciates the opportunity to provide input and commends the USFWS for their dedication to preserving and enhancing the ecological integrity of these vital habitats.
Soil and Water Conservation Society: Soil and Water Conservation Society Releases a New Resource to Integrate DEI in Conservation Efforts
04/30/2024
Today, the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) proudly announces the release of a groundbreaking guidebook titled “A Conservation Professionals’ Guide to Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Conservation Delivery with Historically Underserved Producers and Communities.” This guidebook serves as a resource for conservation professionals and policymakers to understand the barriers historically underserved communities face in implementing conservation practices and how to equitably address these barriers to provide community-led conservation technical assistance that meets the specific needs of historically underserved producers and communities.
Agriculture Dive: Climate, anti-hunger groups react to farm bill proposals: ‘We are running out of time’
By Sarah Zimmerman
05/03/2024
Momentum on the long-stalled farm bill is picking up after congressional leaders released competing plans for the $1.5 trillion spending package this week, and stakeholders are cautiously optimistic that an agreement could be reached before the current law expires.
REPI Program: REPI Program Announces Release of the REPI Challenge FY 2025 Request for Proposals
05/06/2024
Today, the DOD’s REPI Program is pleased to announce the release of the REPI Challenge Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP). The REPI Program designed the REPI Challenge to help meet its ambitious conservation goals while aiming to cultivate new projects, harness creativity, and protect critical testing and training capabilities.
Agriculture Dive: Farmers blast cover crop requirements for sustainable jet fuel tax credits
By Sarah Zimmerman
05/06/2024
Sustainable aviation fuel made from corn and soybeans will be able to qualify for renewable energy tax credits, but only if farms use cover crops and other climate-smart growing practices, the Biden administration said last week.
USDA: USDA Announces $22 Million to Support Underserved and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers through the 2501 Program
05/07/2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced approximately $22.3 million available to community-based and nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Tribal entities that help underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through USDA’s 2501 Program. This program is administered by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).