| 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 Blog: Cape Atlantic Conservation District is Advancing Forestry in NJ
New Jersey maintains a diversity of plant and animal species by ensuring habitat for native species and actively managing invasive species. Atlantic white-cedar stands, which are currently being restored, play a critical role in the state’s biodiversity, benefiting various plant and animal species, including several that are threatened and endangered. Despite forests being the predominant land use in New Jersey, every county is declared “urban.” Development encroaches on forested areas, leading to land conversion, fragmentation, and habitat degradation.
NACD: NACD Comments on Implementation of Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider Program
Conservation practices within the agriculture and forestry sectors are critical for productivity in a world of increased competition for land and water resources, which is intensified by urban expansion. Building healthy soils, while reducing inputs and increasing organic matter will balance a circular system that minimizes material loss, reduces waste, and secures the necessary quality and quantity of food production into the future. Conservation districts work with land stewards in every part of the country to help them manage and protect land, water, and forestry resources on private, public, and tribal lands.
Farms.com: USDA Expands Funding Opportunities for Specialty Crop Growers to Help Offset On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for 2024 and 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses.
USDA-NRCS: USDA Invests $5.2 Million in 17 Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $5.2 million in 17 new grants that support urban agriculture and innovative production. Grant recipients, including community gardens and nonprofit farms, will increase food production and access in economically distressed communities, provide job training and education, and allow partners to develop business plans and zoning proposals. These grants build on $46.8 million invested in 186 projects since 2020 and are part of USDA’s broad support for urban agriculture through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP).
Farm Talk: USDA accepting applications for expanded Emergency Livestock Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications starting on Monday, July 1 through its updated Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) to provide financial assistance to eligible dairy producers who incur milk losses due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as H5N1 infection in their dairy herds.
Agriculture Dive: What the Supreme Court’s Chevron decision means for agriculture
This week, the Supreme Court overturned a 40-year-old decision that shaped American regulation over many industries, including agriculture, and ushered in a new era of decreased federal regulating power.
The Daily Herald: Iowa State University joins Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District to host Prairie Strips Field Day
Join the Kane County Farm Bureau, Kane-DuPage County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Iowa State University STRIPS team for a Prairie Strips Field Day in St. Charles beginning 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 25. Registration deadline is July 15.
Glenn County Resource Conservation District: Ice Cream Social Held in Elk Creek, CA Attracts 120+ to Promote Wildfire Awareness and Meet First Responders
Glenn County Resource Conservation District (RCD), Elk Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Tehama-Glenn Firesafe Council and its partners held an “Ice Cream Social – Wildfire Awareness & Meet Your Partners” event in Elk Creek, CA on Friday, June 14th at the Elk Creek High School Football Field. Event organizers thank the partners and community for attending!
The Fence Post: Fridays on the Farm: Growing to New Heights with Conservation and Pollinators
This Friday meet Walt Bones, a retired fourth-generation farmer from Parker, S.D. The Bones’ family operation is a diversified partnership spanning multiple generations. While the partnership has grown and evolved many times over the years, the family’s commitment to land stewardship, conservation and community service has remained steadfast from generation to generation.
The News-Herald: Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District sees book program spread throughout county
To promote agricultural literacy among young learners, the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District has launched the “Planting the Seed to Read” Book Program. This new initiative provided a book this spring to every kindergartner in Geauga County from schools that wished to participate in this free program, according to a news release.
News Pub Live: South Dakota youth participate in rangeland and soils education
With a history of giving students hands-on experiences on rangeland and soils education, the 40th annual rangelands and 19th annual soils days for youth was held June 12-13 in Watertown, South Dakota. SDSU Extension, Codington Conservation District and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of South Dakota cohosted the event, which provided youth ages 8 to 18 with hands-on education in rangeland and soils.
School News Network: Lesson in environment leads students to plant a plot for pollinators
Sixth-graders took on the roles of wildlife conservationists, civil engineers, landscape architects, graphic design and marketing professionals and restoration ecologists recently, as they used their green thumbs to plant a native pollinator garden outside their classroom window.
|