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: USDA Update on Hurricane Helene Recovery and Rebuilding Efforts
10/12/2024
Earlier this month, the USDA Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) brought together key figures from various agencies, including the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Risk Management Agency (RMA), to discuss available resources and strategies for assisting affected by Hurricane Helene.
NACD Blog: Empowering the First Cohort of the Working Lands Climate Corps
10/22/2024
The inaugural cohort of the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) gathered virtually on October 8, 2024, to receive guidance and encouragement as they prepare to embark on their journey into environmental service. The WLCC is an initiative that aims to engage 126 young leaders in states across the country, working with 28 different public and private organizations, including conservation districts, state associations, Pheasants Forever, Monarch Joint Venture, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, and more.
KFGO: USDA makes acreage reporting improvements to allow flexibility for urban and innovative producers
By Rusty Halvorson
10/22/2024
Urban and innovative agriculture producers will be able to more easily participate in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs as a result of acreage reporting improvements. These improvements, implemented by USDA’s Farm Service Agency, provide more flexibility for reporting acreage on a smaller scale and identifying innovative planting practices like multi-level planting or vertical farming practices.
USDA-NRCS: USDA Invests $1.5 Billion in 92 Partnership Projects to Advance Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture as Part of the Biden-Harris Investing in America Agenda
10/23/2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a historic $1.5 billion for 92 partner-driven conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Partners will provide $968 million in contributions to amplify the impact of the federal investment. Selected RCPP projects will help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand voluntary, locally led conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis.
Morning Ag Clips: Farmers for Soil Health Initiative Seeks to Double Cover Crops by 2030
10/23/2024
Farmers for Soil Health empowers farmers to lead the charge in sustainability—putting real money directly into their hands to drive change where it matters most: at the farm level. With enrollment now open, the program offers an opportunity for farmers to make a meaningful impact on soil health while benefiting financially. In its first year alone, 238 farmers enrolled, covering more than 78,000 acres, pushing the initiative closer to its goal of doubling cover crop adoption to 30 million acres across the U.S. by 2030.
Agriculture Dive: USDA developing roadmap to tackle PFAS on farmland
By Sarah Zimmerman
10/23/2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is developing a “research roadmap” to address PFAS in agriculture and prevent so-called “forever chemicals” from contaminating food production. The department’s Agricultural Research Service held a three-day workshop bringing together more than 150 interagency researchers, universities and state partners to identify key solutions to the emerging threat of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances on farmland.
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USDA-NRCS: Building a Resilient Future
Indiana | North Central Region
09/26/2024
The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) is at the forefront of an ambitious initiative aimed at addressing climate change through the implementation of conservation practices across Indiana. Resilient Indiana: Technical Assistance for SWCDs (Resilient Indiana) exemplifies the collaborative spirit of Indiana’s Conservation Partnership, with significant financial backing from an agreement with Indiana’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
TIME: Fighting Florida’s Invasive Python Problem One Step at a Time
By Victoria Malloy | Florida | Southeast Region
10/15/2024
The expansive wetlands in South Florida have long had a reputation for being rich in biodiversity and brimming with wildlife. But the sad reality today is that native species like mammals, birds, and reptiles that call the region home are now in perilously short supply. The culprit behind the ecological upheaval is a destructive and unyielding foe—an invasive species that doesn’t belong in the Everglades, but whose successful adaptation to its new environment has had a devastating impact: the Burmese python.
Prevention Web: Guiding the burn: How a Prescribed Fire Program Manager builds fire-resilient communities
California | Pacific Region
10/18/2024
Cordi Craig works in Placer Resource Conservation District (Placer RCD), an independent and self-governing special district, which occupies most of California’s Placer County. Placer RCD provides technical assistance to anyone that wants it, and Cordi works as a Prescribed Fire Program Manager, helping to oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of prescribed fires, controlled fires which are used to manage vegetation, reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires, and maintain ecological balance.
Post Gazette: Pittsburgh is one of 10 cities chosen for USDA urban farming grants
By Mary Ann Thomas | Pittsburgh, PA | Northeast Region
10/18/2024
The Pittsburgh portion of the grant, $894,000, was awarded to the Allegheny County Conservation District and its partners PASA Sustainable Agriculture, Chatham University, Grow Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council and Hilltop Urban Farm.
Morning Ag Clips: NRCS Helping Long Walk Farm Achieve Conservation Goals
Des Moines, IA | North Central Region
10/21/2024
A southwest Iowa couple is benefitting from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation assistance to protect the soil and water resources on their small-scale farm outside Council Bluffs, allowing the operators to reach their long-term goals.
WRAM: Local Conservation Districts Ramp Up Field Surveys Amid Harvest
Monmouth, IL | North Central Region
10/22/2024
While farmers are busy in the field with harvest, it also means the local conservation districts are busy with field surveys. Resource Conservationist Shawnee Sheehan with the Warren County Soil and Conservation District says harvest season is a great time to work through survey wait lists.
Ag Daily: Serving California’s underserved farming communities with NRCS partnership
California | Pacific Region
10/23/2024
For more than a year and a half, Harol Gonzalez Gallardo has partnered with NRCS in California to support historically underserved farming communities. As AFT’s California Agricultural Specialist, Harol applies his skills to farmers who might not otherwise get the technical support needed for their climate resilience and business viability.
Yuba Net: NCRCD Manure and Compost Exchange Program Benefits the Community
Nevada County, CA | Pacific Region
10/23/2024
The Nevada County Resource Conservation District (NCRCD) has a Manure Exchange Program that offers significant advantages for both livestock owners, local farmers, gardeners and all landowners. This initiative connects those seeking fresh fertilizer with livestock owners and managers who have surplus fresh or composted manure, fostering a sustainable resource-sharing system within the community.