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: Bill Simshauser Honored for Invasive Species Advocacy at the 2024 NAISMA Conference
10/28/2024
The 32nd Annual North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) Conference, held in Missoula, Montana, from September 30 to October 3, 2024, brought together over 350 professionals from across North America to address the growing challenges posed by invasive species. Attendees included experts from government agencies, non-profits, academic institutions, and private organizations, all committed to the protection of ecosystems from the threat of non-native species. The event featured a robust schedule of workshops, panels, and keynote speeches focused on innovative solutions for invasive species management.
NACD Blog: Pulaski Conservation District and Partners Advancing Food Security and Community Engagement through Urban Agriculture
10/29/2024
The Pulaski Conservation District in Arkansas, in collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), is leading a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling food insecurity in urban areas through community-driven urban agriculture. This program focuses on building partnerships, educating the community, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to create lasting food security, particularly in areas identified as food deserts.
NACD Blog: Understanding the Impact of Emergency Forest Restoration Teams in California
10/31/2024
In June 2024, a comprehensive report was released detailing the successes and challenges of the Emergency Forest Restoration Teams (EFRTs) developed in late 2021. These pilot teams emerged as a vital response to the increasing severity of wildfires impacting California’s forests, specifically in the aftermath of the Dixie, Caldor, and Tamarack Fires. The formation of EFRTs was a key recommendation from the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, which sought to create collaborative strategies to assist non-industrial private landowners in restoring their forests after devastating wildfires.
No-Till Farmer: Sign-Ups Open for Program Seeking to Double Cover Crop Acres
10/25/2024
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: Corn farmers could have their worst year since 2007, ag economist says
By Nathan Owens
10/25/2024
Corn farmers could be in for their worst year in close to two decades, economists say, as the Federal Reserve reports that crop prices remain “unprofitably low” in its latest assessment of economic conditions.
EIN Presswire: USDA to Issue More than $235 Million to Farmers Hit by Natural Disasters, Including Hurricane Milton
10/30/2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing payments this week to agricultural producers impacted by natural disasters, including $143 million in crop insurance indemnities for Florida producers impacted by Hurricane Milton and more than $92 million for livestock producers, nationwide, who faced increased supplemental feed costs as a result of forage losses due to 2022 qualifying drought and wildfire. The payments for Milton-impacted Florida producers are for those who have Federal crop insurance coverage through the Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index (HIP-WI) endorsement and the Tropical Storm (TS) option.
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WESA: Pittsburgh urban farmers get a $900K boost from USDA
By Alayna Hutchinson | Pittsburgh, PA | Northeast Region
10/15/2024
The Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD), an urban conservation organization, was awarded $894,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency to support urban farming in the county through outreach, education, and technical assistance.
Agriculture Dive: Hurricane Milton caused up to $2.5B in Florida farm damage
By Sarah Zimmerman | Florida | Southeast Region
10/21/2024
Strong winds and flooding from Hurricane Milton generated up to $2.5 billion in damages to Florida’s farms, with the state’s agriculture department reporting wrecked infrastructure and “significant production losses” among orange crops.
KXII: Students learn conservation skills at Marshall County Conservation Day
By Drury Vaughan | Madill, OK | South Central Region
10/25/2024
On Friday, Madill fourth and fifth graders learned various ways they can protect their environment with the Marshall County Conservation District. Students participated in a series of interactive demonstrations, where they learned about erosion, the water cycle, recycling and the effects of littering.
The Detroit News: These communities are sharing $3M in grants to grow and care for trees
By Max Reinhart | Michigan | North Central Region
10/27/2024
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is spending some greenbacks in an effort to enhance the state’s greenspace. The DNR announced this week $3 million in grants it is awarding to communities and organization across the state to help them grow and care for their trees.
The Journal of San Juan Islands: Youth Conservation Corps: A growing legacy in San Juan County
San Juan Islands | Pacific Region
10/27/2024
Over the past 17 years, the Youth Conservation Corps has provided hundreds of local youth with meaningful opportunities to engage in hands-on environmental stewardship. Originally launched on Lopez Island, the program became a countywide initiative eight years ago through the San Juan Islands Conservation District. Participants develop essential skills such as responsibility, teamwork and community involvement, creating a foundation for future careers in conservation, environmental advocacy and beyond.
We Are Green Bay: DNR: Invasive fish species detected in Wisconsin
By Nick Witwer | Madison, WI | North Central Region
10/28/2024
Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced on Monday morning that an invasive fish species had been detected in western Wisconsin. According to a release from the DNR, the invasive fish species, silver carp, were detected in portions of the lower Chippewa River and the lower Black River.
Quail Forever: Quail Forever is Leading Landscape Restoration in Arizona with $24.5 Million Award
Phoenix, AZ | Southwest Region
10/30/2024
Working together with the Arizona Association of Conservation Districts, Arizona Game and Fish, and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, team members will restore native plant communities by removing invasive woody plants in the Colorado River Basin.
Minot Daily News: NRCS offers $1 million in conservation funding for fire-affected counties
Bismarck, ND | Northern Plains Region
10/23/2024
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has allocated $1 million in special funding to support landowners and operators in rebuilding essential conservation practices lost to the devastating wildfires across parts of North Dakota in October.