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: Mecklenburg SWCD’s Pupil to Practitioner Program – A Grassroots Pathway to Conservation Leadership
By Barbara Bleiweis, Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District
11/19/2024
The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is sparking a new wave of conservation education in North Carolina’s Charlotte-Mecklenburg region through Pupil to Practitioner, a hands-on pilot program designed to inspire and equip underserved students with the tools to become tomorrow’s environmental leaders. With support from NACD’s 2023 Outreach and Technical Assistance Grants program, the district has joined forces with three influential partners: Harvesting Humanity, LLC; Deep Roots CPS Farm; and Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU).
Farms.com: Conservation Practices Not a One-Size-Fits-All
11/15/2024
Any conservation discussion will include cover cropping and conservation tillage use at the forefront. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, conservation tillage, including no-till, is used on 53% of America’s cropland, making it the most-used conservation practice. Meanwhile, cover crops are planted on just under 5% of all cropland, and adoption is more regionalized, highlighting the challenges that come with adopting this management system. So, what drives the focus on cover cropping? And why do these two practices steal the spotlight in conservation-related policy?
USDA: USDA Announces More than $2 Billion to Strengthen Specialty Crops Sector, Expand Crop Storage for Producers Following 2024 Natural Disasters
11/19/2024
Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the creation of new programs that will help farmers who grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts overcome market barriers for their products, and help producers access necessary pre-market storage for their crops following severe weather events, including recent hurricanes. Specifically, the new Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops initiative will provide $2 billion to assist specialty crop growers in maintaining a strong domestic supply and expanding market opportunities for their crops.
Agriculture Dive: Senate releases long-awaited farm bill draft. Here’s what’s in it.
By Sarah Zimmerman
11/19/2024
The Senate Agriculture Committee unveiled its full draft text of the five-year farm bill on Monday, weeks before key agricultural safety net programs begin to expire. The release of the bill text could spur last-minute action on the stalled legislation before the end of the year. Democrat and Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow implored moderate Republicans to support the Senate draft, saying partisan politics will continue to divide Congress and stall progress next year.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Monarch Butterfly and Other Insect Pollinators to Benefit from $5.2 Million in Conservation Grants from NFWF
11/20/2024
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced $5.2 million in grants to conserve monarch butterflies and other insect pollinators in 24 states. The grants will leverage $5 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $10.2 million.
Yuba Net: NCRCD Prescribed Fire Program: A Vital Tool for Community Safety and Ranching Sustainability
By Ryder Blair | Nevada County, CA | Pacific Region
11/16/2024
Over the past two years, the Nevada County Resource Conservation District (NCRCD) has made significant strides in wildfire prevention and land stewardship through its growing prescribed fire program. By focusing on education, technical support, and collaborative action, the NCRCD has empowered landowners and ranchers to use fire as a tool to reduce fuel hazards, combat invasive plants, and enhance forage for livestock. This initiative not only helps protect the local community from wildfires but also supports the region’s agricultural economy.
Huron Daily Tribune: Manistee gets $224K for urban forest project
By Scott Fraley | Michigan | North Central Region
11/17/2024
Manistee is set for a greener future with new funding aimed at enhancing the city’s tree canopy. The Manistee Conservation District has received a $224,300 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to support urban forestry initiatives. The grant funding will support the Branching Out for a Greener Future; an Urban Tree Renewal Project, which will be carried out in collaboration with the city of Manistee Tree Commission to evaluate, manage and rejuvenate the city’s tree population.
Lancaster Farming: What EPA’s Updated Manure Management Plan Means for Farmers
By Leon Ressler | Pennsylvania | Northeast Region
11/18/2024
In April, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection released updated manure management plan guidance. Extension nutrient management specialist Robert Meinen explains this guidance provides resource connections for farms to develop their own manure management plans.
Gettysburg Times: A snapshot of ongoing environmental efforts
Adams County, PA | Northeast Region
11/10/2024
For the past 17 years, the Adams County Conservation District has been a key participant in the Pennsylvania Cropland Roadside Transect Survey. Conducted every two to three years, the survey tracks agricultural practices that help reduce soil erosion, improve crop residue management, and increase cover crop use, providing valuable data on how farming methods contribute to regional conservation goals.
Mountain Democrat: Aquatic invasive species program confronts new threats
By Jeff Cowen | Lake Tahoe, CA | Pacific Region
11/20/2024
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, which manage the watercraft inspection program, recently reported that staff inspected more than 5,600 vessels since January and intercepted 59 vessels with AIS on board. Though this is an increase from the 46 vessels found with AIS in 2023, it is nowhere near the record of 129 vessels in 2021. Boaters, paddlers, anglers, and beachgoers all help lower the risk of AIS by following the Clean, Drain, and Dry protocol.
Phillips County News: Patti Armbrister named national Soil Health Champion
Hinsdale, MT | Northern Plains Region
11/20/2024
The Phillips Conservation District is proud to announce that Patti Armbrister has been named a Soil Health Champion by the National Association of Conservation Districts. The Phillips Conservation Districts worked with NACD to nominate Armbrister based on her extraordinary work to promote soil health management practices on her own property and advance the adoption of these practices within her community.