NACD SOUTHWEST-PACIFIC REGION MEETING UNITES WESTERN LEADERS

On Sept. 18-19, conservation district leaders from Guam, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming met in Kennewick, Wash., for the 2018 NACD Pacific and Southwest Region Meeting.

The meeting, hosted by the Washington Association of Conservation Districts, featured two panels discussing strategies for successful partnerships at the state and national levels. Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA) gave a keynote address and discussed the importance of locally-led conservation. During the joint region meeting, NACD members received updates from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on staffing issues, wild horse management, the Endangered Species Act, streamlining the National Environmental Policy Act, and reorganization efforts within the Department of the Interior and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

On Wednesday, meeting attendees visited NACD Second Vice President Michael Crowder’s Barker Ranch in Benton County, Wash., to observe the operation’s work for migratory waterfowl. Attendees saw both wetland and upland vegetation management for wildlife habitat, including the benefits of rotational grazing and no-till farming practices.

NACD ATTENDS SOUTH DAKOTA ANNUAL MEETING

On Sept. 16-18, NACD CEO Jeremy Peters attended the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts’ (SDACD) annual conference in Pierre, S.D. Peters provided the keynote address during the luncheon and updated South Dakotan leaders on the work NACD is doing at the national level regarding the 2018 Farm Bill reauthorization, technical assistance grants, soil health and the National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP). Meeting attendees celebrated their peers’ accomplishments during the SDACD awards banquet on Sept. 16 and toured the Missouri River to view conservation in action.

NACD’s South Dakotan Soil Health Champions were well represented during the conference. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from soil health expert Jon Stika, NRCS State Conservationist Jeff Zimprich, and Lynn Tjeerdsma, Senator John Thune (R-SD)’s senior policy advisor.

NACD ANNUAL MEETING AUCTION RAISES FUNDS FOR CONSERVATION EFFORTS

NACD's Annual Meeting Live Auction provides meeting attendees with the opportunity to raise money to support locally-led conservation. The funds raised each year generate a positive impact on the future of America's natural resources.

Join us during the 2019 Annual Meeting Live Auction on Monday, Feb. 4, featuring returning auctioneer and crowd favorite Johnny Regula, this year's auction is sure to feature handcrafted quilts and crafts, beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry, top-of-the-line farm equipment and supplies and more. To donate an item, or to donate an item as a district or state association, please fill out this form. All donation forms and photos must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 30 to be included in the 2019 auction booklet.

The Live Auction also provides businesses and organizations with the opportunity to gain exposure to potential customers or clients. Equipment donations, gift certificates, all-inclusive trips or outdoor experiences help fund the conservation delivery system at the local, state and national level. Have questions about your donation? Contact NACD South Central Region Representative Keith Owen at keith-owen@nacdnet.org.

The 2019 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, held Feb. 2-6, will be the premier opportunity for conservation leaders to network, explore the region, and learn more about emerging natural resources challenges and opportunities. Early bird registration ends Dec. 14, 2018, but register online to save $15 on these already discounted prices! Stay tuned to eResource for upcoming announcements about the meeting's speakers, breakout sessions, conservation symposia and more.

DIVERSITY & CUSTOMER SERVICE

The idea of diversity goes beyond differing races or genders on your board. Creating a diverse board provides the best possible customer service to communities. A diverse board reflects the ideas of many cultures, races, religions and genders and creates an environment of inclusivity so everyone can feel comfortable coming to the conservation district for assistance.

Diversity is a needs response. The demographics of this nation are changing rapidly, and districts have the opportunity to welcome that change by embracing the diversity of the community they serve.

Building a diverse board does not happen overnight. It will take time, energy and commitment in order for diversity to happen. Efforts for diversity should be driven by an internal desire to see the people of your community served and the natural resource needs meet. Learn more in the latest installment of Did You Know? and view additional resources on board diversity in NACD’s Members Only section.

NACD PARTICIPATES IN WATERSHED MEETINGS

On Sept. 18, 105 meeting attendees from eight states and Washington, D.C., attended the Watershed Program Procedures and Policies Seminar and NRCS Listening Session for Watershed Project Sponsors and Their Partners in Decatur, Texas.

NRCS provided information and updates on the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program and listened to concerns and ideas from sponsors of watershed projects. NRCS Deputy Chief for Programs Jimmy Bramblett, National NRCS Watershed Team Leader Kevin Farmer, NRCS National Watershed Rehabilitation Program Leader Jesse Wilson and NRCS Water Management Center Director Doris Washington attended and presented the latest information about the Watershed Program and answered questions during the listening session.

NACD South Central Region Representative Keith Owen assisted with the meeting and facilitation of the listening session. Plans are underway to hold similar seminars and listening sessions in other parts of the U.S. Notice of location and dates of future sessions will be posted on the National Watershed Coalition webpage.