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 with accessing articles, please contact the NACD Communications Team.

American Ag Network: NACD Announces Climate Action Task Force

By Kirsten Rall
04/23/21

The National Association of Conservation Districts Thursday announced the formation of a Climate Action Task Force.

Pacific Northwest Ag Network: NACD Supports CRP Changes

04/22/21

On Wednesday, the National Association of Conservation Districts threw its support behind changes to the CRP program.

AgNet West: NACD Provides $13 Million in Technical Assistance Grants

04/27/21

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has awarded $13 million in new technical assistance grants to provide conservation support to communities in over 400 conservation districts.

Brownfield Ag News: FARMER DESCRIBES DROUGHT CONDITIONS IN THE WEST

By Amie Simpson

04/22/21

A Pacific Northwest farmer says dry weather has been a challenge this spring. Michael Crowder and his family raise corn and several specialty crops in Washington state.

Oklahoma Farm Report: Conservation Districts Named As RCPP Project Leads During FY21 Funding

04/27/21

[On Tuesday], the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) applauded the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for announcing a number of conservation district-led projects under this year’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Classic Awards.

USDA-NRCS: USDA Awards 85 New Partnership Projects to Help Mitigate Climate Change and Protect Natural Resources while Supporting America’s Producers

04/26/21

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is investing $330 million in 85 locally driven, public-private partnerships to address climate change, improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability.

News Advocate: Manistee Conservation District receives grant for river clean-up programs

By Colin Merry

04/28/21

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy on April 27 announced $75,000 in grants to 27 local governments and nonprofit organizations for stream cleanup and monitoring through the Michigan Clean Water Corps Program.

Cadillac News: Soil conservation then, now

By Jim Williams
04/27/21

With the celebration of Earth Day just last week, it is a good time to discuss the formation of the USDA Soil Conservation Service (known today as the Natural Resources Conservation Service) and the Conservation District (Wexford CD and the Missaukee CD).

The Gardner News: CITY OF EDGERTON PARTNERS WITH WATERSHED COALITION ON NATIVE PLANTS

By Kara Banks

04/24/21

All Edgerton residents who help support watershed health by planting native trees and plants, or by constructing rain barrels or rain gardens on their properties will be eligible for free technical assistance from the Miami County Conservation District’s Urban Conservationist.

The Conversation: Climate-friendly farming strategies can improve the land and generate income for farmers

04/28/21

Agriculture has not been a central part of U.S. climate policy in the past, even though climate change is altering weather patterns that farmers rely on. Now, however, President Biden has directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop a climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy.

E&E Daily: Leaders promise action on tax credits, carbon markets bill
By Marc Heller
04/28/21

(Subscriber Only) House Agriculture Chair David Scott (D-Ga.) said yesterday he wants to move quickly on new tax benefits for Black and disadvantaged farmers.

KNSI: Agriculture Department Warns of Invasive Earthworms

By Jennifer Lewerenz
04/22/21

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is warning gardeners to be on the lookout for an invasive earthworm that has sprung up around the Upper Midwest.

The Mercury: Fire as a tool: Konza Prairie researchers maintain ancient grassland with modern techniques

By AJ Dome

04/24/21

An Ohio native with a doctorate from the University of Georgia, Blair’s interest in conservation lies in how different ecosystems interact with each other.

The Fence Post: Regenerative ag, carbon sequestration in soils and 30×30 will all depend on advancing conservation on rented land

04/22/21

On April 22, American Farmland Trust released “Advancing Understanding of Conservation on Rented Land” to mark Earth Day and call attention to the importance of speeding the implementation of conservation practices on rented farmland and ranchland in support of goals to improve and protect our environment.

Agri-Pulse: Stabenow pushing for big boost in conservation, says Biden plan falls short

By Philip Brasher

04/28/21

(Subscriber Only) Senate Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow says President Joe Biden’s $2.7 trillion infrastructure plan is “woefully inadequate” when it comes to funding for climate-friendly farming practices, and she’s pushing for a major increase in funding for conservation programs.

EOS: Why Rivers Need Their Floodplains

By Ellen Wohl

04/22/21

Floodplain storage of water, nutrients, and sediment is critical to sustaining river ecosystems but has been reduced by human activities.

E&E News: BLM invites Mediterranean weevil to dine on Western weeds

By Scott Streater
04/28/21

(Subscriber Only) Federal land managers have tried almost everything to control yellow starthistle, an invasive weed that can ruin hiking trails, poison wild horses and damage the eyes of grazing cattle.

Daily Mail: Dried-out reservoir photos show extent of drought in the southwest as up to 85 percent of California suffers 'exceptional' water shortages

By Adam Schrader
04/28/21

California farmers have started to question the future of farming as the San Joaquin Valley - which UC Davis claims is 'the most productive agricultural region in the world' - faces prolonged drought, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Albany Herald: USDA to help fund two public/private projects in Georgia

04/27/21

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday it is investing $330 million in 85 locally driven, public-private partnerships to address climate change, improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability, including two projects in Georgia.

My San Antonio: New bill proposes more jobs and investment in Texas wildlife
By Camille Sauers
04/27/21

A new bipartisan bill introduced to Congress — appropriately on Earth Day — seeks to bring thousands of new conservation jobs, and restore the habitats and futures of thousands of wildlife species across the nation — including the diverse flora and fauna of the Lone Star State.

Agri-Pulse: New tool helps farmers monitor crop risk during wildfire season
By Amy Mayer
04/28/21

(Subscriber Only) Ahead of what could be another severe wildlife season, a new tool uses air quality and atmospheric data to give farmers up-to-the-minute information to monitor risks to their crops.

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