If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may see it online |
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. |
Pacific Northwest Ag Network: Crowder Becomes NACD President Shelby Promoter: Toole Co. Conservation District welcomes new board chairman Roger Smedsrud It’s the 75th anniversary of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and over the past seven and a half decades they have proven invaluable to farmers around the nation. Thurston Talk: Teamwork Brings Yelm Community Garden to Life, With Veteran Support When TCD won a $50,000 grant through the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) to do urban agriculture in Yelm, the concept began to gain momentum. The Express: Pollution control project funded in Centre County Centre County Conservation District received $1,200.00 to host two virtual workshops to educate homeowners on local water quality issues as well as highlight conservation practices that homeowners can implement on their properties to manage stormwater runoff. The Daily Evergreen: WSU researchers produce technology to monitor ecology A WSU research team uses free satellite imagery and drones to provide data used for ecological monitoring to Whitman County and the Palouse Conservation District, which voluntarily works with community members to restore natural habitats. E&E News: USDA reevaluates plan to turn ditch into water pipeline (Subscriber Only) The Washoe County Water Conservation District presented the plans to the government last year on behalf of the Steamboat Canal and Irrigation Co. They are intended to improve the efficiency of water deliveries, slow erosion and provide flood protection. No-Till Farmer: Conservation Agriculture: Necessary for the Future, and Incentives Are Needed Studies have also shown that conservation agriculture — made possible by relatively modern technology, can completely stop the loss or even regain the soil — while increasing yields in the long-term. Iowa Capital Dispatch: Bill would add ‘soil health’ to goals of state conservation programs House File 646 would add the federal definition of “soil health” to the state’s code language guiding the work of soil conservation districts. The districts offer cost-share grants for improvements on farms. E360: How the Loss of Soil Is Sacrificing America’s Natural Heritage A new study points to a stunning loss of topsoil in the Corn Belt — the result of farming practices that have depleted this once-fertile ground. Beyond diminished agricultural productivity and more carbon in the atmosphere, it is a catastrophic loss of an irreplaceable resource. The Delaware Gazette: Battle against invasive species rages on Invasive species, including plants, cause environmental harm by displacing or crowding out desirable species. This displacement impacts wildlife, which rely on native plants for food, shelter and habitat. Farm Progress: Small grains help suppress weeds Adding small grains to the crop rotation or using them as cover crops can be beneficial. Successful Farming: THE SUBTLE SCIENCE BEHIND SOIL AGGREGATES Soils with poor aggregate stability are easily whisked away by wind and water even in minor weather events. That leads to soil erosion, compromised water quality, and ultimately, lost productivity, says Aaron Daigh, associate professor of soil physics and hydrology at North Dakota State University (NDSU). National Geographic: Tree of heaven is a hellish invasive species. Could a fungus save the day? Ailanthus has spread to all but six U.S. states, and has gained a foothold on every continent except Antarctica. But there may be a new weapon for fighting back against one of the most invasive species on the continent. Nature: Human alteration of global surface water storage variability Knowing the extent of human influence on the global hydrological cycle is essential for the sustainability of freshwater resources on Earth. Des Moines Register: Iowa needs to help farmers take the plunge and take action on soil health (Opinion) No-till/strip-till and continuous cover farming practices have improved my cash earnings and enhanced the land and water around me. 9NEWS: Forest service highlights wildfire prevention after historic season The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) highlights suggestions for preventing wildfires in its annual report on the health of forests in the state. Medium: Fire Management in California: A Systems Approach to Mitigating Risk Prescribed burns are capable of reducing fuel hazard and fire risk, achieving wildlife habitat maintenance and improvement. Agri-Pulse: Vilsack plans equity commission, names advisers on racial, market reforms (Subscriber Only) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced plans Monday to assign a commission to study issues of equity in agriculture and also named key advisers for racial issues and market reform. AgInfo: UF NASA Grassland Study The University of Florida is partnering with one Florida cattle ranch and NASA to evaluate grazing procedures. American Agriculturist: Study looks at reallocating crops for pollution reductions Scientists are looking at a new approach to farming in the Chesapeake Bay watershed: moving corn and soybeans away from streams and slopes, and replacing them with hay. Capital Journal: Crop residue? There are a lot of benefits The benefits of leaving crop residue on the soil surface through farm practices such as no till are numerous. In addition to reducing soil erosion, old crop residue will catch and retain moisture, mitigate soil temperature fluctuations during extremes and contribute to soil organic matter. E&E News: Annual wildfires hurt forests' carbon retention — study (Subscriber Only) Repeated, intense wildfires have damaged forests' ability to grow fire resistant and store carbon, causing scientists to rethink how to deploy tree-planting efforts after natural disasters. Austin American-Statesman: Even record freeze couldn't eradicate Central Texas' toughest invasive species, experts say Not even a historic week of freezing temperatures and record-setting snowfall last month could mitigate some of the toughest and most threatening invasive species known to Central Texas, biologists from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department say. CBS News: 70 bipartisan mayors commit to conserving 30 percent of American lands by 2030 Seventy of the nation's mayors have endorsed a campaign dedicated to conserving 30 percent of America's lands, waters and oceans by 2030, an effort dubbed the 30x30 initiative. The Minnesota Daily: University researchers explore potential of microalgae in agriculture Microalgae can return nutrients to the soil and contribute to better plant growth. |
Need to update your contact information, unsubscribe or change your subscription preferences? Click here to manage your profile. |
To unsubscribe from future mailings please click here. |
![]() ![]() ![]() |