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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.


High Plains Journal: National Association of Conservation Districts honors national award winners
02/10/21

On Feb. 9 the National Association of Conservation Districts recognized winners of its national service awards at the organization’s virtual 2021 Annual Meeting.

Brownfield Ag News: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY
By Amie Simpson
02/10/21

The National Association of Conservation Districts is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Past President Brent Van Dyke says NACD is no stranger to challenges because conservation districts were formed following the devastation of the Dust Bowl.  

BARN: 02-08-21 NACD, NASCA AND MANRRS SIGN COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
02/08/21

[On Monday], the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), coordinated by NACD’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force, with the National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA) and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) during the organization’s 75th Annual Meeting.

BARN: 02-09-21 NACD ANNOUNCES 2021 DISTRICT GRANT RECIPIENTS
02/09/21

[On Tuesday], National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Second Vice President Kim LaFleur announced the 2021 recipients of the Friends of NACD District Grants program during NACD’s 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting.

BARN: 02-09-21 NACD ANNOUNCES 2020 PHOTO, POSTER CONTEST WINNERS
02/09/21

[On Tuesday], the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), in partnership with the NACD Auxiliary, announced the winners of the 2020 Photo Contest and 2020 Poster Contest during the virtual 75th NACD Annual Meeting.

PennLive: Envirothon – a Pennsylvania creation – moves online for 2021
By Marcus Schneck
02/10/21

Envirothon, which began in Pennsylvania in 1979, will be held in a virtual format this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Walton Tribune: Local farm earns national, state conservation honors
02/10/21

Foster Brady Farms in Monroe has been named the 2020 Friend of Conservation by the National Association of Conservation Districts and the Conservationist of the Year by the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts for their outstanding contributions to natural resource conservation.

Steamboat Pilot & Today: Community Agriculture Alliance: Drought resiliency and soil health
By Lyn Halliday
02/09/21

Had it not been for the Dust Bowl, the Soil Conservation Service, which later morphed into the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the vast network of Conservation Districts, might never have come to exist. The Routt County Conservation District, initiated in 1942, therefore has roots dating back to the Dust Bowl.

Capital Press: Soil health pays off
By Brad Carlson
02/11/21

[Linda Schott, assistant professor of nutrient and waste management with the University of Idaho Extension in Twin Falls,] is working with soil conservation districts in the region to assess the soil health of 34 growers’ fields. Most are following a soil-health practice.

Brainerd Dispatch: Crow Wing SWCD to share conservation success stories
02/06/21

Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District works hand in hand with private landowners to accomplish soil and water conservation goals.

E&E News: Lawmakers introduce natural resources, wildfire bills
By Manuel Quiñones
02/10/21

(Subscriber Only) California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa introduced a trio of bills this week to prevent and respond to wildfires.



WEAU 13 News: Gov. Evers setting aside $43 million for agriculture
By Tyler Mickelson
02/08/21

Support for the expansion of markets and innovative farming practices are part of the $43 million Gov. Tony Evers is proposing for agriculture in the 2021-23 state biennial budget.

News Dakota: STUDY SHOWS PRECISION AGRICULTURE IMPROVES STEWARDSHIP
02/08/21

The study shows that widely available precision agriculture technology improves environmental stewardship while providing a solid economic return for farmers.

U.S. News: Senate Panel Advances EPA Nominee; GOP Slams Interior Pick
02/09/21

A Senate committee has endorsed President Joe Biden's nomination of Michael Regan to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, setting up a vote in the full Senate.

NRCS - South Dakota: HOW REGENERATIVE AG AND STRIP GRAZING IMPROVES SOIL HEALTH
By Megan Schilling
02/04/21

“Thanks to the years of information we gained from our schools, our grandparents, and from our local community, our mind-set is the most difficult thing to change on the farm. The soil is easy to fix. Our mind-set is not,” he says.

Phys.org: Changing cropping systems in impaired watersheds can produce water quality gains
By Jeff Mulhollem
02/09/21

Growing the right crop in the right place within an impaired watershed can achieve significant water quality improvements, according to Penn State researchers, who conducted a novel study in the drainage of a Susquehanna River tributary in an agricultural area in southeastern Pennsylvania.

The Nature Conservancy: Agriculture, Policy and Conservation Leaders Collaborate on a Path to Accelerate the Use of Edge of Field Practices on U.S. Farmlands
02/05/21

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), and Meridian Institute launched a Roadmap to accelerate the adoption of edge of field practices on U.S. farmlands. Edge of field practices—like saturated buffers and prairie strips—can help farmers improve water quality, store more carbon in the soil, reduce flooding, support pollinators, and enhance wildlife habitat in working landscapes.

Agri-Pulse: While farms and cities make good water partners, they’ll keep their options open
By Brad Hooker
02/10/21

(Subscriber Only) New research shows that coastal cities and farming regions can maximize their supply potential if they team up on water sharing. This offers more water reliability during dry times—and could serve as a linchpin for addressing critical infrastructure issues and creating more flexible water trading policies. But proponents are quick to say it is no silver bullet.

SpringerLink: Drought alters plant‐soil feedback effects on biomass allocation but not on plant performance
By Rutger A. Wilschut and Mark van Kleunen
02/10/21

Plant-soil feedback effects on plant performance during a drought event may be limited in comparison with the direct effects of drought.

KXXV: 'We want a seat at the table': Texas farmers ready to work with the Biden administration
By Joey Horta
02/08/21

It's something farmers and ranchers are deeply committed to. They care for the soil, water and natural resources which they depend on to make a living.

CALMATTERS: To counter the worsening drought, California needs healthy soils
By Ellie Cohen and Torri Estrada
02/11/21

(Opinion) It is time for California’s leaders to take bold action to improve the health of our soils, which would improve water storage capacity.

High Plains Journal: New study highlights crop insurance’s role in maintaining healthy soil
02/11/21

Crop insurance is not acting as a barrier to the adoption of conservation practices and has a role in helping farmers maintain healthy soil. That’s according to a new peer-reviewed study in the renowned Journal of Environmental Management.


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