Forestry highlights from Nashville
- 2018 NACD Annual Meeting
Last month, the Forestry Resource Policy Group (RPG) met in Nashville to finalize its annual list of priorities and note 2017 accomplishments from their three-year strategic plan.
The group welcomed new National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA) Representative Garrett Stephens of Colorado’s Jefferson Conservation District. The group also discussed initial planning for the summer forestry meeting to be held in conjunction with the NACD Summer Board Meeting in Williamsburg, Va.
The Forestry RPG engaged in discussion throughout the week with several partners representing the U.S. Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Association of State Foresters, National Agroforestry Center, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ground Water Protection Council and the Keeping Forests as Forests collaboration.
“We had a good meeting, with great attendance,” Forestry RPG Pacific Region Representative Doug Rushton said. “I’m always impressed by the dedication and thoughtfulness of our RPG members who contribute year after year. We’re grateful to our partners for joining the discussion and sharing updates about the forestry programs and opportunities relevant to our districts.”
The Forestry RPG also heard details about two new tools planned for 2018 including a “Forestry Notes” YouTube channel and a LinkedIn group catered to the interests of conservation district forestry professionals.
NACD also continues to add to its national forestry network. Currently the Forestry RPG has identified state forestry contacts in 29 states. Ideal contacts are engaged in conservation district forestry activity and are willing to help their Forestry RPG region representative distribute forestry program information to conservation district professionals throughout their state.
Conservation districts are encouraged to email videos to NACD Forestry Specialist Mike Beacom (mike-beacom@nacdnet.org) to share on the channel. The LinkedIn group is expected to launch later this year.