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.

NACD Blog: Watershed program allows Minnesota district to address woodland objectives
09/10/20

The Root River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in Minnesota is using Watershed Conservation Planning Initiative (WCPI) funds to expand landowner projects, including into wooded areas.

NACD Blog: SWCD helping Charlotte, N.C. achieve tree canopy mission
09/09/20

The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is helping to shape policy for tree canopy conservation in North Carolina.

Sunnyside Sun: Guest Column: The original conservationists
By Dan Newhouse
09/03/20

(Opinion) The President-elect of the National Association of Conservation Districts, Michael Crowder, is a resident of Central Washington, and he works daily to advocate for local conservation projects across the country while representing our district with pride.

Clay County Free Press: Elk Conservation District receives NACD Technical Assistance Grant
09/09/20

This week, the ECD located in Braxton County announced it was awarded a technical assistance grant from the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).

NBC Nebraska 2: Conservation Stewardship Program helping farmers and ranchers during pandemic
By Jessica Raney
09/03/20

For almost two decades, the conservation stewardship program or CSP has helped farmers and ranchers both technically and financially achieve conservation goals.

E&E News: Trump admin proposal could shrink critical habitat
By Michael Doyle
09/04/20

(Subscriber Only) The Fish and Wildlife Service [last Friday] proposed new rules that could make it easier to shrink future critical habitats designated under the Endangered Species Act.

The Washington Post: Much of the American West is on fire, illustrating the dangers of a climate of extremes
By Scott Wilson
09/08/20

(Subscriber Only) Though the traditional fire season has yet to begin, parts of a half-dozen states from coastal California to the Rocky Mountains are being charred by more than 70 wildfires that are being fed by tinder-dry vegetation, record heat and blustery winds that kicked up Tuesday across the region.

VSJF: Can Vermont’s Forests Help Save the Planet?
By Christine McGowan
09/05/20

Long valued for timber, recreation, wildlife habitat, and solace, Vermont’s forests are being recognized for providing another, more global, benefit: carbon storage.

Star Tribune: Are bison the key to bringing back Minnesota prairies?
By Greg Stanley
09/08/20

As bee and pollinator populations have collapsed, and a number of species of songbirds and plants have fallen to the brink, restoring and saving what is left of the prairies has become a priority for state and local agencies.

Purdue University: Improved tool can help Midwest farmers with cover crop decisions
09/09/20

The Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) —made up of representatives from 12 Midwest states and universities, including Purdue, the province of Ontario and other agricultural stakeholders — is rolling out an improved cover crop selection tool that will help farmers make those decisions.

Newswise: Increasing adoption of soil conservation practices
09/02/20

Farmers who make soil health a priority are more likely to rotate three or more crops and to graze livestock on cropland, according to a survey of producers in South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska.

Capital Press: New study: Cattle grazing significantly reduces wildfire spread
By Sierra Dawn McClain
09/09/20

University of California Cooperative Extension researchers just completed a timely study showing cattle grazing is an essential tool in reducing wildfire — a tool they say should be expanded and refined.

Apostz: ‘Growing Climate Solutions Act’ gives farmers a seat at the carbon market table
By Robert Whitescarver
09/10/20

At last, farmers and foresters might have a seat at the carbon market table. Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House to create incentives and remove barriers for farmers and foresters to receive credits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing soil organic matter – carbon.

Phys.org: Old grasslands show high biodiversity and conservation value
09/10/20

In a study published this month in Ecological Research online, researchers from the University of Tsukuba have revealed that the longer grasslands have been around, the higher their plant diversity, and the more likely they are to be of high conservation priority.

IUCN: Farmers could substantially boost productivity by conserving soil biodiversity – IUCN report
09/08/20

By increasing the biodiversity of soils through sustainable practices, farmers could deliver substantial benefits for food and water security as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation, according to a new IUCN report published [Tuesday].

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