Conservation Clip List is a weekly collection of articles distributed by NACD that provides our members and partners with the latest news in what's driving conservation. If you have a relevant submission, please contact your NACD Communications Team.

NACD Blog: Land purchase will help Washington district expand holding nursery

A former gravel quarry will soon serve as the new home for Spokane Conservation District, and with it comes more than 35 acres of Ponderosa pine that the district hopes will provide educational opportunities to local landowners and partners.

NACD Blog: Forestry Notes Q&A: National Wild Turkey Federation

National Wild Turkey Federation National Forestry Programs Manager Rebecca Barnard recently sat down with NACD to discuss a number of NWTF initiatives and how it helps promote forest management.

Zinke won’t eliminate any national monuments via Capital Press

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said he’s recommending that none of 27 national monuments under review by the Trump administration be eliminated. But there would be changes to a “handful,” he said.

U.S. Forest Service Chief Tidwell announces retirement, Tooke to replace via High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal

U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell Aug. 18 announced his retirement after a 40-year career. Tony Tooke will serve as the new chief of the U.S. Forest Service. Tooke has worked for the Forest Service since age 18 and currently is the regional forester for the Southern Region.

Exceptional drought eases in North Dakota via The Bismarck Tribune

Exceptional drought eased in North Dakota this past week though areas of abnormal dryness steadfastly remain. Areas of extreme drought, severe drought, and moderate drought also saw significant reductions.

House, Senate Legislators Lay Groundwork for Urban Agriculture via Bloomberg BNA

Urban agriculture proponents are hoping two 2016 bills will be reintroduced this year, just in time to be added to the 2018 Farm Bill. The bills have very different initiatives but similar goals, with hopes to create economic opportunity and show support for farmers and ranchers in urban areas. The separate bills were introduced in 2016 by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio).

Why family forest owners care about the Farm Bill via Record Searchlight

(Opinion) Recently, members of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee held a “listening session” regarding the upcoming 2018 Farm Bill. One area that was not explored in depth but is vitally important is the Farm Bill’s support of family forest owners, including the 200,000 owners here in California.

Surprising invasive species threatens maple sugar industry via WLUC

All earthworms in the upper Midwest are exotic species from Europe and Asia. These species target the soft leaves of maple trees, consuming the forest floor litter layer.

Invasive beetle ‘worse than the ash borer’ could be on its way to Indiana via Fox59

The Asian long-horned beetle has already been documented in Illinois and Ohio. Like the ash borer, it often infests ash trees; however it also creates “host” trees out of maple, willow, elm, birch, and others.

Where's the kelp? Warm ocean takes toll on undersea forests via ABC News

The Gulf of Maine, stretching from Cape Cod to Nova Scotia, is the latest in a growing list of global hotspots losing their kelp. Among the world's most diverse marine ecosystems, kelp forests are found on all continental coastlines except for Antarctica and provide critical food and shelter to myriad fish and other creatures. Kelp also is critical to coastal economies, providing billions of dollars in tourism and fishing.

Cleaner air, cooler buildings: urban trees save megacities millions via Reuters

Trees in cities reduce air pollution, absorb carbon, and protect people during heatwaves, saving megacities more than $500 million a year in healthcare, energy costs, and environmental protection. Urban forests can lower the "urban heat island effect" of cities, which are often several degrees warmer than nearby rural areas.

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