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 NACD Communications Manager Sara Kangas.

NACD Blog: Howard SWCD uses technical assistance funds to work with local landowners, protect streambanks
By Hunter Slifka
08/17/18

In 2018, NACD, in partnership with the NRCS awarded funds through their technical assistance grants program to the Howard Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in northeastern Iowa. Through these funds, Howard SWCD was able to assist local landowners with planning, design, land surveys and implementation of streambank management.

NACD Blog: Conservation districts strong leaders in Joint Chiefs’ LRP projects
08/13/18

Since its inception, the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership (LRP) has experienced success in all areas of the country. These nine blogs describe how conservation districts are contributing to LRP projects nationwide.

Agri-Pulse: Judge revives Obama WOTUS rule, blocking Trump suspension
By Philip Brasher
08/16/18

A federal judge ruled that the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers improperly suspended the Obama-era “waters of the U.S. rule,” allowing it to take effect in 26 states where it has not been blocked by court order. The ruling adds a new frustration to the administration's efforts to replace the 2015 rule, which expanded the definition of what wetlands and streams are regulated by the Clean Water Act.

Wall Street Journal: Agency Says Lake Mead Could Drop Below Critical Threshold
By Jim Carlton
08/15/18

The Bureau of Reclamation, a multistate agency that manages water and power in the West, said there is a 52% probability that water levels will fall below a threshold of 1,075 feet elevation by 2020. If Lake Mead’s water levels fall below that threshold, it could trigger the first ever federal shortage declaration on the Colorado River—which experts say could undermine the Southwest’s economy.

Agri-Pulse: Farm groups urge quick finish to new farm bill
By Philip Brasher
08/13/18

More than 150 farm and agribusiness organizations are appealing to congressional farm bill negotiators to finish their work quickly.

Agri-Pulse: New wildfire strategy emphasizes greater federal-state cooperation
By Daniel Enoch
08/16/18

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today unveiled a new strategy for managing catastrophic wildfires that emphasizes greater cooperation with states to identify priorities for targeted treatment in areas with the highest payoffs.

The New York Times Magazine: The Super Bowl of Beekeeping
By Jaime Lowe
08/15/18

Honeybees used for managed pollination are domesticated; they are actually considered by a number of states to be livestock. Almond growing in California is a $7.6 billion industry that wouldn’t be possible without the 30 billion bees (and hundreds of human beekeepers) who keep the trees pollinated — and whose very existence is in peril.

Wallaces Farmer: Taking conservation to a new level
By Jacqueline Comito
08/14/18

The purpose of the Conservation Learning Group is to provide a flexible and supportive forum that encompasses multiple conservation-minded organizations and extends support to many more. Providing this umbrella organization will facilitate sharing knowledge, resources and best practices between researchers and other experts.

Agri-Pulse: $266M trust set up for Native American farmers, ranchers
By Steve Davies
08/13/18

The largest Native American philanthropic institution in history has been set up to distribute $266 million awarded to Indian farmers and ranchers as part of a 2011 settlement with USDA.

NBC News: Salting the earth: North Dakota farmers struggle with a toxic byproduct of the oil boom
By Likhitha Butchireddygari
08/11/18

Saltwater spills have plagued North Dakota since the latter part of the 20th century, when North Dakota experienced its first oil boom. They are more damaging than oil spills on land because of the contaminants they leave in the soil, and they are harder to clean up.

Phys.Org: New 'droughty' soils model for Pacific Northwest could aid forest health in changing climate
By Chris Branam
08/17/18

Knowing how much moisture forest soils hold is important in the Pacific Northwest, as over two-thirds of the region's annual precipitation occurs between October and March. An average of less than two inches of rainfall occur in the summer months.

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