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.

Pacific Northwest Ag Network: Crowder Becomes NACD President 
03/01/21
 
The new President of the National Association of Conservation Districts is from the state of Washington. Michael Crowder of West Richland said this new role is an honor.

Shelby Promoter: Toole Co. Conservation District welcomes new board chairman Roger Smedsrud
By Jennifer Van Heel 
03/03/21

It’s the 75th anniversary of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and over the past seven and a half decades they have proven invaluable to farmers around the nation.

Thurston Talk: Teamwork Brings Yelm Community Garden to Life, With Veteran Support
By Heidi Smith
03/03/21

When TCD won a $50,000 grant through the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) to do urban agriculture in Yelm, the concept began to gain momentum.

The Express: Pollution control project funded in Centre County
03/02/21

Centre County Conservation District received $1,200.00 to host two virtual workshops to educate homeowners on local water quality issues as well as highlight conservation practices that homeowners can implement on their properties to manage stormwater runoff.

The Daily Evergreen: WSU researchers produce technology to monitor ecology
By Madysen Mclain
03/04/21

A WSU research team uses free satellite imagery and drones to provide data used for ecological monitoring to Whitman County and the Palouse Conservation District, which voluntarily works with community members to restore natural habitats.

E&E News: USDA reevaluates plan to turn ditch into water pipeline
03/03/21

(Subscriber Only) The Washoe County Water Conservation District presented the plans to the government last year on behalf of the Steamboat Canal and Irrigation Co. They are intended to improve the efficiency of water deliveries, slow erosion and provide flood protection.

No-Till Farmer: Conservation Agriculture: Necessary for the Future, and Incentives Are Needed
By Aubrey Lang
03/01/21

Studies have also shown that conservation agriculture — made possible by relatively modern technology, can completely stop the loss or even regain the soil — while increasing yields in the long-term.

Iowa Capital Dispatch: Bill would add ‘soil health’ to goals of state conservation programs
By Perry Beeman
03/03/21

House File 646 would add the federal definition of “soil health” to the state’s code language guiding the work of soil conservation districts. The districts offer cost-share grants for improvements on farms.

E360: How the Loss of Soil Is Sacrificing America’s Natural Heritage
By Verlyn Klinkenborg
03/01/21

A new study points to a stunning loss of topsoil in the Corn Belt — the result of farming practices that have depleted this once-fertile ground. Beyond diminished agricultural productivity and more carbon in the atmosphere, it is a catastrophic loss of an irreplaceable resource.

The Delaware Gazette: Battle against invasive species rages on
By Bonnie Dailey
03/03/21

Invasive species, including plants, cause environmental harm by displacing or crowding out desirable species. This displacement impacts wildlife, which rely on native plants for food, shelter and habitat.

Farm Progress: Small grains help suppress weeds
By Curt Arens
03/02/21

Adding small grains to the crop rotation or using them as cover crops can be beneficial.

Successful Farming: THE SUBTLE SCIENCE BEHIND SOIL AGGREGATES
By Bill Spiegel
02/26/21

Soils with poor aggregate stability are easily whisked away by wind and water even in minor weather events. That leads to soil erosion, compromised water quality, and ultimately, lost productivity, says Aaron Daigh, associate professor of soil physics and hydrology at North Dakota State University (NDSU). 

National Geographic: Tree of heaven is a hellish invasive species. Could a fungus save the day?
By Troy Farah
03/03/21

Ailanthus has spread to all but six U.S. states, and has gained a foothold on every continent except Antarctica. But there may be a new weapon for fighting back against one of the most invasive species on the continent.

Nature: Human alteration of global surface water storage variability
By Sarah W. Cooley, Jonathan C. Ryan and Laurence C. Smith
03/03/21

Knowing the extent of human influence on the global hydrological cycle is essential for the sustainability of freshwater resources on Earth.

Des Moines Register: Iowa needs to help farmers take the plunge and take action on soil health
By Wayne Fredericks
03/03/21

(Opinion) No-till/strip-till and continuous cover farming practices have improved my cash earnings and enhanced the land and water around me.

9NEWS: Forest service highlights wildfire prevention after historic season
03/02/21

The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) highlights suggestions for preventing wildfires in its annual report on the health of forests in the state.

Medium: Fire Management in California: A Systems Approach to Mitigating Risk
By Ismael Fernandez and Vincent V. Triola
03/01/21

Prescribed burns are capable of reducing fuel hazard and fire risk, achieving wildlife habitat maintenance and improvement. 

Agri-Pulse: Vilsack plans equity commission, names advisers on racial, market reforms
By Philip Brasher
03/01/21

(Subscriber Only) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced plans Monday to assign a commission to study issues of equity in agriculture and also named key advisers for racial issues and market reform. 

AgInfo: UF NASA Grassland Study
03/01/21

The University of Florida is partnering with one Florida cattle ranch and NASA to evaluate grazing procedures.

American Agriculturist: Study looks at reallocating crops for pollution reductions
02/19/21

Scientists are looking at a new approach to farming in the Chesapeake Bay watershed: moving corn and soybeans away from streams and slopes, and replacing them with hay.

Capital Journal: Crop residue? There are a lot of benefits
By Ruth Beck
02/23/21

The benefits of leaving crop residue on the soil surface through farm practices such as no till are numerous. In addition to reducing soil erosion, old crop residue will catch and retain moisture, mitigate soil temperature fluctuations during extremes and contribute to soil organic matter. 

E&E News: Annual wildfires hurt forests' carbon retention — study
By Valerie Yurk
02/28/21

(Subscriber Only) Repeated, intense wildfires have damaged forests' ability to grow fire resistant and store carbon, causing scientists to rethink how to deploy tree-planting efforts after natural disasters.

Austin American-Statesman: Even record freeze couldn't eradicate Central Texas' toughest invasive species, experts say
By Heather Osbourne
02/26/21

Not even a historic week of freezing temperatures and record-setting snowfall last month could mitigate some of the toughest and most threatening invasive species known to Central Texas, biologists from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department say.

CBS News: 70 bipartisan mayors commit to conserving 30 percent of American lands by 2030
By Cara Korte
03/03/21

Seventy of the nation's mayors have endorsed a campaign dedicated to conserving 30 percent of America's lands, waters and oceans by 2030, an effort dubbed the 30x30 initiative.

The Minnesota Daily: University researchers explore potential of microalgae in agriculture
By Becca Most
03/03/21

Microalgae can return nutrients to the soil and contribute to better plant growth.

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