NACD RELEASES FALL PUBLICATION

NACD is excited to release the fall edition of The Resource. This web-based edition includes letters from NACD President Brent Van Dyke and CEO Jeremy Peters, region meeting recaps from across the country, 2019 Annual Meeting updates and more. Readers will also find information on the Next Generation Leadership Campaign and how to donate.

This year’s fall edition focuses on a variety of initiatives and projects NACD has in the works and explores the takeaways and lessons learned the national association has experienced this year. This edition also includes an engagement piece focused on the necessity of digital communications for nonprofit organizations and how members can help push the ball forward. As NACD continues to grow, our team is committed to exploring new, innovative ways to best serve membership.

Read the latest edition by clicking here, or browse past editions on our website. If you have any questions or comments about this issue, or ideas for the next edition, please let us know. If you need help printing this issue, please contact sara-kangas@nadcnet.org.

DONATE TO THE NCF NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP CAMPAIGN

On this Giving Tuesday, LeAnn Buck, executive director for the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD), sent a letter urging conservation leaders to invest in the next generation by donating to the Next Generation Leadership Campaign.

“This Giving Tuesday, I urge you to give to the Next Generation Leadership Campaign,” Buck said. “As the executive director of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts since 1998, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of equipping leaders within our districts.”

“Over the years, we’ve experienced great success through the MASWCD Leadership Institute,” Buck said. “I am so impressed when I see alumni from our institute in Minnesota carry themselves and their entities into new levels of leadership. These leaders execute a vision for their district and the association with ethics and collaboration in mind at the local, state and national levels.”

DID YOU KNOW?
DISTRICTS ARE CREATED THROUGH ENABLING LAWS

Ever wonder why conservation districts in Nebraska are referred to as natural resource districts, while in Iowa they are referred to as soil and water conservation districts?

In the mid 1930’s, the USDA Soil Conservation Service focused on large demonstration projects that demonstrated how soil erosion could be controlled. While these demonstrations were successful and well-received among farmers, practices were not being utilized on private lands. Some found the practices too costly or technical, while others had a general mistrust in the government. The concept of a local conservation district grew as the solution in getting more conservation on the ground. These districts would provide the needed support to private landowners and bridge the gap between the federal government and local landowners.

In 1937, President Roosevelt sent A Standard State Soil Conservation Districts Law to each of the states’ governors, encouraging them to approve legislation to establish districts specifically for conservation of soil and water resources. Arkansas become the first state to enact enabling legislation with all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands following suit by 1947.

While many states opted to follow the outline provided by the Standard State Soil Conservation Districts Law, many made adjustments or eliminated provisions. As a result, each state has a unique enabling law, including whether a conservation district is referred to as a soil and water conservation district, conservation district, resource conservation district, natural resource district or other variation.

For more information, visit NACD’s website to find your state or territory’s enabling legislation and to read the Preparation of the Standard State Soil Conservation District Law guide.

LAST WEEK TO SUBMIT AUCTION ITEMS

The deadline to commit an item to the 2019 NACD Annual Meeting's Live Auction is this Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. Popular items include farming equipment, gift certificates, all-inclusive trips, outdoor experiences or locally-made crafts or goods that represent your home state or region.

Complete the online donation form by Nov. 30 to ensure contributions are included on NACD's auction webpage and promotional materials. NACD's Live Auction, featuring crowd-favorite auctioneer Johnny Regula, will be held the evening of Monday, Feb. 4, 2019.

Items already committed to the auction include a two-day pheasant hunt in Kansas at Spillman Creek Heritage Farm and Hunting Lodge. The hunt includes a six-bird limit each day for two hunters, with three nights' lodging and meals. The winning bidder will be guided by none other than Kansas Association of Conservation Districts' Executive Director Dan Meyerhoff.

The Association of Florida Conservation Districts has donated three baskets including fresh citrus and citrus candies and jellies to bring some sunshine to the Lone Star State. Bring some of Florida's finest home with you by bidding on these baskets, containing Florida's finest naval oranges, ruby red grapefruit and more.

Eyeing a Valentine's Day present? Consider the Henry Golden Boy, a masterpiece of fine, crafted gunsmithing. The Golden Boy rifle's 20-inch octagonal barrel, American walnut stock, brass buttplate and gleaming Brasslite receiver will transport you back to the days of America's Old West.

NACD is adding listings to the 2019 auction webpage regularly, so be sure to check back for updates on the latest handcrafted jewelry, wood and leather work, outdoor and farming equipment to join the lineup.

NACD EXECUTIVE BOARD IN NATION'S CAPITAL

NACD’s executive board is meeting in Washington, D.C., this week for their annual executive board retreat, including incoming executive board members Linda Brownson (Northeast Region) and Gary Blair (Southeast Region). Jim Berlier from New Mexico assumed Gary Moyer's role as the Southwest Region Executive Board Member following Moyer's election to local office in November.

Executive board members will have the opportunity to hear from NACD officers and staff on updates and initiatives before visiting with representatives on Capitol Hill and officials at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Today, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting Chief Leonard Jordan and USDA-NRCS Caribbean Area Director Edwin Almodovar addressed the executive board and discussed expanding capacity and strengthening partnerships on the local, state and national level.

Join NACD Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Phoenix Park Hotel for the national association’s Holiday Reception. Brownson and Blair, along with Tom Wehri (Pacific Region), will be sworn in during the 2019 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.