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: Northeast Region Builds Capacity with Pilot Project
By Eric Hansen
03/11/19

In April 2018, representatives from across the conservation partnership in the Northeast met in Tarrytown, N.Y., to examine their current activities and assets. By the end of this meeting, eight action plans had been developed to strengthen the conservation partnership and drive the region toward our vision of a thriving Northeast.

United States Department of Agriculture: USDA Report is First to Provide Consolidated Data on Conservation Practices by U.S. Farmers
By Kate Zook
03/12/19

“Agricultural Conservation on Working Lands: Trends from 2004 to Present” combines USDA survey data to track adoption of practices including precision agriculture technologies, nitrogen management, no-till and mulch-till, and cover crop adoption, all of which reduce GHG emissions and/or store carbon in the soil. The report focuses on conservation practices for three major crops: corn, soy, and wheat, and reports trends by region and farm size. The report notes that these practices result in additional benefits, such as reduced production costs, increased yields, and improved soil and water quality.

Agri-Pulse: Trump budget reopens farm bill to slash spending
By Philip Brasher
03/11/19

Less than three months after signing the 2018 farm bill, President Donald Trump proposed a fiscal 2020 budget that would reopen the law. Additional USDA programs, for which spending levels are determined by annual appropriations bill, would be cut by 15 percent in FY20 to $20.8 billion.

Times Herald-Record: Cuomo announced $2.3 million for farmers to address climate change
By Lana Bellamy
03/12/19

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced $2.3 million is available to help New York farmers deal with climate change impacts to their businesses. County Soil and Water Conservation Districts can apply for grant funding on behalf of local farmers.

Elko Daily Free Press: NRCS offers funds for rangeland fire restoration
03/08/19

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is offering financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers interested in restoring lands impacted by wildfire or improving rangelands in greater sage-grouse habitat through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

The New York Times: The Real Aliens in Our Backyard
By Margaret Renkl
03/11/19

(Opinion) Weed Wrangle [is] a coordinated effort to eradicate invasive plants in public parks and natural areas. During the first four years of Weed Wrangle’s existence — a total of four mornings’ work — volunteers removed more than 150,300 invasive plants across Tennessee.

U.S. News and World Report: Rising Sea Levels Are Bigger Threat to California Than Wildfires
By Casey Leins
03/13/19

Though sea level rise is a gradual process (with a 2-meter rise expected by 2100), scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey explained that, when combined with storms, erosion and other consequences of climate change, the coastal impacts are greatly accelerated.

CBS News: Viral #trashtag challenge inspires bored teens — and tens of thousands of others — to clean the planet
By Danielle Garrand
03/11/19

It may seem there is a new viral hashtag every day on social media, but the #trashtag challenge is a trend with a greener purpose — its users are cleaning up the planet. The challenge is simple: People are meant to take a photo of a location, be it a beach, park or trail, strewn with litter. Then clean the location up and take an "after" photo of their handiwork.

Western FarmPress: Runoff could solve California’s water problems
By Logan Hawkes
03/06/19

It is this urban runoff that, if corralled, could provide vast filtered and treated amounts of water for use in the cities. Climatologist Bill Patzert estimates that more than 80 percent of the region’s rainfall ends up diverted from urban areas in Southern California into the Pacific.

Herald & Review: Dave Brown: Reward farmers who protect soil and water
By Dave Brown
03/09/19

(Opinion) We’re discovering that improving the health of our soil is the key to keeping our farm thriving. More, focusing on soil health doesn’t just help ourselves, it’s good for the whole region.

Inverse: Urban Honeybees Are Precise Pollution Detectives, Lead Study Finds
By Sarah Sloat
03/11/19

Honey collected from urban beehives can accurately measure how polluted a city is. This means that honey isn’t just a byproduct of bee regurgitation — it’s also a way to closely monitor changes in the environment.

Los Angeles Times: Wanted: More pastures for the West's overpopulated wild horses
03/09/19

A classic image of the American West — wild horses stampeding across the landscape — has not only endured through the years but also multiplied past the point of range damage. Through May 3, the U.S. government is seeking more private pastures for an overpopulation of wild horses.

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