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.

NACD Blog: Meet the Forestry RPG
03/04/20

The Forestry Resource Policy Group (RPG) advises NACD leadership on forest issues relevant to America’s conservation districts and their partners. Get to know the members.

High Plains Journal: Pollinator conservation field day guide released
03/03/20

The National Association of Conservation Districts released a free, first-of-its-kind curriculum, “A Guide to Conducting a Pollinator Conservation Field Day,” available for download through NACD’s new Conservation Education Hub.

Morning Ag Clips: SWCD Leadership Development Workshop held
03/04/20

Over 110 participants from across Texas attended the Annual Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Leadership Development Workshop recently held in Temple. Jeremy Peters, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) addressed the group. 

Yes! Magazine: How Do We Fix America’s Fertilizer Problem? Look in This Ditch
By Nathanael Johnson
03/02/20

But before bulldozers started digging into corn and soybean fields to widen the ditch, dozens of people and organizations had to get on board with the plan. Nothing would work without the cooperation of the people who owned the land and farmers who would have to give up around 15 feet of cropland on either side of the ditch for the expansion. And the best way to approach landowners was through the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District, a local agency run by a board of farmers and residents.

E&E News: Lawmakers sow plans to grow native plants
By Michael Doyle
03/04/20

(Subscriber Only) Native plants would get a helping hand and a green thumbs-up under companion bills introduced in both the House and Senate.

Southeast Ag Net: Cover Crops Play Vital Role in Soil Conservation
02/28/20

Heavy bouts of rainfall and strong storms created the perfect scenario for Alabama producers to talk about the many benefits of planting cover crops during the winter season.

EurekAlert: Putting a price on the protective power of wetlands
03/02/20

In coastal communities prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, people typically turn to engineered solutions for protection: levees, sea walls and the like. But a natural buffer in the form of wetlands may be the more cost-effective solution, according to new research from the University of California San Diego.

Phys.org: Cover crops can benefit hot, dry soils
03/0420

In a new study, researchers from New Mexico State University and the United States Department of Agriculture show that cover crops can increase soil health in a semi-arid region of New Mexico.

The Star: Healthy Forests are the key to wildfire prevention
By Dan Newhouse
02/19/20

(Opinion) In Central Washington, we understand that healthy forests are the true key to wildfire prevention. Each summer, we come face-to-face with the threat wildfires pose to our land, our communities, and our health.

ABC 14 News: California Suffers Its Driest February In 150 YEARS Which Is Causing Droughts And Wildfires
By Bob Miller
02/27/20

San Francisco and most of the northern state have gained just sprinkles to no rain in what is commonly its wettest thirty day period of the 12 months – a very first in 150 several years of recorded record.

Iowa Public Radio: A Decade-Long Study Finds Cover Crops Help Farmers Improve Soil
By Amy Mayer
03/04/20

Iowa Learning Farms and Practical Farmers of Iowa conducted a 10-year study on the conservation benefits of planting cereal rye as a cover crop on corn and soybean fields. Their results show the practice improves soil health.

Phys.org: New model improves management of wetland, floodplain and river habitats
03/04/20

Now researchers at Utah State University are developing new tools that help preserve and increase the area and quality of wetland, floodplain and aquatic habitats.

CBS Baltimore: Bill Would Boost Funding For Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
By Pat Warren
03/04/20

The Chesapeake Bay Funding Reauthorization Act provides $90.5 million a year for five years. According to the Choose Clean Water Coalition, more than two-thirds of the program’s funds are passed through to the states and local communities for on-the-ground restoration work.

E&E News: Bishop, Peterson lead charge to delist gray wolves
By Jennifer Yachnin
03/02/20

(Subscriber Only) Legislation proposed Friday by Natural Resources Committee ranking member Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) would require Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to remove gray wolves from Endangered Species Act protection.

USDA NRCS: USDA Invests More than $2M in Oregon to Improve Forest Health
03/05/20

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest more than $2 million this fiscal year in Oregon through the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership to improve forest health.

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