House panel hears importance of farm bill forestry programs

As part of an ongoing farm bill series, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry held a hearing last week on farm bill forestry initiatives. Earlier this month, the subcommittee heard testimony from NACD CEO Jeremy Peters on the importance of farm bill conservation programs.

Last Thursday’s hearing took a comprehensive look at all the forestry initiatives included in the farm bill – not just those that fall under the forestry title. The subcommittee received testimony from public and private sector representatives, as well as conservation and forestry association leaders. Read more>>>

NACD releases ‘Forest Health and Wildfires: The Role of Conservation Districts’

The frequency and intensity of wildfires has increased across the United States almost like clockwork. In their wake, these fires leave deteriorated soils, increased flooding risk, unproductive forests, and communities forced to rebuild.

Knowing the best work is done locally, NACD, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, conducted five forest health listening sessions across the western United States. This white paper chronicles the voices of district officials and partners who participated in these sessions. Read more>>>

NACD’s winter Resource and 2016 Annual Report is here!

In 2016, NACD worked hard to reform and strengthen forestry and wildfire policy; to recognize and empower soil health leaders across the country; to ensure adequate federal funding for voluntary, incentive-based conservation; and to provide members with a nationwide network full of resources and opportunities.

The winter edition of NACD’s quarterly publication The Resource, as well as the 2016 Annual Report, can be downloaded by clicking here.

Join NACD’s forestry network!

The NACD Forestry Resource Policy Group (RPG) is actively seeking representatives from each state and territory to participate in NACD’s forestry network. The goal of the network is to assist NACD in carrying national forestry news and program opportunities to the local level, and allowing local conservation districts a channel to share local forestry resource concerns, questions, and comments with regional Forestry RPG representatives and national NACD staff.

The nationwide forestry network will have just one annual planning call and there is no travel required. Best yet, you won’t be bombarded with emails, we promise. To participate, email NACD Forestry Specialist Mike Beacom at mike-beacom@nacdnet.org.

Forestry Briefs

Ohio - Conservation districts sponsor community festivals

The Williams Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Northwestern Ohio are among the sponsors of the Annual Maple Syrup Festival and Northwest Ohio Woodland and Wildlife Family Festival. The two events are being co-located at the Williams County Fairgrounds in late March. Woodland events include a portable sawmill demonstration and a presentation on the “dos and don’ts” of chainsaw and logging safety. Ohio Division of Forestry staff will answer tree and forestry questions, as well. Click here to read more.

California - RCD hosts workshop for tree care

The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District (RCD) hosted a workshop in March to help teach residents how to care for trees during drought. The free workshop, held at Cal State San Bernadino’s Demonstration Garden, offered tips for pruning and tree care, and included a tree and plant giveaway and rain barrel raffle. The RCD hosted a similar event last November. Click here for more.

Michigan - Conservation district staff to speak at DNR forestry forums

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with help from an NRCS grant, is offering “Wildlife Through Forestry” forums in the Upper Peninsula this winter and spring. The program is designed to help private landowners meet wildlife habitat objectives with the help of a management plan. Staff from the Ontonagon-Gogebic Conservation District were among the panelists asked to discuss the development management plans and available financial assistance for their preparation and implementation. Click here for more.