Concurrent Breakout Sessions

NACD's mission is to serve conservation districts by providing national leadership and a unified voice for natural resource conservation.

NACD 2010 Annual Meeting • January 31 - February 3, 2010 • Orlando, FL

Costs of Climate Change
Are the costs of climate change policy too high? Or are the costs too high not to pass climate change policy? As Congress debates climate policy, regulation of emissions and potential agricultural offsets, the costs of action and inaction are being assessed. Join the discussion on the proposed policy and associated costs to consumers and the environment.
Unconventional Collaboration for Districts
Conservation districts have a long history of partnering with public and private sectors to bring programs and resources to landowners and communities. One of NACD’s roles is to open doors for districts at the federal level, establishing and strengthening partnerships. Representatives from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will speak about opportunities to partner with them at the local level.
Community Conservation Through Low Impact Development
Low impact development (LID) is an approach to land development that works with nature to manage stormwater, treating it as a resource rather than a waste product. LID is viewed by many as a more resource-friendly alternative to conventional stormwater management practices. Several districts will describe their extensive LID work, and the audience will be invited to share their experiences.

CSP Program Implementation
The first sign-up of the new Conservation Stewardship Program was held in late 2009. This new nationwide acreage-based incentive program is available for crop, pasture, range and non-industrial private forest land. Learn more about the program changes, participation and how you and those in your local area can benefit from participation in CSP.
Creating an Efficient Conservation Cornerstone—the District Office
From personnel and computer management, to sharing files, to housing your district, hear how some districts are creating a working environment for their employees that creates efficiency, partnership building and happy, productive employees. The end result of a good working environment for employees is a quality service to constituents.
Conservation Cupboard—Tools for Resource Management
NACD has worked with federal partners to develop resource management tools for conservation districts on forestry issues (natural disaster, wildfire, woody biomass) and community conservation (resource assessments, urban BMPs, urban soil survey). Join us to learn about them and to share what additional tools you need in your district.

Everglades/St. Johns River Project
Information coming soon!
Cutting Edge Conservation Accomplishments—District Success Stories
A showcase of conservation districts’ unique marketing and outreach activities. Working with non traditional partners, districts find a variety of conservation programs that meet the needs of changing land use methods and customer demographics. Participants will be able to capture new and innovative ideas for marketing their own conservation districts and programs.
Conservation Technology of the Future
Drawing on findings from a recent study, this session will address expected changes for the next generation of conservation technology. Learn about recommendations for new approaches that conservation professionals will have to assist landowners with the challenging natural resource goals confronting them today and in the future.

Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats
Celebrate the 55th year of Stewardship Week by promoting conservation habits for healthy habitats. Conservation in your backyard, schools and community will be featured with activities, programs and success stories. Give us your ideas on the 2011 Forestry theme. First 100 participants will receive a free 2010 sample packet.
How Do You Spell Commitment? RCA & LWG
Learn about the feedback from recent RCA listening sessions, internal and external focus groups, as well as results from surveys of State Technical Committees and Local Work Groups. Here is a first opportunity to see this information and where it may lead federal conservation policy over the next several years.
Targeting Major Natural Resource Concerns (i.e. Chesapeake Bay)
Recent initiatives in the Chesapeake Bay Basin area will be used as an example of “things to come” when addressing large geographic resource concerns. Mississippi Basin, Puget Sound, Great Lakes, Pacific Coastal areas are other examples. Conservation districts’ involvement will be critical to the protection of these important resources.

Herbicide Resistance and Its Impact on Conservation (during NACD Board Meeting)
NACD established the Herbicide Resistance Resource Planning Group (RPG) recently to determine the scope of the problem and its potential impact on conservation. The RPG will conduct a listening session during the NACD Board meeting. Participants will hear from producers, conservationists, industry representatives and scientists and have the opportunity to offer testimony.
Cash for Conservation
Looking for $$ to enhance or expand your conservation districts programs? Join us to explore grant funding, research opportunities, write proposals and celebrate the successes shared by the participants. Turn those great ideas into grant funded projects. Participants will be supplied with tools to get started writing your own proposals.
NCDEA Workshop: Creative Tools for Conservation Districts
Session is designed for district officials and employees who are looking for ways to improve their programs. It will be a fast-moving, several-speakers, several-topics workshop covering local and national funding ideas for districts including examples. The new authorities for local workgroups and other tools will be covered.

National Association of Conservation Districts