Concurrent Breakout Sessions

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

A series of exciting and dynamic breakout sessions and workshops will be offered during NACD’s 2009 Annual Meeting. These sessions will provide registered members and guests with the opportunity to learn about new and exciting ways to address conservation issues on an ever-changing landscape. This year’s conference theme “Building a Better Tomorrow” will feature unique ideas and programs during the twelve breakout sessions on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, as well as the four hands-on workshops on Wednesday. Come learn of these new ideas and opportunities!

Saturday, Noon – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – Noon

Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control Workshop
Hosted by the NCDEA, this two-session workshop series will provide technical staff an opportunity to achieve CPESC, Inc. certification. Registration is required and registration fee of $125 is required. The fee includes a review textbook and a Saturday afternoon snack. Click here to download the registration form. Please contact Rich Duesterhaus with questions regarding this workshop.

Monday 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Conservation Districts’ Role in Climate Change
Carbon markets are gaining value and participants. Is your district involved? Are you uncertain what it means for you? Hear from districts and state associations about their participation in local and national carbon sequestration efforts and learn about potential opportunities for districts, associations and state agencies.

Moderator: Tim Riley, Treasurer, National Conservation District Employees Association, Dover, DE
Clay Pope, Executive Director, Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, Oklahoma City, OK
Sara Love, Director, Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts Carbon Initiative, Oklahoma City, OK
Rich Nichols, Executive Director, Illinois Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Springfield, IL
Rita Neznek, Vice President of Public Affairs, American Forest Foundation, Washington, D.C.

Better Boards for Stronger Districts
Seven states served as pilots for this program developed by NACD’s District Operations/Member Services Committee. Pilot states will showcase delivery, tracking and recognition of district officials training in their state. Learn how participation in NACD training program accreditation can improve board members’ understanding and leadership of your district’s program.

Moderator: Robert Dobbs, Past President, National Conservation District Employees Association, West Berlin, NJ
Debbie Moreland, Program Administrator, Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts, Roland, AR
Staci Strenkert, Envirothon Coordinator/Education Specialist, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, Salt Lake City, UT
Tom Hanson, Executive Director, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Bismarck, ND

Smart Growth: Conservation Districts’ Roles in Urban Farming
There is a growing movement to support small farming enterprises in urbanized areas. People and businesses are increasingly seeking out locally grown produce. These productive lands can be part of communities’ Smart Growth efforts. But they can also cause natural resource concerns. See how conservation districts can address this important issue.

Moderator: Karen Berry, Member, NACD Urban and Community Resource Policy Group, Wheat Ridge, CO
Sarah Garitone, Program Coordinator for Agricultural Assistance, Pierce Conservation District, Puyallup, WA
Cheri Miller, District Manager, Wyandotte County Conservation District, Kansas City, KS (invited)
Debra Sumner, Soil Conservationist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Paola, KS (invited)

Monday 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Conservation for Small Acreage Resource Concerns
States are experiencing rapid “small acreage” development where landowners keep livestock, grow crops or simply live in urban-rural fringes. This intensive land use can result in damage to natural resources. Learn how conservation districts and NRCS can better partner to address the cumulative effects of small acreage development on our resources.

Moderator: Stu Trefry, NASCA Representative, NACD Urban and Community Resource Policy Group, Olympia, WA
Debbie Hughes, Executive Director, New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, Carlsbad, NM
Dennis Alexander, State Conservationist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Albuquerque, NM
David Lamm, Natural Resources Specialist, Technology Transfer and Assistance Team, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service East National Technology Support Center, Greensboro, NC

Building Relationships with Decision-Makers
Community leaders’ decisions often impact natural resources. Providing our decision makers with facts and hands-on activities better equips them to make educated decisions in the future. This session will present creative ways to reach decision-makers on natural resource topics that you can replicate in your local community.

Moderator: Michael Schooler, Agriculture and Environmental Specialist, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Soil and Water Conservation, Mangham, LA
Mitzi Dohrman, District Secretary, Vermilion Soil and Water Conservation District, Meaux, LA
Dr. Ernest Giouard, Chair, Vermilion Soil and Water Conservation District, Kaplan, LA
Noopie Cosby, Legislative Consultant, Alabama Association of Conservation Districts, Valley Grande, AL

Recovery After Major Storm Disasters
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita occurred just three weeks apart in 2005, creating what some call the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. This session will provide an overview of NRCS and conservation districts' hurricane response and examples of ways you can prepare for natural disasters.

Moderator: Pam Hawkins, Secretary, National Conservation District Employees Association, New Bern, NC
Don Gohmert, Acting Regional Assistant Chief, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Temple, TX
Kevin Norton, State Conservationist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Alexandria, LA

Tuesday 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Coastal Restoration and Management in Louisiana
Louisiana contains approximately 40 percent of the coastal wetlands of the lower 48 states. The alarming loss of this fragile environment is caused by many factors and influenced by both natural processes and human activities. Explore these factors and learn about local, state and federal restoration and management efforts.

Moderator: Cindy Moon, President, National Conservation District Employees Association, Macomb, IL
Scott Angelle, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Baton Rouge, LA
Britt Paul, Assistant State Conservationist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Alexandria, LA

Creating Opportunities in Challenging Times
Local, state and federal governments are looking for places to cut costs in tough economic times. However, some conservation districts and state associations continue to find new opportunities. Panelists will detail how they have strategically developed initiatives and partnerships that demonstrate relevance to their funders and provide new and existing services.

Moderator: Connie Richmeier, Vice President, National Conservation District Employees Association, Garden City, KS
Clay Pope, Executive Director, Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, Oklahoma City, OK
Larry Ufferman, Administrator, Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District, Delaware, OH
James Wohl, District Official, Highlands County Soil and Water Conservation District, Sebring, FL
Angela Ehlers, Executive Director, South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, Pierre, SD

What Can You Expect from the 2008 Farm Bill?
The new Farm Bill was enacted last year, but what has changed? Learn what you can expect from the new Farm Bill programs and changes that have been made to existing programs such as CRP, CSP, EQIP, WHIP, WRP, Healthy Forest Reserve Program and others.

Moderator: Jerry Snodgrass, Executive Board Member, NACD, Geneseo, IL
Tom Christensen, Deputy Chief of Programs, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Washington, D.C.
Robert Stephenson, Director, Conservation and Environmental Protection Division, USDA Farm Service Agency, Washington, D.C.
Ted Beauvais, Assistant Director, Cooperative Forestry Staff, U.S. Forest Service, Washington, D.C.

Tuesday 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

DIG IT! The Secrets of Soil
Come explore the outreach potential of the 2009 NACD Stewardship theme “DIG IT! The Secrets of Soil.” States will showcase soil exhibits and outreach projects. Many conservation education outreach case studies will also be shared. The first 100 session participants will receive a free DIG IT! education material packet.

Moderator: Tim Riley, Treasurer, National Conservation District Employees Association, Dover, DE
Karla Beatty, Education Coordinator, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma City, OK
Dale Ledden, District Supervisor, Gloucester County Soil Conservation District, Sewell, NJ
Susan Schultz, Stewardship and Education Coordinator, NACD, Greenfield, IN

Our Land, Our Water: Case Studies in Local Successes
Many inspiring stories can be told of conservation-minded citizens addressing natural resource concerns on a watershed or community scale. A newly released NACD report showcases case studies where districts help local communities address conservation challenges. Come hear the stories and receive guidance on how you can use this valuable publication.

Moderator: Bill Berry, Project Contractor, NACD, Stevens Point, WI
David Reckford, Project Director, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Colquitt, GA
Josh Platt, Project Director, Kennebec Soil and Water Conservation District, August, ME
Michelle Langsdorf, District Manager, Mason Valley and Smith Valley Conservation Districts, Yerington, NV

Showcasing Conservation District Excellence
NACD’s Excellence Award winners will showcase their successful programs, including their effective initiatives to address outreach and diversity. A time for questions and answers will give the audience an opportunity to discover innovative ideas to undertake in their respective districts.

Moderator: DeeDee Sigler, Communications Manager, Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Indianapolis, IN
Communications: Trumbull Soil and Water Conservation District, Cortland, OH
Member Services: Trumbull Soil and Water Conservation District, Cortland, OH
Natural Resources: Upper Hondo Soil and Water Conservation District, Capitan, NM
Policy and Grassroots Initiatives: Winona Soil and Water Conservation District, Lewiston, MN
Stewardship and Education: Lamar County Soil and Water Conservation District, Purvis, MS

Wednesday 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Farm Service Agency Briefing
Come hear USDA Farm Service Agency officials provide a briefing on Farm Bill issues including privacy requirement, direct attribution and payment limitations.

Lynn Tjeerdsma, Assistant Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs, USDA Farm Service Agency, Washington, D.C.

Wednesday Concurrent Workshops 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Local Work Groups: District’s Role in Setting Natural Resource Priorities

Conservation districts convene local work groups to help set natural resource priorities. The new Farm Bill maintains local work groups, but districts must make them successful. This session will review provisions of the law, showcase local work group successes and highlight ways to protect locally led conservation in your area.
Moderator: Jack Majeres, Executive Board Member, NACD, Dell Rapids, SD
Dave White, Strategic Natural Resource Issues Staff Director, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, D.C. (invited)
Dr. Ernest Giouard, Chair, Vermilion Soil and Water Conservation District, Kaplan, LA
Homer Wilkes, Mississippi State Conservationist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Jackson, MS (invited)
Meta Loftsgaarden, Partnership Liaison, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Portland, OR

Working with the Media to Tell Your Story
“Soundbites,” talking points, stories and Public Service Announcements—are you using these tools to reach your desired audience? Outreach and communication are critical to running an effective district, association or organization. Hosted by members of the media, this session will help you learn how to tell—and sell—your story.

Moderator: Paul Leishman, Chair, NACD Communications Committee, Wellsville, UT
Pam Jahnke, President, National Association of Farm Broadcasting, Madison, WI
Kristi Pettis, Associate Ag Director, Northern Broadcasting System, Billings, MT
Dave Russell, Reporter, Brownfield Network, Indianapolis, IN

Building a Positive Future For Your District: District Board and Staff Responsibilities*
This workshop provides tools to help your board members and staff understand their respective responsibilities, providing a “well-oiled” conservation district program. Registration cost includes reference handbook.

Moderator: Connie Richmeier, Vice President, National Conservation District Employees Association, Garden City, KS
Irene Moore, District Administrator, Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District, Wintersville, OH
Jerry Scheele, District Chair, Spokane County Conservation District, Spokane, WA
Don Underwood, Executive Director, Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Jackson, MS
Robert Dobbs, District Manager, Camden County Soil Conservation District, West Berlin, NJ
Cliff Lundin, Executive Board Member, NACD, Andover, NJ
Peter Vigil, District Manager, Taos Soil and Water Conservation District, Ranchos de Taos, NM
Brent Van Dyke, District Supervisor, Lea Soil and Water Conservation District, Hobbs, NM

*Hosted by NCDEA, Registration required

Wednesday 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Environmental Protection Agency Briefing
Come hear U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials provide a briefing on new Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation regulations.

Rebecca Roose, Water Permit Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC (invited)
Rick Swensen, Director, Animal Husbandry and Clean Water Division, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Beltsville, MD