National Association of Conservation Districts

Resources Conservation Act (RCA) Listening Session

2009 NACD Legislative Conference • July 19 - 21, 2009 • Washington, D.C.

Conservation districts had a special opportunity at this year’s Legislative Conference to participate in a Resource Conservation Act listening session with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under the Soil and Water Resource Conservation Act of 1977 (RCA), the Secretary of Agriculture is required to conduct periodic appraisals of soil, water and resources of the Nation. The 2008 Farm Bill updated these laws and directs USDA to report to Congress in 2011 and 2012 with and appraisal and a statement of policy. Congress recognized the critical role that conservation districts serve in local resource conservation and specifically requires USDA consultation with conservation districts.

The appraisal shall be made in cooperation with conservation districts, State soil and water conservation agencies, and other appropriate citizen groups, and local and State agencies under such procedures as the Secretary may prescribe to ensure public participation (16 USC 2004(c)).

To ensure that conservation programs remain responsive to the long-term needs of the country, USDA officials were on hand the afternoon of Monday, July 20 for an RCA listening session to hear from conservation districts on the status of our nation’s resources.

Click here for additional information on the Resources Conservation Act.