National Association of Conservation Districts

NACD President John Redding took a moment this week to hold a private stewardship lesson with his granddaughter Lucy. John and Lucy planted flowers together, talking about the need for plants to protect the soil and water. The event was one of many stewardship-related activities that will take place across the country this week as we all celebrate Stewardship Week, held Sunday, April 27 through Sunday, May 4. Stewardship Week helps remind all citizens of the power of each person to conserve natural resources and improve the world. Click here to learn more about 2008 Stewardship Week and the “Water is Life” theme.

Conservationists gathered this week at the picturesque and historic Elseroad Family farm in Maryland to celebrate Earth Day and recognize a new Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) easement partnership between the Elseroad Family and Baltimore County, Maryland. NACD CEO Krysta Harden joined Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer, USDA Undersecretary Gary Mast, NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster and many other state and local conservation leaders at the event. Harden is pictured at the above with Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts President Lee McDaniel (left) and Maryland NRCS State Conservationist Jon Hall (right).

NACD CEO Krysta Harden attended the U.S. Department of the Interior's 2008 Collaborative Conservation Award Ceremony in Washington D.C. Monday afternoon. Among the 21 award winners recognized at the event was the Restore New Mexico Partnership, an initiative in which the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts (NMACD) and the Carlsbad Soil and Water Conservation District in New Mexico have played a key role. At the ceremony, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne presented the award to NMACD Executive Director Debbie Hughes. Hughes (l) is pictured in the photo to the left with NACD CEO Krysta Harden.

It isn’t every day that NACD shows visitors to our office storage room and then asks them to take a photo there! But what is happening is not an every day occurrence. NACD President John Redding and Secretary/Treasurer Gene Schmidt recently met with representatives from HITT contracting and 3dg architects to discuss the renovation of the NACD Headquarters office in Washington, D.C. NACD leadership has agreed to begin construction in August to give districts an office they can be proud of, but we need your support of the 509 Capitol Court Campaign and Renovation Ride to raise the funds necessary for renovations.

NACD CEO Krysta Harden (center) and NACD Western Issues Specialist Ralph Thier (not pictured) met last week with Bob Drake (r), the Chair of the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI), and John Peterson (l), NACD Board member from Virginia and GLCI volunteer. The group gathered at NACD headquarters in Washington D.C. to discuss their partnership and issues impacting conservation on grazing lands. NACD is a charter member of GLCI and actively supports the work of the group.

Representatives from NACD, NRCS, Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters were in Washington, D.C. last week for the Joint Forestry Team’s spring meeting. Executives from each organization met with the Team to discuss how to improve interagency communication and cooperation; overcome barriers to providing forestry-related assistance; and finalizing the Memorandum of Understanding between the four organizations. Pictured in the photo to the left (l to r) are: NACD board members and Joint Forestry Team members Johnny Sundstrom (OR) and Charles Holmes (AL); Associate Chief of NRCS Dana York; Associate Chief of the Forest Service Sally Collins; NACD CEO Krysta Harden; and NACD Consulting Forester Doug Williams.

NACD Director of Member Services Brad Ross traveled to Provo, Utah last week to participate in the Utah Association of Conservation District's second annual New Supervisor Orientation. Ross informed twenty-four newly-elected Utah district officials about NACD history, the functions of a conservation district, the roles and responsibilities of board members and the role of the various members of the conservation partnership. Ross (far right) is pictured to the left with three of the new Utah supervisors (l-r): George Allen, Piute CD; Blaine Nebeker, San Juan CD; and Cindy Stanton, Piute CD.

The newly elected NACD officer team gathered in Washington D.C. last week for their first full official meeting. The officers discussed NACD budget issues, outlined annual priorities and met with NACD staff. In addition to dealing with internal issues, they also participated in meetings with agency partners, members of Congress and Congressional staff on a variety of issues, including appropriations and the 2008 Farm Bill. In the photo to the left, (l to r) NACD Second Vice President Bob Cordova, Secretary/Treasurer Gene Schmidt and President Elect Steve Robinson (far right) meet with NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster at USDA headquarters.

It’s appropriations time on the Hill and conservation district leaders from California, Georgia, Minnesota, Arkansas and Kentucky have all been in Washington, D.C. this month to meet with their Congressional members and staff. District representatives have also stopped by NACD’s Washington headquarters to talk policy, learn about NACD’s 509 Capitol Court Campaign and visit with staff. In the photo to the left, a delegation of conservation leaders from Minnesota are pictured in front of NACD’s national office with NACD CEO Krysta Harden, NACD Policy Director Keira Franz and NACD Grassroots Coordinator Jeremy Peters.

NACD President John Redding traveled to Oklahoma last week to participate in the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts’ annual meeting. Redding presented to the full crowd on several topics, including the 2008 Farm Bill, watersheds, progress in the district official accreditation program and NACD’s successful 2008 Annual Meeting. He also spoke to the Oklahoma Board of Directors, Oklahoma Conservation District Employees Association and the Presidents’ Association. Redding (right) is pictured in the photo above at the Oklahoma state meeting with and OACD President Scotty Herriman (left).

Conservation district officials from Texas, Georgia, Michigan and California and members of the Great Lakes Committee were in Washington, D.C. this week for several reasons, including Great Lakes Day and Hill visits. Several district leaders also attended the National Association of RC&D Councils’ (NARC&D) 2008 Annual Leadership Forum. NACD Legislative Director Keira Franz participated in one of the NARC&D receptions this week. Franz is pictured in the photo to the left with NARC&D Executive Director Roberta Jeanquart (left) and NARC&D Immediate Past President Sharon Ruggi (center).

NACD President Elect Steve Robinson of Marysville, Ohio, traveled to Jackson, Tennessee this week to address the crowd at the Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Meeting. Robinson provided updates on the 2008 Farm Bill and general NACD business. He is pictured on the left with TACD President Barry Lake and Tennessee State Conservationist Kevin Brown. In related news, NACD President John Redding was also on the road, traveling to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to participate in the annual meeting of the state’s conservation districts.

More than 1000 conservationists from across the Nation gathered in Reno, Nevada last week for NACD’s 62nd Annual Meeting. The conference was a huge success, with the highest attendance in five years, a buzzing Conservation Expo, dynamic general sessions, prestigious award winners, policy-setting board meetings and more. Both general session speeches and conversations in the hallways centered on the conference theme—“Conservation Beyond Boundaries.” Conservation district officials and their partners came away from the meeting reenergized and ready to stretch their own boundaries. Details about the conference are available at http://www.nacdnet.org/events/annualmeeting/.

NACD CEO Krysta Harden attended a celebration of the one millionth acre enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) programin Washington, D.C. The one millionth CREP acre is owned by Steve and Margaret Lange in Pipestone, Minn. Farm Service Agency Administrator Teresa Lasseter (pictured in the photo to the left with Harden) and other USDA officials, Congressman Tim Holden (D-PA), Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN), landowners of the first and one millionth CREP acres, CREP partners and others gathered at USDA to celebrate the achievement.

NACD Second Vice President Bob Cordova traveled to Jackson, Miss. last week to attend the annual meeting of the Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts. Cordova addressed the crowd, providing updates on NACD activities and recognizing Mississippi leaders for their contributions to the national association. In the photo to the left, Cordova is pictured with Canon Envirothon Executive Director Clay Burns.

NACD President Olin Sims died unexpectedly last week in an accident on his ranch in McFadden, Wyoming. Sims was a trusted friend and colleague to many. He truly loved the land and was committed to the work of conservation districts. He was a family man who was proud of his Wyoming roots. Olin will be deeply missed by the NACD family. Click here for details regarding services.

Leaders from all five members of the Conservation Partnership gathered last week in Washington, D.C. to provide updates from their respective agencies and organizations and participate in strategic planning activities. The Partnership consists of NACD, National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA), National Association of RC&D Councils (NARC&DC), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA). In the photo to the left, Partnership leaders recommit to the National Partnership Statement: (Front, l-r) NCDEA President Cindy Moon; NARC&DC President Sharon Ruggi; (Back, l-r) NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster; NACD President Olin Sims and NASCA President Pete Jahraus.

Soils from across the nation will be on display at the Smithsonian Soils Exhibit when it opens next summer in Washington, D.C. NACD Stewardship and Education Coordinator Susan Schultz has been working with the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) for the past year in development efforts. She recently met with the group in New Orleans where they held the opening preview, met the curators for the exhibit and saw the final design. Shultz, pictured in the photo to the left with SSSA Development Officer Paul Kamps, and others are working with SSSA to develop soils education materials to compliment the Smithsonian Soils Exhibit.

America’s Voice for Natural Resource Conservation was heard loud and clear last week at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Trade Talk event in Kansas City, Missouri. NACD President Olin Sims, Director of Legislative Affairs Keira Franz and Director of Communications Lisa Lerwick represented conservation districts at the event. Sims participated in several radio and television interviews with broadcasters from across the country, expounding on the Farm Bill Conservation Title, the importance of technical assistance, a changing landscape and new landowners and wildfire impacts and threats. In the photo on the left, Sims is interviewed by NAFB President Randy Koenen, a broadcaster from North Dakota.

While attending the most recent Agribusiness Club of Washington luncheon in Washington D.C., NACD CEO Krysta Harden had the opportunity to talk with the luncheon’s keynote speaker, Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR). Pictured in the photo to the left (L-R), Senator Lincoln and Harden discussed the important work of conservation districts, and the Senator praised the accomplishments of conservation districts in her home state of Arkansas. Senator Lincoln is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and has been very involved with the development of the 2007 Farm Bill. NACD enjoys a strong working relationship with Senator Lincoln and looks forward to working with her in the future.

Last week, NACD First Vice President Steve Robinson and Director of Member Services Brad Ross attended the West Virginia Association of Conservation District’s quarterly meeting in Charleston, W.V. At the meeting, Robinson discussed issues of concern to West Virginia including watersheds and drought. He also recognized West Virginia’s standing record as the state with all districts paying full NACD membership for the most consecutive years. Pictured in the photo to the left are (L-R), WVACD Treasurer Art Mouser; WVACD President Carl Mullins; WVACD Second Vice President John Wagoner; NACD First Vice President Steve Robinson; WVACD Secretary Jim Foster; WVACD Past President Gary Oates; and WVACD First Vice President Joe Gumm.

Last week, approximately 55,000 students gathered in Indianapolis, IN, for the 80th Annual National FFA Convention. The four-day event gave students the opportunity to attend a variety of informative sessions including notable keynote speakers, awards and recognition, career development and more. NACD and FFA have had a long partnership on various levels. Beginning in mid-November, FFA will provide fulfillment services for NACD’s Online Store. NACD looks forward to growing our business relationship with FFA and our joint efforts to educate and advise future conservationists. Pictured in the photo to the left, NACD North Central Region Representative Beth Mason and Stewardship and Education Coordinator Susan Schultz served as volunteers at this year's event.

NACD President Olin Sims attended the Pacific Basin Association of Conservation Districts meeting in Guam last week. At the meeting, Sims spoke about the importance of the Pacific Basin’s participation in NACD. He also defined conservation districts’ potential role as Cooperating Agencies when working with federal agencies on National Environmental Policy Act actions such as the military base expansion on Guam. In the photo on the left, (l-r) newly elected president of the Pacific Basin Association Roland Quitugua, NACD President Olin Sims, Pacific Basin Vice President Benny San Nicholas and Richard Raines of the NAVFAC, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, tour the U.S. Naval Station on Guam.

NACD staff members gathered in Washington, D.C. this week to plan, strategize and continue to seek ways to better serve our members. Field staff joined headquarters staff for a two-day meeting where the group welcomed new staff members, participated in annual meeting planning, defined staff roles and presented departmental updates. NACD’s staff team is a lean machine working every day on behalf of our member districts. We help member districts, district officials, state associations and national leaders all achieve the national mission—to serve as America’s Voice for Natural Resource Conservation.

Bill Wilson represented NACD last week at a National Landcare Workshop in Blacksburg, Va. Nearly 80 participants shared ideas and successes on the progress of several local Landcare projects in Virginia and North Carolina. The primary goal of the workshop was to develop next steps for the local, state, regional and national levels to advance the locally-driven concept of caring for natural resources. Landcare’s goal of local decision-making aligns well with goals of NACD and conservation districts. In the photo to the left, Wilson gives a presentation to the workshop depicting how conservation in America can use Australia’s well-established Landcare approach. NACD will continue to represent districts in Landcare efforts.

Two hundred high school students from 13 schools recently gathered on the farm of NACD First Vice President Steve Robinson in Union County, Ohio, for the District FFA Land Judging Contest. Teams of four students were scored on their ability to judge soil for agricultural and urban use. In addition to taking a written exam, students went out into the field, where they analyzed soil from four 4x4’ pits to determine proper land usage and conservation practices based on criteria such as slope, soil type and drainage. The Union County Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources worked closely with FFA to plan and judge the contest.

Representatives from NACD, NRCS, the Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters came together at the Joint Forestry Team meeting September 25-26 in Arlington, Va., to discuss opportunities to improve delivery of forestry programs to producers. NACD had four board and staff members in attendence. Pictured in the photo to the left (l-r) are NACD Consulting Forester Doug Williams, Nebraska Board Member Dr. Orval Gigstad, Oregon Board Member Johnny Sundstrom and Western Issues Specialist Ralph Thier. Also serving on the Joint Forestry Team but not in attendence at the meeting is NACD Alabama Board Member Charles Holmes.

Staff and partners of the Washington County Conservation District Maryland recently hosted a tour for several NACD staff members, some of whom had never seen first-hand the work of a conservation district. Elmer Weibley, District Manager (bottom left) and Don Spickler, District Supervisor, along with NRCS District Conservationist Hans Kefauver, USDA Farm Service Agency Executive Director Colleen Cashell (top left) and USDA FSA Program Technician Mathew Kline (top right), spent Friday showing NACD staff a few of the district’s projects, which included examples of stream restoration, CREP and buffers. They also helped NACD staff members better understand the challenges of urban encroachment and many other issues facing conservation districts. Thanks to Washington County CD for being such a great host.

Approximately 110 participants from fifteen states and the Pacific Basin attended the combined Southwest and Pacific Region Meeting in beautiful Park City, Utah this week. For more information on the joint meeting, click here. Pictured in the photo to the left Utah Executive Vice President Gordon Yonkers (right) poses with guest speakers (l-r) Courtney Crabtree, SCA Partnership Development Coordinator; Linda Boody, Healthy Lands Project Director; Leonard Blackham, Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food; Gary Mast, USDA Deputy Undersecretary; Susan Shultz, NACD Stewardship and Education Coordinator; and Steve Robinson, NACD Vice President.

NACD President Olin Sims (right) met with U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) while in Washington, D.C. to testify before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Sims’ testimony before the committee highlighted conservation districts’ work in helping livestock producers and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) operators manage their operations and address local natural resource concerns. Senator Barrasso, the newest member of the Committee, took the opportunity at the hearing to praise the work of conservation districts, recognizing their success in using voluntary incentives to motivate landowners to make the right decisions for the land.

A total of 350 conservation leaders from nine states gathered last week for the Southeast Region board meeting and conference. The meeting was held in Williamsburg, Va. and hosted by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. District showcases, national updates and training opportunities were just a few of the many items on the agenda. NACD Treasurer John Redding and NACD Second Vice President Bob Cordova (pictured with region leaders Pat Henderson and John Finch) were among those in attendance.

Members of NACD’s Forestry Resource Policy Group traveled to Show Low, Ariz. this month for a joint meeting with the National Association of State Foresters Forest Resource Management Committee. Lakeside Ranger Ed Collins (pictured with Committee Advisor Fred Deneke) led participants on a tour of the Rodeo-Chedeski fire region, explaining how the White Mountain Apache area was affected by the widespread 2002 fires, and what preventive measures have been implemented as a result. More...

The North Carolina Association of Conservation Districts recently celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the Brown Creek Soil and Water Conservation District, the nation’s first conservation district. North Carolina District leaders hosted a week full of events across the state that focused on the impact of Hugh Hammond Bennett’s work and the history of local conservation districts. NACD President Olin Sims keynoted a ceremony held at Bennett’s farm celebrating the historical district. Pictured above from left to right are NACD Alternate Board Member Franklin Williams, Board Member John Finch, CEO Krysta Harden, Region Representative Phylis Vandevere, President Olin Sims and President’s Association President James Ferguson. More...

Eleven states were represented at this year’s Executive Directors’ Conference, held August 2–4 in Ithaca, New York. The event was co-hosted by NACD and the New York Association of Conservation Districts. The conference gave Executive Directors the opportunity to attend sessions on coalition-building, marketing and much more. Local host Greg Bell, NYACD’s Executive Director, arranged for conservation-related activities which allowed the Execs to get out of the “classroom” and tour the EcoVillage at Ithaca and the Ithaca Farmer’s Market. Conference attendees are pictured in the photo on the left: Back row (l-r), Tacy Currey, CA; Jennifer Boyle, IN; Susan Marquart, PA; Brad Ross, OH; Gordon Younker, UT; Front row (l-r), Julian Zelazny, WI; Jeremy Peters, NACD; Clay Pope, OK; Rich Nichols, IL; Beth Mason, NACD; Michelle Thatcher, FL; Gregg Bell, NY; George Proios, NYACD Board Member.

Last week the National Association of Conservation Districts hosted our first Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill in conjunction with our 2007 Legislative Conference. Several Congressional representatives and staff networked with conservation district leaders from 42 states and NACD officers and staff during the event. In the photo on the left, Colorado Congressman John Salazar (center), poses with (l-r) NACD Board Member Bob Warner, NACD Second Vice President Bob Cordova, Colorado State Conservation Board representative Cynthia Lair, USDA Assistant Deputy Undersecretary Gary Mast and Colorado Association of Conservation Districts Executive Director Callie Hendrickson. More details about the Legislative Conference are available on the post-conference website.

Conservation district leaders from 42 states and the Pacific Basin are in Washington, D.C. this week for NACD’s 2007 Legislative Conference. Meeting attendees heard from a full line-up of powerful agency and Congressional leaders, including House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin, USDA Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner, DOI Deputy Secretary Lynn Scarlett, USFS Chief Gail Kimbell and others. They also met with their legislators and attended NACD’s Congressional Reception. In the photo on the left, NACD President Olin Sims presents Congressman Peterson with a letter of support for the House’s Farm Bill.

Welcome to NACD’s new website! We are excited to launch our newly designed site in conjunction with our 2007 Summer Board Meeting and Legislative Conference. Take a few minutes to look around; we are confident you will like what you see. We appreciate your patience as we fine-tune the remaining details. In the photo on the left, NACD Communications Association Mary Hammon shows the site off to (L-R) NACD CEO Krysta Harden, Past President Bill Wilson, Treasurer John Redding, President Olin Sims, Second Vice President Bob Cordova and First Vice President Steve Robinson.

NACD First Vice President Steve Robinson and other agriculture leaders recently met with EPA Administrator Steven Johnson to discuss environmental issues facing agriculture and ways to improve the agency’s relationship with producers.

NACD Board Member and Maryland Association President Lee McDaniel, shown above with USDA Deputy Under Secretary Gary Mast, attended the unveiling of the Pollinator Stamp series at USDA Friday, June 29 as part of National Pollinator Week. McDaniel spoke with several officials of the important agricultural role of pollinators and the need to promote awareness.

Members of NACD's Executive Board held a joint meeting with the Conservation Technology Information Center Board of Directors last week in Indianapolis to discuss ways the two organizations can work together. Pictured above are CTIC Chair Chris Foster (left) and NACD President Olin Sims.

Sixty state leaders from the Northern Plains Region met in Bozeman, Montana last week for key discussions and networking on current and emerging issues. Participants visited the Milesnick Ranch and learned how this working cattle ranch and farm is also able to offer high quality fishing opportunities in their creeks.

June 2007 - NACD President Olin Sims and NACD 2nd Vice President Bob Cordova met with Deputy Under Secretary Gary Mast and district leaders in Pagosa Springs, Colorado to celebrate the San Juan Conversation District's 60th anniversary. The district enrolled the one billionth acre into the conservation district system on June 9, 1947.

June 2007 - NACD Treasurer John Redding met with leaders of the National Conservation Districts Employees Association for their mid-year board meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida last week. Redding briefed the group on NACD activities and discussed ways to continue the strong partnership between NCDEA and NACD.

May 21, 2007 - NACD President Olin Sims (center) welcomed National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President John Queen (right) and NCBA Policy Division Chair Steve Foglesong (left) on his Wyoming ranch last week. The leaders toured the Sims Ranch and discussed conservation issues in the 2007 Farm Bill.

May 2007 - NACD’s 2007 Summer Board Meeting and Legislative Conference are just around the corner.

May 8, 2007 - NACD President Olin Sims welcomed 90 students from area schools to his Wyoming ranch last week to celebrate Stewardship Week and educate the students on Conservation's Power and renewable energy.

May 3, 2007 - Members of the Indiana Conservation Partnership gathered at Senator Lugar’s (R-IN) farm in Indiana this week to receive a proclamation from Governor Mitch Daniels recognizing April 29 - May 6 as Indiana Stewardship Week. Pictured above (L-R) are Mark Doud, Office of the Honorable Richard G. Lugar; Ed McCabe, Lugar Farm Manager; Andy Miller, Indiana State Department of Agriculture; Gene Schmidt, NACD Stewardship and Education Chairman; Jane Hardisity, NRCS Indiana State Conservationist; Bob Eddleman, State Soil Conservation Board President; Paula Baldwin, Indiana Association of Conservation Districts; and Jerod Chew, Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

May 1, 2007 - NACD President Olin Sims testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee this week, addressing NACD’s priorities for the 2007 Farm Bill. Pictured above are John Redding, NACD Treasurer; Steve Robinson, NACD 1st Vice President: Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Committee Chairman; Bob Cordova, NACD 2nd Vice President; and Olin Sims, NACD President.

April 30, 2007 - NACD Stewardship and Education Coordinator Susan Shultz meets with students in Shelbyville, Indiana to discuss Conservation’s Power. Shultz has met with almost 600 students over the past two weeks building up to Stewardship Week.